Recently, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) held a national meeting of propaganda ministers. Cai Qi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee responsible for propaganda, called for strengthening control over public opinion, specifically emphasizing the need to strengthen economic propaganda and guidance of expectations. Analysts believe that with China’s sluggish economy and ongoing retaliatory social incidents, the authorities are attempting to use propaganda to mask this grim reality.
According to official CCP reports, the national meeting of propaganda ministers took place on January 3rd to 4th in Beijing, with over a hundred ideological propaganda ministers from across the country in attendance.
Xinhua News Agency reported that Cai Qi, a member of the CPC Central Committee’s Political Bureau and Secretary of the Central Secretariat, emphasized during the meeting the importance of maintaining the correct orientation of public opinion and strengthening economic propaganda and expectation guidance. Minister of the CCP Central Propaganda Department, Li Shulei, also mentioned the need to “enhance the level of economic propaganda and guidance of public opinion.”
Radio Free Asia cited senior media figure Mr. Gao, who stated that the primary focus of this national meeting of propaganda ministers is to set the tone for the propaganda departments across the country this year, mainly to enhance control over public opinion. He remarked, “Regarding the contents of the propaganda-related meeting, this year it seems more explicit. They are faced with the challenge of how to camouflage such a hellish scenario, including the economic downturn, the efforts and cost to boost the stock market only for it to fall again, in addition to the recurring incidents of car-ramming and social revenge in various regions.”
As the Chinese economy continues to decline, Xi Jinping, the leader of the CCP, and Cai Qi, a member of the Political Bureau responsible for propaganda, have been emphasizing the “bright future of the economy.” Many Chinese economists have faced censorship for expressing views not aligned with the official narrative, such as Liu Jipeng, former dean of the School of Business at China University of Political Science and Law, Dan Bin, Chairman of Shenzhen Eastern Harbor Investment Management Company, financial blogger Hong Rong, founder of investment research institution Gelonghui, Chen Shouhong, renowned commentator Shuipi, economist Ma Guangyuan, financial writer Wu Xiaobo, and former senior investment advisor at Zhongjin Wealth Securities, Xu Xiaoyu.
Most recently, economists Gao Shanwen and Fu Peng were among those who faced censorship.
Gao Shanwen summarized the post-pandemic social situation in China in three sentences during a speech, describing it as “vigorous elderly, lifeless youth, and despairing middle-aged.” He also estimated that the domestic GDP may have been overestimated by ten percentage points over the past three years, suggesting that correcting this discrepancy would bring China in line with global standards.
Fu Peng addressed the more severe economic issues in China beyond what meets the eye, pointing out the core problem of insufficient effective consumption. He argued that the decline in consumption capacity is not a short-term phenomenon but a structural shift, with the most significant challenge being the sharp contraction of the middle class.
Fu Peng boldly criticized the climate of public opinion, stating that “whoever disagrees is a traitor, unpatriotic, and targeted for online attacks.” He warned that if dissenting voices are silenced, leading to misinformation, even decision-makers may make erroneous judgments, ultimately endangering the nation and its people.
Following the suppression of Fu Peng and Gao Shanwen, reports emerged of several securities regulatory bureaus in various regions restricting chief economists, securities analysts, and fund managers from making public statements. This development has sparked widespread discussions among internet users.
Amid the economic downturn and soaring unemployment in China, numerous indiscriminate retaliatory incidents have occurred in Chinese society over the past year.
Mr. Li from Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province, told Radio Free Asia that an increasing number of netizens in WeChat groups are sharing only images, avoiding written comments. He himself received a warning from authorities not to comment on social incidents.
Mr. Wang from Hubei Province stated that the recent national meeting of propaganda ministers sent several key signals: “Firstly, some areas are experiencing outbreaks of the epidemic again, and secondly, regarding the fermenting public sentiments, previously it was about preventing risks, whereas now it’s about shutting down information flow, silencing people, and preventing connections.”