Censors step in to prevent the media whipping up trouble over Tokyo's security council bid
Communist Party censors have acted over the rising tide of anti-Japanese sentiment nationwide, ordering all media to drop coverage of public protests against the Japanese government and companies.
The ban was contained in an eight-point circular issued by the party's Central Publicity Department.
Apart from instructions to cool public antagonism towards Japan, sources said the circular also banned coverage of deposed party general secretary Zhao Ziyang and the crackdown on internet websites.
It also restricted reporting on the Pope's death.
'No media coverage on anti-Japanese protests [should be allowed]. Journalists should not participate in or conduct interviews to do with anti-Japanese activities,' the circular said.