A netizen from Guangdong recently released a silent drama video, in which the person taped their own mouth and then applauded in front of the camera, implying the current situation in Chinese society of “applaud only, no speaking”. Commentators believe that this video, without uttering a single word, portrays the dilemma of Chinese people under the censorship system, where they can’t express dissent and only show support publicly.
On September 5th, the netizen posted a short silent drama video on a mainland social media platform. In the video, the person sat in a car, faced the camera, displayed two strips of tape, crossed them over to seal their mouth, and then clapped without being able to speak. There was no dialogue throughout the entire process.
The video was labeled as “Silent Drama Art – Supplement.” “Supplement” usually refers to re-uploading and saving content that was lost or unable to be viewed properly.
The Guangdong netizen, who goes by the alias “Da Hai,” told Epoch Times that the two actions in the video symbolize “not allowed to speak” and “must agree”. The creator didn’t use any written words or specifically target any department of the Chinese Communist Party, but netizens understood the message it intended to convey: “Clapping even with the mouth taped shut, that’s the most direct meaning of this video.”
Da Hai believes that this video can draw attention to the fact that the CCP not only prohibits criticism but also demands applause and support. He pointed out how during official meetings, the delegates sitting in the audience clapping are like puppets. This netizen’s video subtly suggests that everyone is a puppet. He further commented, “We all know in our hearts that you can’t mess with the Communist Party, you can’t even offend the deceased revolutionaries. If you offend, it’s considered an insult to the revolutionary martyrs.”
In the video’s comment section, a netizen asked, “Why isn’t the tape red?” – which was seen as a reference to CCP political symbols; while another mentioned “blank paper,” reminiscent of the 2022 “Blank Paper Movement” in several Chinese cities where protesters expressed discontent with censorship policies by presenting empty sheets as a form of protest, hinting at the irony of censorship.
Internet commentator Zhou Qing, based in Taiyuan, noted that the mention of “red tape” and “blank paper” indicates the creation of a set of political codes within the Chinese online community. Many words may not directly criticize, but within a specific context, they have clear implications. He stated, “A blank paper doesn’t have a single word, and tape won’t speak, but everyone understands their meaning. With the tightening of the CCP’s censorship system, netizens resort to images, actions, puns, and sarcasm to express dissenting views, a product of the distorted environment.”
In another video, a Chinese blogger recounted requesting to visit the cockpit while onboard a flight with an American airline on September 4th. After being granted permission, the blogger entered the cockpit, sat in the pilot’s seat, and took a photo with the pilot.
The video sparked numerous live comments discussions. Some users commented on “civility,” “filming with ill intentions,” and “getting ahead in life;” while others subtly criticized Chinese airlines for rejecting passengers from entering the cockpit, saying, “Sorry, we have regulations.” and “Guess what you were searching for: ‘Too advanced, can’t show’.”
Subsequently, the comment section of the video was cleared out. Public records indicate that Chinese airlines generally do not allow passengers to enter the cockpit.
In recent years, Chinese netizens have begun using half-sentences, sarcasm, and coded language to mock the societal reality under speech control in a suppressed environment. Phrases like “getting ahead in life” are a form of expression reflecting some netizens’ views on survival under the CCP’s system.
Current affairs commentator Mr. He believes that this form of expression reduces the visibility of politically sensitive vocabulary to platforms and poses a problem to censors: deleting the video would acknowledge its impact on reality. He stated, “If the platform doesn’t delete it, the video will continue to spread; if the platform does delete it, netizens will know the platform’s new boundaries.”
In recent years, Chinese social media platforms have intensified censorship of discussions on politics, economics, societal events, and public policy. Some creators use metaphors or performance art to express opinions, but such content may still face restriction, deletion, or account suspension.