Opinion

What the East and West can learn from a Chinese comedian’s PLA joke that backfired

Neither the anger of Chinese nationalists at the first sign of an insult, nor the self-righteousness of critics in the West, is helpful

Recognising cultural differences and proceeding with patience and tolerance is a first step towards better understanding

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The People’s Liberation Army guard of honour march during the ceremony for newly elected Chinese leaders to pledge allegiance to the country’s constitution, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on March 10. Photo: Xinhua

Dong Lei is an independent observer of Chinese politics and history, with a particular interest in China’s evolving role in global affairs.

Published: 8:15am, 31 May 2023

Earlier this month, a joke about two stray dogs and a popular Chinese military slogan – from a speech by President Xi Jinping – was deemed an insult to the People’s Liberation Army, causing an uproar in China that landed the comedian and the company that represents him in trouble. The company has been fined millions of yuan and the police opened an investigation into the comedian.

Nationalistic Chinese netizens defended the harsh punishments, with some claiming such disrespect towards the military would not be acceptable in, say, the US, either. Opposing this view, some liberal observers in and outside China claim the crackdown was a key moment that could herald a new cultural revolution.

Both views are clouded by a lack of understanding of historical complexities and China’s vicissitudes.

To some liberal observers, the harsh official reaction paints a picture of intolerance, the cause of which is leadership worship – ignoring the fact that Xi himself refuses to be placed at the centre of any personality cult.