It was one of the worst instruments of torture in history – used on women deemed disobedient, usually because of adultery.They would be strapped naked to a “wooden donkey” as if riding it, and whipped as they were paraded through the streets in a public shaming. Wooden or metal spikes embedded in its back sliced through the victim’s crotch until they passed out, weights often strapped to their feet to increase the agony.So when a Chinese internet star dubbed Useless Edison for his hilarious…

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The backlash continues full throttle.Two days after popular Chinese actress Zheng Shuang was accused by her former partner, producer Zhang Heng, of abandoning their two children born to US-based surrogate mothers, Chinese authorities and a host of commercial brands linked to Zheng have reacted to the controversy.Zheng’s surrogacy used a legal loophole and was “definitely not innocent”, the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China said on Wednesday…

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A scandal involving a high-profile celebrity and two surrogate children has rocked Chinese social media, setting off heated debate over whether there should be an outright ban of surrogacy in China.At the centre of the controversy is popular actress Zheng Shuang, who has been accused by her former partner, producer Zhang Heng, of abandoning their two children born to US-based surrogate mothers after the couple’s relationship ended before the children were born.Zhang said on Weibo, China’s…

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A South Korean internet star who live-streams herself binge-eating various foods – a phenomenon known as mukbang – is in hot water amid an online dispute over whether kimchi is Korean or Chinese.The YouTuber, who goes by the name Hamzy, found herself caught in the crossfire of this cultural clash when she added a thumbs-up emoji to comments online about China claiming Korean kimchi, a fermented cabbage dish, as its own.Chinese internet users said she had insulted China by showing her approval…

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Companies and local governments are offering workers and urban residents financial incentives to stay at home ahead of China’s New Year celebrations next month.Cash bonuses, shopping vouchers, movie tickets, free entry to local attractions, and even food and decorations are among the incentives being offered to deter Chinese people from the customary mass migration that occurs every year at this time as they travel to be reunited with families.Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in…

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Huawei Technologies Co. heiress Annabel Yao has launched herself into show business, releasing a video documentary announcing her signing as an entertainment artist with a Beijing-based company.Styled by the company in a slick, all-black figure-hugging outfit and high heels perched on top of a crown, Yao is described in TH Entertainment’s 17-minute documentary and accompanying poster, released on Thursday, as a “princess who breaks rules”.“I’ve never treated myself as a so-called ‘princess’,”…

This post was originally published on South China Morning Post.