China to crack down on illegal publications

The Chinese government is to launch a crackdown on a wide range of publishing and journalistic misconduct such as unlicensed publications, fake reporters and re-sales of publishing rights, according to a government circular.

From mid-October, the two-month action will also target publications containing illegal content, the use of advertising space to post non-advertising content, and domestic publication with overseas publishing licences, among other offences, Xinhua reported citing the circular officially released Thursday and made public Saturday.

The campaign is jointly planned by the National Anti-Pornography and Anti-Illegal Publications office and the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.

"Illegal newspapers and magazines as well as bogus reporters still exist in some regions despite continuous crackdowns. They have been harming people's interests, disrupting the order of grassroots work, damaging the media's credibility and affecting the overall stability of society," the circular said.

It said the crackdown will focus on wholesale markets and vendors of books, papers and magazines while imposing intensified online supervision to clean up illegal publications on the internet.

Calling for a "people's war" to eradicate illegal publications, the circular encouraged public tip-offs on the above-mentioned misconduct and vowed severe punishments for violators.