Beijing amplifies patriotic messaging in propaganda war with US over tariffs

Beijing is stoking nationalist sentiment via a sophisticated propaganda campaign, framing the economic confrontation as a prolonged ideological battle with the U.S. Chinese leaders have taken to

Fighting tariffs with nationalism

China’s state-run media has begun framing the U.S. President Donald Trump’s declared trade war as a test of national resolve. A front-page commentary in the state-run People’s Daily declared that “blanket tariffs by the U.S. will deal us a blow,” China will “turn challenges into opportunities” by trusting in the Party.

Referencing the Korean War, the paper cast the economic standoff as a continuation of a decades-long struggle with the U.S. “The Chinese people neither accept defeat nor fear pressure,” it stated.

China’s economy is already strained by a property market downturn, high public debt and weak consumer confidence. Escalating tariffs have further compounded the pressure. Exports made up about one-third of China’s 5% GDP growth last year, yet China’s share of exports to the U.S. fell to 15% in 2024, down from 19% in 2018.

Global propaganda offensive

Beijing’s messaging war has expanded across platforms — including X, TikTok and Facebook — all of which are banned in China but actively used by Chinese diplomats and propagandists abroad. In recent weeks, China has released AI-generated memes and videos mocking American society, portraying Americans as overweight and U.S. cities as crumbling in contrast to China’s gleaming urban centers.

Chinese state media and influencers have also targeted U.S. officials personally. U.S. Vice President JD Vance was ridiculed in TikTok parodies for his remarks that the U.S. borrows money from “Chinese peasants” to buy goods made by them. Chinese officials responded with memes calling Vance a “hillbilly.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has also been targeted, with a Chinese diplomat pointing out her outfits allegedly purchased from Chinese e-commerce sites.

Beijing’s latest propaganda push has evolved beyond its previous “wolf warrior” diplomacy. Analysts say China’s messaging is now more calculated and tailored. State outlets have even resurfaced clips of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan criticizing trade protectionism. “If our trading partners can’t sell their products here, they can’t afford to buy our exports,” Reagan said — a quote repurposed to suggest that Trump’s policies hurt Americans.

Battle for global public opinion

China’s propaganda campaign aims to present itself as a stable global economic partner in contrast to the U.S., which it portrays as unpredictable. During a recent tour of Southeast Asia, Xi Jinping emphasized China’s commitment to multilateralism.

“With China here, the sky won’t fall,” one viral video narrated in English declared, juxtaposing American protest footage with stock market crashes.

This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we’re building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now!

Share this Article