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China Censors Obama Speech

National coverage of school event cut after a few minutes

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 16, 2009 2:41 PM CST

(Newser) – President Obama’s entreaty for greater personal freedoms in China did not reach most of nation’s residents, apparently because of a last-minute decision by censors. Though authorities initially agreed to broadcast the speech, which Obama hoped would be the central event of his China visit, all national transmission was cut after a few minutes. The website of state news organ Xinhua displayed a headline promising “Obama's Dialogue with China: Global Exclusive Live Broadcast,” but never delivered it.

The appearance, a town hall-style event in which Obama praised open society without directly criticizing China, was broadcast on local Shanghai television, though some of his remarks were censored. The handling of the event shows both the tight control Beijing maintains over Chinese society and the government's faith in the American president’s powers of persuasion. Obama’s staff has been “shocked” at the level of control Beijing has sought over every public appearance, sources tell the Sydney Morning Herald.

President Obama is greeted  by Chinese president Hu Jintao after his arrival at Diaoyutai state guest house in Beijing, China, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.
President Obama is greeted by Chinese president Hu Jintao after his arrival at Diaoyutai state guest house in Beijing, China, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.   (AP Photo/Elizabeth Dalziel, Pool)
President Barack Obama speaks at a town hall-style event with Chinese youths at the Museum of Science and Technology in Shanghai, China, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.
President Barack Obama speaks at a town hall-style event with Chinese youths at the Museum of Science and Technology in Shanghai, China, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
President Obama greets students after he spoke at a town hall style event with Chinese youths at the Museum of Science and Technology in Shanghai, China, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.
President Obama greets students after he spoke at a town hall style event with Chinese youths at the Museum of Science and Technology in Shanghai, China, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 26 comments
Derni
Nov 17, 2009 12:32 PM CST
still a very controlled culture-seems like the periodic uprising of the students is the only thing that will bring about change
cochiserocks
Nov 17, 2009 10:19 AM CST
You've got it spot on. The New York Times noted that… “His [Murdoch] courtship has made him the Chinese leadership’s favorite foreign media baron. He has dined with former President Jiang Zemin in the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in Beijing and repeatedly met other members of the ruling Politburo in Beijing, New York and London. Television channels affiliated with Mr. Murdoch beam more programming into China than any other foreign media group.” Or Jayster, DLY etc - have a look here: http://www.newscorpse.com/ncWP... ;-)
Reader65069154
Nov 17, 2009 6:04 AM CST
Maybe the censors and translators cut it off after one of Obama's pauses in the middle of a sentence thinking he was done.

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