Q129: Jasmine Revolution (China)

China is heating up again.  The reports are quick to quell everyone's fears about a rebellion to equal Egypt's.  They are also quick to allay fears that China will not experience another Tiananmen Square incident.

Read and respond:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/21/us-china-unrest-idUSTRE71K0PQ20110221?pageNumber=1

The US Department of State issued the following information about US travel.  If you are going on the trip, do not mess with these rules. (I pulled this off travel.state.gov)

Many parts of China are still off-limits or accessible only if you travel with an organized tour. You should always use common sense and avoid unlawful entry to sensitive areas.  If problems arise the U.S. Embassy has limited ability to provide assistance. The Chinese government will sometimes not authorize the travel of official U.S. personnel to certain areas of Tibet or areas where there is civil unrest. 

Political protest is not legal or permitted in China and is rarely encountered by foreigners.  Travelers who have attempted to engage in political protest activities in public places have been quickly deported, in some cases at their own expense and usually before the U.S. Embassy is even aware of the case.  If you are caught participating in unauthorized political activities in China, you can also expect a great deal more scrutiny if and when you apply for future visas to visit China.

U.S. citizens have been detained and expelled for distributing religious literature. Sentences range from three to five years’ imprisonment, if convicted. Chinese customs authorities have enforced strict regulations concerning the importation of religious literature, including Bibles.  Foreigners may bring only a "reasonable” amount of religious literature for personal use.  Larger quantities will likely be confiscated, and other penalties may apply.

Protesters detained for engaging in pro-Falun Gong activities have been quickly deported from China after being questioned.  Several reported they were physically abused during their detention. In addition, some alleged that personal property, including clothing, cameras, and computers, was not returned when they were deported.  Those foreigners who come to China to protest against Chinese policy may receive long terms of detention and possible prison sentences.  In one instance, a U.S. citizen Falun Gong practitioner traveling in China on personal business was detained and asked to provide information on other Falun Gong practitioners in the United States.