IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar 

China and the LGBTQ: The political censors

On 14 February, the Guardian reported that China has been censoring the LGBTQ plotlines on several entertainment platforms. The report discusses streaming platforms such as Tencent censoring sexual and LGBTQ content from the popular American sitcom FRIENDS and carrying different versions of the movie Fight Club.

On 24 February, South China Morning Post commented on the issue. It stated:  “In recent years Beijing has become increasingly concerned that popular entertainment on streaming platforms is spreading views and ideas that run counter to traditional ideals of masculinity and femininity and encouraging new gender identities and forms of sexual expression.”

The censorship sparked criticism among China’s mainland audience and on social media. Initially, the audience protested against censorship of the show and attacks on gender identity. However, the backlash was censored by the government claiming “this topic is not shown according to relevant laws and regulations.” On China’s Weibo, censorship became a trending topic with related hashtags and comments.

The censorship: From political to sex education
The crackdown on pop culture ensures tight controls over the views of Chinese citizens reminiscing the pre-reform period. The Communist party sees LGBTQ rights as Western values. It aims to condition the new generation with the idea of national rejuvenation eliminating the popular culture.

In recent years, China has grown weary of the content on online entertainment platforms spreading views and ideas on gender identities and sexual expressions. It counters the CPC’s principle of traditional ideals of masculinity and femininity. In September 2021, China’s broadcasting regulator announced that entertainment shows with “effeminate” aesthetics are considered as “unhealthy content.”

The Chinese government has narrowed down its priorities and objectives. It is no longer about challenging the CPC’s rule or criticizing the government rather, the agenda now is to promote party nationalistic country with traditional and heteronormative values.

China has been censoring sex education among the younger generation. The lack of awareness among children and youth affects physical and mental health. It is widely held that children should be kept away from sex education and not taught about the physiological body structure. With heterosexuality being a normative framework, different genders and same-sex relations are considered and taught to be pathological. This approach has resulted in negative self-recognition, gender discrimination, and negative attitude towards adolescent sexual psychology among youth.

The administration has been cautious about LGBTQ matters; it considers the issues as a potential threat to the traditional structures of family and authority. Today, the cultural constructs in the concept of masculinity and femininity are shifting to discourses on gender in China. However, the apparent rise in media censorship under the present administration targets non-traditional family values and cultures.

Online streaming sites and social media platforms have drastically evolved the media landscape in China. They face intense pressure from the government, shareholders, the global market, and consumers. The administration has intervened in the popular culture with multiple censorship decisions and wiping out the LGBTQ content from the Chinese media. With stringent rules and formats, media finds it difficult to navigate the increasingly sensitive market constant surveillance of government. 

References
“Chinese fans claim censorship as gay storylines removed from Friends,” The Guardian, 14 February 2022
“China’s censors increasingly play the part of morality police with the conservative values of 1950s America, experts say,” South China Morning Post, 24 February 2022
Philip Wang, “China censors lesbian plotline in 'Friends',” CNN, 16 February 2022

IN BRIEF
By Dincy Adlakha and Avishka Ashok

REGIONAL
Mongolia: Foreign Minister appreciates China’s economic development and help 
On 26 february, Xinhua Net reported on Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg’s interview with the news agency. At the interview, Battsetseg appreciated China’s development and said that it will benefit the region as well as the whole world. He said: “Today, China is developing rapidly, the livelihood of its people is improving day by day. As a neighboring country, Mongolia has always applauded the achievements of the Chinese people.” He also expressed his gratitude to China for supplying the landlocked country with the necessary drugs, vaccines and other medical facilities during the pandemic. He referred to the Zero-COVID policy and said that it was helping curb the spread of the virus within China as well as in the world. (“Interview: China's development to benefit world, says Mongolian FM,” Xinhua net, 26 February 2022)

INTERNATIONAL
Ukraine: Chinese and Russian Presidents discuss regional crisis 
On 25 February, the Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephonic conversation, soon after the phone call between the Foreign Ministers of the two countries. President Xi expressed his gratitude to Putin for attending the Winter Olympics and winning second place in the athletic competition. Putin appreciated China’s efforts and capabilities in hosting the international event. The leaders mainly discussed the situation in Ukraine during the call and clarified their position on the issue. Putin explained the complexity of the Ukraine-Russia ties and its long history with the country. He said: “The United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization have long ignored Russia's legitimate security concerns, repeatedly broken their commitments and continuously pushed their military deployment eastwards, which challenged Russia's strategic bottom line.” Putin also said that the country was open to negotiate with Ukraine. (“Chinese, Russian presidents hold phone conversation,” Xinhua Net, 26 February 2022)

Ukraine: Foreign Minister explains China’s position on Russian actions in the region 
On 25 February, the Chinese Foreign Minister held a series of phone calls with the British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, the European Union’s Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and the diplomatic counselor to the French President Emmanuel Bonne. During these meetings, Wang Yi expanded on China’s position on the Ukraine crisis in five points. First, China stood by the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries, Second, China encouraged “the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.” Third, Wang Yi explained that China was keeping a close watch on the developments in the region. Fourth, China pushed for a diplomatic solution to the dispute and fifth, he called for the UN Security Council to play its role in resolving the issue. (“Chinese FM elaborates China's basic position on Ukrainian issue,” Xinhua Net, 26 February 2022)

Vaccine cooperation: China calls for stronger vaccine support
On 26 February, Chinese Satte Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on stronger vaccine support for developing countries. Wang made the remarks during UN General Assembly high-level thematic debate, “Galvanizing Momentum for Universal Vaccination.” He stressed that it was the responsibility of major countries to supprt COVID-19 vaccination in developing countries especially Africa. He stated that China has suplied more than 2.1 billion doses of vaccines to more than 120 countries and pledged to strengthen the vaccine cooperation. (“Chinese FM calls for stronger vaccine support for developing countries,” Xinhua Net, 26 February 2022)

Nixon's Visit: On 50th anniversary, a keynote address by the Chinese Ambassador to the US
On 25 February, Chinese Ambassador to the US Qin Gang delivered a keynote at the event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of former US President Richard Nixon’ s visit to China. Qin said: “China-US relations should not be likely the intensely confrontational American football match. There should be no offensive team or defensive team, no touchdown, no quarterback sack.” He stated that the 50th anniversary of Nixon’s visit serves as an “important reference” and should work towards seeking common ground between China and US. (“Competition, confrontation should not be keynote of China-U.S. ties: Chinese diplomat,” Xinhua Net, 26 February 2022)

Ukraine: At the UNSC, China abstains from voting
On 25 February, the Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations Zhang Jun urged the Security COuncil to take constructive steps that would diffuse the crisis in Ukraine. The statements were made after the council failed to adopt the resolution initiated by the US to resolve the crisis. China abstained from voting. Zhang said: “If not properly handled, or blindly exerting pressure and imposing sanctions, it may only lead to more casualties, more property loss, more complicated and chaotic situations, and more difficulties in bridging differences.” (“Any action by Security Council should be truly conducive to defusing Ukraine crisis: Chinese envoy,” Xinhua Net, 26 February 2022)