1299: Laowhy86 | Decoding the Secret Slang of China's Censored Internet - The Jordan Harbinger Show Recap

Podcast: The Jordan Harbinger Show

Published: 2026-03-17

Duration: 1 hr 29 min

Guests: Matthew Tai

What Happened

Matthew Tai, also known as C-Milk, discusses how Chinese internet users navigate censorship by creating a coded language filled with puns, code words, and euphemisms. This linguistic evolution is a response to strict government censorship, where even words like 'freedom' and 'democracy' are disguised as 'milk tea' and 'eagles.' Tai explains that this phenomenon isn't just about avoiding censorship; it's a creative and risky form of expression that has become a survival code for many.

China's internet is fundamentally different from the Western world, with centralized control through apps like WeChat. This app functions as an all-in-one platform for communication and payments, allowing the government to monitor online activities closely. Tai notes that even outside of China, Chinese people often continue to use WeChat to stay connected with family, making them subject to censorship regardless of location.

The episode highlights the severe penalties for online dissent in China. Tai outlines the legal consequences of spreading 'rumors,' 'picking quarrels,' or 'inciting subversion,' which can result in prison sentences ranging from three to fifteen years. This climate of fear has led to self-censorship among citizens, who often avoid discussing sensitive topics to prevent government scrutiny.

Jordan Harbinger and Matthew Tai explore the origins of certain coded terms, such as 'river crabbed' for censorship and 'May 35th' for Tiananmen Square, showcasing how language evolves as a form of resistance. These terms often start as playful or humorous but carry serious implications, reflecting the oppressive atmosphere in which they are used.

The discussion also touches on the economic and social challenges facing China, such as the rising crime rates and incidents of people using vehicles for mass attacks, likened to the U.S.'s gun violence. Tai suggests these issues are symptoms of broader dissatisfaction and economic instability in China, contradicting the government's official narratives.

Tai describes how the Chinese government employs AI to predict and censor future code words and phrases. Campaigns like 'Clear and Bright' aim to preemptively identify and eliminate new forms of coded dissent. This sophisticated approach to censorship highlights the ongoing struggle between Chinese netizens and government control.

Key Insights

• Chinese netizens use coded language to navigate government censorship, with terms like 'river crabbed' and 'May 35th' evolving to bypass restrictions. These terms often start as playful but carry serious implications in an oppressive environment.
• China's internet is highly centralized through apps like WeChat, allowing the government to monitor and control online activities both domestically and internationally. This setup makes it difficult for Chinese citizens to communicate freely, even when they are abroad.
• The Chinese government imposes severe penalties for online dissent, with actions like spreading 'rumors' or 'picking quarrels' leading to prison sentences ranging from three to fifteen years. This legal framework creates a climate of fear and self-censorship among citizens.
• The Chinese government is using AI-driven campaigns like 'Clear and Bright' to predict and censor future code words, illustrating the ongoing struggle between Chinese netizens and government control. This proactive approach aims to eliminate new forms of dissent before they gain traction.