In China, VPN Internet access tools suffer further disruptions

GREAT FIREWALL: Attacks and blocks on foreign Internet services have become increasingly common in China.

BEIJING: Internet services that allow people to freely access blocked websites and apps from within China have seen more severe disruptions this week, said three providers, moves that Chinese state media said were justified. 

The services affected include popular Virtual Private Network (VPN) providers Astrill, StrongVPN and Golden Frog, which are engaged in a technological arms race to one-up China's highly sophisticated Great Firewall Internet censorship system.