The Final Countdown

Published

1 week ago

September 1, 2025

Dear Reader,

The final countdown to China’s Victory Day, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, has begun. On Wednesday, September 3rd, China will hold what may be its largest-ever military parade, and the social media build-up to the spectacle has started weeks in advance.

The hashtag “Three Day Countdown to the 9.3 Military Parade” (九三阅兵倒计时3天) was top trending on Sunday, initiated by Beijing Daily (北京日报).

What can we expect? It will be a massive event. Even the empty Tiananmen Square in prep mode already looks impressive. More than 10,000 troops, over 100 aircraft, and hundreds of pieces of ground equipment will appear in the 70-minute military parade, which will be attended by twenty-six foreign heads of state and government.

Over the past two weeks, I’ve been tracking the trending hashtags related to the parade. Starting from August 11, there have been about 225 different popular hashtags on Chinese social media (Weibo, Douyin, Kuaishou) related to the parade and its preparations.

According to official discourse, as stated by Major General Wu Zeke (吴泽棵) and described China Daily, the military parade is meant to reaffirm China’s commitment to “defending the victorious outcomes of World War II” and “contributing to world peace and development.”

But the hashtags tell a somewhat different story.

💬 A brief note on how hashtags are made, with a focus on Weibo: a hashtag is created by placing a topic between two # signs, which then turns it into a clickable link. In theory, anyone can initiate a hashtag, but in practice, almost all of the trending hashtags related to the parade—as a major political event—are initiated and promoted by officials channels and Chinese state media outlets such as the Communist Youth League, People’s Daily, Global Times, and CCTV Military (央视军事).

I say “almost” because, although the online narrative is largely shaped by official rhetoric, a few hashtags are instead launched by commercial accounts, such as Weibo Military Affairs (微博军事) or Sina Military (新浪军事).

I found that the narratives around the military parade can roughly be grouped into four broad themes:

🔸 the collective memory of WWII, tied to patriotic remembrance and historical continuity;

🔸 military strength, focused on modernization and national power;

🔸 Chinese society, where youth participation and gender representation play an important role;

🔸 and China in the world, stressing diplomatic symbolism and the country’s international relevance.

The red thread through all of this is the power of the Chinese nation under the guidance of the Party.

#1: HISTORY: National Identity through Memory of WWII

Trending hashtags:

#中国人民抗战胜利80周年# 80th Anniversary of the Chinese People’s Victory in the War of Resistance
#这段与先辈的跨时空对话看哭了# This Cross-Time Dialogue With Forefathers Made People Cry
#烽火战歌# Songs of Fire and War
#让战歌点燃我们的烽火记忆# Let War Songs Ignite Our Fiery Memories
#九三阅兵这些旗帜将亮相# These Flags Will Be Unveiled at the 9/3 Military Parade

Memories of World War II—more specifically, the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), known in China as the War of Resistance Against Japan (抗日战争)—have occupied a central place in online narratives this summer. I wrote about this remembrance of war, particularly in Chinese cinemas, in the previous newsletter.

Of course, it is no surprise that a national V-day event is about the history of war, but what is remembered and how this is done, managed by whom, says a lot about the present and the future.

Here, wartime memory serves as the foundation for Party legitimacy, national identity, and strength. Just as a tree is connected to its roots, the people are meant to remain connected to the history of war—a message that is continuously reiterated in Chinese media: never forget, always remember.

The connection between past and present is clarified through art, videos, and music. Wartime, anti-Japanese songs play a big role in the parade, and are also being revived in new settings, such as in a 10-part patriotic production released by CCTV ahead of the parade where these songs are performed by various artists in a historical stage performance that incorporates real WWII footage (watch on Youtube here).

This year, the “cross-time dialogue” (跨时空对话) video trend has also been promoted by official media, spreading (AI) videos imagining encounters where China’s wartime fighters meet modern-day soldiers, who then deliver the message to them that China won, setting their spirit “free” through the power of the new China (see videos).

There is an emphasis on wartime legacies and their continuity into the present military force.

One trending video shows a military training for the parade, with the troops shouting: “Never forget, never forget, never forget! It’s difficult? Think of the national humiliation. Tired? Think of our forefathers during the War of Resistance against Japan.”

The commander then says: “Exactly, this is why we hold military parades. It’s to remember history. Pay tribute to the martyrs. And especially, to carry forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance.”

Another trending topic focused on how the parade will, for the first time, feature new military flags. Under the leadership of the Party flag, national flag, and military flag, several new banners will make their debut, including flags for the PLA Cyberspace Force and the PLA Aerospace Force.

Not only is the debut of these flags symbolic, but so is the selection of their bearers: young, experienced soldiers with personal connections to the past. The Party flag bearer, Wang Zihao (王子赫), for example, is a descendant of WWII fighters. Chinese media have highlighted how he sees his role in the parade as a way to honor his family’s legacy—another example of the media’s emphasis on continuity and strength, grounded in the Party’s leadership.

#2: MILITARY: Showcasing China’s Strength and Modernization

Trending hashtags:

#揭秘九三阅兵装备# Unveiling the Equipment of the 9/3 Parade
#九三阅兵首次亮新型装备占比很大# High Proportion of New Weapons Making Debut at the 9/3 Parade
#天坛和战机同框震一幕# Stunning Scene of the Temple of Heaven and Fighter Jets in the Same Frame
#所有受阅武器装备都是国产现役主战装备# All Parade Equipment To Be Domestic Active Main Battle Systems
#中国战机一出现就是硬核浪漫# The Moment Chinese Fighter Jets Appear, It’s Hardcore Romance
#中国战机披上晚霞金甲# Chinese Fighter Jets Donned in Golden Armor of Sunset Glow

The upcoming parade is not only an event to commemorate history, but also a showcase of the rapid modernization of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Weibo is filled with clips and commentary about the new generation of high-tech weaponry set to appear—from the 191 automatic rifle and the 99A main battle tank to fighter jets, combat drones, and ballistic missiles.

Screenshot of video post by Communist Youth League: Ancient Temple of Heaven & modern fighter jets captured together in a single, “desktop-worthy” frame.

But past-meets-present themes also run through the military displays. Traditional weapons are featured alongside modern equipment, and the connection to history is reinforced through visual imagery that’s propagated by official channels.

The Communist Youth League, for example, shared a video that showed the ancient Temple of Heaven and modern fighter jets captured together in a single frame.

The romanticization of China’s military strength is clear: fighter jets glowing in the dawn light, dazzling sky formations, and military choreography executed with perfect precision.

Beyond the visuals, there is also a strong emphasis on military hardware being 100% made in China—developed and produced domestically, and actively in use.

#3: SOCIETY: Patriotic Youth, Strong Women

Trending hashtags:

#想阅兵的心到达了顶峰# My Desire to Watch the Parade Has Hit a Peak
#九三阅兵徒步方队最小队员只有17岁# Youngest Member of the 9/3 Parade Marching Unit Is Just 17
#这就是又美又飒的中国仪仗女兵# These Are China’s Honor-Guard Women: Beautiful and Fierce
#阅兵训练现场女民兵真飒# Women’s Militia at the Parade Training Base Are Truly “Sa” [Fierce]
#仪仗女兵说誓做军中花木兰# Female Honor Guards Swear to Be the Mulan of the Army

Another thing that stands out in the official social media campaign surrounding the military parade is the effort by Chinese media to make the event appeal to a wider domestic audience, especially younger people, by highlighting elements that link the parade to everyday life and by featuring topics that speak to younger viewers.

One way this is done is through the use of internet slang and popular language, such as describing how “super hyped” everyone is for the parade (#九三阅兵期待值拉满#), or that watching China’s parade is “pure satisfaction” (#看中国阅兵一整个舒适了#).

There is also emphasis on how China’s youth play an important role in the V-Day events, with a high number of participants being post-2000s (#九三阅兵仪仗方队00后含量有点高#) and the youngest just 17 years old (#九三阅兵徒步方队最小队员只有17岁#).

The role of women is similarly spotlighted, with multiple stories focusing on the “heroic female militia” and the striking presence of female honor guards (仪仗女兵).

At the rehearsal grounds, one spokesperson of the female guards of honor declared the women swore to be like Hua Mulan for the army, referring to the legendary Chinese heroine who disguised herself as a man to fight for her family and country.

The phrase (#仪仗女兵说誓做军中花木兰#) went viral and drew widespread praise, though some commenters also questioned why the female honor guards wear skirts instead of trousers.

#4: CHINA IN THE WORLD: A Diplomatic Stage

Trending hashtags:

#普京和金正恩等出席抗战纪念活动# Putin & Kim Jong‑Un Will Attend V-Day Commemorations
#解读九三阅兵出席嘉宾名单# Decoding the Guest List of the 9/3 Parade
#外媒关注普京和金正恩出席九三阅兵# Foreign Media Focus on Putin and Kim Jong-un Attending the 9/3 Parade
#鸠山由纪夫参加九三阅兵# Yukio Hatoyama Will Attend the 9/3 Parade
#日本妄图给中国九三阅兵按下暂停键# Japan’s Futile Attempt to Hit Pause on China’s 9/3 Parade
#日本呼吁各国别参加九三阅兵意欲何为# What Is Japan’s Intention in Urging Countries Not to Attend the 9/3 Parade

A major theme on Chinese social media regarding the military parade revolves around who will attend, and what message that attendance sends.

On August 28, it was announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are both among 26 foreign heads of state and government leaders expected to attend the military parade.

That Putin would attend the upcoming major parade is no surprise, but the presence of Kim Jong-un is more noteworthy— especially alongside leaders from Iran, Pakistan, Cuba, Nepal, Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia, with a clear absence of leaders from Western countries.

The gathering of Xi, Putin, and Kim Jong-un in the heart of Beijing is seen not just as a commemorative event, but as a symbolic ‘win’ for China. One political commentator on Weibo noted it was a loss for Washington, pointing out that Trump recently expressed his wish to meet Kim, while US–Russia efforts to end the war in Ukraine have yielded little progress. The September 3 attendance of these leaders underscores China’s shifting and expanding role on the global stage, as well as its alliances in an increasingly tense geopolitical climate.

On August 31, the Taipei Times published a piece about a symposium hosted by the Foundation on Asia-Pacific Peace Studies in Taipei, where several experts and academics discussed the meaning of the upcoming parade.

Steve Yates, former US deputy national security adviser, described the parade as ‘more political than military.’

Chang Kuo-Cheng (張國城), professor of international relations at Taipei Medical University, called it a ‘governance capability competition’ between China and the US, adding that the guest list is meant to signal that China, Russia, and North Korea stand united in the East against NATO.

Tung Li-wen (董立文), executive director of Asia-Pacific Studies, argued that the real highlight of the military parade is not the weapons, but who is invited to watch.

While the foreign guest list serves as a diplomatic barometer, the numerous press briefings, rehearsal videos, and multilingual livestreams highlight how the parade is staged as a global spectacle; a carefully choreographed show of Chinese power.

As the countdown to the September 3 parade reaches its final days, it is becoming clear that the spectacle serves multiple purposes. While the official narrative stresses its role as a tribute to global peace, the parade is just as much about projecting China’s unity and strength — and about Xi Jinping’s ultimate authority over the PLA — at a time of domestic economic stagnation and an unpredictable, turbulent international environment.

💬 In terms of hashtags, the military-themed ones are the most dominant on social media (about 60% of posts, by my count), followed by those stressing the parade’s international significance (18%), with more historical and social themes lagging behind. Still, who knows — the military parade could yet feature some surprise elements, which also wouldn’t surprise me.

Also want to watch the parade? There will be multiple broadcasts and livestreams available on Wednesday (for example, CCTV directly). The parade is expected to start at 10:00 AM Beijing time — though it might be worth tuning in earlier.

Will be watching closely, and I’ll share some key highlights once the parade concludes.

Best,

Manya

PS: What’s on Weibo is 100% reader-supported — every subscriber makes a difference! Spread the word to your China-watching friends or let your university library know. Group discounts available — just drop me a message. Thanks for your support!

What’s Featured

Selected stories from What’s on Weibo

A spoonful of laughter makes the message hit home | Chinese comedian Hei Deng (黑灯), who is legally blind, often uses his struggles with his disability for his sets, showing how stand-up comedy can spark laughter while simultaneously addressing deeper social issues.

Hei once joked about Chinese cities installing tactile paving made from slippery steel. Designed to guide the visually impaired, it instead puts them in danger on rainy days. Hei’s joke went viral, and, surprisingly, city officials in Shenzhen soon took action: they replaced the material and fixed the problem.

We’re recently seeing a boom in Chinese female comedians on China’s popular stand-up comedy shows. They’re not changing public infrastructure like Hei’s jokes did, but by tackling issues rooted in women’s everyday realities, they shine a light on societal blind spots regarding female experiences, and make a real impact through humor.

Insightful write-up by Wendy Huang Min.

Read More

What’s Trending

Popular Topics at a Glance

The big noodle debate | Whatever other important (world) news is going on, there’s one thing you can count on—train travel-related topics always go trending, simply because they directly concern the lives and little rituals of millions of Chinese travelers.

Right now, there’s a big discussion on Chinese social media about instant noodles on high-speed trains, as some stations have recently stopped selling instant noodles in light of broader measures to “maintain cleanliness.”

This triggered the Big Noodle Debate🍜

At the heart of the issue: everyone loves instant noodles during their train travels (cheap, convenient, there’s free boiling water—what’s not to love?). At the same time, the carriage becomes super smelly when everyone starts eating them—not to mention the hazards and mess when someone drops their cup.

And then the debate suddenly shifts to smoking on platforms : many travelers feel this is a much more pressing issue than the smell of noodles, as cigarette smoking before/during travel on the outside train platforms causes a real nuisance for people who just want some fresh air.

So what’s more annoying? Everyone having instant noodles on the train, or people smoking on the platforms outside the train? Or, either way, should they be able to keep on doing both? Click read more!

Read More

What else has been trending?

💡 We’ve recently introduced China Trend Report on What’s on Weibo, giving you more timely in-between updates on the trending topics of the moment.

A few noteworthy recent highlights:

📈 Chinese food delivery platform Meituan (美团) announced it will fully eliminate late-delivery penalties for its riders by the end of 2025, in response to growing public concern over safety and algorithm-driven stress for food delivery staff. Despite the positive side of the move, many commenters said it might put Meituan at a disadvantage if this will make food delivery slower. Read more.

📈 Shenzhen celebrated the 45th anniversary of its Special Economic Zone with a record-breaking drone light show featuring 12,000 drones. Watch video here.

📈 A tragic construction accident involving snapped steel cables at the Jianzha Yellow River Grand Bridge (尖扎黄河特大桥) in Qinghai—China’s first railway steel truss arch bridge across the Yellow River—has left at least 12 people dead. Read more.

📈 Xi’s recent visit to Tibet in light of the 60th anniversary of the Tibet Autonomous Region was labeled a “surprise visit,” but in reality, it was anything but—every detail and visual was meticulously orchestrated. Read more.

📈 Zong Fuli (宗馥莉, aka Kelly Zong) gave an exclusive interview to Caijing (财经) on the first anniversary of her appointment as chairwoman of the Chinese food & beverage producer Wahaha Group (娃哈哈集团), a meaningful move after a turbulent year. Read more.

What’s Noteworthy

Small news with big impact

A story with an unexpected twist | A famous mural depicting Chinese writer Lu Xun (鲁迅) holding a cigarette at the Lu Xun Native Place scenic area (near the author’s childhood home) has sparked heated debate after a visitor filed a complaint against it.

The visitor, Ms. Sun, not only submitted a complaint but also voiced her opinion online, suggesting that the mural should be altered, as she considered the image inappropriate and likely to have a negative influence on children.

Lu Xun (1881–1936), one of China’s most celebrated authors, was known for being a heavy smoker — reportedly consuming up to 50 cigarettes a day. The habit contributed to his early death; he passed away at just 56 and smoked until the end of his life.

There are numerous images of Lu Xun with a cigarette, but this is perhaps becoming more controversial in today’s climate, where both authorities and anti-smoking advocates are intensifying efforts to curb tobacco use and raise awareness of its dangers (see, for example, the recent rise of anti-smoking influencers in China).

The debate around Lu Xun and his cigarette also brings to mind Walt Disney. It is well known that photos of Disney at Disneyland have been retouched to remove the cigarette from his fingers, in an effort to hide his habit from children. As a result, he is frequently pictured with two fingers held together — a pose that became known as the “Disney point.” The gesture is widely used by Disneyland cast members, mostly to avoid cultural sensitivities around pointing with one finger, but some say it’s also a subtle nod to Walt himself.

Walt Disney’s image retouched, image via Daily Mail.

However, Ms. Sun’s complaint about the Lu Xun mural was largely met with criticism. Most commenters argued that his image should not be altered, a stance later confirmed by authorities. On August 29, the Shaoxing Tourist Office issued a public statement, saying that out of respect for both history and art, the famous mural would remain unchanged.

Then came an unexpected twist. On August 30, Ms. Sun’s social media account was permanently closed after it was discovered that she had previously exploited anti-smoking campaigns as a pretext to illegally promote nicotine pouches, products which have not received production or sales approval in China.

In the end, it seems highly unlikely that anything will change about Lu Xun’s mural. After all, Lu Xun is not Walt Disney — his legacy is not about being a role model for children, but about his profound impact on Chinese literature and culture in the early 20th century.

That said, debates over how Lu Xun should — and should not — be remembered are nothing new. This is far from the first, and certainly not the last, online controversy over the “right” way to honor China’s most iconic writer.

Also read: A Brew of Controversy: Lu Xun and LELECHA’s ‘Smoky’ Oolong Tea

What’s Popular

The latest obsession on China’s internet

$23 per centimeter | You thought (or hoped) the Labubu hype was over? Forget about it. This week, an additional ‘family member’ was added to the Labubu imperium: Mini Labubu (迷你LABUBU).

The keychain doll is a smaller, 10.5 cm version of the original Labubu, which has become a major worldwide success as a collectible designer toy and fashion accessory. (In case you are unfamiliar with Labubu’s story and why it’s actually a very Chinese product, read our deep dive on Labubu here, more about China’s designer toy craze here).

The August 28 online and offline release of the Mini Labubu series by Pop Mart sold out within minutes. Originally priced at 1106 RMB (US$154) for a full set, resale prices have now soared to 3200 RMB (US$450). The original price of a single mini Labubu is 79 RMB (US$11), but even those have gone up to 1700 RMB (US$238) in resale.

Despite the sales success, the Mini Labubus have also received significant criticism. Many collectors complained that the toys were “cheaply made” with loose threads, and a downgraded design with eyes that are printed rather than three-dimensional.

It is clear that Popmart, the company behind Labubu, is trying to keep the Labubu hype going, and turn its series from a trend into a lasting, internationally beloved character, perhaps not unlike Hello Kitty or Mickey Mouse—but then in the world of designer toys.

But that ambition demands a delicate balance: staying exclusive but still accessible, keeping high quality for reasonable prices, maintaining excitement over its product without changing it too fast, and being visible without becoming oversaturated. So far, Popmart is making all the right moves, and Mini Labubu has come to keep the flame alive. 🔥

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China Military

The Final Countdown: China’s Military Parade on Social Media

The social media storylines behind China’s Victory Day parade.

Published

1 week ago

September 2, 2025

Manya Koetse

🔥 A version of this column also appeared in the Weibo Watch newsletter. Subscribe to stay in the loop.

The final hours of the final countdown to China’s Victory Day, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, have begun. On Wednesday, September 3rd, China will hold what may be its largest-ever military parade, and the social media build-up to the spectacle has started weeks in advance.

The hashtag “Three Day Countdown to the 9.3 Military Parade” (#九三阅兵倒计时3天#) was top trending on Sunday, initiated by Beijing Daily (北京日报), and on Tuesday, Xinhua boosted the big 9.3 countdown hashtag (#九三阅兵倒计时#).

What can we expect? It will be a massive event. Even the empty Tiananmen Square in prep mode already looked impressive.

More than 10,000 troops, over 100 aircraft, and hundreds of pieces of ground equipment will appear in the 70-minute military parade, which will be attended by twenty-six foreign heads of state and government.

Over the past two weeks, I’ve been tracking the trending hashtags related to the parade. Starting from August 11 up to August 31, there have been about 225 different popular hashtags on Chinese social media (Weibo, Douyin, Kuaishou) related to the parade and its preparations.

But the hashtags tell a somewhat different story.

💬 A brief note on how hashtags are made, with a focus on Weibo: a hashtag is created by placing a topic between two # signs, which then turns it into a clickable link. In theory, anyone can initiate a hashtag, but in practice, almost all of the trending hashtags related to the parade—as a major political event—are initiated and promoted by officials channels and Chinese state media outlets such as the Communist Youth League, People’s Daily, Global Times, and CCTV Military (央视军事).

I say “almost” because, although the online narrative is largely shaped by official rhetoric, a few hashtags are instead launched by commercial accounts, such as Weibo Military Affairs (微博军事) or Sina Military (新浪军事).

I found that the narratives around the military parade can roughly be grouped into four broad themes:

🔸 Memory & Identity (WWII): V-Day as living heritage, reinforcing Party legitimacy and national identity. Use of wartime songs, veterans’ descendants, and “cross-time dialogues” to bind past sacrifice to present duty, with the “never forget” slogan reiterated everywhere.

🔸 Military Strength & Modernization: Centers on the PLA’s advanced tech and China’s military self-reliance: new weapons making their debut, 100% domestic “active main battle systems,” precision formations, and new PLA flags help build the image of China as a military powerhouse, romanticized by Chinese media.

🔸 Chinese Society (Youth & Women): The parade as a mass-participation event, weaving parade patriotism with everyday life across gender & generations. Focus on participation by China’s younger generations (00后), including viral slang to make it more appealing to youth, and clear attempt to make female honor-guard and militia especially visible.

🔸 China in the World: The parade is perhaps just as much—some say even more—about politics as it is about the military. The guest list is like a diplomatic barometer: attendance by leaders like Putin and Kim Jong-un (amid very few Western counterparts) is read as a signal of China’s global power vs the US.

The red thread through all of this is the power of the Chinese nation under the guidance of the Party.

#1: HISTORY: National Identity through Memory of WWII

Examples of trending hashtags:

#中国人民抗战胜利80周年# 80th Anniversary of the Chinese People’s Victory in the War of Resistance
#这段与先辈的跨时空对话看哭了# This Cross-Time Dialogue With Forefathers Made People Cry
#烽火战歌# Songs of Fire and War
#让战歌点燃我们的烽火记忆# Let War Songs Ignite Our Fiery Memories
#九三阅兵这些旗帜将亮相# These Flags Will Be Unveiled at the 9/3 Military Parade

Of course, it is no surprise that a national V-Day event is about the history of war, but what is remembered and how this is done, managed by whom, says a lot about the present and the future.

There is an emphasis on wartime legacies and their continuity into the present military force.

#2: MILITARY: Showcasing China’s Strength and Modernization

Examples of trending hashtags:

#揭秘九三阅兵装备# Unveiling the Equipment of the 9/3 Parade
#九三阅兵首次亮新型装备占比很大# High Proportion of New Weapons Making Debut at the 9/3 Parade
#天坛和战机同框震一幕# Stunning Scene of the Temple of Heaven and Fighter Jets in the Same Frame
#所有受阅武器装备都是国产现役主战装备# All Parade Equipment To Be Domestic Active Main Battle Systems
#中国战机一出现就是硬核浪漫# The Moment Chinese Fighter Jets Appear, It’s Hardcore Romance
#中国战机披上晚霞金甲# Chinese Fighter Jets Donned in Golden Armor of Sunset Glow

The upcoming parade is not only an event to commemorate history, but also a showcase of the rapid modernization of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Screenshot of video post by Communist Youth League: Ancient Temple of Heaven & modern fighter jets captured together in a single frame. — Screenshot of video post by Communist Youth League: Ancient Temple of Heaven & modern fighter jets captured together in a single, “desktop-worthy” frame.

The Communist Youth League, for example, shared a video that showed the ancient Temple of Heaven and modern fighter jets captured together in a single frame.

The romanticization of China’s military strength is clear: fighter jets glowing in the dawn light, dazzling sky formations, and military choreography executed with perfect precision.

Beyond the visuals, there is also a strong emphasis on military hardware being 100% made in China—developed and produced domestically, and actively in use.

#3: SOCIETY: Patriotic Youth, Strong Women

Examples of trending hashtags:

#想阅兵的心到达了顶峰# My Desire to Watch the Parade Has Hit a Peak
#九三阅兵徒步方队最小队员只有17岁# Youngest Member of the 9/3 Parade Marching Unit Is Just 17
#这就是又美又飒的中国仪仗女兵# These Are China’s Honor-Guard Women: Beautiful and Fierce
#阅兵训练现场女民兵真飒# Women’s Militia at the Parade Training Base Are Truly “Sa” [Fierce]
#仪仗女兵说誓做军中花木兰# Female Honor Guards Swear to Be the Mulan of the Army

The role of women is similarly spotlighted, with multiple stories focusing on the “heroic female militia” and the striking presence of female honor guards (仪仗女兵).

Female honor guards at parade training base.

The phrase (#仪仗女兵说誓做军中花木兰#) went viral and drew widespread praise, though some commenters also questioned why the female honor guards wear skirts instead of trousers.

#4: CHINA IN THE WORLD: A Diplomatic Stage

Example of trending hashtags:

#普京和金正恩等出席抗战纪念活动# Putin & Kim Jong-Un Will Attend V-Day Commemorations
#解读九三阅兵出席嘉宾名单# Decoding the Guest List of the 9/3 Parade
#外媒关注普京和金正恩出席九三阅兵# Foreign Media Focus on Putin and Kim Jong-un Attending the 9/3 Parade
#鸠山由纪夫参加九三阅兵# Yukio Hatoyama Will Attend the 9/3 Parade
#日本妄图给中国九三阅兵按下暂停键# Japan’s Futile Attempt to Hit Pause on China’s 9/3 Parade
#日本呼吁各国别参加九三阅兵意欲何为# What Is Japan’s Intention in Urging Countries Not to Attend the 9/3 Parade

A major theme on Chinese social media regarding the military parade revolves around who will attend, and what message that attendance sends.

That Putin would attend the upcoming major parade is no surprise, but the presence of Kim Jong-un is more noteworthy—especially alongside leaders from Iran, Pakistan, Cuba, Nepal, Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia, with a clear absence of leaders from Western countries.

Steve Yates, former US deputy national security adviser, described the parade as ‘more political than military.’

Tung Li-wen (董立文), executive director of Asia-Pacific Studies, argued that the real highlight of the military parade is not the weapons, but who is invited to watch.

Also want to watch the parade? There will be multiple broadcasts and livestreams available on Wednesday (for example, CCTV directly). The parade is expected to start at ~~10:00 AM~~ 9AM Beijing time — though it might be worth tuning in earlier.

Will be watching closely, and I’ll share some key highlights once the parade concludes.

Best,

Manya

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How Female Comedians Are Shaping China’s Stand-Up Boom

Female comedians are taking center stage in a new era of Chinese stand-up, challenging stereotypes and turning jokes into real-life impact.

Published

1 week ago

August 30, 2025

Wendy Huang

Nearly 40% of the lineup on China’s latest hit stand-up comedy shows is female. From ‘Director Fang’ to Wang Yue, this wave of new voices is not just funny—it’s reshaping China’s comedy scene and opening conversations once considered off-limits.

The summer of 2025 has once again put Chinese stand-up comedy in the spotlight. The second season of both iQiyi’s The King of Stand-up Comedy (喜剧之王单口季) and Tencent Video’s Stand-up Comedy and Friends (脱口秀和Ta的朋友们) sparked multiple trending topics across social media—not just for the jokes, but for who’s telling them.

This year, women account for nearly 40% of the combined lineups: 42 out of 107 comedians across both shows.

Just a decade ago, when Tonight 80s Talk Show (今晚80后脱口秀) dominated the field, there was often only one woman—Siwen (思文)—on stage. Even last year, women only made up 24% of The King of Stand-up Comedy’s debut lineup and 27% of Stand-up Comedy and Friends’.

With more women performing, audiences are hearing more stories rooted in lived experiences, touching on relationships, workplace dynamics, and everyday challenges faced by women.

The Rise of New Female Voices

One of the most talked-about breakouts is 50-year-old Fang Zhuren (房主任, literally “Director Fang”).

Her entry into the stand-up comedy world came by chance during an audience interaction. During a performance by Li Bo (李波), a talk show actress, Fang was randomly selected for an interaction with Li. Her nickname “Director Fang” stems from her spontaneous response, as she humorously introduced herself as the “director of the village information center (or the village gossip hub).”

This interaction impressed Li and eventually led her to a contract signing with Li’s talk show* club. Weibo netizens summarized this story with the label of “girls help girls” (#房主任李波girls help girls#).

[*This use of ‘talk show’ refers to the Chinese tuokou xiu 脱口秀, which usually does not refer to a Western-style talk show but (live) stand-up comedy.]

Fang Zhuren (房主任)

Fang’s debut on The King of Stand-up Comedy 2 highlighted the struggles of rural women caught between traditional expectations and harsh realities. Her act, drawing on her own life as an unhappily married rural housewife seeking independence, was even hailed online as the “talk show version” of Like a Rolling Stone (#房主任脱口秀版出走的决心#), referencing the film about China’s “road trip auntie” Su Min (苏敏), who left behind domestic life to pursue freedom.

Other female performers are also making their mark with sharp, personal perspectives:

From left to right: Wang Yue王越, Bu Jingyun (步惊云), Xiaopa (小帕).

🔹 Wang Yue (王越) often addresses the under-discussed topic of menstrual pain, a routine yet overlooked experience for many women.

🔹 Bu Jingyun (步惊云) critiques traditional chastity expectations, referencing the tragic case of a young woman driven to suicide by malicious rumors. She uses the metaphor of “a robot with foot binding going to space” to expose the absurdity of outdated moral codes in modern life.

🔹 Xiaopa (小帕), a young comedian from Xinjiang, draws humor from her turbulent family life. She portrays her father—a man who wasted savings and cycled through marriages—as a “50-year-old boy who never grew up.”

Such routines have sparked heated debates online, many extending far beyond comedy into wider social issues, particularly gender dynamics.

When the Punchline Draws a Battle Line

On July 20, Zhejiang Xuanchuan (浙江宣传), a WeChat account affiliated with the Zhejiang government, published an article titled “Beware of Talk Shows Slipping into the Quagmire of Gender Antagonism” (“谨防脱口秀滑向性别对立的泥潭“).

The controversial article

The article warned against “lazy gender gags” that pit men and women against each other, suggesting comedy should strive for “constructive offense” (建设性冒犯) rather than deepening resentment.

The article has found support among readers but also sparked a wave of retort from some netizens. Some argued that it overlooked the value of talk show actresses in exposing real-life hardships faced by women.

They questioned whether the accusation of “gender antagonism” was, in fact, masking deeper gender inequalities–some netizens argued that male comedians have long relied on sexist jokes.

Examples resurfaced online, such as top comedian Li Dan (李诞) mocking actress Liu Yan (柳岩), or comedian Chi Zi (池子) making offensive remarks about actress Wang Lin (王琳).

The timing added fuel to the fire. On the day the article was published, residents in Hangzhou’s Yuhang District were complaining of foul-smelling tap water, suspected to be sewage, yet local media like Zhejiang Xuanchuan focused on “female talk shows” over a pressing local issue.

A Weibo user wrote: “Between the choice of checking if it is algae or feces in the water pipes, Zhejiang chose to check the talk shows instead.”

Just as the backlash was cooling, veteran entrepreneur Luo Yonghao (罗永浩) reignited the debate.

As a guest on Stand-up Comedy and Friends 2, Luo reposted a review from a viewer who criticized him and host Zhang Shaogang (张绍刚), while praising well-known Chinese stand-up comedian Pang Bo (庞博) on rival show The King of Stand-up Comedy 2. Luo defended Zhang but lashed out at the reviewer, later turning his criticism toward female fan culture.

Responding to netizens, Luo argued that women’s behavior toward male idols was excessively indulgent. He further claimed that admiration for Pang Bo was largely driven by appearance, dismissing it as little more than “looks-based favoritism.”

In a lengthy follow-up post titled “A Veteran Feminist’s Last Piece of Paternalistic Advice” (“老牌女权主义者最后的“爹味儿忠告”), Luo described himself as a longtime feminist but warned against comedians “exploiting” gender issues for cheap laughs. If the industry continues down this path, he argued, it risks “industry-wide collapse.”

Beyond Gender: Comedy as Social Mirror

While topics related to gender and feminism have become a proven traffic driver, another rising theme in Chinese stand-up is comedians transforming personal struggles into humor.

One of them is Xiaopa (小帕), who has openly discussed living with bipolar disorder. By joking about her own diagnosis, she offers the audience a rare mix of vulnerability and wit.

🔹 Then there is Chen Ai (陈艾), who has lived with depression and anxiety. She dryly joked about her visit to a psychiatric hospital that “the depression and anxiety test was the only exam I ever scored high on,” while poking fun at the absurdity of psychiatric questionnaires.

Chen Ai (陈艾)

🔹 Wang Ying (王颖) brings her breast cancer experience into her comedy sets, jokingly calling it a “new comedy track” she has opened up, making breast cancer a subject of shared laughter.

Wang Ying (王颖)

Before them, physically disabled stand-up comedians were already gaining popularity in China, such as Hei Deng (黑灯), who is blind, and Xiao Jia (小佳), a rising star with cerebral palsy. Both earned recognition from netizens by telling jokes about their disabilities and the experiences that came with them.

Hei Deng (黑灯) on the left, and Xiao Jia (小佳) on the right.

These performances show how stand-up comedy can spark laughter while simultaneously addressing deeper social issues.

Some audience members, however, feel such heavy topics weigh down the art form, arguing that comedy should remain funny and light. Others argue the stage itself is a public space, reflective of society at large, where laughter is only one layer, and deeper reflection is inevitable.

But beyond reflection, these comedians can translate humor into real, practical impact.

Hei Deng once joked about strips of tactile paving made from slippery steel—meant to guide the visually impaired, it instead put them in harm’s way on rainy days. The clip went viral, and surprisingly, city officials in Shenzhen soon replaced the material and fixed the problem. A simple gag actually ended up changing public infrastructure.

Hei joked about these paves that are meant to guide visually impaired pedestrians, but actually makes them slip after the rain (source).

Fixing the slippery steel guidance for visually impaired.

The same kind of dynamic plays out when female comedians bring menstruation, cramps, or the burdens of motherhood on stage. These are not just personal stories or “women’s issues.”

When Wang Yue joked about menstrual pain on stage, show guest Guo Qilin (郭麒麟)—a well-known Chinese actor and xiangsheng (相声, or crosstalk) performer—remarked that her performance didn’t sound like a complaint, but more like a science lecture— allowing many male viewers to better understand the experience for the first time. His reaction underscores a quiet truth: when women’s experiences are silenced, men also lose the chance to understand, empathize, and adjust their behavior.

Host Chen Luyu (陈鲁豫): “Women make up half of humanity, and the female perspective is, in fact, the human perspective.”

Gender stereotypes don’t just confine women; they warp expectations for everyone. Take menstrual pain, for example. It isn’t only about the suffering women endure, but also about arguments between couples, company leave policies, and even restroom design. Likewise, son preference is not just about undervaluing women; it also places crushing pressure on young men, who are expected to buy an apartment before getting married. In other words, when women’s issues are properly addressed, everyone benefits.

As host Chen Luyu (陈鲁豫) put it, “Women make up half of humanity, and the female perspective is, in fact, the human perspective.”

Luckily, more women are stepping into the spotlight, reshaping China’s stand-up scene, and opening conversations that were once considered off-limits.

And this is just the beginning. As comedian Pang Bo observed: “They (她们, specifically women) still have a lot of issues to discuss with everyone.”

As both the iQiyi and Tencent competitions head toward their finals in early September, many wonder if a female comedian will take the crown this year?

Whatever the outcome, the stage has already changed.

By Wendy Huang
Edited by Manya Koetse

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