Report on internet freedom distracts from China's economic reforms: Global Times
Global Times criticises article on increased online access in Shanghai for distracting from China's economic reforms and sparking a debate on an internet or cultural 'special zone'.
A Chinese state-owned newspaper today criticised the South China Morning Post for publishing an article saying internet users in Shanghai’s free-trade zone would in future have access to Facebook and Twitter.
The Global Times blamed the report for distracting people from China’s economic reforms and sparking debate on an internet or cultural “special zone”.
The Post reported yesterday Beijing would lift the ban within Shanghai’s free-trade zone on websites considered politically sensitive by the government, including Facebook, Twitter and the New York Times' portal.
The news led to numerous reactions on China's social media, with many internet users voicing positive opinions in anticipation of the increase in internet freedom. Others expressed disbelief or speculated on the future of internet censorship in the mainland.
In its English-language editorial, the Global Times, overseen by the Communist Party’s mouthpiece the People’s Daily, said the Post’s report diverted attention “from the economic pioneering of this free-trade zone to a possible internet or cultural ‘special zone’”.
“Open internet access is nothing that deserves overwhelming attention, because it is designed to facilitate the international business environment within the zone,” it wrote.