"Women cannot be forced": These words from state advisor Karina have stirred up a storm on Chinese social media.
The state advisor, starting with a humorous remark that "women cannot and should not be forced," discussed social support measures in Kazakhstan. He mentioned the "Keleshek" program, payments from the National Fund, and laws protecting the rights of women and children.
The post notes that the professor's phrase about "submissively giving birth to children" sparked outrage among Chinese social media users. Women accused Wan of sexism, stating that such framing undermines their dignity. In modern China, where women actively advocate for their rights, the professor's statement proved particularly ill-timed.
The professor's words quickly spread across the internet, eliciting a strong reaction. Angry comments flooded popular Chinese platforms, including Weibo and WeChat. Some sites even began deleting posts and disabling comments to reduce the intensity of the discussions.
In contrast, Karina's response received approval. His measured tone and mention of support programs for large families garnered praise, and many viewed his statement about women as an example of diplomacy.
However, the reaction outside the internet was less clear-cut. Some Chinese analysts noted that Karina seized the opportunity to promote Kazakhstan's image, presenting the country as a successful example of social policy.
Ultimately, the discussion extended beyond local forums. Publications such as the BBC in Chinese also joined the conversation.