Political Essay Says Revolution in China to End 'Sissy' Celebrity Billionaire Culture

A political essay by a little-known commentator has been given pride of place by China's state-run media in recent days, suggesting a profound shift in political direction under ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping away from the pro-market policies of the past four decades, political analysts told RFA. The essay, titled "Everyone can tell that profound social change is under way" and printed in CCP mouthpiece the People's Daily, uses the recent crackdown on China's scandal-hit entertainment industry to argue that profound political change is afoot that will focus on easing inequality.

The essay argues that the CCP has launched a "profound revolution" with its crackdown on celebrity culture, billionaires, and the private sector generally, citing Beijing's blocking of Ant Financial's initial public offering (IPO) in New York in late 2020, as well as an ongoing probe into the business operations of ride-sharing app Didi Chuxing.

"China is undergoing a profound revolution ... turning away from a capital-centered approach to a people-centered one," the essay said. "It represents a return to the original aims of the CCP ... and to the essence of socialism."

"This revolution will wash all of the dirt away," said the essay, signed by Li Guangman, columnist and former editor of the trade publication CentralChina Electric Power.

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