The heavily imposed fine has people wondering just how far the country will go to protect the Chinese Communist Party.
Some comedians are used to ruffling a few feathers, especially on the political side of things. However, one appears to be facing a rather costly fine for making fun of the military in China.
According to this report from The Hill, popular comedian Li Haoshi, who goes by the stage name House, made some comments during a show over the weekend against Chinese military. Following the show, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism ended up fining the comedian’s company approximately $2 million.
Though most of the audience laughed, the show received a complaint from one attendee, and others soon saw the joke – revolving around the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and how they compare to two stray dogs chasing a squirrel – as disrespectful.
Li has posted an apology on his website and noted he felt “deeply guilty and regretful.” But some wonder if perhaps Xi Jinping and the PLA might have taken the reflection of the joke too far. That said, the country does have a law to ban defamation that’s been in effect since 2021.
How far is too far? Joining us now to discuss the matter further is Nan Su, an investigative reporter for the Epoch Times. His expertise in all things China should be helpful in this matter.
Q&A:
- Do you think the fines pushed against Li Haoshi were deserved? Even if some people took offense to his joke directed at the PLA?
- How seriously does Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party take defamation? We’ve already seen them heavily criticize the United States for trying to make them look foolish over domestic matters.
- Could this “joke” situation end up costing Haoshi his career if the CCP has their way? Doesn’t that seem a bit unfair?
- Is this a loud and clear message that Jinping and the CCP will punish anyone within their country that tries to “crack wise” with any comments against them? Is Jinping really trying to be that controlling?
- Speaking of what’s going on with China, you recently contributed to a new Epoch Times documentary called The Final War. Tell us more about it and why it’s such a compelling subject with everything that’s happening right now.
- Where can we learn more about you and see your work over on The Epoch Times?
You can visit our official website at http://www.theepochtimes.com. There are also various documentaries available over on Epoch TV.
About Nan Su:
Nan Su is a senior investigative reporter for the Epoch Times, with an eye and focus on Chinese politics and government deception. Nan is highly knowledgeable in a variety of subjects, including the Coronavirus and all things happening overseas. His reports have run on The Epoch Times for some time now and gained a following based on his expertise in delivering thorough results.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: geraldmcg@outlook.com or 919-437-0001.
