The Three Ts
The Three Ts in the context of China are Taiwan, Tibet, and Tiananmen. These are the three most contentous issues to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Overview
Within China no dissent from the party line is allowed on any of the Three Ts.[1] Foreigners are advised not to raise these topics in discussion with Chinese citizens as this could put them in an uncomfortable situation.[2]
Journalists and reporters working in China are reminded to avoid stories about the Three Ts if they want to be able to stay in China.[3]
Academics at British Universities have faced pressure to avoid the Three Ts and praise the CCP. They were threatened with the cancellation of their Chinese visas which would have ended their ability to do research in China.[4]
Variants
The Two Ts
For businesses only two of the three Ts are generally relevant, Tibet and Taiwan. Foreign companies operating in China must be careful to avoid appearing to violate the party line on either topic.[5]
The Three Ts and Two Cs
The Three Ts and Two Cs is an alternate formulation with the same Three Ts but the addition of “cults” (a euphemism for Falun Gong) and “criticism” of the CCP.[6]
See also
References
- ^ Volodzko, David. "China's Biggest Taboos: The Three Ts". thediplomat.com. The Diplomat. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
- ^ Schiller, Bill. "Beijing braces for `The Three T's'". www.thestar.com. The Star. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
- ^ Chao, Eveline. "Me and My Censor". foreignpolicy.com. Foreign Policy. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
- ^ Das, Shanti. "Beijing leans on UK dons to praise Communist Party and avoid 'the three Ts — Tibet, Tiananmen and Taiwan'". www.thetimes.co.uk. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
- ^ Spector, Mike; Ma, Wayne. "If You Want to Do Business in China, Mind Your T's: Taiwan and Tibet". www.wsj.com. Wall Stree Journal. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
- ^ Watts, Jonathan. "Backlash as Google shores up great firewall of China". www.theguardian.com. The Guardian. Retrieved 10 August 2020.