The following examples of censorship instructions, issued to the media and/or Internet companies by various central (and sometimes local) government authorities, have been leaked and distributed online. Chinese journalists and bloggers often refer to those instructions as “Directives from the Ministry of Truth.” CDT has collected the selections we translate here from a variety of sources and has checked them against official Chinese media reports to confirm their implementation.
Since directives are sometimes communicated orally to journalists and editors, who then leak them online, the wording published here may not be exact. The original publication date is noted after the directives; the date given may indicate when the directive was leaked, rather than when it was issued. CDT does its utmost to verify dates and wording, but also takes precautions to protect the source.
Guangdong Department of Propaganda: In reporting on today’s Chinese Super League match, the media may emphasize Guangzhou Evergrande defending its title and other aspects of the competition. The presence of provincial leaders and related content must not appear in headlines or lead stories and may only be briefly mentioned. (October 27, 2012)
广东省委宣传部：各媒体在报道今天中超比赛时,可重点报道广州恒大卫冕联赛冠军等赛场情况,对省领导观看比赛相关内容,不上标题,不做重点报道,只在内文中简要提及。
Guangdong Department of Propaganda: In the short term, do not report on typical work safety accidents (with the exception of those about which the Department releases centralized reports). (November 1, 2012)
广东省委宣传部：近期对一般安全生产事故不作报道（统一部署的除外）。
Guangdong Department of Propaganda: All media, without exception, must not sensationalize or comment on CNPC and Sinopec paying upwards of 3 billion yuan less in taxes every month by adjusting benchmark oil prices. (November 3, 2012)
广东省委宣传部：中石油中石化因调整标杆油价，每月少缴税费近30亿元一事，各媒体一律不炒作，不评论。
