China has long been known for its strict censorship laws, and the recent fine of a Chinese comedy studio for a joke about the military is a reminder of the ever-narrowing confines of expression under the country’s leader, Xi Jinping. Beijing fined the Shanghai-based Xiaoguo Culture Media around $2 million for a joke made by a popular comedian, Li Haoshi, which compared China’s military to stray dogs. The Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau accused him of “severely insulting” the People’s Liberation Army.
The joke spread widely on Chinese social media, with critics, especially nationalist commentators, arguing that the comedian had poked fun at what had been a serious speech delivered by Mr. Xi. The stiff penalty dealt a heavy blow to China’s nascent standup comedy scene, highlighting the high-wire act comedians walk in China, where the boundaries of speech are constantly tightening.
Reactions to the fine varied, with some commenters saying that it was too severe. But a strong chorus of support for punishing Mr. Li made it clear that his words had affronted a far broader cohort than Chinese officialdom. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of exercising caution when it comes to expression in China.