China closed 13,000 websites in 3 years time

China has closed more than 13,000 websites since early 2015 for violating the law or other rules.

The government has already tightened the tight controls on the Internet since President Xi Jinping came to power five years ago. According to critics, it is an attempt to limit freedom of expression and to avoid criticism of the ruling Communist Party.

The government says that all countries regulate the Internet and that the rules are aimed at ensuring national security and social stability and preventing the spread of pornography and violence.