Two Chinese video producers go missing for mocking Xi Jinping, aka 'Bao Zi', on YouTube

The Chinese president likened it to a steamed bun. In the past he was depicted as Winnie the Pooh. Satirical web channels that damage the reputation of the Chinese leader have been targeted. Videos have been removed for alleged copyright violations.

Beijing (AsiaNews) – Two Chinese online video producers known for poking fun at Chinese President Xi Jinping on YouTube have disappeared on the eve of the Lunar New Year, last Thursday.

The two have been reported missing by the head of the Qiang Guo Wa Ha, one of several YouTube channels specialised in Ru Bao, a Mandarin term used to describe mocking the Chinese president.

According to the Apple Daily newspaper and Radio Free Asia, the chairperson and a manager of the Ru Mo Xin Lian She YouTube channel disappeared last Tuesday.

Online, several channels have been referring to Xi as Bao Zi, a steamed bun in Mandarin, ever since he visited a chain restaurant in Beijing and ordered buns in December 2013.

Ru Bao channels also depict the Chinese leader as Winnie the Pooh, the animated bear made famous by Disney.

In the last few days YouTube has removed several videos posted from channels mocking Xi, ostensibly for violating the copyrights of Shanghai Hode Information Technology Co Ltd.

For Ru Bao channel owners, this is a government campaign to protect the president's reputation.

• china
• xi jinping
• bao zi
• bun
• winnie the pooh
• mockery
• missing
• disappearance