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How Ping-Pong Turned the Tables of the Cold War

Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

A fateful encounter at a table tennis contest in 1971 helped end the United States’ trade embargo on China and pave the way for President Nixon’s historic visit.

Livestreamer Banned After ‘Engagement Event’ Turns Into 5-Hour Sale

Viewers who tuned in to see Yin Shihang propose to his on-and-off girlfriend were instead bombarded with product promotions, leading to over 230,000 complaints.

Tencent Launches ‘Serving Society’ Games With a Purpose

Health Defense, in which players fight off pathogens, is among dozens of new titles announced by the world’s biggest game publisher.

Police in China Recover $460,000 in Stolen Bitcoin

A scammer had hacked the email address linked to a Jiangxi man’s account on a cryptocurrency trading platform.

Child Acrobats Flee Abusive School, Found After 6 Days

Many online have called for child performances to be abolished completely, while professionals say rural training schools deserve more scrutiny.

The Wrestlers Fighting to Build a Chinese WWE

Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

FEATURES

In China’s fledgling pro wrestling promotions, the villains are deadbeat foreign teachers and fighters compete for a “Belt and Road” belt. But can they replicate the success of World Wrestling Entertainment?

China’s TikTok Is Banning Users Who Brag About Their Wealth

The short-video platform’s stated goal of promoting “a civilized lifestyle” aligns with an ongoing government campaign to make China’s cyberspace more positive and wholesome.

Chinese Soccer Rocked by League Champion’s Sudden Demise

Mere months after winning its first Super League league title, Jiangsu F.C. has announced it will cease all operations, again highlighting the woeful financial situation facing Chinese soccer.

‘Comfort First’ Bra Brand Backtracks After Sexist Ad

A famous comedian got few laughs by suggesting that a certain bra could help women get ahead at work.

Submission for China’s Top Sci-Fi Prize Found to Be Stephen King Rip-Off

The writer is also believed to have previously plagiarized several stories from the same anthology by the American author.

The Small-Time Reality TV Hit Reviving Chinese Theater’s Big Dreams

In “Theater for Living,” brutal honesty about the hardships of life onstage is winning over fans.

Next in Innovation for Q&A Site Zhihu: Sci-Fi Television

The popular knowledge-sharing platform has announced its first original series, giving hope to China’s long-suffering sci-fi fans.

An Intergalactic Sandbox Is China’s Latest Indie Gaming Success Story

Dyson Sphere Program challenges players to build galaxy-spanning logistics networks and massive structures that harvest energy from stars.

A Show About Poverty Alleviation Is Getting Historically High Reviews

Critics and casual viewers alike appreciate how “Minning Town” doesn’t shy away from some of the common missteps associated with government relocation projects.

China Revels in MMA Wins by Fighters Not Named Zhang Weili

The success of a growing crop of Chinese fighters is helping to promote the sport domestically and shape local perceptions.

Upcoming Launch of ‘Steam China’ Has Gamers Worried

A localized version will likely mean more oversight, and thus fewer games to choose from.

Sichuan Court Says Cartoon 10% Responsible for Child’s Death

Industry commentators say the tragic death of an 8-year-old viewer was due to bad parenting, not bad programming.

Shanxi Cracks Down on Fake ‘Exclusive’ Gifts for Impressing Friends

“Tegong” is the ancient custom giving government officials high-quality products as a sign of esteem. Today, the term is often appropriated by online swindlers.

Plagiarizing Director’s Film Pulled From China’s Silver Screens

Some online are arguing that it would be unfair for an entire production to be punished because of one man’s mistakes over a decade ago.

Chinese Esports Teams Banned Over Dota 2 Match Fixing

The punitive action from developer Valve Corporation came after the teams, Newbee and Avengerls, showed obvious signs of foul play during a head-to-head match.