How much outside news is getting circulated around China? I have heard of the things you have brought up, but, I thought the increased trade and tourism had introduced some foreign/western ideas. I know it is bad there. Am I being overly optimistic?
There is quite a bit of outside news getting in, it's not a total blackout. However, on the other hand, the propaganda machine is fast at work to counter anything that may provoke free thought among the masses here.
I was optimistic when I first started coming here as a tourist, but now I am sad to say that hope has been severely diminshed.