The Controversy Surrounding Egg Fried Rice in China: How a Dish Became a Sensitive Topic

A beloved Chinese dish, egg fried rice, has unexpectedly become a highly sensitive subject in China, with nationalists accusing famous chefs of insulting national heroes. This controversy sheds light on the delicate nature of Chinese nationalism and the power of rumors in shaping public opinion.

Egg fried rice, a staple of Chinese cuisine, has long been a beloved dish both in China and around the world. However, in recent years, this seemingly innocuous stir-fry has become the center of a heated controversy in China, particularly during the months of October and November. The dish has become a sensitive topic for Chinese nationalists, who view any mention of egg fried rice during this time as a deliberate act of insult and mockery towards Mao Zedong’s eldest son, Mao Anying. This unexpected controversy has led to a celebrity chef issuing a public apology and has sparked a wider debate about the power of nationalism and the role of rumors in shaping public opinion.

The Origins of the Controversy: The controversy surrounding egg fried rice and its connection to Mao Anying stems from a disputed account of his death during the Korean War. According to a controversial rumor, Mao Anying disobeyed orders to take shelter during an American air raid and instead cooked egg fried rice, which gave away his position. Chinese authorities have repeatedly refuted this version of events, but the rumor has persisted, particularly on the Chinese internet.

Crackdown on National Heroes: Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, the Chinese government has cracked down on voices that criticize national heroes or question the official narrative surrounding them. In 2018, a law was passed to ban the slander of national “heroes and martyrs,” punishable by up to three years in prison. This crackdown has created an environment where any mention of egg fried rice during the anniversary of Mao Anying’s death or birthday is seen as disrespectful and insulting.

The Role of Social Media: Chinese nationalists have taken to social media platforms, such as Weibo, to express their anger and outrage at mentions of egg fried rice during sensitive periods. By attacking famous chefs and online influencers who mention the dish, these nationalists inadvertently promote the very rumor that the government is trying to quash. The controversy has also led to the creation of alternative celebrations, such as the “Egg Fried Rice Festival,” further perpetuating the association between the dish and Mao Anying.

The Wang Gang Incident: Celebrity chef Wang Gang found himself at the center of this controversy when he posted a video on Weibo demonstrating how to cook egg fried rice. Angry nationalists accused him of mocking Mao Anying’s death, leading Wang to issue a public apology and pledge to never make egg fried rice again. This was not Wang’s first “transgression,” as he had previously posted videos featuring the dish during sensitive periods, drawing criticism from Chinese nationalists.

Debate and Defense: The controversy surrounding Wang Gang’s video has sparked a wider debate among Chinese netizens. Some argue that Wang should be banned from social media or punished for insulting national heroes, citing the 2018 law. However, others have come to Wang’s defense, stating that he has posted videos featuring egg fried rice throughout the year, not just during sensitive periods. Supporters argue that society should apologize to Wang, and that a complete ban on the dish during November or retiring it from Chinese cuisine altogether would be an overreaction.

Conclusion: The controversy surrounding egg fried rice in China highlights the delicate nature of Chinese nationalism and the power of rumors in shaping public opinion. What started as a disputed account of Mao Anying’s death has evolved into a sensitive topic that triggers strong emotions and accusations of disrespect towards national heroes. The incident involving Wang Gang serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from unintentional mentions of “relevant elements” during sensitive periods. As China continues to navigate the complexities of nationalism and historical narratives, it is crucial to strike a balance between protecting national heroes and allowing for open discussion and debate.


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