Happy Lunar New Year from the USC US-China Institute!
China's New Media Dilemma: The Profit in Online Dissent
Has the debate over the role of new communications technology in China's political system really been decided?
Where
![](https://china.usc.edu/sites/default/files/styles/event_node_featured/public/events/featured-image/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_63859953_17033152243_1_original.jpg?itok=YtY6HnQa)
Studies on the development of Chinese media often diverge greatly in answering the question of which force will prevail: the government, with its unparalleled capacity to curb free expression, or liberal voices, aided by new media.
According to an upcoming CIMA report, that question may be contingent on technological and commercial factors that are now in flux. Author Louisa Chiang gathers the evidence showing that China's homegrown media platforms have responded to market incentives by subtly shielding users from certain forms of censorship and repression online.
To be sure, the Chinese state retains unprecedented power to coerce, manipulate, and co-opt the companies and technologies at the core of the country's digital sphere. Yet, the persistent success of new media and creative use of the online space by liberal voices raises questions about the limits of that power. Has the debate over the role of new communications technology in China's political system really been decided?
Lunch will be served at 12:00pm.
Speakers:
Louisa Chiang, Independent Researcher
Sarah Cook, Senior Research Analyst for East Asia, Freedom House
Moderator:
Mark Nelson, Senior Director, Center for International Media Assistance
Featured Articles
We note the passing of many prominent individuals who played some role in U.S.-China affairs, whether in politics, economics or in helping people in one place understand the other.
Events
Ying Zhu looks at new developments for Chinese and global streaming services.
David Zweig examines China's talent recruitment efforts, particularly towards those scientists and engineers who left China for further study. U.S. universities, labs and companies have long brought in talent from China. Are such people still welcome?