China’s Olympic Challenge: Press Freedom in 2008

This 23-page report details the results of a 12-month press freedom monitoring project coordinated by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Asia-Pacific from Sydney and Hong Kong. It examines the major problems faced by foreign and local journalists reporting in China during 2008. The information in the report, as stated here, was contributed "by a wide network coordinated by the IFJ under the monitoring project, including contributors from mainland China and outside the country, many of whom, for fear of reprisals, need to remain anonymous."

According to the report, when granted the Olympic Games, China promised that all foreign journalists, including journalists from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, would enjoy freedom to report. The report addresses the difficulties faced by mainland journalists, as well as journalists working in Hong Kong and Macau. The IJF concludes that, "Overall, despite some bright spots, the report finds that China did not live up to its promises."

This document details the history, since 2006, of the government-imposed limitations on information dissemination including punitive “administrative detention” for leafleting; in 2007, the forcing of 20 web-hosting companies to sign a “self-discipline pact” which forced them to censor the content of blogs in China and request that all bloggers provide their real identities; and the limiting and denying of visa application, particularly from Hong Kong, among other reported limitations and restrictions of information and the freedom to obtain it. As reported here, regulations were instituted that permitted interviewing by foreign journalists, though some foreign journalists reported restrictions on freedom of movement, obstacles to interviewing, and confiscation of materials. On October 17 2008, the Chinese government indefinitely extended the regulations allowing for more press freedom. However, as stated here "All in all, the level of press freedom for foreign journalists in China remains far behind the expectations of the international community."

Mainland journalists reported imprisonment, suspensions and job loss, and directives from China’s Central Propaganda Department to shape and silence reporting on “sensitive topics", including reporting on Tibet. Hong Kong journalists see the "growing scourge of self-censorship" which pre-empts anticipated pressure from authorities. October 2008 government-run public consultations in Macau resulted in a draft law penalising acts that journalists may consider routine, potentially including reporting of government deliberations, and containing penalties of up to 30 years’ jail.

Among 11 specific recommendations, the IFJ has called on China’s government to take several immediate actions, including the following:

• "Release jailed journalists and cease to jail journalists for doing their jobs.

• End restrictions and punishments for online journalists.

• End the use of state security and social order laws to intimidate and silence journalists.

• Ensure that new rules allowing foreign journalists a free hand while reporting are implemented on the ground, and understood by law enforcement and security officials."