Pro-Democracy Tweet from NBA General Manager Invokes Outrage in China

Although many social media posts cause backlashes, few can initiate international controversies. On October 4, the Houston Rockets’ General Manager Daryl Morey released a tweet that dramatically changed relations between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and China. Since deleted, the tweet featured a logo Hong Kong protestors had created next to the phrase, “Fight for Freedom. Stand with Hong Kong.” By supporting the pro-democracy protests, Morey invoked angry tweets from pro-Beijing NBA aficionados and removed his post later that day. By exercising his freedom of speech, Morey had once again brought the China-Hong Kong rift and cultural gap to an international level.

Since Hong Kong had been a British colony for 150 years, most people in the commercial coastal city do not identify as mainland Chinese. In 1997, China reinstated its sovereignty over Hong Kong with the “one country, two systems” agreement, in which the mainland government promised not to interfere with the political or legal system in Hong Kong. The region is semi-autonomous and has the right to certain freedoms that people in mainland China lack. The political and cultural differences between Hong Kong and mainland China and China’s increasing control over Hong Kong despite the agreement have intensified tensions between the two regions. 

Although the divide has existed for quite some time, one tweet managed to bring it to the attention of the United States and the rest of the world. Mainland Chinese businesses have already begun terminating their connections with the NBA by ending some sponsorships, and national television in China stopped broadcasting NBA.games even though they are still available on certain apps. 

LeBron James sparked criticism after publicly disapproving of Morey’s tweet, which many Americans saw as succumbing to the pressures of mainland China; South Park consequently mocked James in an episode. The dispute has shown the clash of different values, as many Americans argue that Morey had a right to utilize his freedom of speech. The apology the NBA gave China led to even more backlash from Americans and legislators. Politician Ted Cruz expressed his disappointment that the association chose to value business interests over freedom of speech.

Even though the United States and China have spoken of bringing an end to their trade war, this dispute emphasized the differing views of the two world powers and the fragility of the peace between them and paved the road for future conflicts.