China cracks down on unruly behavior of online fans

Since the Paris Olympics, Chinese authorities have stepped up efforts to address unruly behavior in online fan communities, working with various agencies to crack down on illegal activities. On Saturday, the Chinese Table Tennis Association released a statement expressing strong support for the government’s actions and denouncing any unlawful conduct.

The move comes after the women's table tennis final on Aug 3, when some derogatory comments were posted online. In one instance, a user posted defamatory remarks against athletes and coaches in the early hours of Aug 4, causing a significant public outcry.

Beijing police quickly intervened, arresting a 29-year-old woman, identified by her surname He, on Aug 6. She confessed to making the offensive posts. The case remains under investigation.

In a related announcement on Aug 15, the Ministry of Public Security outlined three other cases involving illegal behavior within sports fan circles and emphasized that the internet is not a lawless zone, urging users to refrain from spreading misinformation or engaging in personal attacks online.

The Chinese Table Tennis Association has expressed concerns over the disruptive behavior of online "fan circles", which they say has seriously impacted the team's training and competitions. This chaos has negatively affected the lives of athletes, coaches, and staff, both professionally and personally, while also causing significant social harm.

In response to any online or public defamation, insults, or malicious attacks against the team or its members, the association pledged to gather evidence in accordance with the law and pursue legal action against individuals and organizations involved.

The Chinese table tennis team, known for its strong unity, expressed deep gratitude for the support it has received from across society and called for collective efforts to create a cleaner, more positive online environment.

The Chinese Table Tennis Association reaffirmed its commitment to the sport's continued healthy development, promoting a new image of modern Chinese sportsmanship, and contributing to the nation’s goal of becoming a global sports powerhouse, the statement said.