China’s crackdown on gaming: state newspaper calls for higher taxes but also highlights soft power gains

Since the gaming industry has grown so large, companies like Tencent should no longer benefit from tax incentives, the op-ed argues. However, the commentary shows support for the gaming industry, reflecting Beijing’s love-hate relationship. — SCMP

China’s gaming industry needs to be taxed just like any other traditional industry, according to an op-ed from one of the country’s influential state newspapers, joining the growing debate on how video games should be viewed and regulated.

“The gaming industry has long enjoyed favourable tax policies because it was considered part of the software service industry, but this has drawn widespread criticism,” the opinion piece, published by the Securities Times, a paper affiliated with Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily, said on Thursday.