China backs off plans for 'hurt feelings' clothing law

Revised proposal narrows scope amid public criticism over vagueness

20240626N China cosplay

Cosplayers from the Japanese manga "One Piece" pose in Shanghai. While cosplay is popular in China, there have been instances of harassment related to Japanese clothing. (Photo by Tomoko Wakasugi)

YUKIO TAJIMA, Nikkei staff writer

BEIJING -- A public backlash in China has prompted the government to revise a bill that would criminalize clothing that offends "the feelings of the Chinese people," narrowing it to cover only clothing that "glorifies aggression."

The new proposed amendment to a public security law was submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress legislature. Legislation proposed under Chinese Communist Party rule rarely undergoes substantial revisions in response to public pressure.

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