'Entirely baseless': China rejects 'worst internet freedom' ranking - Video
China has rejected a recent report by Freedom House that ranks the country as having the worst internet freedom in the world.
The report, titled "Freedom on the Net 2024," places China at the bottom of the list, tied with Myanmar, citing extensive censorship, surveillance, and restrictions on online expression
The Freedom House report highlights several key issues contributing to China's low ranking. These include the "Great Firewall," which blocks access to numerous foreign websites and social media platforms, and stringent regulations that limit free speech online.
However, in response to the report, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mao Ning, dismissed the findings as "entirely baseless" and accused Freedom House of having ulterior motives.
Mao emphasised that Chinese citizens enjoy various rights and freedoms under the law and that the report's claims do not reflect the reality of internet use in China.
"First, I want to tell you that China is a country governed by the rule of law, and Chinese citizens enjoy various rights and freedoms in accordance with the law. The institution you mentioned has long made some false statements regarding China-related issues. As for the so-called report, I think it is entirely baseless and made with ulterior motives," she told reporters on Wednesday, October 16.
