The following censorship instructions, issued to the media by government authorities, have been leaked and distributed online. The name of the issuing body has been omitted to protect the source.
All websites, especially interactive platforms, must take care to check comments related to the article “People’s Daily: Xi Jinping, New Architect of China’s Reform.” (November 13, 2014)
各网站特别是互动部分，注意审核《人民日报：中国改革新设计师习近平》一文相关的评论。 [Chinese]
The article, the same as “Xi Jinping, New Architect” (新设计师习近平) in today’s People’s Daily, touts President Xi’s leadership since he took office two years ago:
“Walking a good path,” “walking a new path,” “taking up new causes,” planning the new stage of China’s reform and opening, and overcoming obstacles on the path to reform require a new architect [of reform]. Xi Jinping already stands in this position. His courage, gumption, and spirit of hard work ever sharpen his image as the “top-level architect” of deepening reforms.”
“走一条好路”，“走一条新路”，“干出新的事业”，规划中国改革开放的新航程，让改革走出僵局与困境，需要一个新的设计师。习近平已经站在了这个位置上。他的勇气、担当、实干苦干的精神，让他作为全面深化改革“顶层设计师”的形象日益清晰。 [Chinese]
Early in Xi’s time as General-Secretary of the CCP, a leaked speech revealed him to be less fond of reform than People’s Daily claims. In his December 2012 speech, Xi scorned the leaders of the former Soviet Union for not being “man enough” to resist the popular movements which lead to the USSR’s dissolution. Xi’s recent praise of “consultative democracy” also belies more of an interest in cosmetic reform than systemic change.
Since directives are sometimes communicated orally to journalists and editors, who then leak them online, the wording published here may not be exact. 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.
