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Chinese Media about Western ‘Fake News’: “CNN Stages Anti-Terrorism Muslim Protest”

A Western ‘fake news’ controversy after the London Bridge attacks has become a topic of discussion on Weibo. The Communist Youth League and other Chinese (state) media outlets reported about a ‘staged’ CNN item on Monday. “Chinese media are selective in what they report, Western media are creative in how they report”, some commenters write.
Manya Koetse

Published

9 years ago

on

A Western ‘fake news’ controversy after the London Bridge attacks has become a trending topic on Sina Weibo. The Communist Youth League and many other Chinese media outlets reported about a ‘staged’ CNN item on Monday. “Chinese media are selective in what they report, Western media are creative in how they report”, some commenters say.

Several Western international media outlets have triggered wide controversy and outrage on Twitter and Facebook over their coverage after…

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Manya Koetse

Manya Koetse is a sinologist, writer, and public speaker specializing in China’s social trends, digital culture, and online media ecosystems. She founded What’s on Weibo in 2013 and now runs the Eye on Digital China newsletter. Learn more at manyakoetse.com or follow her on X, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

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Chapter Dive

“Going to Town to Handle Business”: How Adidas Went from Hated in China to a Chinamaxxing Brand

Why has Adidas regained cultural relevance in China while Nike is struggling despite its global strength?
Manya Koetse

Published

2 months ago

on

June 12, 2026

By

🔥 Originally published in Eye on Digital China.
My premium newsletter covering the stories, memes, debates, and viral moments shaping online conversations in China. Subscribe here to receive future editions.

A viral meme about “going to town to handle business” helped Adidas pull off one of the most successful brand turnarounds in China—and highlights why Nike is struggling to keep up.

Just five years ago, Adidas was one of the most criticized foreign…

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Chapter Dive

The “Are You Dead Yet?” Phenomenon: How a Dark Satire Became China’s #1 Paid App

A virtual Viagra for a pressured generation? The real story behind China’s latest viral app.
Manya Koetse

Published

7 months ago

on

January 14, 2026

By

From censored joke to state-friendly app, ‘Are You Dead Yet?’ has traveled a long road before reaching the top of China’s paid app charts this week. While marketed as a tool for those living alone to check in with emergency contacts, the app’s viral success actually isn’t all about its features.

It is undoubtedly the most unexpected app to go viral in 2026, and the year has only just started. “Are You Dead?” or…

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