Push-up bra is pushed off in China

Every five years, Beijing welcomes over two thousand Communist party leaders for the five-year National People’s Congress. Major national issues are discussed, laws are passed and new leaders are brought up through the ranks. The 17th National Party Conference is unfolding now and, as with any major Chinese event, the arrival of the NPC in Beijing brings with it a measure of controversy.

In the days leading up to the Congress, which runs until October 19th, the Chinese government typically cracks down on rule breakers and tightens up security. This year is no different. Except, this year, the Chinese government is taking sexy back.

In recent weeks, China has taken “sexually explicit” television advertisements that feature push-up bras, shape-enhancing underwear, and even contraceptives off the air.

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) stated, “Commercials containing sexually provocative sounds or tantalizing language as well as vulgar advertisements for breast enhancement and female underwear are banned, effective immediately.”

“Inelegant images” of “adult products… other harmful ads pose a grave threat to society,” SARFT stated.

However, according to one China expert, the sudden de-sexualization of the airwaves should come as no surprise. According to Professor Pan Wei of Peking University, “Television stations don’t like following the rules.”

He argues that policies against sex-related advertisements are long-standing restrictions. “They were loosely enforced before. The rules have been there,” says Professor Pan, an expert in Chinese domestic politics.

Advertisements are not the only casualties. According to Reuters, China has pulled the plug on Beautiful Makeover, a reality show featuring plastic surgery operations, including sex-change operations, in southern Guangdong Province.

Approximately one month ago, SARFT forced 11 radio shows off the air in central and southern China for explicitly addressing sex or broadcasting material of an “extreme pornographic nature.”

Now that the central government has taken care of China’s social pollution, perhaps environmental pollution is next.

Jo currently lives in Beijing.