International journalists attending APEC meetings complained yesterday that Internet sites linked to major media outlets were being blocked.
Among the Web sites being kept off-limits were those belonging to Taiwanese newspapers and others, such as the US-government-funded Voice of America and the BBC.
Reporters said that sites for these and other media outlets were blocked at the APEC media center.
"It's the general practice of almost all countries to have rules for the management of the Internet," said Wang Guangya (
"That is, we want to have free access to the Internet. But there should be certain limits."
Wang made the comments yesterday when responding to questions as to whether the blockade of foreign media -- including Reuters, the BBC and the New York Times -- would continue after the APEC meetings end.
Reporters also raised the issue at a morning press conference with Zhang Qiyue (章啟月), a spokeswoman of China's foreign ministry.
A reporter from the Voice of America noted that e-commerce and the idea of an "E-APEC" were among the topics being discussed at the meetings.
Still, the reporter was unable to access his own company's Web site or the sites of other international media.
Zhang said she wasn't in a position to respond to the questions, since she wasn't an expert on the Internet.
"Maybe there are problems with the online communications, I don't know," Zhang said. "We have had some small problems with viruses," she said, triggering laughter among members of the press.
"Who would believe that?" a Japanese correspondent said under his breath.
Pressed on the matter by a reporter from Reuters, Zhang said it was "natural for any government to take measures to keep a close watch on the Internet," in order to limit its "negative influences."
When asked by the Taipei Times whether blocking access to Taiwanese media Web sites would create the perception that China is a closed country, Zhang avoided the question.
"I am sorry there are certain Web sites [that are] difficult to reach at the international media center," she said.
"Maybe there are some communications problems, or maybe there are some problems with the infrastructure."
A Reuters correspondent told the Taipei Times that the blockade of the Reuters and New York Times sites, among others, began yesterday -- with no prior warning or explanation.
Some foreign media outlets planned to lobby Chinese authorities to unblock their Web sites, sources said.
By 12pm yesterday, access to some of the Web sites had been provided.
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