Chinese people need to be controlled

中国人需要管的 (zhōng guó rén xū yào guǎn de): “Chinese people need to be controlled”

Jackie Chan famously made this statement during a discussion of censorship, movies and society at the annual Bo’ao Forum, known as the Asian Davos, which was held on Hainan Island.

The comment set off a firestorm of discussion and criticism, especially in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Even state-run mainland newspapers felt obliged to criticize Chan's comments. The state-run People's Daily accused Jackie Chan of wishing to deprive the Chinese of their extensive liberties and to subject them to an oppressive regime.

Chan's statement may be alternatively translated as, “Chinese people need to be managed,” which is milder in tone. However, Chan has a history of making controversial political statements. He has previously claimed that Chinese culture may not be compatible with democracy, and called for restrictions on protests in Hong Kong. In early 2013, he claimed that America was the “most corrupt country in the world.”

Caricature of Jackie Chan made after his infamous comments.