Chinese Sphere: Jackie Chan and Freedom

Jackie Chan speaks at the "Creative Asia" panel discussion in the Boao Forum (Source: Xinhua)

Action movie star Jackie Chan caused a stir in the Chinese-speaking world with his remarks at the China-hosted Boao Forum last week. During the “Creative Asia” panel discussion, Chan was asked a question related to the Chinese government’s restrictions on filmmaking. He responded with the following (a video of a portion of his remarks can be found here):

Recently I’ve felt that in these 10 years since Hong Kong returned [to China] – I grew up in Hong Kong, and from its return until today, I’ve slowly come to see – I don’t know whether it is good to have freedom, or is it good to not have freedom? I am really confused now. Too much freedom will create a situation like the way Hong Kong is today – very chaotic. Furthermore, it will create a situation like Taiwan – also very chaotic. I’ve slowly come to realize that we Chinese need to be controlled after all. [laughter and applause from the audience] Once control is gone and there is an opening up, we will end up doing whatever we want without restraint.

The foreign media has focused on the outrage sparked by Chan’s remarks in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Although the public mood in Hong Kong and Taiwan generally seems to be one of resentment and anger, there are also voices that are more sympathetic towards the actor. The nature of responses in the Chinese-language media seems to track how favorable an outlet is towards a greater Chinese identity in general and the Beijing government in particular.