The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission has published its annual report on the Censorship Practices of the People's Republic of China (PRC). The report reveals that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has "significantly expanded" its censorship system. Prepared by Exovera, a national security think tank, the report also indicates that the CCP is exploring the use of AI-guided technology for censorship purposes.
According to key findings from the 116-page document, the CCP's censorship efforts are primarily focused on internet content. In China, internet service providers (ISPs) and private website owners are held legally accountable for certain types of information. This legal responsibility has led to "self-imposed censorship" as a means to avoid government crackdowns by the CCP. However, the report points out that "the CCP allows for limited discussions of sensitive topics that do not directly threaten its hold on power, such as China’s role in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict."
Further insights from the report suggest that current directives from the CCP emphasize minimizing post deletion and blocking. Instead, they encourage proactive measures like public engagement and dissemination of positive propaganda. PRC information operations often flood foreign social media platforms with irrelevant content in an attempt to divert attention from sensitive topics such as human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Tibet.
The report also provides details about China's censorship capabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. It specifically mentions how whistleblower Li Wenliang was initially censored before his information was allowed to spread to enhance credibility. Regarding Taiwan, it states: "The PRC actively seeks to censor international acknowledgements of Taiwan sovereignty in order to diplomatically isolate the island and lessen international willingness to intervene in a prospective cross-Strait conflict." Additionally, it reiterates that the CCP is investigating AI-guided technology for potential use in censorship.
Established by Congress in October 2000, according to its website, the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission is responsible for monitoring, investigating, and submitting an annual report to Congress. This report focuses on the national security implications arising from the economic and trade ties between the United States and the PRC.
