The Meat of the Matter

China is Not a Role Model

Here is a transcript of the e-mail that Shi Tao sent, that led to his imprisonment for 10 years: (thanks to the AngryChinaBlogger for the interpretation.) Below is a Chinese copy of the abstract of an official Propaganda department circular that was distributed to Chinese media editorial groups in April 2004. This document has been declared to be a State Secret’ by the Chinese Government and is the document that journalist 师涛 (Shi Tao) received 10 years imprisonment for transmitting to a foreign website. A full English translation has been provided. 4月20日，中国的宣传部们紧急向各新闻单位传达中办和国办的11号 文件，内容是《关于当前稳定工作的通知》，摘要如下： 20 April, Chinese Propaganda Ministry urgently dispatches document 11 to assorted news agencies, contents “Concerning present work to continue stability”, abstract as follows: 一、关于当前形势的分析： 1. About the present situation, an analysis: （一）今年是“6．4”15周年，境外一些民运分子比较活跃，他们准 　　　备在“6．4”纪念日期间采取闯关行动，准备强行闯关； （二）关于自由化的问题，主要是否定共产党领导，否定社会主义制 　　　度，搞所谓的“民间学习”，还有一些敌对势力把刑事案件政治化； （三）“法轮功”邪教分子搞破坏活动； （四）互联网上各种有害信息的传播； （五）群体事件比较突出，主要表现在拆迁、上访等方面； （六）境外敌对势力利用宗教等渠道（印刷品、互联网），拉拢青少年 或在学校里开展学术活动、助学等等，搞非法活动； （七）香港问题。 (一) This year is the 15th anniversary of "6/4", cross border/external democracy groups are increasingly active in preparing to commemoration "6/4", and are preparing to cross the border; (二) Currently the focus of liberalization is, whether or not the Communist party is in a position to lead, whether or not to continue the system of socialism and the so-called “popular study”, additionally hostile elements have been observing judicial cases and politicizing them; (三) Acts of terrorism committed by FLG members; (四) Harmful information has been disseminated on the Internet; (五) There have been prominent demonstrations by the masses, principally over forced relocations, and seeking petitions for help; (六) Hostile foreign powers are taking advantage of religious channels (print media, Internet) to win over young people, and using school activities, tutoring etc, to help (students/youths) in carry out illegal activities. (七) The Hong Kong Problem; 重点是关于“6．4”、关于“法轮功”、关于群体事件”。 Key Point are about “6/4”, about FLG, about mass events (mass protests) 二、各级各部门要做好防范措施： 2. Every level, every department, must take these preventative measures. （一）坚决制止民运分子闯关入境； （二）严密防范各种活动； （三）严密防范敌对分子利用互联网搞活动； （四）严密防范群体事件的发生； （五）严密防范“法轮功”邪教组织搞破坏； （六）严密防范重点部门和人员的安全； （七）严密防范一些影响安定团结的因素。 (一) Determined system to stop pro-democracy group from crossing the border; (二) Tight protection to guard (against) any type of (demonstration) activity; (三) Tight protection to guard (against) any type of activity on the Internet; (四) Tight protection to guard (against) mass protests; (五) Tight protection to guard (against) acts of destruction by the nefarious FLG cult; (六) Tight protection to guard the security of members of key departments； (七) Tight protection to guard (against) element impacting on stability and unity; 三、当前要狠抓的五项工作： 3. Immediate fierce promotion of 5 key works （一）坚持正确的理论和责任意识； （二）切实加强情报工作，掌握各种活动情况； （三）坚持正确的舆论导向，有效地防范境外敌对分子的破坏，坚决 　　　不发任何和中央政策不一致的任何言论； （四）突出重点，有针对性地做好防范控制工作； （五）减少群体性上访。 (一) Uphold proper thinking and responsible ideas; (二) Practically reinforce information-gathering work; gain a better understanding of all activities and situation; (三) Continue to manipulate public opinion to the correct form, have an effective defense against destructive external forces, resolutely never express any opinions that are not consistent with the central (Government’s) opinion; (四) Give prominence to key points, direct protective measure towards them; (五) Reduces mass petitions by the people; (同时要注意境外民运分子与境内媒体个别编辑、记者的联系，一旦发现，立即报告) At the same time (you) must focus (your) attention on relationships between external democracy groups and individual editors and journalists inside (China), one discovered, inform on them immediately. This translation was done without a full and complete knowledge of Simplified Chinese characters and may contain errors and mistranslation. An alternative English translation may be found at http://www.zonaeuropa.com/20050501_1.htm.