Under Xi Jinping's leadership, China has perfected a model of social control that combines cutting-edge technological surveillance with an archaic but effective practice: systematic and remunerated denunciation. The architecture of digital power rests on the Great Firewall, a barrier that not only filters foreign content but also establishes true sovereignty over national data, forcing every service provider to operate under the strict control of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
In this context, the Chinese Communist Party has institutionalized the role of citizens as active sensors of the regime through a widespread network of specialized platforms. The linchpin of this system is the Center for Reporting Illegal and Harmful Information (CVNNI), accessible via the 12377 hotline, which serves as the main hub for reporting nine categories of violations, including gambling, pornography, and the spread of political rumors. Parallel to this is the Joint Platform for Rumor Refutation (SPOS), dedicated specifically to monitoring and quickly refuting news that is not in line with the official narrative. For the telecommunications and cybersecurity sector, the regime relies on the 12381 Center for telephone services and the 12321 Center for reporting spam and digital fraud. There are also even more specific channels managed by entities linked to the People's Liberation Army to report attacks on the reputation of the military or leaks of state secrets.
Whistleblowing is financially incentivized: truthful reports yield between 1,000 and 600,000 yuan, with percentages of up to 10% on assets confiscated in cases of piracy or illegal publishing. To prevent abuse, those who make false accusations risk up to 10 years in prison.
Xi Jinping's goal, as highlighted in our essay, is to create a social model that is completely antithetical to Western values of freedom and democracy.
Modern online dispute management is inspired by Xi's vision of the "Fengqiao village experience," which aims to resolve (and suppress) social conflicts at the grassroots level before they can threaten the stability of the central regime.
Elements of this model have already been institutionalized for promotion among partner countries in the Digital Silk Road initiative and BRICS, suggesting Beijing's desire to export its digital control standards.
In conclusion, Xi Jinping's China has perfected a system where Great Firewall technology and the economic opportunism of denunciation merge, creating a society in which surveillance is not only endured but actively fueled by citizens themselves under the guidance of the CCP.
Extrema Ratio. We are Gabriele and Nicola Iuvinale, OSINT Analysts. We provide strategic analysis on China, based on rigorous OSINT, to support proactive decision-making.
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