Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Nike television advert showing US basketball star LeBron James in battle with a cartoon kung fu master has been banned in China.
A Nike television advert showing US basketball star LeBron James in battle with a cartoon kung fu master has been banned in China.
The commercial, titled "Chamber of Fear", was shown on the national sports channel and local and state television before it was pulled last month amid authority claims that it was an insult to national dignity.
It shows James in a video game-style setting defeating the kung fu master, two women in traditional Chinese attire and a pair of dragons, considered a sacred symbol in Chinese culture.
The advert "violates regulations that mandate that all advertisements in China should uphold national dignity and interest and respect the motherland's culture", the State Administration for Radio, Film and Television said in a statement posted on its website.
"The ad has received an indignant response from Chinese viewers," it added. Westerners' use of Chinese cultural symbols is a sensitive issue and officials may have been angered that the foreigner won the fight.
Maurice Zhou, a spokesman in Shanghai for Nike, said the company had no response except that it "respected the government's decision".
The commercial is part of fast-growing foreign efforts to cash in on the rising popularity of basketball in China. LeBron James is one of the NBA's best players.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments