Propaganda Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee

The Propaganda Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (zh-s|s=中共中央宣传部) is an internal division of the Communist Party of China, and therefore is not formally considered to be part of the Government of the People's Republic of China. Nevertheless, it is the "de facto" highest office to enforce media censorship and control in China, as well as in charge of the propaganda in the People's Republic of China, even though no state law explicitly gives it such authority.

Function

Its scope is to give instructions to the media on what is and what is not to be said about certain "delicate" issues, like Taiwan, Tibet, etc., that can affect state security, or the rule of the Communist Party.

These guidelines are not known to the public, but are communicated to media workers via secret bulletins. Such directives are considered imperative, and are enforced by disciplines within the Party, as all media in China are required to be loyal to the Party, and are to serve as propaganda organs for the Party in principle. Operational and reporting freedom has significantly increased in the Chinese media in the recent decade. However, open defiance against the Central Propaganda Department directives is rare, as dissenting media organizations or journalists risk severe punishment, including restructuring, closure and/or dismissal from post.

It's not unusual that Chinese journalists disclosing the secret Propaganda Department directives to foreign media be charged with the very grave accusation of divulging state secrets.

ee also

* Zhang Zhixin

External links

* [http://cpc.people.com.cn/GB/64114/75332/ Website of the Propaganda Department]