HK actor Jackie Chan mocked on social for wanting to join Chinese Communist Party

Hong Kong actor and martial artist Jackie Chan has expressed that he wants to be a member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). A video published on M Video News, a media outlet under state broadcaster Central China Television, Chan told a crowd that when he is overseas, he often says he is "proud to be Chinese".

"I am also envious that you are Communist Party members, I think the Communist Party is really great. Whatever the Communist Party has promised doesnt require 100 years. It will be delivered in a few decades," Chan said in the video in front of a roaring crowd. 

He ended with: "I want to be a Communist Party member. Thank you everyone." According to the South China Morning Post, his comments were made at a symposium hosted by the China Film Association in Beijing last week. The actor is currently a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, which according to SCMP, is a legislative advisory body mainly consisting of members of the Communist Party. Chan participated in the CCP's 100th-anniversary celebrations on 1 July, singing his rendition of a classic titled "Defending the Yellow River" which was composed during the second Sino-Japanese War, SCMP said. He also wished China peace and prosperity on 1 July.

While Chan's sentiments were applauded by live audience members, the situation on social was somewhat different. Netizens did not take too fondly to Chan's comments, with several of them mocking him for his lifestyle. One netizen said that while there is no doubt over Chan's patriotism and professionalism, the issue lies with his lifestyle and that it does not align with the Communist Party.

Another commented that it was disgusting how Chan got himself embroiled in extramarital affairs. It was widely reported previously that Chan had an affair with Hong Kong actress Elaine Ng in 1999 and both had a daughter named Etta. He currently has a son named Jaycee Chan with former Taiwanese actress Joan Lin. One even commented that while Chan might be an anti-drug ambassador, he is unable to control his son who was previously slapped with a six-month jail sentence for using marijuana. Meanwhile, another netizen said Chan was probably not serious about his statement and only said it as a result of the occasion, while one commented that he will not be able to survive politics. 

Those on Twitter also criticised Chan for being a hypocrite. A user said Chan is a hypocritical individual who would say anything for fame.

https://twitter.com/Holaholamicasa/status/1413780891248173058

https://twitter.com/Mewera/status/1414551649700524036

https://twitter.com/Ductos/status/1414655957443940356

In the past, Chan has worked with numerous brands during his career, including Chinese home appliances company Gree Electric, Chinese herbal product manufacturer BaWang International Group, and Brazilian aerospace conglomerate Embraer. He has garnered international fame for his Hollywood movies such as the Rush Hour trilogy, the Police Story movie series, House of Fury, The Medallion, Shinjuku Incident, Kung Fu Panda, and 1911.

Photo courtesy: Jackie Chan's Facebook