China cracks down on influencers flaunting wealth, echoing Filipino rage against flood control nepo babies

Chinese luxury influencer Wang Hongquanxing, widely described as “China’s Kim Kardashian,” has been removed from major Chinese social media platforms after authorities intensified a crackdown on online personalities accused of flaunting extreme wealth.

Wang, who had millions of followers on Douyin, built his online image around designer fashion, expensive jewelry, luxury homes, high-end travel, and public displays of wealth. His accounts on platforms including Douyin and Weibo were suspended after Chinese regulators moved against content seen as promoting extravagance, money worship, and unhealthy social values.

The ban is part of China’s wider “Qinglang” internet cleanup campaign, which targets online content that authorities consider harmful to public morality and social order. Regulators have specifically focused on influencers who use luxury lifestyles, expensive cars, mansions, designer items, and exaggerated wealth claims to attract attention and build audiences.

The issue has no direct link to the Philippines, but it comes as Filipino netizens are also scrutinizing lavish online lifestyles in a separate controversy involving the flood-control scandal. So-called flood-control “nepo babies,” including Claudine Co, Lemuel Lubiano, and Jammy Cruz, have drawn public backlash after their families were linked by reports and online critics to contractors or political figures connected to flood-control projects.

Claudine Co is the daughter of Christopher “Kito” Co and niece of Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co. Lemuel Lubiano is the son of Lawrence Lubiano, while Jammy Cruz is the daughter of Noel Cruz. Their posts showing designer items, luxury cars, expensive trips, and high-end living have become part of a wider public conversation about privilege, public funds, and accountability as billions in flood-control funds remain under scrutiny.

In China, the state is removing influencers accused of turning extreme wealth into online entertainment. In the Philippines, the pressure is coming from the public, as Filipinos question why families linked to flood-control contractors and political figures are surrounded by images of luxury while communities continue to suffer from flooding, failed infrastructure, and questioned government spending.