Chinese censorship following the death of Li Keqiang

Researchers monitored seven Chinese internet platforms (Baidu, Baidu Zhidao, Bilibili, Microsoft Bing, Jingdong, Sogou, Weibo) and observed a post–October 27, 2023 surge in both hard and soft censorship around Li Keqiang’s death, targeting queries about cause of death, oblique calls for Xi’s demise, locations and memorials, Li’s diminished status, and narratives reinforcing Xi’s authority; most rules funneled users to state-approved content, evidencing ongoing efforts to steer politically sensitive discourse online.