Twitter, the social media giant born in 2006 that revolutionized communication with its 280-character messages known as tweets, is blocked in China. The Chinese government imposed this ban in 2009, following riots in the western Xinjiang province.
It was suspected that Twitter, along with Facebook, was used by minority Muslim activists to organize these protests. Since the Chinese government couldn’t control the content disseminated on Twitter, it was perceived as a threat to the Communist Party’s ideals.
Twitter is just one of many platforms on China’s blocked list. While the rationale for this censorship includes giving an economic advantage to local businesses, it is primarily driven by the desire to control the information narrative domestically. The government, which controls internet access in mainland China and Hong Kong, has the power to sever any connection or block any website.
As a result of these restrictions, homegrown social networks have emerged to fill the gap left by Twitter and other blocked platforms. The most popular alternative to Twitter in China is Sina Weibo, a platform reminiscent of a Twitter-Facebook hybrid with over 600 million users. WeChat is another popular service, boasting over 700 million active users. Both these platforms, however, are subject to Chinese censorship rules, ensuring content aligns with the government’s standards.
In the given context, “X” symbolizes Twitter’s rebranded identity, a vision put forth by Elon Musk, who acquired Twitter in 2022 for a substantial $44 billion. Musk aims to transform Twitter into the quintessential “everything app.” On July 23, a significant rebranding took place, marked by the replacement of the iconic blue bird logo with a stylized “X,” and the removal of the Twitter name from websites, apps, and headquarters. Consequently, the platform is now officially referred to as “X.”
How to unblock Twitter / X in China?
Despite the blockade, it’s possible for individuals in China, including tourists and workers, to access Twitter using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). However, many VPN websites are also blocked in China, so one must install a reliable VPN service prior to entering the country. While the Chinese authorities predominantly tackle VPN usage by blocking the services technologically, users, especially foreigners, are generally not prosecuted for using them.
This is my way to access Twitter and I guess it’s probably the easiest way. Here are 3 steps.
Step 1: Choose the right VPN
The very first step for you is to find a VPN that can work in China. For this first step, a few things you need to be careful of.
- If you’re planning a trip to China and want to use a VPN to bypass the Great Firewall, not all VPNs are created equal. The Chinese government has gotten pretty good at blocking VPNs, so it’s important to do your research and find one that will actually work.
- Make sure to download and set up your VPN app and account before you go to China, because you won’t be able to download it once you’re there. And forget about downloading it directly from the provider’s website, because that’s blocked too.
- Before you head off on your trip, take some time to figure out what kind of VPN plan you need. I suggest going for a yearly or multi-year plan so you don’t get caught without access due to a forgotten renewal. But of course, it all depends on how long you’ll be staying in China.
Step 2: Turn on your VPN
After you’ve signed up for a VPN account and purchased a plan, you’re free to use your VPN! There are 2 crucial settings you need to know.
Choose the right server
Normally, a VPN will provide users with 100+ servers from different countries. Because the network speed could be different by region, you need to test a bit to see which countries’ servers could give you the best network speed.
Choose the right protocol
VPN protocols are sets of programs and processes that determine how that tunnel is actually formed. There will be a few protocol options for you to choose in a VPN app. For example, in ExpressVPN, there are 7 protocols.
- Lightway: It’s a next-generation VPN protocol that provides the best in speed, security, and reliability.
- OpenVPN: It is a very popular and highly secure protocol used by many VPN providers.
- IPSec/IKEv2: It sets the foundation for a secure VPN connection by establishing an authenticated and encrypted connection.
- Wireguard: It is the newest and fastest tunneling protocol the entire VPN industry is talking about.
- SSTP: Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) is a fairly secure and capable VPN protocol created by Microsoft.
- L2TP/IPSec: It’s simply a VPN tunneling protocol that creates a connection between you and a VPN server.
- PPTP: Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) was created in 1999 and was the first widely available VPN protocol. It was first designed to tunnel dialup traffic!
I remember once I was suffering a terrible, terrible network environment in China and only this Lightway protocol of ExpressVPN was able to help me access the internet, so I was really impressed!
Step 3: Enjoy Twitter
Once you have access to the internet on your phone or PC, you’re connected to a VPN, which should enable you to access the website twitter.com, or download the Twitter apps without any problems. Well, It’s surely common to experience some interruptions with your connection, so I suggest you test out the best VPN servers for yourself.
If you’re still having trouble accessing Twitter or other blocked websites, you should contact your VPN’s customer support team for further assistance.
What is the best VPN for Twitter?
| Number of US server cities | 16 |
| Number of servers | 3,000+ |
| Server locations | 160 |
| Maximum devices supported | 5 |
In my opinion, ExpressVPN is the best all-around VPN for unblocking Twitter in China because it offers the best of everything from speed and security to ease of use, compatibility, and customer service.
It’s particularly well suited for use in China as it has a whopping 3,000+ servers spread across 160 locations and 94 countries.
As well as getting reliable, above-average speeds (especially when you switch on its proprietary Lightway protocol), with smart selection wizards and 24/7 live chat assistance, that goes for anybody outside the country, too.
ExpressVPN will let you be able to download the app and register an Twitter account when you’re in China (I know because I’ve tried). You’re secure too with Bitcoin payment, P2P support, industrial-level encryption, a kill switch, DNS protection, and a clear no-logging policy.
The only limitation of ExpressVPN is that its clients are limited to five simultaneous connections, which is fewer compared to other VPN services. However, if you don’t need to connect more than five devices, then ExpressVPN is a nearly perfect choice.
Why China Blocks Twitter?
China’s stringent internet regulations have been a subject of global debate for many years. Among the numerous Western social media platforms banned in China, Twitter stands out. The Twitter blockage dates back to 2009, and the reasons behind it are rooted in the Chinese government’s approach to controlling information and maintaining social stability. This article delves into the reasons behind China’s decision to block Twitter.
Information Control and Social Stability
The primary reason behind China’s internet censorship, including the blocking of Twitter, is the government’s desire to maintain control over information available to its citizens. By exercising control over the internet, China’s government aims to prevent the spread of information and ideas that it deems politically sensitive or destabilizing.
Twitter, with its global user base and real-time information dissemination capabilities, can serve as a platform for a wide range of viewpoints, including those criticizing the government. This lack of control over content makes Twitter a potential risk from the perspective of the Chinese authorities.
China’s internet censorship system, commonly known as the “Great Firewall,” plays a crucial role in blocking access to Twitter and other foreign websites. The Great Firewall employs various methods such as IP blocking, DNS tampering, and deep packet inspection to prevent Chinese netizens from accessing banned websites.
Promoting Local Alternatives
Another rationale behind the blockage of Twitter is to promote domestic social media platforms. By restricting access to foreign social media sites, China gives an advantage to homegrown companies. These platforms, such as Sina Weibo and WeChat, are not just clones of their western counterparts; they have evolved into unique ecosystems tailored to the needs of Chinese users.
The blocking of Twitter in China reflects the country’s broader approach to internet regulation, which prioritizes information control, social stability, and the promotion of domestic platforms. While this has led to the development of innovative local platforms, it also poses challenges for free speech and open exchange of ideas, stirring a debate that continues to resonate globally.
What is the replacement of Twitter in China?
China’s Internet censorship policies are notorious for blocking Western social media platforms, and Twitter is no exception. The strict regulations have resulted in an intriguing phenomenon: the birth of domestic versions of global social media behemoths. Two of the most prominent examples, Sina Weibo and WeChat, have successfully filled the void left by Twitter, becoming key players in China’s digital landscape.
Sina Weibo: China’s Twitter-esque Giant
Sina Weibo, colloquially known as ‘Weibo,’ is one of the most popular microblogging websites in China. It closely mirrors Twitter’s format, offering its users a platform to share snippets of thoughts, images, and links. However, Weibo has arguably surpassed its Western counterpart in terms of functionality, offering a hybrid experience that combines aspects of Twitter’s brevity and Facebook’s social engagement.
Weibo offers a 2,000-character limit for posts, compared to Twitter’s 280-character limit, allowing users to delve into topics with more depth. As of 2020, the platform boasted over 511 million monthly active users, significantly outstripping Twitter’s 330 million user base.
WeChat: More than Just a Messaging App
WeChat, developed by Tencent, is another popular social media platform that has filled the gap left by Twitter in China. While it started as a messaging app similar to WhatsApp, it has since evolved into a multifunctional platform that encompasses various social media features.
In addition, to chat, WeChat includes a ‘Moments’ section that lets users post photos and status updates, akin to Facebook or Instagram. The ‘Official Accounts’ function allows companies, celebrities, and influencers to broadcast updates to followers, mirroring Twitter’s real-time news feed. With its wide-ranging functionality, WeChat has captured the attention of over a billion users, making it an undisputed leader in China’s social media landscape.
Adapting to Local Needs
An essential factor contributing to the success of Weibo and WeChat is their adept adaptation to local needs and preferences. Both platforms support numerous local languages and dialects, providing a tailored experience for users across China’s vast geographical expanse.
More importantly, while these platforms operate under China’s strict online regulations, they have turned this potential limitation into an opportunity. They have integrated various services like online shopping, mobile payments, and digital entertainment, creating a unique ecosystem that extends beyond mere social networking.
Twitter banned countries
- China: Twitter has been blocked in China since 2009 due to the role it played in the Ürümqi riots. The Chinese government maintains a strong internet censorship policy and instead promotes domestic alternatives like Weibo.
- Iran: The Iranian government blocked Twitter in 2009 following disputed presidential elections, fearing it was being used to organize protests. Occasional unblocking has happened since, but the platform remains largely inaccessible.
- North Korea: In a country with incredibly stringent internet policies, Twitter is unsurprisingly blocked along with most other social media platforms.
- Turkmenistan: The government of Turkmenistan blocks access to all social media platforms, including Twitter.
