For years, China's music streaming market was notorious for its pirated content. After the government banned unlicensed products, China has become the second-largest streaming market after the USA. Beijing's competition regulators have meanwhile put a stop to Tencent's monopoly. Now, the effects of this regulation are beginning to manifest.
By Frank Sieren
Nowadays, no one is safe from the public outcry over supposedly improper remarks. Not only global corporations, but even pop stars loyal to the state are now quickly pilloried on the Internet for hurting the "feelings of the people." The government utilizes this patriotic outrage to push its foreign policy agenda.
By Fabian Peltsch
China's youth is seeking their freedom in music, consumption and the entertainment industry. Kris Wu, China's Justin Bieber, is one of the big stars of the pop scene with millions of followers on Weibo. Now, Wu faces allegations of sexual misconduct. China's authorities are fond of using such allegations to their advantage. With new rules of conduct for actors and celebrities, they are narrowing the space for personal freedom and prosperity in culture.
By Ning Wang
