“Red Pad” Tablet for Chinese Communist Party Officials Ridiculed

A gadget tailored made for senior Chinese Communist officials is raising eyebrows online.

Dubbed the "Red Pad No.1," this iPad-like device claims it can carry out the duties of Communist officials by staying connected with the online public and Communist Party communications. It comes with a hefty price tag though, at 9999 Yuan—or more than $1,500 US dollars—the Red Pad costs more than twice a comparable iPad.

The high cost drew concern from netizens. Many already believe Communist officials misuse public funds through procurement programs or expensive and unnecessary goods and services.

Responding to an article on the Red Pad, this netizen writes satirically, "Just buy what’s expensive, not what’s required. Our country is indeed very rich."

Beijing-based author Mr. Li also questions whether this gadget is really what officials need for their jobs.

[Mr. Li, Beijing Author]:
"First, to tailor make a device for Party leaders…I think this is something that would only happen in China. Also, there are hundreds of millions of people on microblogs. If officials really cared about the public, they can easily find out about what the public is thinking online. Do they really need such a special administrative gadget?"

With all the unwanted attention it’s generated, the Red Pad and its maker Red Technology may be facing a backlash from its potential clients—senior Communist officials, who are eager to keep dissent in check.

There are currently a slew of online articles criticizing the Red Pad. State-run People’s Daily and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology have both denied claims it’s connected with the device, and the product’s official website has become inaccessible.