Despite the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) already having a strict “Great Firewall” and implementing severe internet controls on a daily basis, CCP leader Xi Jinping recently called for an upgrade in internet control, sparking discussions overseas.
According to CCP’s mouthpiece Xinhua News Agency, the CCP Political Bureau conducted a “collective study” on November 28 regarding “strengthening the governance of the internet ecology.” Xi Jinping stated during the meeting that governing the internet ecology is crucial for national development and security. He emphasized the need to improve the long-term mechanisms for internet ecology governance and continuously create a “clean and upright” online space. Xi also mentioned that internet chaos pollutes social morality and called for the daring cutting off of interest chains and industrial chains, and so forth.
Xi also demanded the strengthening of “guidance” for internet platforms, self-media, and multi-channel internet organizations, urging them to “consciously become disseminators of positive energy,” and so forth.
Political commentator Li Linyi told Epoch Times that the fact that the CCP leader personally spoke out about regulating the internet ecology indicates his dissatisfaction with online public opinion. For example, many people are criticizing the current economic situation in China, which is considered negative energy by Xi.
Li Linyi pointed out that the authorities require the internet not to contain negative content, but the actual online feedback does not reflect this at all. This also reveals that many people in society actually have a very clear understanding of the real issues. Xi’s statement about this matter affecting the country’s development and security shows his concern about losing control of online public opinion.
Mainland Chinese lawyer Lu Ming (pseudonym) told Epoch Times that the so-called “clean and upright” in the mouth of the CCP leader and the official party tunes are brainwashing rhetoric, beautifying its evils. Xi’s claim to build a “cyber superpower” actually aims to create a “superpower” under surveillance with no freedom of expression. The CCP is most afraid of netizens exposing its evils and dark deeds. In essence, it is to silence dissent and a severe crackdown on freedom of online expression, all under the guise of excuses.
This issue has sparked heated discussions on overseas platforms.
Some netizens commented: “Blocking the mouths of ordinary people, society is easily explosive.” “It seems that the voices of dissent on the internet within the Great Firewall are significant enough to attract Xi Jinping’s attention.” “It feels like many accounts within the Great Firewall are disappearing recently.” “In Xi Jinping’s eyes, the people’s calls have become ‘internet chaos.’ Any voices unfavorable to CCP’s dictatorship can be labeled as ‘infringing on the interests of the masses.’ Those in power are not solving problems but eliminating those who raise questions.”
Independent commentator Cai Shunkun expressed that Xi Jinping is evidently using the pretext of building a cyber superpower to meticulously prepare for a political movement. The call to dare to use the sword is similar to the slogan shouted by Cai Qi, who served as Beijing Municipal Party Secretary when clearing out the low-end population, calling for real knives and guns and bloodshed. It is predictable that even WeChat communication will be severely restricted, disseminating and forwarding various political rumors and hearsay will be a focal point for crackdowns. Those targeted may also include influential figures within the Party.