A statement was released in the more recent case a day later, announcing the dismissal and detentions of the two men involved—an official and an SOE executive. Zhubudao goes on to examine the power dynamics that give officials perceived license to keep acting this way, arguing that the issue cannot be adequately addressed by responding to each case as it arises. "The problem isn’t someone’s inability to control his lower half," the post concludes, "it’s our fundamental lack of an iron cage strong enough to keep power contained."
tirsdag 25. august 2026
Translation: “You Can’t Address Sexual Assault at Banquets Without Addressing the Nature of Power”
In the censored post translated below, blogger Zhúbùdǎo ("Unyielding Bamboo") responds to reporting by investigative journalist Li Wei’ao on two recent cases of alleged sexual assault by officials. The post first notes other related censorship, and highlights the perennial issue of official statements dictating what is reported, how, and when, which even former Global Times editor Hu Xijin has bemoaned, among others.
A statement was released in the more recent case a day later, announcing the dismissal and detentions of the two men involved—an official and an SOE executive. Zhubudao goes on to examine the power dynamics that give officials perceived license to keep acting this way, arguing that the issue cannot be adequately addressed by responding to each case as it arises. "The problem isn’t someone’s inability to control his lower half," the post concludes, "it’s our fundamental lack of an iron cage strong enough to keep power contained."
A statement was released in the more recent case a day later, announcing the dismissal and detentions of the two men involved—an official and an SOE executive. Zhubudao goes on to examine the power dynamics that give officials perceived license to keep acting this way, arguing that the issue cannot be adequately addressed by responding to each case as it arises. "The problem isn’t someone’s inability to control his lower half," the post concludes, "it’s our fundamental lack of an iron cage strong enough to keep power contained."