Beijing: A Briton who has spent years trying to convince foreigners that China is not as repressive as Western media often portray it to be has been ordered to stop publication of his politically sensitive newsletter.

China’s media censors and security officials zealously nip in the bud any threats – real or perceived – to stability.

Now authorities have threatened to deport newsletter editor Nick Young and ban him from visiting China for five years, Young said in an e-mail without naming what he called "credible sources" for the information. Officials also visited the office of the newsletter, China Development Brief.