Mao Xinyu, the well-known grandson of Mao Zedong, has again attracted ridicule from Chinese internet users following reports that a new institute this week invited him to be its honorary chairman.
The speech had made reference to a Chinese myth where an old man, called “Yugong”, showed great determination moving two mountains blocking a road in front of his home. The moral of the story is that people can resolve any challenge if they try.
At the launch, institute chairman Li Changduo said: “The spirit of Yugongyishan is now playing an essential role directing China’s social and economic development.”
The event attracted much attention on Chinese cyberspace - with tens of thousands commentators mocking the institute’s relationship with Mao Xinyu - who has frequently made headlines for his outrageous comments and comical behaviour. One internet user said commented on the news: “I think they are deliberately making fun of Mao Xinyu.”
Yet many others questioned the need to have the institute.