Chinese media censor Obama’s speech

China‘s state-run media have censored parts of U.S. President Barack Obama’s inauguration speech—deleting references to communism and fascism.

“Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint,” Obama said in his speech.

You can download the full transcript of President Obama’s inaugural speech here.

According to CBC News:

The official Chinese translation of the speech, credited to the website of the state-run China Daily newspaper, was missing the word “communism.” The paragraph with the sentence on dissent had been removed entirely. Websites for the state-run Xinhua News and top Chinese internet portals Sina and Sohu also omitted the word communism and the section on dissent, while another popular portal, Netease, cut the paragraph that referred to communism.

And after hearing the magic word – communism, flagship broadcaster CCTV immediately cut away from its coverage of Obama’s speech.

You can see in the YouTube video below how quickly the anchor responded during a live broadcast of the inauguration. The slightly confused presenter cuts in and immediately asks the reporter to clarify what kind of economic problems Obama will be facing.

Wow! Just minutes after Obama was sworn into office, he had already been censored by the Chinese government.