China's liberals lose their voice

Subject

The crackdown on the liberal magazine Yanhuang Chunqiu.

Significance

A crackdown on a magazine linked to liberal-leaning former Communist Party leaders indicates further intellectual and political tightening in China. The magazine, Yanhuang Chunqiu, was the last rallying ground for the liberal faction within the Party. Its neutralisation, and other moves to restrict access to historical information, are further bricks in China's 'Great Information Wall'.

Impacts

• The magazine may resume publication under new management, but conservative editorial policies mean it will no longer be significant.
• The Party relies self-consciously on alleged historical achievements as a source of legitimacy, and feels vulnerable on this front.
• Foreign researchers may be less able to rely on historical sources stored electronically within China.