Internet access in China
HeDan  Updated: 2004-03-25 09:29

Since I have been in Mainland China, I have noticed that Internet access has generally become freer and freer.

When surfing the net in China, I have felt both extremely frustrated and pleasantly surprised - frustrated when I encounter a blocked website, like Time Magazine; and surprised when I encounter certain other websites that are not blocked, like the Taipei Times (which tends to take a pro-independence stance).

There have been some hitches (or glitches) in the transition towards a freer Internet in China. And I've noticed that I can access John Kerry's campaign website, but not George W. Bush's.

Overall, though, the general trend has been clear - the list of websites blocked in China is getting shorter and shorter. Just this week, I've been able to access two websites for the first time: bbc.co.uk (I'm listening to BBC World Service Radio via the Internet as I type this) and geocities.com. I'm pleased that the blocks on these websites have been lifted.

So kudos to China for continuing to grant more and more freedom to the people within her borders! I hope this trend towards a greater freedom of Internet continues!

D.H.

The above content represents the view of the author only.

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