Xibei vs the influencer: why Beijing called time on a Chinese restaurant food feud

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Jane CaiJanuary 25, 2026 at 05:00 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

A feud between the Xibei restaurant chain and an online influencer in China, stemming from complaints about pre-made dishes, has prompted intervention from the Communist Party mouthpiece, People's Daily. The newspaper published commentaries criticizing the influencer's impact on public opinion and the restaurant's handling of the situation, highlighting concerns that social media can destabilize established businesses. Xibei anticipates significant financial losses due to the controversy. People's Daily urged companies to improve public relations and influencers to act responsibly, prioritizing social and economic stability over online traffic. This intervention signals a shift in China's approach to online consumer rights and a desire to regulate internet celebrities and social media platforms.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Communist Party ×260% Beijing ×270% China 70% People's Daily ×480% Xibei ×290%

Keywords

influencer 90% people's daily 80% social media 80% internet celebrities 70% restaurant chain 70% communist party 70% public opinion 60% china 60% online complaints 60% social and economic stability 50%