With the international world’s increasing negative views of China, its rising economic power, and a history of ethnic unrest, how will changes in internet censorship in Shanghai’s free trade zone affect China’s economic growth and the Chinese people?

As a way to stimulate economic growth, China will lift internet censorship in the Shanghai free trade zone of a number of foreign websites which includes Facebook and Twitter. Some users have noticed a trend of some high-end hotels in China offering access to these social media outlets as well. It is believed this is intended to make visiting China a more pleasant experience for foreign business people and investors, and thus help stimulate the Chinese economy.

But will this relaxed internet censorship truly affect foreign perception of China? Will it stimulate more business as China hopes? Currently the negative international views of China include concerns over its military, currency, and cyber warfare policies. Furthermore, there is foreign concern about China’s intentions as a rising power, while others feel China needs to be more transparent and take a concrete step towards democratization. Lifting censorship may not address these key issues, but they may factor in separately from China’s immediate business interests.

Whatever the outcome may be, China is using the internet to expand economically. With China’s attempt to create a more viable economy using this tool, there are questions about the effect this may have on the stability of its society. Will this access create the conditions for more ethnic unrest? Clearly, the Chinese believe it has been a factor before. In 2009, China shut down the internet in an effort to prevent information relating to the ethnic riots in Urumqi from being spread; however, comments and images were still disseminated. Keeping this in mind, the question remains: will this access in the free trade zone lead to unrest in other parts of China?

As a rising power, China is taking steps to maintain its economic growth, but it is not yet clear whether the tools needed for sustained growth are completely compatible with the Chinese political system. Though the change in internet restrictions is clearly aimed at foreigners, the effect this policy may have on China’s domestic public cannot be ignored.

If China’s goal is aimed specifically and solely at making visiting or living in China more pleasant for foreign investors, then short term benefits may be seen from this change in policy. But in the long term, lifting restrictions on the internet in only a few key areas is likely to increase demand in other parts of the country to have that same privilege. So who then, are the true beneficiaries?

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