Serve the renminbi

“Serve the People” —Mao Zedong (source unknown)

“Serve the Renminbi” —Mao Zexi (source unknown

为人民币服务 (wèi rénmínbì fúwù): serve the renminbi

Parody of Mao Zedong’s political slogan, “serve the people,” which appears in Mao’s calligraphy above many government buildings and in front of the entrance to Zhongnanhai, the complex that houses the State Council and the Communist Party of China.

China’s currency, the RMB (rénmínbì 人民币), literally means “the people’s currency.” By adding one extra character, “serve the people” is transformed into “serve the renminbi.” The parody strikes a chord with those who feel that officials are more concerned with accumulating personal wealth than they are with actually serving the people.

Example:

Bupingzeming (@不评则鸣): A trait common to all Chinese Communist Party officials: serve the renminbi!!!! (May 6, 2015)

中国共产党的官员共性：为人民币服务！！！！[Chinese]

Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao hold banners that read, “Don’t serve the people, serve the renminbi.” (Xiao Li)

Serve the renminbi.