Comedian criticized over joke involving PLA motto

A Chinese stand-up comedian has faced a backlash from netizens and the People's Liberation Army after making a joke about the force's motto.

Soldiers have said they found the joke provocative and insulting, a post from the PLA's Western Theater Command said.

During a talk show held in Beijing by Shanghai Xiaoguo Culture Media Company on Saturday, Li Haoshi, a comedian whose stage name is House, said during his performance that he had adopted two stray dogs that like to run wild and chase squirrels. He said his pets' behavior made him think of "maintain excellent conduct, can fight and win", words that are part of the PLA's motto.

Netizens and the PLA responded strongly on Chinese social media, saying Li's joke was inappropriate.

On Monday evening, the PLA's Western Theater Command published a post on its WeChat account titled "Talk shows like this make PLA soldiers very angry!".

"The PLA soldiers have a very tolerant attitude toward diverse cultures, but we cannot stand for this stupid joke, which is provocative and insulting. We are angry," the post said.

It said that the soldiers are glad to see the public is on their side and strongly condemned Li's actions.

"Comedians should also follow moral standards when telling jokes. There are things that should never be joked about, and they should know that well," Jin Feng, a WeChat user, commented on the post.

Li has hurt the feelings of PLA soldiers and the public, and he should take responsibility for his actions, it added.

Meanwhile, the PLA Daily commented in an editorial on Monday that artists shouldn't create content with vulgar taste and keep testing people's limits simply to attract others' attention. Also, being innovative is never about creating an unhealthy social current.

On Monday afternoon, Li apologized in a post on microblogging platform Sina Weibo.

"I am deeply ashamed for using a very inappropriate metaphor during my performance. I take full responsibility and will stop all shows to reflect on my actions," he said.

Xiaoguo said it will suspend Li from appearing on its talk shows indefinitely.

According to Jimu News, a media outlet based in Hubei province, the culture and tourism bureau of Chaoyang district in Beijing said on Monday that it will investigate the case and impose punishments based on the outcome.