The Diplomat | Author
Sarah Cook
Sarah Cook is Research Director for China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan at Freedom House.
She directs the China Media Bulletin, a monthly digest in English and Chinese providing news and analysis on media freedom developments related to China. Cook is also the author of several Asian country reports for Freedom House’s annual publications, as well as four special reports about China: Beijing’s Global Megaphone (2020), The Battle for China’s Spirit (2017), The Politburo’s Predicament (2015), and The Long Shadow of Chinese Censorship (2013). Her comments and writings have appeared on CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Foreign Policy, and the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China.
Follow her on Twitter @Sarah_G_Cook.
May 18, 2022
China’s Censors Aim to Contain Dissent During Harsh COVID-19 Lockdowns
By Sarah Cook
Top doctors have been among those silenced for urging a shift away from China's draconian pandemic control strategy.
April 16, 2022
The CCP’s Ukraine War Propaganda
By Sarah Cook
The party-state is using its extensive information control toolbox to artificially amplify its version of Russia’s invasion.
February 22, 2022
Voices From China: What the CCP Doesn’t Want You to Hear
By Sarah Cook
By jailing citizens for their speech, Beijing keeps both other Chinese and the world in the dark about the many differing opinions and perspectives within Chinese society.
November 16, 2021
China’s Content Manipulation Reaches New Frontiers
By Sarah Cook
Through a combination of industrial scale and technological clout, the CCP is increasing the reach of its influence operations.
October 12, 2021
On Internet Freedom, China and Taiwan Are Worlds Apart
By Sarah Cook and Allie Funk
One is ranked as the most oppressive digital environment. The other is among the freest.
June 29, 2021
Reading Between the Lines of the CCP’s Centennial Propaganda Blitz
By Sarah Cook
Troop deployments, censorship, and exhaustive promotion point to a deep uncertainty about the party’s future.
May 25, 2021
The Gutting of Hong Kong’s Public Broadcaster
By Sarah Cook
A government takeover of Radio Television Hong Kong has far-reaching implications.
March 30, 2021
Beijing Is Getting Better at Disinformation on Global Social Media
By Sarah Cook
Its networks are resisting takedown efforts and gaining traction among real users.
February 22, 2021
The Clubhouse Affair: A Stark Reminder of China’s Information Isolation
By Sarah Cook
A brief opening on an audio conversation app allowed Chinese users to speak freely with the outside world.
January 27, 2021
Beijing’s Crackdown Runs Into Hong Kong’s Rule of Law
By Sarah Cook
Pushback against politically motivated prosecutions is emerging from lawyers, judges, and the principles of Hong Kong’s common law system itself.
December 10, 2020
5 Predictions for Beijing’s Assault on Internet Freedom in 2021
By Sarah Cook
The events of the past year point to several censorship patterns that will likely gain prominence in the months to come.
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