Econintersect: The South China Morning Post is reporting that the documentary film by former TV host Chai Jing was no longer available on the internet in mainland China Friday 06 March 2015. SCMP lists all the sites on which the film had been available. For access to video click through Read more >>.
Click to see larger image and wider view at The Telegraph.
The SCMP said that the discussion of the sensational documentary disappeared in China within days of the posting of the film a week ago. From SCMP today:
The video prompted heated debate around the country when it was released late last week, just days ahead of the opening of the annual parliamentary session.
But mainland media abruptly toned down the discussion about the video shortly afterwards, amid an unverified photo of a propaganda directive circulating on the internet. The document purportedly instructing media outlets to stop reporting and discussions on the documentary and Chai. It also ordered portals to remove online feature reports on the film.
Some leaders in China have voiced support for the film. Again from SCMP the following is a quote from Zhong Nanshan (called an “outspoken medical expert … member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences“):
“I think Chai Jing’s work is good. Regardless of her motive and background … she has brought up some good questions.”
Chai calls for more public information about pollution in order to increase efforts to combat the problem. Zhong said he agreed, according to the SCMP.
Another item in the SCMP article (also reported Monday 02 March by GEI News):
Chen Jining, the new environmental protection minister, said last week that he sent Chai a text message to thank her for focusing attention on environmental problems, China News Service reported.
The documentary is still available on YouTube, although English subtitles are still being completed.
Sources:
- Mainland access blocked to air pollution documentary (Nectar Gan, South China Morning Post, 07 March 2015)
- This Documentary Has Gone Viral, Taking China by Storm (GEI News, 02 March 2015)
