Chinese police send 30m SMS to provent protests

Chinese police have sent a message warning against anti-Japanese demonstrations to more than 30 million mobile phone users as part of a campaign to prevent protests planned for next week's May holiday, reports The Financial Times.

"The warning, sent as a text message to mobile phones in the eastern province of Jiangsu this week, underlines the government's determination to counter the use of wireless technology by activists to mobilise and win greater reach for its own propaganda.

The police message says no Japan-related protests have been approved during the May 1 holiday, which begins at the weekend, and that such demonstrations would be "illegal activities".

"Please do not believe rumours and false news", says the message.

In Shanghai, journalists at one state media website have been ordered to send at least 10 mobile text messages or internet "instant messages" to friends and acquaintances warning against unapproved protest".

Related articles:

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-- China Tries to Ease Tensions With Japan

-- Thousands in China protest Japan bid for UN council seat

emily | 8:22 AM | SMS and Politics |
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