BEIJING (AP) — A stage performance by bikini-clad women wearing headpieces styled after traditional Peking Opera has sparked public debate in China after photos were made public this week, highlighting divided views on how to preserve the country's traditions.
Organizers of the Miss Bikini International Committee — which was responsible for the promotional show staged in April — are defending the use of Chinese opera elements as a bold artistic attempt.
Supporters say such experiments should be tolerated in commercial endeavors. Opponents say the sexiness of bikinis insults the traditional art form, which typically appeals to older people.
The debate first began on China's active social media, but state media soon chimed in with equally split opinions.
