In August 2021, Chinese actress Zhao Wei disappeared from public view. Not only was she physically erased from the internet, but her name was removed from credits and discussions mentioning her were censored. This was part of a larger crackdown on Chinese entertainers by the government in an effort to combat “vulgar internet celebrities” and “sissy men.” This crackdown is part of President Xi Jinping’s “Common Prosperity” campaign, which aims to transform Chinese society by cracking down on the private sector and reshaping Chinese culture. The mastermind behind this campaign is not Xi Jinping, but rather Wang Huning, a powerful political theorist who has served as a strategist and adviser to China’s top leaders for decades. Wang has been influential in shaping Xi’s political concepts and has long been an advocate for cultural unity and a strong, centralized party-state. He draws from a mix of Marxist socialism, Confucianism, Legalism, and nationalism to create his vision for China’s future. Wang’s views on the West, particularly the United States, have been shaped by his observations during a visit in 1988. He saw the contradictions and problems of American society, which he blamed on radical individualism and the erosion of traditional values.
https://letter.palladiummag.com/p/the-triumph-and-terror-of-wang-huning-3b0