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

Dong Lei

Published: 8:15am, 31 May, 2023

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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.

This view is also too simple. Chinese civilisation has always had its centralised political culture. Chairman Mao Zedong did not create the personality cult; he merely transported what existed in traditional culture to modernity. Ancient nations that have not gone through strong political and cultural modernisation are inclined towards top-down political order.

This does not mean the old system is the right and eternal approach. In Western countries, the ancien régime was replaced and refined to give rise to modern governance, one of Xi’s stated goals. The Chinese leadership has to decide whether it wishes to confront the process as undergone in the West, or embrace it.

The controversy over a joke may illustrate just how different Eastern and Western civilisations are, and suggest how they might eventually merge.

In China, people prefer to settle differences privately. Name-calling and public shaming result in a loss of face, which can cause an irreparable breakdown in relationships.

In the US, roasting a friend is a comedic tradition. Bringing this kind of comedy to a youthful and eager Chinese audience is what made Chinese stand-up trendy; yet, supplanting Chinese traditions altogether is perhaps troubling to the authorities and social conservatives.

Another tenet of Chinese civilisation is the desire for order, which demands a higher regard for figures of authority, albeit alongside a duty of acting with care and justice.

But even in the Western world, where one can make fun of presidents, those who hurt the feelings of certain groups amid the woke culture war must beware. US comedian Dave Chappelle, for example, has been caught up in such controversies.

Neither system is, or can be, perfect. In today’s China, we must have patience, and hope that the comedian under investigation gets off with just a reprimand.

Leading Chinese stand-up comedian Li Haoshi’s joke about two stray dogs went viral. Photo: Weibo

When Chinese bureaucrats sense a pivot by the leadership, they often overreach. The recent cancelling of several shows featuring foreigners in major cities is not necessarily a show of loyalty to the leadership. It may be to safeguard their political position – much as politicians in the West do.

Western leaders should understand that forcing change in China would only backfire. Inducing the Communist Party and Chinese society to adapt and fit into their world requires much patience and tolerance. They should remain sympathetic towards the Chinese political system and not attempt to antagonise the regime.

Meanwhile, Chinese leaders should have more confidence in dealing with Western misunderstandings and cultural encroachments, to accept what is best for China and the world, and not overreact and retreat into cultural conservatism and political isolationism.

Xi’s Chinese dream in danger of being hijacked by ultra-left nationalism

It is also worth mentioning that the PLA is very sensitive to criticism precisely because it has not won, or fought, a war in decades. In the US, there is ingrained public support for the military; their overseas campaigns are meant to maintain peace in America (albeit often by leaving a mess overseas). China does not conduct such military campaigns.

Still, China needs to improve its governance. This could all be made easier if certain politicians and activists in the West calmed down and stopped trying to insist only they are right. Or, if bellicose Chinese nationalists stopped demanding to cut off contact with the West at the first sign of an insult.

We must all learn from each other so we can all improve – that is a purpose unto itself. If history must have a purpose, it is for serious minds to ponder; perspectives based on narrow viewpoints are too hasty.

Dong Lei is a non-practising solicitor in Hong Kong and is the principal at AB Highwood Consultants