ABSTRACT

To the extent that the Chinese Communists advocate or tolerate freedom of expression, the rationale is usually stated in terms of Mao Zedong’s “hundred flowers” principle. At the time of the campaign against spiritual pollution, this principle was given a restrictive reading. In November 1983, Hu Jiwei “retired” as director of People’s Daily. Also cashiered was deputy editor Wang Ruoshui. Hu, a victim of the Cultural Revolution, had been an advocate of higher journalistic standards and a somewhat independent press. For ideas and information, Chinese rely largely on the official media. This meant primarily a few national newspapers, such as People’s Daily and Guangming Daily. These were more authoritative than provincial and local publications. But, the erstwhile efforts of Hu Jiwei notwithstanding it are frequently admitted that there has been a serious credibility gap. In particular, the media were notorious for claiming unreal gains for the economy.