“Comedian ‘Uncle Roger’ Banned from Weibo for Jokes about China”

The jokes made by Nigel Ng are considered to be demonizing China, amid increasing censorship and problems of nationalism in the country.

Last week, a Chinese comedian was also investigated by police for his jokes about stray dogs.

Kevin who lives in London became popular after his video featuring the character ‘Uncle Roger’ commenting on famous ‘chefs’, including Jamie Oliver, who tried to cook Asian food.

Last Thursday, he posted a video clip from a stand-up comedy special in which he mocks China’s tight surveillance and China’s claim of sovereignty over Taiwan.

The video shows Kevin’s interaction with a viewer who says he is from Guangzhou, a metropolis in southern China.

“That good country, that good country, we should say that, right?” said Ng.

“All the phones are listening to us.”

Kevin then joked with the audience that they were from Taiwan, a self-governing territory claimed by China.

In his joke Kevin said Taiwan is not a country.

“I hope one day you rejoin the motherland. One China,” he said.

Weibo said Kevin’s account was banned from uploading videos for “violating relevant laws and regulations”.

Representatives for Kevin did not respond to requests for comment.

Accusations of ‘insulting’ the Chinese army

Meanwhile, a Chinese comedian was sentenced to prison after police and the Chinese government launched an investigation into a joke he made during one of his shows in early May.

Last week, Chinese police announced they were investigating comedian Li Haoshi, who was deemed “insulting” the army “in the worst possible way.”

The comedian, who goes by the stage name HOUSE, made a joke about stray dogs by singing a famous propaganda slogan used to describe China’s military.

Li said he has adopted two very energetic dogs, who, when they chase squirrels, are like shooting artillery shells at a target.

He added, usually dogs are cute and adorable. But when he saw his two dogs, he immediately thought of the Chinese saying, “Be able to win a battle, first-class style”.

According to the China Media Project which studies Chinese media, the phrase was first used 10 years ago by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to describe reforms planned for China’s military.

A government department known as the Beijing Comprehensive Law Enforcement Team said in a statement that it had received information from the public about what Li was doing and launched an investigation into the company that handled Li.

The law enforcement team said they would fine a company called Xiao Guo Wenhua, about 13.3 million yuan.

An unnamed officer at Beijing police headquarters declined to say whether Li was being detained or arrested, saying the investigation was continuing and results would be made public accordingly.

Produced by Natasya Salim from report in English