There is an article in today’s LA Times newspaper, titled “China’s Hu Says His Nation, US Destined to Be Partners”, that describes the Chinese President’s speech given at Yale yesterday. According to the article, President Hu’s US visit was done in part to alleviate tensions between the two countries. The article states the US, among other things, is concerned about China’s trade surplus and influence in world politics.

Of note was that President Hu’s speech was broadcast live back to China, but not without certain limitations. The article tells the reader that at the end of the speech there was an opportunity to ask the president questions, but this part was not included in the transmission back to China.

It is clear that their government was afraid of potentially sensitive issues being raised during this Q&A, and they were indeed correct. For example, a question was asked if the president thought political rights in his country were being sacrificed in favor of economic growth and development. President Hu, like a true politician, gave a non-answer answer, and basically told the audience that they must be doing something right, as demonstrated by their incredible growth.

The article seems to conclude that whatever freedom China decides to allow to its people it does so by having a quick a finger on the censor button. It kind of reminds me of the FCC in the US . . .