THE BBC NEWS website has been blocked in China, in the latest crackdown on the usage of western internet sites in the country.

The BBC has confirmed the news, which happened today, describing it as ‘deliberate censorship’. The BBC is complaining to the Chinese authorities about the blocking.

The site joins the list of many other western sites – including Twitter, YouTube and Facebook – which are already blocked in China.

BBC’s Asia bureau chief Jo Floto posted on Twitter that Chinese authorities often block out the BBC World Service during protests in Hong Kong.

The blocking came hours after a video of Hong Kong police beating and kicking a pro-democracy protester appeared online.

The BBC’s English-language site had been generally available since the 2008 Beijing Olympics, although other BBC services – including its Chinese-language website – have always been blocked.

“The BBC strongly condemns any attempt to restrict free access to news and information and we are protesting to the Chinese authorities,” said Peter Horrocks, the Director of Global News said. “This appears to be deliberate censorship”.

“The BBC provides impartial, trusted news to millions of people around the world, and attempts to censor our news services show just how important it is to get our accurate information to them”.

Video: Internet censorship in China explained > 

Read: China censorship prompts rally, online protest > 

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More