http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2012-04/19/content_15085349.htm
This first article about the internet in China is not about censorship, but about increasing access to its citizens. It's a big reminder that although China is the most populated and on pace to have the largest economy in the world, it is still not considered a first world country. Geo Weijing brings the internet to Nanning, a rural village. Weijing has already established websites and newspapers for the village. Weijing also helped set up an online market so the local economy can benefit by selling their produce online. I think it is interesting how the internet is growing in China despite the large amounts of censorship and that each community has "cunguan" to help bring internet access to their area.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/libertycentral/2012/apr/16/china-censorship-internet-freedom
  This article discusses the internet growth in China and how censorship will increasing become a problem. China, while having a largely capitalist economy, is still a dictatorship. A dictatorship which claims to allow freedom of speech but then blocks sites like Twitter and Facebook. They main reason the Chinese government blocks these sites is because they are an easy way to have one's voice heard by lots of people. This is still something the Chinese government is weary of. The article also discusses the economy and how censorship could hurt it. As the standard of living continues to improve for the Chinese citizens, many of them will want luxuries the United States has. One example cited in the article is the iPhone. Many Chinese nationals could potentially want an iPhone, but what's the point of iPhone if its purpose is expression and communication with the world; something the Chinese government does not want. Another example of how China's meddling could negatively impact the economy is evident by Google pulling out of China. China hacked Google and Google did not appreciate it.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8727647.stm
  In this article, China defends its right to govern the internet within its borders. China claims its citizens have freedom of speech on the internet, but the government censors information that is illegal and could be harmful to the State, children, or public interests. I find that to be a pretty lame excuse. Facebook and Twitter are threats to the State's security? Is Hu Jintao scared that is birthday party pictures from last year will be posted?