Long-time internet users in China may notice that there are certain times of the year where the foreign internet will just NOT work. We’re talking about overseas websites here - domestic websites will always load quickly 365 days a year. But when foreign websites load slower than paint drying on the wall, it’s enough to make the most experienced laowai scream in anguish!
We put together a list of key dates to make it easier to understand and plan ahead for your online schedules.
Key Dates in 2022 to Prepare for China Internet
Q1 2022
4th -20th of February
Beijing Winter Olympics
Internet Forecast: Good
4th-5th of March 2022
Two sessions: National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Congress
Internet Forecast: WARNING: Expect extended period of internet censorship and disruption
1 April 2022
EU + China Summit
Internet Forecast: Good
Q2 2022
est. late June 2022
BRICS Summit*
Internet Forecast: Good
16+1 Summit*
Internet Forecast: Good
Q3 2022- July 2022
Beidaihe Meeting*
Internet Forecast: WARNING: Expect extended period of internet censorship and disruption
Q4 - November 2022
20th Party Congress of the CCP*
Internet Forecast: WARNING: Expect extended period of internet censorship and disruption
*Estimated dates. Meeting dates are typically announced one month in advance, or in case of the secretive Beidaihe, only after the meeting has already been completed
WHAT TO EXPECT
Internet users in China should expect significant internet disruption, no matter what circumvention software you may be using - all internet traffic in China will be impacted. Common issues include:
- Increased latency to foreign websites
- Connection stability issues
- Unexpected service outages
HOW LONG IT WILL LAST
Disruptions typically begin a few days prior to the actual meetings and tend to last about a week. However, major meetings such as the recent sixth plenary session of the 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee resulted in disruptions lasting over a month!
WHAT USERS CAN DO
Good news is that since these disruptions are often systemic in nature, your connection will stabilize and problems disappear like magic once the meetings are over. Bad news is that the only guaranteed solution is to purchase a ticket out of the country for a mini-holiday. Guaranteed your internet will work flawlessly! Otherwise, folks staying in-country will need to weather the storm until it passes.
If you need any assistance or help, give us a shout via email or wechat!
References:
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-china-agree-hold-summit-michel-says-after-xi-call-2021-10-15/