Chinese media slammed for claiming women are never harassed

Chinese state media is facing backlash after its claims that women in China are not subject to sexual harassment.

The attempt to ridicule the US over the Harvey Weinstein scandal resulted in backlash when China Daily published an opinion piece entitled: “What prevents sexual harassment from being a common phenomenon in China, as it’s in most Western societies?”

The article argued that Chinese men “are taught to be protective of their women.”

“Behaving inappropriately toward women, including harassing them sexually, contradicts every Chinese traditional value and custom,” the author wrote. “Chinese authority deals harshly with those who disrespect themselves by behaving inappropriately toward others.”

The article has since been deleted, with no explanation.

Chinese state media often aims to portray problems in the west as nonexistent in their country, highlighting cases of western police brutality, political distrust and harassment overseas. 

Stories of western issues are often run alongside positive local news, a key pillar in portraying China as a happier society. 

Social media users were quick to argue the point, with many pointing out that sexual harassment is just as prevalent in China as in Western society, but the issue isn’t discussed as prevalently in China.