In West’s fight against China, an unlikely weapon emerges: Online porn

North Korean troops in Ukraine, exposed to unrestricted internet for the first time, reportedly became fixated to online porn.

Amid the geopolitical tensions between the United States and China, analysts have pondered the role of economic sanctions, military might, and strategic alliances. Yet an unexpected tool is now being discussed in some quarters as a potential weak spot for Beijing: online pornography.

An unexpected weapon is being discussed in some quarters that the West can use in case of a war with China.(Representative/Reuters)

The idea seems almost absurd on the surface, but the hypothesis is not without precedent. Recent reports from The New York Post describe a surprising phenomenon among North Korean troops stationed alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.

The soldiers, who had never experienced unrestricted internet access before, reportedly became engrossed in online adult content. The story has been met with skepticism, but if true, it suggests that soldiers from highly censored societies might face unexpected distractions when exposed to the broader internet.

The Great Firewall of China

China's "Great Firewall" is one of the most comprehensive internet censorship systems globally, blocking access to a range of foreign media, including political news, social platforms, and explicit content.

The Chinese authorities have long been vigilant, with agencies like the National Office Against Pornographic and Illegal Publications tasked with eliminating any trace of banned material online.

While this heavy-handed approach aims to control content and maintain social order, it may inadvertently create a curiosity gap. The lack of exposure could leave some individuals, including military personnel, more susceptible to distractions if access were suddenly available, argues Michael Deacon in The Telegraph.

China’s strict ban on explicit content has deep roots. As recently as 2018, Beijing sentenced a writer to ten years in prison for selling a novel containing explicit scenes. The government’s ongoing crackdown even includes financial incentives for tip-offs, with rewards of up to 600,000 yuan (about $86,500 USD).