Xi Jinping’s Expanding Grip on Information Control Amid Domestic Unrest

Since Xi Jinping took power in 2012, China has steadily tightened its grip on information flow, employing censorship as a critical tool to maintain societal stability and avoid unrest. This policy has reached new heights in recent years, as authorities have worked to suppress coverage of violent incidents, including a troubling series of vehicular attacks.

The Escalation of Censorship Under Xi Jinping

In late November 2024, a horrific vehicular attack in Zhuhai, southern China, claimed the lives of 35 people. Reports indicated that the assailant was motivated by anger over a divorce settlement. This tragedy marked a turning point in China’s approach to information control, with orders reportedly coming directly from Xi Jinping to limit public discourse on such events. According to Indian Express, authorities began suppressing reports of similar incidents, fearing that publicizing these events might inspire copycat crimes or undermine local governments’ credibility.

Subsequent incidents have followed a similar pattern of censorship. For instance, in April 2025, a car struck pedestrians near a primary school in Jinhua city. While initial reports appeared on provincial state media outlets, they were quickly removed, and no official details were released. A similar incident occurred in May in Tengzhou, where a car plowed into a crowded bus stop, leaving six dead. Online videos of the crash were swiftly taken down, and official statements were sparse, leaving citizens frustrated and hungry for information.

Public Backlash and Online Criticism

Despite the government’s efforts to silence reports, public frustration has occasionally spilled over into online platforms like Weibo, China’s equivalent of X (formerly Twitter). Users have called for transparency, demanding to know the basic details of such incidents, including the identities of perpetrators and the number of casualties. In response, local authorities have adopted a strategy of issuing brief, vague statements immediately following incidents. For example, after a car struck children near an elementary school in Beijing in May 2025, the Beijing Traffic Police released a report within hours but omitted critical details, such as the location and the fact that children were involved.

Jennifer Pan, a Stanford University professor specializing in political censorship, explained to Indian Express that local governments often attempt to suppress news that could reflect poorly on them. However, when public interest grows despite these efforts, the central government may step in to address the issue in a way that preserves the legitimacy of the broader political system.

Historical Context: From Transparency to Silence

In the past, Chinese authorities were relatively transparent about such incidents, often describing assailants as individuals lashing out at society due to personal grievances or financial losses. However, this openness has diminished significantly under Xi’s administration. A notable example was the November 2024 Zhuhai attack, after which censorship intensified. By June 2025, even well-reputed media outlets like Caixin struggled to confirm basic facts about incidents, such as a car hitting children in Miyun, a district northwest of Beijing.

Experts suggest that this shift reflects the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) broader strategy under Xi’s leadership. By controlling the narrative, the CCP aims to prevent social unrest and maintain its image as a stable, competent governing body. Yet, this approach has its risks. As Hu Xijin, a former editor of a state-owned newspaper, warned, a lack of transparency could erode public trust in the long term.

The Broader Implications of Information Suppression

China’s increasing reliance on censorship raises critical questions about the balance between maintaining order and ensuring accountability. While authorities argue that limiting information about violent incidents helps prevent copycat crimes, critics contend that the lack of transparency undermines public trust and fuels speculation. The issue is particularly concerning given the rapid spread of unverified information on social media, which can exacerbate tensions and lead to misinformation.

Moreover, this trend reflects a broader pattern of centralized control under Xi Jinping. From tightening regulations on foreign journalists to cracking down on dissent within the party, Xi’s administration has consistently prioritized stability over openness. As China continues to navigate complex domestic and international challenges, this approach will likely remain a cornerstone of its governance strategy.

In an era of rapid information exchange, China’s approach to censorship under Xi Jinping highlights the delicate balance between controlling narratives and fostering public trust. As citizens demand greater transparency, the CCP faces the challenge of maintaining stability without further alienating its populace.