Deconstructing the Sublime Kills Free Speech?

Abstract

Recently, a Chinese stand-up comedian was reported for allegedly insulting the military in his stand-up comedy,which eventually led to the downfall of his acting career, a police investigation, and left significant implications on theentire stand-up comedy industry. To understand the gravity of the situation, it is necessary to go back to the roots ofChinese history and culture. In China, the military holds significant importance as a constitutional institution, a statusdeeply rooted in the country’s historical context. This importance is reinforced by the contemporary political structureknown as the Party-Government-Military Trinity. Within this framework, the Communist Party’s mass line plays a crucialrole in establishing a strong foundation for the party’s acquisition and legitimacy of political power. Additionally, themilitary’s image serves as a symbol of political authority and national security.