Pat Dollard | Young Americans

Caption:

China’s censorship devices were faced with a challenge during Obama’s inauguration speech when the new American president mentioned the word communism. Chinese broadcasters quickly faded out the translator’s voice and replaced it with an unsuspecting presenter.

Images from state TV channel CCTV. Six seconds into the video, Obama begins to say “Recall that earlier generations faced down fasc More..ism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions.” After 20 seconds he had been silenced by the Chinese broadcasters. In reality, he went on to say: “To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist”.

The presenter, visibly embarrassed by the sudden interruption, poses an impromptu question to a reporter, who then stumbles over a response about Obama’s economic policy. On the Chinese web, only versions of the speech in English include references to communism and corruption. Extracts broadcast by the Chinese media and local press, however, were all censored.