Opinion: China relies on old tricks to control coverage of Hong Kong protests

Doug Young, special to CNN
Published 10:24 PM EDT, Mon October 6, 2014
Police remove barricades and tents outside government headquarters in Hong Kong on Thursday, December 11, 2014. The main site of pro-democracy protests for the past two months was broken down piece by piece, and police dragged out the last remaining demonstrators one by one.
Hong Kong unrest —
Police remove barricades and tents outside government headquarters in Hong Kong on Thursday, December 11, 2014. The main site of pro-democracy protests for the past two months was broken down piece by piece, and police dragged out the last remaining demonstrators one by one.
Vincent Yu/AP
Workers clear barricades on December 11. Protesters wanted to pressure the government to allow open elections for Hong Kong's chief executive in 2017.
Hong Kong unrest —
Workers clear barricades on December 11. Protesters wanted to pressure the government to allow open elections for Hong Kong's chief executive in 2017.
Vincent Yu/AP
Authorities dismantle a barricade December 11 at the main protest site.
Hong Kong unrest —
Authorities dismantle a barricade December 11 at the main protest site.
Alex Ogle/AFP/Getty Images
A police officer removes a protest banner from a bridge December 11.
Hong Kong unrest —
A police officer removes a protest banner from a bridge December 11.
Kin Cheung/AP
A worker cleans the street after Hong Kong police dismantled the main protest camp December 11.
Hong Kong unrest —
A worker cleans the street after Hong Kong police dismantled the main protest camp December 11.
PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters attend a sit-in rally as police officers break down the campsite.
Hong Kong unrest —
Protesters attend a sit-in rally as police officers break down the campsite.
Kin Cheung/AP
Police officers take away a protester December 11.
Hong Kong unrest —
Police officers take away a protester December 11.
Kin Cheung/AP
A protester is carried away by police officers on December 11.
Hong Kong unrest —
A protester is carried away by police officers on December 11.
Vincent Yu/AP
A crowd listens to a speaker at the main Hong Kong protest site in Admiralty on Tuesday, December 9.
Hong Kong unrest —
A crowd listens to a speaker at the main Hong Kong protest site in Admiralty on Tuesday, December 9.
JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images
Few pro-democracy activists tents remain on the road outside Hong Kong's Government Complex on December 9.
Hong Kong unrest —
Few pro-democracy activists tents remain on the road outside Hong Kong's Government Complex on December 9.
Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Hong Kong teenage protest leader Joshua Wong ended his hunger strike after about five days on Saturday, December 6, on the advice of his doctor.
Hong Kong unrest —
Hong Kong teenage protest leader Joshua Wong ended his hunger strike after about five days on Saturday, December 6, on the advice of his doctor.
JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images
The three co-founders of the Occupy Central movement -- from left, Benny Tai Yiu-ting, Chan Kin-man, and the Rev. Chu Yiu-ming -- surrender to authorities in Hong Kong on Wednesday, December 3.
Hong Kong unrest —
The three co-founders of the Occupy Central movement -- from left, Benny Tai Yiu-ting, Chan Kin-man, and the Rev. Chu Yiu-ming -- surrender to authorities in Hong Kong on Wednesday, December 3.
Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images
Student protest leader <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/01/world/asia/hong-kong-protest-joshua-wong-hunger-strike/">Joshua Wong</a> carries his belongings toward a tent at the main protest site in Hong Kong's Admiralty district on Tuesday, December 2. Wong and two other student demonstrators have begun a hunger strike to demand discussions with Hong Kong's leaders over political reform for the city.
Hong Kong unrest —
Student protest leader Joshua Wong carries his belongings toward a tent at the main protest site in Hong Kong's Admiralty district on Tuesday, December 2. Wong and two other student demonstrators have begun a hunger strike to demand discussions with Hong Kong's leaders over political reform for the city.
JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images
Pro-democracy protesters gather outside the Central Government Complex in Hong Kong on Monday, December 1.
Hong Kong unrest —
Pro-democracy protesters gather outside the Central Government Complex in Hong Kong on Monday, December 1.
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Police arrest a protester outside government headquarters in Hong Kong on December 1.
Hong Kong unrest —
Police arrest a protester outside government headquarters in Hong Kong on December 1.
Vincent Yu/AP
A police officer clears umbrellas from the Lung Wo road tunnel after clashes between protesters and police on December 1.
Hong Kong unrest —
A police officer clears umbrellas from the Lung Wo road tunnel after clashes between protesters and police on December 1.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Pro-democracy protesters face police forces after clashes in the Admiralty district of Hong Kong on Sunday, November 30.
Hong Kong unrest —
Pro-democracy protesters face police forces after clashes in the Admiralty district of Hong Kong on Sunday, November 30.
PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images
A protester reacts after being hit by pepper spray on November 30.
Hong Kong unrest —
A protester reacts after being hit by pepper spray on November 30.
Vincent Yu/AP
Hundreds of pro-democracy protesters face off with Hong Kong police on November 30.
Hong Kong unrest —
Hundreds of pro-democracy protesters face off with Hong Kong police on November 30.
Kin Cheung/AP
Pro-democracy protesters collide with police officers on the main road outside the government headquarters in Hong Kong on November 30.
Hong Kong unrest —
Pro-democracy protesters collide with police officers on the main road outside the government headquarters in Hong Kong on November 30.
Kin Cheung
Police prepare to face protesters on Lung Wo Road outside Hong Kong's Government complex on November 30.
Hong Kong unrest —
Police prepare to face protesters on Lung Wo Road outside Hong Kong's Government complex on November 30.
Pro-democracy protesters push police back as they advance on Lung Wo Road outside Hong Kong's Government complex on November 30.
Hong Kong unrest —
Pro-democracy protesters push police back as they advance on Lung Wo Road outside Hong Kong's Government complex on November 30.
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Policemen keep vigil as pro-democracy demonstrators gather on street parallel to where a protest site was cleared in the Mongkok district of Hong Kong on Friday, November 28.
Hong Kong unrest —
Policemen keep vigil as pro-democracy demonstrators gather on street parallel to where a protest site was cleared in the Mongkok district of Hong Kong on Friday, November 28.
PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters cry as police officers try to stop them from blocking the road in the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong on Wednesday, November 26.
Hong Kong unrest —
Protesters cry as police officers try to stop them from blocking the road in the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong on Wednesday, November 26.
Kin Cheung/AP
Police clash with protesters as they try to clear a major protest site on Tuesday, November 25.
Hong Kong unrest —
Police clash with protesters as they try to clear a major protest site on Tuesday, November 25.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
A protester is carried away by police officers on November 25. Hong Kong's high court authorized police to arrest protesters who obstruct clearance of the area.
Hong Kong unrest —
A protester is carried away by police officers on November 25. Hong Kong's high court authorized police to arrest protesters who obstruct clearance of the area.
Vincent Yu/AP
Police try to arrest a protester on November 25.
Hong Kong unrest —
Police try to arrest a protester on November 25.
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A demonstrator is sprayed with pepper spray by the police after refusing to leave the protest site on November 25.
Hong Kong unrest —
A demonstrator is sprayed with pepper spray by the police after refusing to leave the protest site on November 25.
Kin Cheung/AP
Protesters break a glass door of the Legislative Council on Wednesday, November 19.
Hong Kong unrest —
Protesters break a glass door of the Legislative Council on Wednesday, November 19.
Associated Press
Protesters stand off with police officers outside the Legislative Council building after clashes on November 19.
Hong Kong unrest —
Protesters stand off with police officers outside the Legislative Council building after clashes on November 19.
Anthony Kwan/Getty
Security staff members remove a barricade outside the CITIC tower near a protest site in the Admiralty district of Hong Kong on Tuesday, November 18.
Hong Kong unrest —
Security staff members remove a barricade outside the CITIC tower near a protest site in the Admiralty district of Hong Kong on Tuesday, November 18.
philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty
There were no signs of resistance from protesters, some of whom helped bailiffs, police and CITIC representatives move barricades away on November 18.
Hong Kong unrest —
There were no signs of resistance from protesters, some of whom helped bailiffs, police and CITIC representatives move barricades away on November 18.
philippe lopez/afp/getty
The Admiralty protest site is shown on the road outside the Hong Kong Government complex on Monday, November 17.
Hong Kong unrest —
The Admiralty protest site is shown on the road outside the Hong Kong Government complex on Monday, November 17.
Chris McGrath/Getty
Student leaders attempted to fly to Beijing to deliver a message to the Chinese government on Saturday, November 15. They were denied boarding after being informed that their entry permits were invalid.
Hong Kong unrest —
Student leaders attempted to fly to Beijing to deliver a message to the Chinese government on Saturday, November 15. They were denied boarding after being informed that their entry permits were invalid.
Alex Ogle/Getty
A businessman walks to work past protester-placed barricades that blocked a road at the Admiralty protest site on Thursday, November 13.
Hong Kong unrest —
A businessman walks to work past protester-placed barricades that blocked a road at the Admiralty protest site on Thursday, November 13.
Kevin Frayer/Getty
People open umbrellas at the main protest site in Hong Kong on Tuesday, October 28. The umbrella has become <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/30/world/asia/objects-hong-kong-protest/index.html">the defining image of the protest movement,</a> used to shield protesters from tear gas and the elements.
Hong Kong unrest —
People open umbrellas at the main protest site in Hong Kong on Tuesday, October 28. The umbrella has become the defining image of the protest movement, used to shield protesters from tear gas and the elements.
Paula Bronstein/Getty Images
Riot police stand guard near a barricade in a protester-occupied area on Wednesday, October 22.
Hong Kong unrest —
Riot police stand guard near a barricade in a protester-occupied area on Wednesday, October 22.
Kin Cheung/AP
Pro-democracy protesters at an occupied area outside the government headquarters in Hong Kong watch a live broadcast of talks between Hong Kong government officials and protesters on Tuesday, October 21.
Hong Kong unrest —
Pro-democracy protesters at an occupied area outside the government headquarters in Hong Kong watch a live broadcast of talks between Hong Kong government officials and protesters on Tuesday, October 21.
Vincent Yu/AP
Police and protesters face each other across a barricade as tensions continue in Hong Kong on Monday, October 20.
Hong Kong unrest —
Police and protesters face each other across a barricade as tensions continue in Hong Kong on Monday, October 20.
Paula Bronstein/Getty Images
Riot police advance on a pro-democracy protest encampment early Sunday, October 19.
Hong Kong unrest —
Riot police advance on a pro-democracy protest encampment early Sunday, October 19.
Vincent Yu/AP
A woman reads on a road barricaded by pro-democracy protesters on October 19.
Hong Kong unrest —
A woman reads on a road barricaded by pro-democracy protesters on October 19.
Alex Ogle/AFP/Getty Images
Police officers yell at pro-democracy protesters as they push forward in an attempt to clear a street on Saturday, October 18.
Hong Kong unrest —
Police officers yell at pro-democracy protesters as they push forward in an attempt to clear a street on Saturday, October 18.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Pro-democracy protesters sleep next to a barricade on October 18 after reclaiming streets in Mong Kok after a night of violent scuffles with police.
Hong Kong unrest —
Pro-democracy protesters sleep next to a barricade on October 18 after reclaiming streets in Mong Kok after a night of violent scuffles with police.
Paula Bronstein/Getty Images
A journalist collapses in agony after being hit in the face with pepper spray during clashes with police on Friday, October 17.
Hong Kong unrest —
A journalist collapses in agony after being hit in the face with pepper spray during clashes with police on Friday, October 17.
Alex Ogle/AFP/Getty Images
Police use batons to hit pro-democracy protesters who are using raised umbrellas for protection on October 17.
Hong Kong unrest —
Police use batons to hit pro-democracy protesters who are using raised umbrellas for protection on October 17.
ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters and riot police officers face off at a main road on October 17.
Hong Kong unrest —
Protesters and riot police officers face off at a main road on October 17.
Vincent Yu/AP
People shout at pro-democracy protesters on October 17.
Hong Kong unrest —
People shout at pro-democracy protesters on October 17.
Vincent Yu/AP
Riot police clear out an encampment of protesters on October 17. Police swooped in early to dismantle the protest campsite.
Hong Kong unrest —
Riot police clear out an encampment of protesters on October 17. Police swooped in early to dismantle the protest campsite.
Wally Santana/AP
Demonstrators remove their belongings from a protest camp early on October 17.
Hong Kong unrest —
Demonstrators remove their belongings from a protest camp early on October 17.
Wally Santana/AP
Pro-democracy protesters break down as riot police clear their camp October 17.
Hong Kong unrest —
Pro-democracy protesters break down as riot police clear their camp October 17.
Wally Santana/AP
Riot police remove barricades on October 17.
Hong Kong unrest —
Riot police remove barricades on October 17.
Kin Cheung/AP
Hong Kong Chief Executive C.Y. Leung arrives for a news conference on October 16. He said talks would resume with students as early as next week, but he said street protests had caused severe disruption and could not continue.
Hong Kong unrest —
Hong Kong Chief Executive C.Y. Leung arrives for a news conference on October 16. He said talks would resume with students as early as next week, but he said street protests had caused severe disruption and could not continue.
PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images
Pro-democracy demonstrator Ken Tsang gets taken taken away by police before allegedly being beaten up in Hong Kong on October 15. Authorities have vowed to conduct an investigation into a widely circulated video that appears to show plainclothes officers kicking and punching the man.
Hong Kong unrest —
Pro-democracy demonstrator Ken Tsang gets taken taken away by police before allegedly being beaten up in Hong Kong on October 15. Authorities have vowed to conduct an investigation into a widely circulated video that appears to show plainclothes officers kicking and punching the man.
PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images
A police officer shouts at a protester who was hit with pepper spray on October 15.
Hong Kong unrest —
A police officer shouts at a protester who was hit with pepper spray on October 15.
Alex Ogle/AFP/Getty Images
Pro-democracy protesters hide behind umbrellas to protect themselves from pepper spray on October 15.
Hong Kong unrest —
Pro-democracy protesters hide behind umbrellas to protect themselves from pepper spray on October 15.
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Protesters move barriers as others block a main road in Hong Kong with metal and plastic safety barriers on October 15.
Hong Kong unrest —
Protesters move barriers as others block a main road in Hong Kong with metal and plastic safety barriers on October 15.
Kin Cheung/AP
Police march toward pro-democracy protesters outside central government offices on October 15.
Hong Kong unrest —
Police march toward pro-democracy protesters outside central government offices on October 15.
PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters gather near central government offices on October 15.
Hong Kong unrest —
Protesters gather near central government offices on October 15.
Alex Ogle/AFP/Getty Images
Police move toward pro-democracy protesters during a standoff outside central government offices on October 14.
Hong Kong unrest —
Police move toward pro-democracy protesters during a standoff outside central government offices on October 14.
PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images
Police remove bamboo that pro-democracy protesters had set up to block off main roads on October 14.
Hong Kong unrest —
Police remove bamboo that pro-democracy protesters had set up to block off main roads on October 14.
Vincent Yu/AP
Pro-democracy protesters watch as police remove barricades on October 14.
Hong Kong unrest —
Pro-democracy protesters watch as police remove barricades on October 14.
Kin Cheung/AP
Cleaners sweep the main road after the police's removal of barricades on October 14.
Hong Kong unrest —
Cleaners sweep the main road after the police's removal of barricades on October 14.
Vincent Yu/AP
Police ask a protester to leave the main road of Hong Kong's Central district on October 14.
Hong Kong unrest —
Police ask a protester to leave the main road of Hong Kong's Central district on October 14.
Kin Cheung/AP
Police dismantle barricades from the streets on October 14.
Hong Kong unrest —
Police dismantle barricades from the streets on October 14.
Kin Cheung/AP
Police officers run to barricades set up by protesters on October 14.
Hong Kong unrest —
Police officers run to barricades set up by protesters on October 14.
Kin Cheung/AP
Protesters raise their hands behind police officers after people tried to remove the metal barricades that protesters set up to block off main roads near the city's financial district on October 13.
Hong Kong unrest —
Protesters raise their hands behind police officers after people tried to remove the metal barricades that protesters set up to block off main roads near the city's financial district on October 13.
Vincent Yu/AP
A police officer tries to stop a man from removing metal barricades set up by protesters on October 13.
Hong Kong unrest —
A police officer tries to stop a man from removing metal barricades set up by protesters on October 13.
Vincent Yu/AP
A police officer scuffles with a man on October 13.
Hong Kong unrest —
A police officer scuffles with a man on October 13.
Vincent Yu/AP
Police officers arrest a demonstrator on October 13.
Hong Kong unrest —
Police officers arrest a demonstrator on October 13.
PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images
A demonstrator sets up a new barricade made of bamboo in Hong Kong on October 13.
Hong Kong unrest —
A demonstrator sets up a new barricade made of bamboo in Hong Kong on October 13.
PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images
Police officers remove barricades used by protesters on October 13.
Hong Kong unrest —
Police officers remove barricades used by protesters on October 13.
Vincent Yu/AP
Taxi drivers protest in Hong Kong on October 13, urging pro-democracy demonstrators to clear the roads.
Hong Kong unrest —
Taxi drivers protest in Hong Kong on October 13, urging pro-democracy demonstrators to clear the roads.
Bex Wright/CNN
People gather beneath the statue "Umbrella Man," by the Hong Kong artist known as Milk, which has become a symbol at the protest site, on Saturday, October 11, in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong unrest —
People gather beneath the statue "Umbrella Man," by the Hong Kong artist known as Milk, which has become a symbol at the protest site, on Saturday, October 11, in Hong Kong.
Paula Bronstein/Getty Images
Pro-democracy protesters remain scattered at the protest site in Admiralty on Thursday, October 9. The government canceled talks that day after protest leaders urged supporters to keep up the occupation.
Hong Kong unrest —
Pro-democracy protesters remain scattered at the protest site in Admiralty on Thursday, October 9. The government canceled talks that day after protest leaders urged supporters to keep up the occupation.
XAUME OLLEROS/AFP/Getty Images
Taxi drivers attend a small demonstration calling for protesters to stop blocking roads through the city on October 9.
Hong Kong unrest —
Taxi drivers attend a small demonstration calling for protesters to stop blocking roads through the city on October 9.
XAUME OLLEROS/AFP/Getty Images
A woman drinks a soda as she walks past a barricade erected by pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong on October 9.
Hong Kong unrest —
A woman drinks a soda as she walks past a barricade erected by pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong on October 9.
PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images
A pro-democracy protester sleeps on a street in the occupied area surrounding the government complex in Hong Kong on Wednesday, October 8.
Hong Kong unrest —
A pro-democracy protester sleeps on a street in the occupied area surrounding the government complex in Hong Kong on Wednesday, October 8.
Vincent Yu/AP
A pro-democracy protester reads a newspaper in Hong Kong's Mong Kok district on Tuesday, October 7, as a police officer stands nearby.
Hong Kong unrest —
A pro-democracy protester reads a newspaper in Hong Kong's Mong Kok district on Tuesday, October 7, as a police officer stands nearby.
XAUME OLLEROS/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters walk up an empty street inside the protest site near Hong Kong's government complex on October 7.
Hong Kong unrest —
Protesters walk up an empty street inside the protest site near Hong Kong's government complex on October 7.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Joshua Wong, a 17-year-old student protest leader, is interviewed at the protest site near government headquarters on Monday, October 6.
Hong Kong unrest —
Joshua Wong, a 17-year-old student protest leader, is interviewed at the protest site near government headquarters on Monday, October 6.
Wong Maye-E/AP