Wenhao’s news blog

Wenhao's news blog provides an in-depth look at China's social, political, and cultural landscape through the lens of the internet age. It covers censorship, relations with the U.S., internet regulations, nationalism, and the impact of global companies on Chinese society, while also exploring societal reactions to international and domestic events.

Censorship U.S.-China Relations Internet Regulations Nationalism Corporate Influence Societal Reactions Misinformation Digital Culture Political Dissent Media and Entertainment

The hottest Substack posts of Wenhao’s news blog

And their main takeaways

The China Project announced shutdown. What happened?

412 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
  1. Funding challenges led to the shutdown of an influential English language media focused on China.
  2. The China Project faced attacks in both China and the US, affecting their financial stability.
  3. Monetizing English language media reporting on China is a difficult task, despite the substantial interest in news about China.

Chinese netizens outraged over Apple employee photo

393 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Nationalism Racism Media Technology Discrimination
  1. Chinese netizens accused Apple of discrimination due to a photo of an Asian-looking employee, but it was actually a Native American woman from California.
  2. Online poll results show that a majority found Apple's use of the photo inappropriate, despite the explanation.
  3. There was backlash against Apple in China, amid praise for Huawei, highlighting a contradiction in reactions.

Antisemitism permeates China’s internet after conflict broke out between Israel and Hamas

255 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Antisemitism China Israel Palestine Conspiracy Theories
  1. In the wake of conflict between Israel and Hamas, antisemitism has been spreading on China's internet.
  2. Despite Beijing's call for ending violence, Chinese netizens strongly support Palestine and express dislike towards Jews.
  3. Conspiracy theories about Jews controlling politics and wealth have perpetuated antisemitism on China's internet for years.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Chinese Vloggers Glorify Hamas with Cosplay and Posts

58 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations International Conflict Social media influence Nationalism Propaganda
  1. Chinese vloggers on platforms like Bilibili are glorifying Hamas through cosplay and posts.
  2. Many in China see Hamas as engaged in a legitimate national liberation struggle, despite being designated a terrorist organization by the US and other countries.
  3. Support for Hamas among Chinese internet users is influenced by China's official position and anti-US sentiment, especially among the younger generation.

Three months later, online fans of Qin Gang are still waiting for his return

117 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Government Officials
  1. Online fans of Qin Gang are eagerly waiting for his return after more than three months of disappearance.
  2. The Chinese internet is filled with fan-made content and dedicated hashtags for Qin, despite the reports of an investigation against him.
  3. The phenomenon of idolizing Chinese diplomats, like Qin Gang and Zhao Lijian, reflects a mix of nationalism and celebrity fan culture.

China’s rumored new internet regulation has pro-government influencers worried about safety

78 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Internet regulation Social media Influencers Government Control Freedom of Speech
  1. China is rumored to introduce an internet regulation requiring influencers to display their real names, causing concern among pro-government figures.
  2. The potential new rule may impact influencers who create content on politics, finance, or entertainment.
  3. There are worries that the real name display requirement could lead to cyberbullying, harassment, and potential safety threats for influencers and their families.

Beijing is reportedly softening tone on US ahead of Xi’s visit…But is it really?

58 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics US-China Relations Global Trade International cooperation
  1. China's state media is highlighting US-China cooperation but still blames the US for strained ties.
  2. Recent editorials from state media criticize the US for provoking China and having a misjudgment of the situation.
  3. There are calls for the US to follow the will of the people and remove obstacles to improve relations with China.

Comedian Uncle Roger banned on Chinese internet

196 implied HN points • 20 May 23
  1. Comedian Uncle Roger banned on Chinese internet for jokes about Chinese government
  2. Nigel Ng faced consequences with his social media accounts being banned in China
  3. Ng's jokes in a video angered some Chinese nationalists online

Gavin Newsom is an admirer of China’s success, according to Beijing

58 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics China U.S. Human Rights Diplomacy Climate
  1. Gavin Newsom admires China's success and has shown support for Xi Jinping's agenda.
  2. Newsom's visit to China signals a cooperative tone, focusing on climate issues, economic relationships, and cultural ties.
  3. China's state media portrays Newsom as a rare American politician who endorses China's success and engagement on China's terms.

China accuses the US of developing weapons targeting the Chinese race

176 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics National Security Conspiracy Theories International relations
  1. China accuses the US of developing genetically engineered weapons targeting specific races, including Chinese, European, and Middle Eastern
  2. The accusation is based on an old Chinese state media article from 20 years ago, not recent revelations by the Wall Street Journal as claimed
  3. Activist Tong Zeng has been linking various events, such as the SARS outbreak and Covid-19 pandemic, to alleged US biological warfare activities

Verified sextortion scammers are flooding the Chinese circle on Twitter

58 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Censorship Social media Online Communities
  1. Verified sextortion scammers are targeting the Chinese circle on Twitter by flooding the platform with fake accounts and threats.
  2. The scammer operation involves potentially thousands of members working outside of China to carry out sextortion schemes.
  3. The presence of these scammer accounts has disrupted political discussions within the Chinese community on Twitter, leading to influential figures feeling discouraged.

A sneak peek at Chinese fast fashion giant Shein's DC lobbying efforts

58 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Lobbying Congress Criticism
  1. Shein has hired powerful lobbying firms and influential individuals to lobby Congress amid criticism of its practices.
  2. The company faces scrutiny over labor and business practices, especially regarding allegations of forced labor in China's Xinjiang region.
  3. Shein's lobbying efforts show the company's proactive approach to navigating challenges and protecting its interests in the US market.

China’s Alibaba Spends Big on DC Lobbying, Campaign Contributions

78 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
  1. Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba spends millions on lobbying and political donations in the US.
  2. Alibaba hires former US government officials and lawmakers as lobbyists.
  3. Alibaba expands influence in US news outlets through sponsorships.

Without proof, pro-government influencers blame "foreign forces" for nationwide protests in China

39 implied HN points • 29 Nov 22
  1. Pro-government influencers in China blamed foreign forces for the nationwide protests without solid evidence
  2. They used examples like protesters holding blank paper and having Cantonese accents as proof of foreign instigation
  3. Chinese protesters rejected the accusations of being influenced by foreign forces and even created slogans to counter the claims

Popular Women-Centered Chinese Podcast Suddenly Shut Down

39 implied HN points • 02 Feb 22
  1. A popular women-centered Chinese podcast suddenly shut down, causing devastation among fans.
  2. The podcast focused on discussing pop culture, movies, race, and feminism in China and the US.
  3. Despite covering non-sensitive topics like gender theories and empowerment, the podcast faced a ban.

China's video game ban sparks anger on social media. Published on Sep 4.

0 implied HN points • 30 Sep 21
  1. China's new online video game restrictions have caused controversy, with kids flooding gaming platforms during weekends due to weekday bans
  2. There is a debate in China regarding the ban's impact on student pressure and self-control over video games compared to the age of sexual consent
  3. The current video game ban in China is part of a long-standing cultural, social, and political discussion on entertainment, distractions, and government intervention

From Anti-CCP to Anti-Vaccine. Published on Sep 9.

0 implied HN points • 30 Sep 21
  1. Misinformation on Chinese social media is a concern.
  2. Controversies surround ivermectin as a cure for COVID-19.
  3. Anti-vaxxers from various communities turn to alternative platforms for discussions.

China banned Ultraman Tiga and people are NOT happy. Published on Sep 24.

0 implied HN points • 30 Sep 21
  1. Chinese social media users are overwhelmingly negative about the ban of Ultraman Tiga.
  2. People are skeptical about the reasons behind the ban and question the vague explanations provided.
  3. Suggestions for a media content rating system arose amid complaints about excessive regulation.

What's China censoring on its social media (so far) ahead of the Party Congress?

0 implied HN points • 13 Oct 22
  1. China is censoring various keywords on social media ahead of the Party Congress, from political terms to anime references.
  2. Even seemingly harmless actions like long-pressing a like button are being censored due to potential political implications.
  3. Despite censorship, people are finding ways to express support and discuss sensitive topics online, but tighter control is expected as the Party Congress approaches.

Case study: how a conspiracy theory about the US funding nationwide protests in China was created

0 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
  1. Conspiracy theory about US funding protests in China traced back to online commentators and state media.
  2. Misinformation spread by pro-government influencers about a $500 million US budget to support protests in China.
  3. US Congressional budget of $500 million was actually for media support and combatting disinformation, not for starting protests in China.

Online nationalists break with China on embracing Pfizer’s Covid drug

0 implied HN points • 07 Jan 23
  1. China's online nationalists are spreading misinformation about Pfizer's Covid drug Paxlovid, questioning its efficacy and accusing Chinese experts of being bribed.
  2. Despite China's previous smear campaign against Pfizer, the country is now distributing Paxlovid and looking to produce a generic version with Pfizer.
  3. Online nationalists in China are waging an information war against those who support Paxlovid, taking advantage of misinformation to undermine confidence in the drug and Pfizer.

Hu Xijin: China’s most hated man of the week

0 implied HN points • 17 Dec 22
  1. Hu Xijin faced backlash for supporting China's reopening amid Covid fears
  2. Nationalist influencers criticized Hu Xijin's changing stance on Covid policies
  3. Hu Xijin's positive views on China's reopening sparked anger and accusations from nationalists

Coming soon

0 implied HN points • 27 Sep 21
  1. The post is about Wenhao's newsletter focusing on underreported news about China.
  2. The newsletter will be available soon on wenhao.substack.com.
  3. It aims to cover topics that are often overlooked by mainstream news sources.