Weivlog

Mbappé, Mao & the Backlash on Chinese Social Media

Published

1 minute ago

November 4, 2026

Why did Kylian Mbappé’s comments about Mao Zedong spark such a major backlash in China?

Our recent article “Mbappé, Mao, and the Joke That Shall Not Be Named Mbappé”’ explored how the French footballer’s favorite Mao meme sparked controversy in China and what it reveals about political red lines, online humor, and censorship.

I joined BBC Weekend to further discuss the online reaction and Mbappé’s future in China.

Weivlog

Spending the Day in China’s Wartime Capital

Published

9 months ago

February 5, 2026

Manya Koetse

From the Eye on Digital China TikTok/Instagram feed:

“I came to Chongqing for a reason most tourists (probably) don’t. Come spend this day with me in China’s wartime capital.”

See the short here.

China Celebs

A Pair of Socks for US$100? A Livestream Session Exposing Wealth Inequality in Chinese Society

A casual remark made by Chinese actress Zhang Yuqi regarding the price of socks has ignited discussions surrounding the stark disparity between the perspectives of celebrities and the financial realities experienced by ordinary individuals.

Published

3 years ago

June 16, 2023

Zilan Qian

Amidst rising joblessness, surging prices, and economic challenges in China, it is not easy to get by for many people. So when Chinese actress Zhang Yuqi (张雨绮) recently suggested that 699 yuan (about US$100) would not be enough money to buy a pair of socks, her comment sparked discussions about celebrities flaunting their wealth and income inequality.

The incident took place during a live broadcast where Zhang Yuqi was participating in product sales alongside…