Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

Who’s Who on China’s Twitter – Finance and Entertainment

[See more content at tealeafnation.com!]

Whoswhopt3

TeaLeafNation has previously brought you Part 1 and Part 2 of the roadmap to the key players on Weibo, China’s Twitter. Without further ado, here is Part 3.

Real estate tycoons - @任志强(5.8 million+ followers): Mr. Ren “Loose Cannon” Zhiqiang, head of a mighty state-owned real estate developer until 2011, lives up to his nickname with memorable quotes such “go back to the countryside if you can’t afford housing” and “I’m a businessman, I don’t think about poor people.” Mr. Ren’s public image has become marginally more human through the use of Weibo. Mr. Ren takes a firm stance against government interventions in China’s real estate market, prompting at least one official to accuse him of biting the hand that fed him (and made him fat). Honorable mention: @潘石屹(8.6 million+ followers): Mr. Pan Shiyi, the developer of architectural controversies such as SOHO Beijing, cuts a jollier figure and often trades friendly barbs with Mr. Ren on Weibo.

Sample tweet from Mr. Ren (December 30, 2011): Is having fewer people improve their living conditions really the goal of government regulation? Why is government regulation evaluated based on the suppression of consumption? [In response to a news report that new home sales in Beijing dropped to a 10-year low in 2011.]

Investment Community – @薛蛮子(1.6 million+ followers): Mr. Charles Xue is known as the first angel investor in China. He is the most vocal of a group of prominent Chinese investors who openly call for liberalization and reform of China’s political system. Honorable mentions: @王功权(1.1 million+ followers): Mr. Wang Gongquan wears many hats: billionaire venture capitalist, democracy advocate, Chinese poetry enthusiast, and protagonist in the infamous “Elopement Gate” that continues to be an Internet meme in China.

Sample tweet from Mr. Xue (January 1, 2012): Corruption has become systematic today, and under-the-table bribery is now over-the-table. Without open and transparent systematic reforms and media oversight, punishing one or two corrupt officials is like catching a couple of fleas on a man who hasn’t showered in years. Do you agree?”

Entertainment – @姚晨(15.6 million+ followers): Actress Yao Chen is one of the first celebrities to fully embrace Weibo and the astronomical number of her followers often makes international headlines. Her favorite topics are the plight of refugees worldwide and the comings and goings of her cat, Badun. Honorable mention: @冯小刚 (6.7 million+ followers): Director Feng Xiaogang is the Steven Spielberg of the Chinese movie industry, with an uncanny grasp of the tastes of Chinese moviegoers.  He reliably churns out blockbuster after blockbuster, be it romantic comedies, period dramas or tearjerkers. He has reduced Weibo use since his controversial October 2011 tweet on the Cultural Revolution.

Sample tweet from Ms. Yao (January 2, 2012): The new year’s wish of my cat Badun – getting canned cat food every day in 2012! (I say in response that sometimes we all mistake fantasies for legitimate goals)

Stay tuned for the last installment!