In the spirit of the former PM’s tips on managing China, one must not mention the pig

Dennis Shanahan, The Weekend Australian, 2 June:

Howard’s tips for managing China

C&P’s tips. Don’t mention the pig. AFP, The Straits Times, May 1 2018:

A Chinese Internet platform has given the British cartoon Peppa Pig the chop as state media lamented that the series had become a “subversive” icon for slackers and anti-social young people.

Recall why Peppa (aka Peggy) was purged. People’s Daily Central Kitchen, April 26:

The good-natured pig plucked deep into the hearts of the people, and a pink pig that looks like a hair dryer … became an online socialist … [But] a few unscrupulous merchants counterfeit imitation-related products and draw benefits, which are not conducive to the healthy development of cultural industries. The factors need to be vigilant. After all, Peggy’s re-socialism cannot destroy the child’s childhood and cannot go beyond the rules and the bottom line. This is exactly what happens: the piglet is transformed into a net red, and the level of gold sucking is high …

Don’t oink and jump in puddles. AFP May 1, 2018:

The Global Times on Monday referred to this “addiction” [to Peppa Pig] among children, which parents complained was encouraging some preschoolers “to oink and jump in puddles” after watching the cartoon.

Learn from the re-education of the porcine enemy of the people. The Guardian, March 14 2017:

Do say: “I’m Peppa Pig. This is my little brother, George. This is Mummy Pig. This is Daddy Pig. Multiparty democracy cannot deliver the prosperity and modernisation that China needs.” Don’t say: “George wants to know what happened in June 1989.”

Don’t mention Winnie. Victor Mair, Language Log, February 26 2018:

Since the announcement … that the President of China would no longer be limited to two five-year terms in office … the internet … [has been] flooded with complaints … “Winnie the Pooh” is blocked because … Xi Jinping … is often compared to that adorable, pudgy bruin … Nor is it permissible to talk about … “steamed, stuffed buns…”

Don’t mention the letter N. CA Yeung asks in a tweet, February 25:

Why N?

Jichang Lulu tweets an explanation. February 2 :

N (possibly > 2) terms in office?

Henry the 3rd tweets February 25:

Imfao [in my f**ing arrogant opinion] how they gonna spell china?

Be a closet Maoist. Bill Birtles, ABC online May 4 2018:

Veteran observer of Chinese politics Willy Lam … described the Chinese leader as more of a “closet Maoist”.

Or a closet Maoist with luxury characteristics. People’s Daily, April 28 :

Balenciaga … [has] officially apologized to Chinese customers after a video clip of security guards mistreating a Chinese shopper in a Balenciaga shop in Paris went viral … The apology seems insufficient to pacify the wrath of Chinese netizens … 7.6 million Chinese households spend an average of RMB 71,000 [approximately $14,717] on luxury goods each year…[and] account for almost a third of the global luxury market.

Don’t mention Animal Farm, George Orwell, August 17 1945:

“Comrades!’ he cried. ‘You do not imagine, I hope, that we pigs are doing this in a spirit of selfishness and privilege? … It is for your sake that we drink the milk and eat those apples.”