Global Times editor-in-chief steps down

Editor Hu Xijin, 61, a strident voice of Chinese nationalism, has retired.

He's stepped down as editor-in-chief of the Global Times, an offshoot of the People's Daily, and told 24 million followers on Weibo it "is time to retire," but he will continue as a special commentator for the party paper.

Hu has invited controversy, likening Australia to "chewing gum stuck on the sole of China's shoes" after it joined a US call for an inquiry into Covid-19 and calling the United Kingdom a "bitch asking for a beating" after UK warships sailed in contested waters. He claims to have participated in the 1989 democracy rallies in Tiananmen Square before becoming a reporter and then a supporter of the CCP.

He took the top job at the Global Times in 2005.

Hu this month denied having extramarital affairs with two female colleagues, claiming he was a target for blackmail.

He's set to be replaced by a People's Daily commentary writer.