1. Tune-in

In this China Trends Tune-up we explore three consumer scandals.

In the media they are all described as “car crash” events 翻车事件 fān chē shìjiàn, which literally translates to "car overturning incident".

It is a Chinese slang term and a common metaphor used to describe how brands come under pressure from consumers.

Car crash events happen quickly, and involve intense discussions on social media and in the mainstream media.

They are often linked to double standards (双标), unfair treatment, or bad service.

In this tune-up we explore three car crash consumer scandals:

• Cathay Pacific: In June 2023 ****a ****scandal unfolded when a passenger asked a flight attendant for a blanket on a Cathay Pacific flight from Chengdu. The flight attendant mocked the passenger’s English.
• Haitian Soy Sauce: In October 2022, Haitian 海天, China’s biggest soy sauce brand, came under pressure from Internet users criticising the brand for double standards because its products for the China market and international markets has different ingredients.
• Bamboo Milk Tea: In April 2023, a milk tea shop in Hangzhou was suspected of recycling mouldy bamboo tubes, and reusing them, selling Milk Tea in Bamboo (竹筒奶茶) in mouldy bamboo. Some netizens also released a video of their employees cleaning bamboo tubes in the alleys of the scenic spot.

So, let’s get you tuned-up!

Enjoy!

2. Tune-up

Cathay Carpet Crisis: Bad Service Angers Customers

Off the sauce: Consumers reject a household condiment brand because of double standards on additives

Not My Cup of Tea: Mouldy Milk Tea Bamboo Cups Upset Consumers