Freedom of speech is something so highly protected in this country that recent international events seems shocking. Following in the wake of Russia's move to pass legislation that would label all Kremlin critics as "traitors," the Chinese government blocked Internet access to the New York Times online in China. The government defended itself by saying that it is not alone in blocking certain websites... but The New York Times? This is a surprising move, considering China's big show of internationalism at the 2008 Olympics. Additionally, the NYT is one of America's most trusted and widely read news sources. It seems odd that the Chinese government would limit access to this site, when earlier moves by the Chinese government seemed to hint at a desire to be seen as more benevolent (such as the Olympics, the efforts it has made in international law, such as its commitment to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and its increased educational exchange - consider the "China" semester that is being sponsored by University of Michigan).
I'm curious to learn of their official reasons...
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