An event celebrating Chinese New Year has led to strong disagreement about claims of racism, sparking a public debate.
A recent event held to mark Chinese New Year has become the center of a significant disagreement, with accusations of racism surfacing and being contested. This situation highlights the complex discussions surrounding cultural representation and perceptions of prejudice, particularly when public events involve diverse communities. The core of the dispute revolves around specific performances and their interpretation by the public and media.
Context of the Controversy
The controversy appears to be linked to events that occurred around February 2018, specifically concerning the CCTV New Year Gala, China's largest Lunar New Year television program. A segment within this widely viewed broadcast featured an actress in blackface, which led to widespread criticism and accusations of racism. This incident was not isolated, as reports suggest China has faced similar scrutiny regarding racial insensitivity in the past. The program was reportedly intended to showcase relationships between Africa and China, with a narrative that some interpreted as suggesting gratitude from Africans for Chinese investment.
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Separately, but adding to the discourse on cultural representation and public commentary, a situation involving a politician named Laura Anne Jones in the UK also drew attention in December 2025. Jones, a Member of the Welsh Parliament, faced consequences for a "racist WhatsApp slur," which resulted in her being banned from the Senedd chamber. This event, while distinct in its particulars, underscores broader concerns about language and attitudes that can be perceived as racially offensive.
More recently, an event at the Western Australian Parliament in February 2026 related to Chinese New Year also generated a "war of words" over racism claims, as indicated by a BBC News report. While details from this specific report were not fully available, its inclusion in the discussion suggests ongoing sensitivities and a readiness to engage in public discourse on such matters.
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Evidence of Public Reaction and Intent
The broadcast of the CCTV New Year Gala in 2018 triggered a strong reaction online.
Widespread criticism: The internet "lit up with criticism" after the show aired, as noted by multiple sources.
Allegations of racism: Viewers and media outlets explicitly raised concerns about blackface being used in the performance.
Intended message questioned: While some suggested the skit aimed to praise Africa-China relations and Chinese investment, this interpretation was met with accusations of insensitivity and racism.
Official silence: China's foreign ministry did not immediately provide comment when requested by Reuters regarding the allegations.
Interpretations of the Performance
The intent and impact of the performance have been subject to different viewpoints.
Concerns Regarding Racial Insensitivity
An actress appeared in blackface with padded buttocks during a comedy routine.
The sketch was interpreted by critics as praising the relationship between Africa and China, suggesting Africans benefit greatly from Chinese investment and are very grateful.
This portrayal led to accusations that the program demonstrated racial insensitivity or racism.
Critics argued that such instances show China has "a lot of work to do" in addressing racism, describing it as a "worldwide issue."
Arguments Against Racist Intent
Some sources suggest the program was designed to highlight cultural diversity in countries involved in China's Belt and Road Initiative.
The intention was not to cause offense, but rather to showcase China's global engagement.
It has been argued that the program might have been "tone-deaf" rather than intentionally racist.
The performance was intended to show China's engagement with the world, and authorities need to improve their messaging on multiculturalism.
Expert Analysis and Wider Context
The discussions around the Chinese New Year events touch upon broader themes of cultural understanding and representation.
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"A lot of work to do": Observers noted that instances like the blackface skit indicate that China still needs to address racial insensitivity, a problem recognized globally.
Belt and Road Initiative: Some interpretations link the performance's narrative to China's Belt and Road Initiative, suggesting an attempt to positively portray its international engagement.
Cultural differences: The significant resources China dedicates outside the country, as noted by some Chinese citizens, can lead to a disconnect in understanding the messages being conveyed internationally. This suggests a need for greater efforts in communicating multiculturalism and global integration to the Chinese public.
Perceptions of identity: In a separate context, comments made by Laura Anne Jones in the UK in 2025 brought to light how individuals of Chinese heritage born in Wales can feel their identity questioned based on their appearance. This underscores how comments, even if not directly related to a specific performance, can contribute to a climate of racial concern.
Conclusion and Implications
The recurring discussions surrounding Chinese New Year events and accusations of racism reveal persistent challenges in cultural representation and perception. The blackface skit in the 2018 CCTV New Year Gala served as a significant point of contention, sparking widespread criticism and debate over whether the intent was malicious or simply unaware. While some argued the performance was a clumsy attempt to highlight international relations, many viewed it as a clear instance of racial insensitivity.
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The context of China's growing global presence through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative suggests that communication around multiculturalism is increasingly important. The differing interpretations of these events highlight a gap between the intended message and its reception, indicating a need for greater care and awareness in public broadcasts. The recent parliamentary event in Western Australia in 2026, which also led to a "war of words" over racism claims, suggests that these issues remain a sensitive and active topic of public discourse. These incidents underscore the ongoing need for dialogue and understanding regarding race and representation in international cultural exchanges.
Sources Used:
SBS Chinese: Discusses the blackface skit in the 2018 CCTV New Year Gala and the resulting accusations of racism.
The Root: Reports on the outrage caused by a blackface sketch during China's Lunar New Year TV show, noting it as part of the CCTV New Year Gala.
Link: https://www.theroot.com/lunar-new-year-tv-gala-sparks-outrage-over-blackface-sketch
AllAfrica: Compiles news from Kenya and VOA regarding the backlash over a Chinese New Year skit concerning Africa and China.
Link: https://allafrica.com/view/group/main/main/id/00058973.html
SCMP (South China Morning Post): Presents a letter arguing that the tone of China's New Year TV gala was "tone-deaf maybe, but not racist," suggesting it aimed to highlight cultural diversity related to the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Epoch Times: Details the criticism from Chinese viewers and the internet's reaction to a blackface skit on China's state broadcaster's Lunar New Year Gala.
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(Note: Article 4 (BBC) regarding Laura Anne Jones and Article 6 (BBC) about Lunar New Year traditions were not directly included in the main narrative as they provided tangential context on racism and general festivities respectively, rather than direct evidence of the specific controversy discussed. Article 8 (ABC) had insufficient summary data for inclusion.)
