In the weeks after the virus was first detected in Wuhan, local and national authorities followed the usual playbook for any potential controversy: knee-jerk censorship and tight control of the narrative. Politicians downplayed the severity of the virus, while police went after "rumormongers" and censors deleted any commentary that questioned the official line. Indeed, for all their personal failings, officials in Wuhan operate in a national system which encourages exactly the type of approach they took. Smith has long predicted a breaking point for censorship in China, due in part to how it affects handling of crises like Wuhan. Speaking at a meeting of a top level committee looking into the virus, Xi twice emphasized the importance of "strengthening the guidance of public opinion" -- Party speak for censorship.

Source: CNN February 01, 2020 00:56 UTC