China notes

China 172nd in the press freedom index. Last year it

was 179th
The Constitution of the People's Republic of China
guarantees "freedom of speech and press"
China has implemented more than 800 emergency
humanitarian aid projects in some 40 countries and
delivered emergency food aid to over 30 countries
over the past six years, making it the largest
provider of humanitarian assistance among
developing countries.
China International development cooperation
agency

Moderated caucus

 Impact of Misinformation on Press Freedom: the

spread of misinformation affects journalistic integrity and
the public's trust in media. What responsibilities do media
organizations have in combating false narratives?

 Government Regulation vs. Journalistic

Independence: Explore the balance between necessary
regulations for media transparency and the potential risks
of government overreach. How can journalists protect
their independence while adhering to laws?

 Safety of Journalists in Conflict Zones: Address the

challenges faced by journalists working in hostile
environments. What measures can be taken to enhance
their safety, and what role do international organizations
play in protecting press freedom globally?

How to ask to start a moderated caucus.

The delegation of (CGTN) would like to motion for a
Moderated Caucus on the topic of (Impact of
Misinformation on Press Freedom) with a total
duration of (), (speaking time) per speaker.

1) The spread of misinformation significantly

undermines press freedom, impacting journalistic
integrity and eroding public trust in the media.
Media organizations have several key
responsibilities in combating false narratives:

Role of International Organizations to protect

press

1. Advocacy for Press Freedom: Organizations like

the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and
Reporters without Borders (RSF) advocate for
journalists’ rights and press freedom globally, often
raising awareness of cases of violence and
repression.
2. Monitoring and Reporting: International
organizations monitor threats to journalists and
compile reports on press freedom conditions,
providing crucial data for advocacy and policy-
making.
3. Legal Support: Some organizations offer legal
assistance to journalists facing persecution or
 censorship, helping them navigate complex legal
systems.
4. Emergency Assistance: Programs that provide
emergency funding or relocation assistance for
journalists under threat can be life-saving.

China’s Approach to Press Freedom

In China, the approach to press freedom is markedly

different:

1. Strict Control and Censorship: The Chinese

government imposes stringent controls over media
and restricts independent journalism, especially
regarding sensitive topics like conflicts and human
rights.
2. Limited Safety Measures: While some state-
sponsored programs focus on training journalists,
these are often geared toward reinforcing state
narratives rather than ensuring safety in hostile
environments.
3. International Criticism: China has faced
international criticism for its treatment of journalists,
especially regarding press freedom violations and
censorship.
4. Surveillance and Intimidation: The Chinese
government employs surveillance and intimidation
tactics against journalists, limiting their ability to
report freely both domestically and abroad.

Conclusion

Journalists in conflict zones face significant risks that

require comprehensive safety measures and support.
International organizations play a crucial role in
advocating for press freedom and providing assistance to
journalists at risk. In contrast, China's restrictive
environment poses unique challenges, complicating
efforts to protect and empower journalists within its
borders. Balancing safety and independence remains a
critical issue for the global media landscape.

Moderated Caucus

 Segment 1: Challenges for Journalists

o Discuss issues such as violence against

journalists, legal challenges, and economic
pressures faced by media organizations.
 Segment 2: Government Oversight
o Explore instances of government surveillance,
subpoenas, and how these actions affect
journalistic independence.
 Segment 3: Misinformation and Public Trust
o Analyze the impact of misinformation on the
credibility of the media and public perceptions of
press freedom.
 Segment 4: Social Media’s Role
o Examine how social media platforms influence
news dissemination and the challenges they
pose to traditional journalism.

 Conclusion (2-3 minutes):

 Summarize key points discussed and highlight the

importance of protecting press freedom to ensure a
well-informed public.

 Call to Action:
  Encourage participants to think about ways to
support press freedom initiatives and combat
misinformation.

1. Legal Protections: In many countries, press

freedom is enshrined in law, such as the First
Amendment in the U.S., which protects freedom of
speech and the press.
2. Independence: Journalists should operate
independently from government control or corporate
influence to provide unbiased and accurate
reporting.
3. Access to Information: A free press requires
access to information, including government
documents, interviews, and public records.
4. Public Accountability: A vibrant press holds power
accountable, investigates corruption, and informs the
public about issues affecting their lives.

Current Issues in Press Freedom

1. Violence against Journalists: Journalists often face

threats, harassment, and violence, particularly in
conflict zones or authoritarian regimes. This climate
of fear can lead to self-censorship.
2. Misinformation: The rise of misinformation and
“fake news” poses a significant challenge to press
freedom, eroding public trust in media and
complicating the journalist’s role.
3. Economic Pressures: Many media organizations
face financial challenges, leading to layoffs and
reduced investigative reporting. This can weaken the
overall quality of journalism.
4. Digital Surveillance: Increased government
surveillance and data collection can inhibit
 journalists' ability to protect sources and report
freely.

 Zoonotic Origin: Scientific consensus suggests that COVID-19

likely originated in bats and may have been transmitted to humans
through an intermediate animal host. This zoonotic spillover is a
common occurrence in many viral outbreaks and does not
implicate intentional spread.

2. Initial Response and Censorship:

 Delayed Acknowledgment: While there were reports of initial

censorship regarding the virus in late 2019, which may have
delayed the public health response, this does not equate to an
intentional spread of the virus. Local authorities faced criticism for
downplaying the outbreak.
 Health Measures: Once the severity of COVID-19 was
recognized, China implemented strict lockdowns, contact tracing,
and mass testing, showcasing an aggressive response to contain the
virus.

3. International Investigations:

 WHO Investigations: The World Health Organization conducted

studies to investigate the origins of COVID-19, which included
looking into the Wuhan seafood market and potential animal
sources. The investigations did not conclude that China spread the
virus intentionally.

4. Data Transparency Issues:

 Information Control: While China’s censorship has raised

concerns about transparency, the lack of information dissemination
does not prove intentional wrongdoing. It reflects broader issues
regarding information control and state governance.
5. Global Context:

 Global Spread: COVID-19 quickly spread to many countries,

with various factors contributing to its transmission worldwide,
including international travel and public health infrastructure. The
virus's spread is seen as a global public health challenge rather than
the result of any single country’s actions.

Conclusion

While China's censorship practices have raised ethical and transparency

concerns, there is no conclusive evidence to support the claim that China
intentionally spread COVID-19. The pandemic's origins are rooted in
complex ecological and epidemiological factors, and global responses to
the outbreak highlight the interconnectedness of public health.

In January 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak
of a new corona virus disease in Hubei Province, China to be a Public Health
Emergency of International Concern. Since then WHO has declared it as a
Pandemic affecting more than 115 countries around the globe.

, Dr. Li was reprimanded initially for ‘‘disrupting public

order’’ in China when he first reported the outbreak in
Wuhan. As a matter of fact, On December 30, 2019, Dr. Li
warned in an online chat group on We Chat that he had seen
a report showing positive test results of SARS for 7 patients.
However, he could not formally report the outbreak to the
authorities as the authorities silenced him as they did not
know what the disease was and did not want to pass
misinformation.
In 1985, the British government attempted to ban
the book Spycatcher by MI5 officer Peter Wright
because of the sensitive material it contained.
Several British newspapers attempted to report on
its principal allegations, but were served with gag
orders.
The Nixon administration's restraint of the media. After failing to persuade The New York Times to
voluntarily cease publication on June 14, Attorney General John N. Mitchell and Nixon obtained a federal
court injunction forcing The New York Times to cease publication after three articles.

Censorship in Francoist Spain was mandated

by Francisco Franco in Francoist Spain, between
1936–1975. In Francoist Spain, primary subjects of
censorship included public display of liberal
political ideology, art forms such as literature and
film, as well as symbols of foreign, non-
conservative ideologies.
Good morning, Delegates and respected chair. I am
representing CTGN today. Today, the delegate of CTGN
will be talking about the balance between press freedom
and national security. If too much Press Freedom is given
then the national security of a country can decrease as
the press will probably disseminate false information or
spread an excessive amount of information and then other
countries can use this information to make strategies to
target any nation. Spreading false information causes
unnecessary chaos in a state. China allows press freedom
selectively so that other countries cannot misuse the data
that has been circulated and China’s national security is
not decreased. Many other countries say that China does
not support press freedom and we agree but on the
contrary these countries censor couple of articles written
or interviews done by its press. India and France say that
their Press is provided with press freedom but we don’t
agree. For example the CEO of Telegram, Pavel Durov was
unnecessarily arrested and in the Kolkata rape case, the
voice of the press was suppressed. These countries don’t
provide press freedom in times of humanitarian crisis but
still say that all countries should provide press freedom.
We believe that a country should have complete control
over their press to ensure national security.

Examine the impact of media regulation on press

freedom.

1. Protection of National Security

 Censorship can help prevent release of

sensitive information that could compromise
national security, such as military strategies or
classified intelligence.

2. Prevention of Harmful Content

 Regulating media can help reduce the spread

of harmful content, including hate speech and
misinformation. This can contribute to a safer
and more cohesive society.

3. Public Health and Safety

 During crises (e.g., pandemics), censorship can

be used to limit the spread of false information
 that could jeopardize public health or safety,
ensuring that accurate information prevails.

4. Promotion of Ethical Standards

 Media regulation can enforce ethical standards

in journalism, fostering responsible reporting
and reducing sensationalism or exploitation of
vulnerable populations.

5. Preservation of Cultural Values

 Censorship can help protect cultural norms and

values by limiting content that may be deemed
offensive or inappropriate, thus promoting social
cohesion.

6. Prevention of Misinformation

 Regulating media can curb the spread of false

information, helping to maintain an informed public.
This is particularly crucial in an era of rapid
information dissemination.

7. Support for National Interests

 Censorship can be used to promote national interests

and narratives, ensuring that media content aligns
with governmental policies and priorities.

8. Encouragement of Responsible Journalism

 By enforcing certain regulations, media authorities

can encourage journalists to adhere to best practices,
 fostering a culture of accountability and integrity in
reporting.

In 1975, the Indira Gandhi government imposed

censorship of press during The Emergency; the day after,
the Bombay edition of The Times of India in its obituary
column carried an entry that reads, "D.E.M O'Cracy
beloved husband of T. Ruth, father of L.I.

Protections of Journalists- In this year, as of

today 111 press workers in China have been
arrested and 0 have been killed.