All articles tagged with #mao zedong
A Chinese court sentenced artist Gao Zhen to up to three years in prison for satirical Mao Zedong sculptures, accusing him of defaming historical figures; Amnesty International and the UN condemn the retroactive use of defamation laws and say the case signals a broader crackdown on artistic expression. Gao has been detained for two years, with the possibility of serving the full term until August 2027 if upheld.
Gao Zhen, famed for provocative sculptures of Mao Zedong, was sentenced to three years in prison for defaming China’s 'heroes and martyrs' under a defamation law enacted in 2018, based on works made more than a decade earlier; detained since 2024 after returning to China, his studio was raided, his family faced travel bans, and rights groups warn the case suppresses independent art and dissent.
A popular Sichuan chef in China, Wang Yang, has apologized for sharing a video about cooking egg fried rice, which is seen as a challenge to the Communist Party regime and an insult to the memory of Mao Zedong's eldest son. Rumors suggest that Mao Anying exposed his position during the Korean War by cooking egg fried rice, violating a ban on cooking during daytime. Wang, who has millions of followers, claimed that a member of his team posted the video without his knowledge. While some criticized him for being disrespectful, others expressed support and suggested that chefs seek freedom in food teaching abroad.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping is launching a sweeping "spiritual baptism" campaign reminiscent of Mao Zedong's era to contain the damage caused by the pandemic, economic downturn, and tensions with the US. This marks one of Xi's largest indoctrination drives, aimed at promoting loyalty to the Communist Party and Xi himself.