Obama Speech Censored in China

Millions of Chinese eager to hear President Barack Obama's inaugural speech got a slightly condensed version yesterday.  References to communism, fascism, and dissent were notably absent from most broadcast and print versions in China, including those on web portals like Sina.com and sohu.com. 

The sentence, "Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions," probably went unnoticed by most listeners in the U.S., but was conveniently left out of the Chinese versions.

This was also left out of Chinese broadcasts: "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."

Those who wanted a more comprehensive version could watch it from a Hong Kong source, but it's probable that the missing references were unnoticed by average Chinese citizens.  This isn't the first time the words of an American or international leader has been censored in China, and it most likely won't be the last.

The remaining question, however, is how the friction between Chinese and American political philosophies will play out in future international relations.