RFA Unplugged

Archive for April, 2010

Emailing Securely Amid China’s New Online Secrets Law

China has new laws in the works aimed at cracking down on people who leak sensitive information online. Sensitive information and state secrets have a broad definition in China, and critics say it could be used as a tool to suppress free speech. But for those people in China or other countries in which censorship and [...]

Australian House Vendor: Overseas Asians and Muslims Need Not Apply

A  controversial Australian former politician noted for her vehement right wing and anti-immigration views is refusing to sell her multi-million dollar house to a Muslim or Asians who live overseas. Pauline Hanson whose  One Nation political party rode a wave of vociferous but minority support that has been compared to the current Tea Party movement in America is selling up [...]

RFA English Language News Summary April 28

The following are headlines and below that a fuller summary of stories broadcast by Radio Free Asia’s language services during the past week. These stories have been translated into English. Click on a link for the full version. 1. Criticism of China’s efforts following earthquake lands writer in jail. 2. Writer: Western Nations Going Soft On Human Rights [...]

Kashgar: Demolition, Rebuilding Threatens The Silk Road Landmark

In the name of earthquake-proofing and modernizing, the ancient city of Kashgar is under threat. A stopover on the Silk Road, Kashgar is a living historic relic and a center of Uyghur culture and architecture. Now it’s part of China. But Chinese authorities have started to demolish centuries-old buildings, ostensibly to replace them with safer, [...]

RFA News Summary In English April 21

The following is a summary of stories broadcast by Radio Free Asia’s language services during the past week and translated into English. Click on a link for the full version.

Tibetan Earthquake: Censorship, Identity, & Propaganda

The massive earthquake that struck eastern Tibet’s Kyegundo, in China’s Qinghai province, did more than just cause physical damage. Tibetan writer Topden Tsering says the rescue effort and restricted media coverage  of the aftermath highlighted and deepened the divide between the mainly Tibetan population and the Chinese authorities. In this undated photo, sent by a Yushu resident, monks [...]

From Sichuan to Qinghai (on the Chinese Web)

One thing has become clear to me after monitoring microblogging services like Twitter in China this morning for news of the Qinghai earthquake: it’s a very long way to Yushu, even from Xining, the regional capital of Qinghai (800 kilometers or 500 miles, to be precise). Another is that it’s hard to know who anyone [...]

RFA News Summary Thursday April 15

This a summary of stories carried on Radio Free Asia today April 15, 2010. Please use the links to go directly to the relevant RFA language website to listen to the stories or read original language transcripts. Some items are translated into English and are available on RFA’s English language page. If there are stories that you [...]

Twitter Key To Freedom of Information In China

Twitter co-founders are hoping the world wide microblogging service will be a key element in undermining censorship in countries like China.   Speaking at a developers conference in San Francisco on Wednesday Evan Williams said  ”Censorship sucks,” according to AFP reports “We would love to enable freedom of expression and freedom of information in China.” [...]

Non-Proffit Offers Solutions To Internet Censorship

There are indications China is restricting media coverage of this  week’s earthquake in a  Tibetan region of the country. It is therefore timely to point out there are ways around the censorship and that there are groups working to break down impediments for the free flow of online information. RFA provides useful practicle information “Getting Around Internet [...]