‘3 Body Problem’: Chinese state media criticizes series for promoting 'American cultural hegemony'

Netflix's adaptation of the sci-fi bestseller ‘3 Body Problem’ is under scrutiny in China. Following a week of mixed opinions on Chinese social media, state-owned media outlet China Military Online, owned by the PLA, issued one of its initial official remarks on the series.

State media outlets have accused the series of promoting 'American cultural hegemony' under the guise of diversity. The American adaptation diverges significantly from the original book by Chinese author Liu Cixin, which mostly features Chinese characters and unfolds over a lengthy period. In contrast, the initial season of the Netflix series introduces characters from various countries, and the events occur concurrently with the original story.

According to SCMP, a part of the post reads, ‘The United States is using 'political correctness' to combat and dissolve other countries' cultural influence. It uses 'pluralism' to practice its cultural hegemony.’

The article criticized the showrunners for omitting parts that depict a modern, developed China, which were present in the original book. However, they retained the portrayal of the antagonists as Chinese, despite the book not specifying their appearance.

‘The so-called pluralism and inclusiveness cannot hide their deep-rooted discrimination and hostility towards other civilizations,’ the report added.

What is the three-body problem?

Netflix recently released a sci-fi series titled ‘Three-Body Problem,’ which has quickly become one of the most popular sci-fi series online. The first season is considered the first part of the trilogy based on Chinese author Liu Cixin's epic sci-fi series, ‘Remembrance of Earth's Past.’ The original trilogy is known for the author's meticulous attention to scientific details, although this aspect is somewhat reduced in the series. The trilogy also includes the novels ‘The Dark Forest’ and ‘Death's End.’ The adaptation of ‘Three-Body Problem’ is less detailed but still attempts to incorporate scientific elements.

Why is the 3 Body Problem facing heat in China?

Since Netflix isn’t accessible in China, viewers watching the pirated version of the show claimed that the adaptation changed the book's setting from China to America. They also questioned why the creators retained the part where the chaos in the world originates from China. Allegations were made that the show suggests the West is safeguarding the world from China's perceived malevolence.

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