China: 1) Information on the reception of Hong Kong television broadcasts in Guangdong in the period 1989-1991 2) Information on the availability of publications which support reforms in China in the period 1989-1991
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 March 1991 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | CHN8288 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, China: 1) Information on the reception of Hong Kong television broadcasts in Guangdong in the period 1989-1991 2) Information on the availability of publications which support reforms in China in the period 1989-1991, 1 March 1991, CHN8288, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac9a50.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
1) An article in Hong Kong Standard, re-published by FBIS on 27 April 1989, states that "unlike most Chinese, Guangdong residents are able to pick up television signals from Hong Kong and have thus kept well-informed on the demonstrations in Tiananmen Square and the students' subsequent declaration of a boycott of classes." (FBIS-CHI-89-080, 27 April 1989, 46).
Following the Tiananmen Square Massacre, a number of reports suggests the possibility of receiving Hong Kong radio and television broadcasts in Guangdong.
A Reuters report on 14 June 1989 maintains that Canton (Guangzhou) residents knew about the pro-democracy movement more than anyone else in China since they could receive Hong Kong radio and television programs ("Prosperous Canton Almost Untouched by Pro-democracy Protests", 14 June 1989, 2).
An article in The Boston Globe on 18 June 1989 holds that people of Guangzhou "can still listen to uncensored news from Hong Kong on ordinary radio and television." ("Turmoil in China; South So Far Eludes China's Crackdown", 18 June 1989.
According to an article in The New York Times on 6 August 1989, "everyone tunes to Hong Kong television" in the Guangdong province ("On China's Bustling Coast, Profit Outpaces Politics", 6 August 1989, 1).
An article in The Washington Times on 1 January 1990 states that "Hong Kong television and radio signals reach Canton" ("Chinese Rulers Try to Rein in Their Most Dynamic Province", 1 January 1990, 2.
However, one source reports on a Chinese-government attempt in January 1990 to stop Canton residents watching foreign television broadcasts. An Independent article on 11 January 1990 reports that "last week, residents of the capital [of Guangdong], Canton, were barred from watching foreign television broadcasts under a new directive outlawing all but common aerials tuned to state television." ("Guangdong Pays Lip Service to Deng But Does It Zhao's Way; Kevin Hamlin Reports from Canton on a Province Where the Spirit of Reform Lives on, Under the Guise of an Enthusiastic Conformity to the Letter of Peking's Edicts", 11 January 1990, 1).
2) A Reuters report on 15 June 1989 states that "most people [in Canton] have access to Hong Kong radio and television broadcasts as well as newspapers from the British colony 130 km (80 miles) to the south" ("Chinese Ask 'Did the Soldiers Really Shoot?", 15 June 1989, 1).
A report carried by The Associated Press on 13 January 1990 maintains that a Chinese-language daily (Ming Pao) reported the initiation of a "purge of the media" in Canton [Guangzhou] ("Liberal Officials in China Reportedly to be Purged", 13 January 1990, 1).
Additional information on the subject is currently unavailable to the IRBDC.
Attachment
FBIS-CHI-89-080. 27 April 1989. "Guangdong Residents Voice Sympathy for Students" in Hong Kong Standard [Hong Kong, in English], 27 April 1989; 46, 47.
The Associated Press. 13 January 1990. "Liberal Officials in China Reportedly to be Purged."; 1, 2. (NEXIS)
The Boston Globe. 18 June 1989. "Turmoil in China; South So Far Eludes China's Crackdown."; 1-3. (NEXIS)
The Independent. 11 January 1990. "Guangdong Pays Lip Service to Deng But Does It Zhao's Way; Kevin Hamlin Reports from Canton on a Province Where the Spirit of Reform Lives on, Under the Guise of an Enthusiastic Conformity to the Letter of Peking's Edicts."; 1, 2. (NEXIS)
The New York Times. 6 August 1989. "On China's Bustling Coast, Profit Outpaces Politics."; 1-3. (NEXIS)
The Washington Times. 1 January 1990. "Chinese Rulers Try to Reinin Their Most Dynamic Province."; 1-3. (NEXIS)
Reuters. 14 June 1989. "Prosperous Canton Almost Untouched by Pro-democracy Protests."; 1,2. (NEXIS)
Reuters. 15 June 1989. "Chinese Ask 'Did the Soldiers Really Shoot?."; 1, 2. (NEXIS)
