Chinese Social Media Weibo Bans Another Business Leader After He Questions China's Zero Covid Policy

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  • Weibo Corp WB banned Trip.Com Group Limited TCOM co-founder and Chair James Liang for alleged violation of laws, Reuters reports.
  • The social media company neither elaborated on the violation nor cited the reasons behind the ban.
  • Liang had recently questioned the wisdom of the country's zero-COVID strategy as the country's Presidential election draws closer.
  • Also Read: Chinese Analyst Who Projected Bearish Reports On Alibaba And Other Chinese Stocks Returns To Twitter
  • China had already tightened censorship under Chinese President Xi Jinping.
  • Last week, Tencent Holding Ltd TCEHY WeChat published a piece by Liang that debated the overly cautious epidemic prevention policies leading to more significant pain on the economy and people's life expectancies than the virus itself. 
  • WeChat subsequently removed Liang's post.
  • Liang previously highlighted the Omicron variant's low death rate challenging the tight COVID policy that could hurt the economy.
  • Liang has remained active on Weibo amid a tightening regulatory environment during the past two years, unlike most other outspoken Chinese business leaders who have gone private on social media or stopped posting altogether.
  • Price Action: TCOM shares traded lower by 4.18% at $19.48 on the last check Tuesday.
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