你可荒谬 - You are so ridiculous

March 2021

A new rap song would not usually be of interest to this newsletter, but Nike H&M has been a surprise hit this week. Nike and H&M have been targeted in the row over Xinjiang cotton, which is the latest farce in the geopolitical theatre, and the names of the companies in Chinese sound like 你可荒谬 (ni ke huang miu): you are so ridiculous.

“On the one hand they are starting rumours and boycotting Xinjiang cotton, on the other hand, they want to make money in China. Dream on, H&M!” was one typical response.

Ah well, those of us who have been here a while have seen it all before. As long as the fuss is confined to a few brands, and people on both sides can beat their chests and feel righteous, all will be well. Some breathless commentary, even on the BBC, suggests that there is a febrile atmosphere here reminiscent of the Boxer rebellion. There isn’t.

For what it’s worth, I’m quite supportive of religious troublemakers being kept busy with some honest work, so my next appointment with my tailor will result in an order for shirts made from the finest Xinjiang cotton.