China’s Xi Jinping puts spotlight on video game addiction as he raises concerns about teenagers

Chinese President Xi Jinping raised the issue of video game addiction at the ‘two sessions’ political gathering in Beijing, reigniting debate. Proposed solutions from legislators range from facial recognition and real-name registration to banning celebrity endorsements. — SCMP

Video game addiction was a hot topic at this year’s meeting of China’s National People’s Congress, which ended on Thursday, with President Xi Jinping joining related talks and listing game addiction as a concern for psychological health, fanning speculation about Beijing further tightening gaming regulations.

Xi initially raised the issue on Saturday at the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the other half of China’s annual “two sessions” event. He discussed gaming addiction among China’s youth with representatives from the country’s health care and education sectors, according to state news agency Xinhua.