V&A censored catalogues after demands by Chinese printer

"The V&A often uses Chinese printers because they can produce catalogues at half the cost of British or European companies, but this requires compliance with censorship requests."

"The disclosures from the V&A lay bare the detailed scope of China's censorship on museum publishers, showing how Beijing's red pen extends to historical maps and photographs."

"An email from the V&A's Chinese printers stated that a map related to China was rejected by the General Administration of Press and Publication, leading to its removal."

The Victoria and Albert Museum has complied with demands from a Chinese printing company to remove images and maps from exhibition catalogues due to censorship laws. This practice is common among UK institutions that rely on Chinese printers for cost-effective production. The censorship extends to sensitive topics like Tibet and Tiananmen Square, affecting even unrelated subjects. For instance, a historical map intended for the Music is Black exhibition was rejected by Chinese authorities, leading the museum to agree to its removal despite internal confusion.

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