'Decadent and passive': China cracks down on 'throwing eggs' card game

China is cracking down on the popular card game guandan, also known as "throwing eggs," due to concerns that it fosters a "decadent" and "passive" attitude among players. Once celebrated as a tool for social and professional networking, guandan has recently been criticized by state media for promoting cliques and cronyism among Communist Party officials. The game, which has around 140 million enthusiasts, is seen as contributing to a culture of "laying flat," where young people reject high-pressure jobs in favor of a more relaxed lifestyle. Authorities have issued warnings about the potential for guandan to create exclusive social circles that undermine fairness and justice. While some government bodies acknowledge that playing guandan itself is not problematic, they emphasize the need to address the unhealthy trends associated with it. The backlash against the game has sparked a defensive response from players, who argue that similar criticisms could be applied to other recreational activities. The crackdown reflects broader efforts by the Chinese government to combat corruption and promote moral discipline among officials.

- The Chinese government is concerned that guandan promotes a passive attitude and cronyism.

- The game has a large following, with around 140 million players in China.

- Authorities are targeting the formation of exclusive social circles among officials.

- The backlash against the crackdown has led to increased support for the game among players.

- The situation highlights the government's ongoing anti-corruption campaign and efforts to enforce social discipline.