Seeking Theory from Experience: Media Regulation in China

Abstract

The progress that has been made in securing greater freedom of expression in China, especially since 1979, is reviewed. The review considers how the factors driving this improvement can be identified, described and understood. The aim in studying such factors is to develop some theoretical insights concerning how to encourage positive, realistic change. This development of theory is not meant to displace mainstream democratic rights theory. Rather it is meant to act in a subsidiary role, although it may also feed back into mainstream theory. The theoretical structure proposed here is not confined in its application to freedom of expression issues, nor is it specific to East Asia, but the origins lie in a study of media regulation in East Asia, notably China.