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Weibo Watch: “Comrade Trump Returns to the Palace”
From stocks to memes, Chinese netizens turn Trump’s win into a blend of playful speculation and some serious debate.
PREMIUM NEWSLETTER | ISSUE #39
This week’s newsletter:
◼︎ 1. Editor’s Note – “Comrade Trump Returns to the Palace”
◼︎ 2. What’s New – A closer look at featured stories
◼︎ 3. WeiboWatch List – Online discussions to watch
◼︎ 4. What’s Noteworthy – Hu Xijin is back
◼︎ 6. What’s Popular – New series features story of Xi’s father
◼︎ 7. What’s Memorable – Trump’s 2016 win
◼︎ 8. Weibo Word of the Week – Digital Ibuprofen
Dear Reader,
“Good morning, everyone. A new day with global impact has begun,” Weibo blogger “MLRS270” wrote early Wednesday morning, China time. Weibo, like the rest of the world, has been closely watching how American voters would shape the outcome of the 2024 US presidential election. With half a million followers, MLRS270 claimed that Harris’s victory was already “set in stone.”
Twelve hours later, however, the online discussions looked very different. Trump’s win dominated Weibo trending topics and the hashtag “Trump Officially Declares Victory” (#特朗普正式宣布获胜#) received over 870 million views.
“The upcoming four years are going to be entertaining,” a popular comment said. Posts, videos, and memes on Trump’s win immediately began to surface, not just on Weibo but also on other Chinese social media platforms like WeChat and Xiaohongshu.
The ‘entertainment’ surrounding the American elections had already started earlier. Most noteworthy was the sudden surge in stock value for a Chinese company called Sichuan Wisdom Co. Ltd. (川大智胜). This spike occurred simply because the company’s name sounds like “Trump winning.”
The Chinese name, Chuān Dà Zhì Shèng (川大智胜), belongs to a software company unrelated to Trump. But its name’s first character, Chuān—which in this context refers to Sichuan—is also used in the Chinese transliteration of Trump’s name, leading some to interpret it as “Trump Grand Wisdom Victory.”
For fun, Chinese investors began buying shares. “To support you, I’ve bought some stocks,” one Weibo user from Sichuan wrote, posting an orange heart emoji. The stocks continued to rise when Trump’s actual win became known (#川大智胜午后涨停#).
Chuān Dà Zhì Shèng (川大智胜) stocks going up.
Meanwhile, another company named Haers (哈尔斯 Hāěrsī), which sounds like Harris in Chinese, saw a sudden drop in its stock. That Zhejiang company, which produces vacuum-insulated containers, also got caught up in the elections (#哈尔斯股价大跌#).
Some Chinese economic news channels noted that “external developments” were clearly playing a role in these market fluctuations, and warned people that this kind of short-term, non-logical speculative trading was not recommended. They suggested it would be better to “enjoy the show from the sidelines” (“看个热闹”).
Nevertheless, the momentary fluctuation in ‘Trump’ versus ‘Harris’ stocks did show a general preference for Trump among the Chinese online public.
While the idea of Trump being a more ‘entertaining’ American president than Harris often comes up in Chinese online discussions on the election outcome, there are also more serious discussions about whether Trump’s presidency would be good or bad for China.
Despite what happened in the past, many netizens suggest that Trump, with his pragmatic and business-oriented mindset, will be “more favorable” for China and “better for global stability.” Despite the downsides of protectionist trade policies and high tariffs on China, it is believed that the potential benefits would outweigh them through, for example, improved diplomatic relations and cooperation in tech. Trump’s view of China as an open economic competitor would allow China to respond directly and strategically.
Harris, on the other hand, is viewed less favorably by Chinese social media commenters who believe that China would be seen as a political adversary under her presidency, employing underhanded tactics to contain and undermine China. In their view, she represents the American political elite, which they perceive as engaging in covert power plays worldwide for political gain. Trump’s explicit focus on economic competition is something many find more relatable.
Her perceived “elitism” is also linked to her calls for the need to “stay woke,” a message that hasn’t resonated with many Chinese netizens, who often associate “wokism” with political elites and Western hypocrisy. In contrast, many prefer to support the more practical and relatable “grassroots.”
However, many also believe that for China, it does not matter who won in the end. “In reality, whoever takes office brings new challenges,” a well-known military and current affairs blogger (@后沙月光本尊) wrote. This sentiment was echoed by many others. When Iraqi Weibo blogger Omar (@欧玛omar) suggested that Trump’s return to power would be unfavorable for China due to his “wild schemes against China” and his “crude remarks,” dozens of commenters replied: “It would’ve been the same either way.” “The Democrats are no different.” “China is not afraid.”
A general consensus seems to be that, if it makes no difference to them who’s in the White House, it might as well be someone they find amusing and interesting. In this regard, Trump is the preferred winner for many netizens, who congratulate “the King of Understanding” for his “reemployment.”
Chinese meme: “Trump returns to the palace.”
Trump earned the title “King of Understanding” (dǒngwáng 懂王, also ‘King of Knowing’) on Chinese social media for his often-quoted claims of understanding complex issues better than anyone else (“people are really surprised I understand this stuff”). (Harris, by the way, was nicknamed ‘Sister Haha’ (哈哈姐) or the “King of Laughter” (笑王) for her frequent, distinctive laughter during public appearances.)
Another famous nickname for Trump is “Comrade Jianguo” (建国同志), meaning “Comrade Build-the-Country.” This nickname humorously suggests that Trump’s leadership, which is meant to “make America great again,” inadvertently accelerates China’s rise. Over the years, these playful nicknames have blended mockery with affection, reflecting the humorous perspective many Chinese social media users have toward Trump’s antics.
While Western platforms like Reddit are filled with shock and dread today, Weibo is mostly buzzing with lighthearted banter and optimism. “Looking ahead, keep an eye on sectors like artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, fintech, and Musk-related stocks,” one commenter wrote. “Trump loves Elon. We might even see peace between Russia and Ukraine, or Kim Jong-un watching an NBA game with Trump. And of course, we’d welcome Comrade Jianguo to visit Hainan for some tourism—after all, he loves doing business, and we have free trade.”
When blogger Wu Pei (@吴佩) asked netizens what Trump’s win would realistically mean for them, responses ranged from “crashing stock markets” and “setbacks for EV companies” to “heightened trade frictions.” The only thing people seem to agree on is that it would be best to sit back and watch the spectacle as “Comrade Trump returns to the palace.”
This edition of Weibo Watch was co-curated by Miranda Barnes. Wendy Huang contributed an insightful article on the recent controversies surrounding Chinese livestream stars, and Ruixin Zhang provides a must-read piece on the ongoing crackdown on online smut.
Best,
Manya Koetse
(@manyapan)
What’s New
Forbidden Stories | A recent crackdown on Chinese authors writing erotic webnovels has sparked increased online conversations about the Haitang Literature ‘Flower Market’ subculture, the challenges faced by prominent online smut writers, and the evolving regulations surrounding digital erotica in China. But how serious is the ‘crime’ of writing explicit fiction China today?
Viral Bao’an | This is the video that made a Xiaoxitian (Shanxi) security guard go viral in China. In the popular video, he tells a Douyin vlogger about his raise from 1,700 yuan/month (US$240) to 2,200 yuan ($310), thanks to a tourism boom driven by the popular game Black Myth: Wukong. Shortly after gaining online fame, he shared in another video that he’d been dismissed, looking tired and saying, “They [the superiors] told me not to work anymore. I didn’t say anything wrong, but they don’t want me to continue.” This sparked a wave of outrage online. More about that here 👇.
Livestream Scandals | As livestreaming continues to gain popularity in China, so do the controversies surrounding the industry. Negative headlines involving high-profile livestreamers, as well as aspiring influencers hoping to make it big, frequently dominate Weibo’s trending topics. ‘Wanghong’ used to be a mark of online fame, but now, it’s increasingly tied to controversy and scandal. Read this deep dive ➡️
WeiboWatch List
🚫 Forbidden Fashion
A group of foreign fashion designers linked to the brand Fecal Matter were denied entry to Beijing’s Forbidden City on October 15. The group, consisting of American designer Rick Owens, his wife Michèle Lamy, and Fecal Matter members Hannah Rose Dalton and Steven Raj Bhaskaran, made headlines internationally after posting photos on social media of themselves posing outside the Forbidden City. According to their post, security had informed them that they could enter if they removed their makeup and changed into “normal” clothing, a request they declined. While the designers framed the incident as motivation to continue fighting for “greater acceptance and tolerance for difference around the world,” Chinese media and social media users viewed it as a sign of disrespect (#外国游客因着装问题被劝离故宫#).
The Forbidden City issued a statement on the 18th, clarifying that it has no specific dress code for visitors, “as long as it’s not too exaggerated.” A top comment on a Weibo thread about the incident, which received over 100,000 likes, read: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do (客随主便, kè suí zhǔ biàn). If you insist on your freedom to dress as you please, then don’t come to my house!”
👻 Halloween Crackdown
The Forbidden City incident wasn’t the only costume-related controversy in China this month. In Shanghai, local police patrolled popular areas to monitor Halloween celebrations. Although there was no nationwide or citywide ban, some videos showed costumed individuals being escorted away by police or forced to remove their outfits. There was a significant police presence on Julu Road and in Zhongshan Park, with the latter even temporarily closed to prevent large gatherings.
Last year, Halloween celebrations in Shanghai caused a frenzy on the Internet. Instead of traditional Halloween themes, young people on Julu Road and beyond brought pop culture memes and social commentary to life through creative costumes. Many outfits were playful, some queer, and others served as social critiques, with costumes depicting surveillance cameras and COVID-19 medical workers. Some even described the event as “China’s very own pride walk.” However, it’s now clear that local authorities are keen to prevent Shanghai’s Halloween festivities from evolving into a larger cultural celebration or protest.
📉 Math Competition Outcome
You might remember the story that went viral earlier this year about Jiang Ping (姜萍), the seventeen-year-old vocational school student who reached the top 12 on the finalist list of the Alibaba Global Mathematics Competition, competing against students from elite universities worldwide. Her success story—coming from a humble rural family and excelling in math as a fashion student under the guidance of her teacher Wang Runqiu (王润秋)—initially resonated but was soon questioned. Critics doubted the authenticity of Jiang Ping’s initial score, not only because she wasn’t a math major but also because her score allegedly surpassed her own teacher’s.
Now, the results of the 2024 Alibaba Mathematics Competition, originally set for August, are finally out. Neither Jiang Ping nor her teacher appears on the list. The competition committee released a statement confirming that Wang Runqiu had assisted Jiang Ping in the preliminaries, violating the “no collaboration with others” rule. It’s a disappointing outcome—not only because the competition allowed room for cheating, which Wang and Jiang exploited, but also because Jiang had become an inspirational role model for many math-loving girls from non-elite backgrounds. Now, she has fallen from that pedestal.
🔪 Xiaomi SU7 Stabbing Incident
A 23-year-old man from Nantong named Kang, who had just purchased the Tesla competitor Xiaomi SU7, recently became a trending topic on Chinese social media after fatally stabbing a biker enthusiast. Kang, who was part of a motorcycling chat group, shared his new 300,000-yuan ($42,200) Xiaomi SU7 EV in the group, only to be mocked by some members. When the Xiaomi EV owner and bikers later met in person outside a coffee shop popular with bikers, the encounter escalated. Kang pulled out a knife, fatally stabbing one of the group members, then fled in his brand-new car, crashing through a storefront and ramming into motorcycles. A video of the incident went viral online. Kang was arrested shortly afterward.
The incident sparked conversations about how the 23-year-old, a recent university graduate, reached this breaking point. A popular blogger, @黑哥爆料, suggested that Kang’s parents had supported him in buying the costly car, hoping he would work hard and settle down. Lacking the social recognition he had hoped for, the situation with the bikers pushed him to his limits. While Kang bears responsibility for his actions, the blogger suggests that the group could have de-escalated the tension by acknowledging him instead of bullying him. In the end, this incident has devastated multiple lives, including the victim’s, Kang’s, and also Kang’s parents, who now bear the financial and emotional toll of their son’s actions.
🍰 Swiss Roll Conversations
“How to divide 8 Swiss rolls?” (8个瑞士卷怎么分?) This question recently became a trending topic on Weibo after a stay-at-home mom shared a video about her experience buying a box of Swiss rolls with eight pieces. Her daughter ate two, her son ate two, and her husband ate two. She assumed the last two pieces were hers, but her husband scolded her, saying she should set a good example by not snacking, and that it was selfish not to save the last pieces for the kids.
The video sparked widespread debate, quickly becoming a symbol for broader issues like gender relations, the division of household labor, and the role of stay-at-home moms. Some feminists expressed outrage over the incident, while others suspected the video was staged to create controversy and attract views. The incident has now drawn so much attention that cyberspace authorities have intervened to investigate whether the Swiss Roll story is genuine. Bon appétit? Let’s see how this unfolds.
What’s Noteworthy
For nearly 100 days, since July 27, the well-known social and political commentator Hu Xijin (胡锡进) remained silent on Chinese social media. This was highly unusual for the columnist and former Global Times editor, who typically posts multiple Weibo updates daily, along with regular updates on his X account and video commentaries.
Various foreign media outlets speculated that his silence might be related to his comments about the Third Plenum and Chinese economics, especially regarding China’s shift to treating public and private enterprises equally. Without any official statement, Chinese netizens were left guessing about his whereabouts. Most assumed he had, in some way, taken a ‘wrong’ stance in his commentary on the economy and stock market, or perhaps on politically sensitive topics like the Suzhou stabbing of a Japanese student, which led to his being sidelined for a while.
On October 31, Hu suddenly reappeared on Weibo with a post praising the newly opened Chaobai River Bridge, which connects Beijing to Dachang in Hebei—where Hu owns a home—significantly reducing travel time and making the more affordable Dachang area attractive to people from Beijing. The post received over 9,000 comments and 25,000 likes, with many welcoming back the old journalist. “You’re back!” and “Old Hu, I didn’t see you on Weibo for so long. Although I regularly curse your posts, I missed you,” were among the replies.
Not everyone, however, is thrilled to see his return. Blogger Bad Potato (@一个坏土豆) criticized Hu, claiming that with his frequent posts and shifting views, he likes to jump on trends and gauge public opinion—but is actually not very skilled at it, which allegedly contributes to a toxic online environment. Other bloggers also take issue with Hu’s tendency to contrast himself, or disagree with the stances he makes in new posts.
When Hu wrote about Trump’s win, the top comment read: “Old Trump is back, just like you!”
Hu seems delighted to be back. He hasn’t mentioned his absence but shared a photo from 1978, when he joined the military, reflecting on his journey of growth, learning, and commitment to the country. He has a way of admiring himself—and, occasionally, we don’t mind admiring him too. Welcome back, Hu.
What’s Popular
The TV series Years in the Northwest (西北岁月), premiering on CCTV 1 this week, tells the story of Xi Jinping’s father, longtime PLA leader Xi Zhongxun (习仲勋, 1913-2002). This is the first historical drama to focus on Xi Zhongxun, highlighting his “extraordinary experiences and achievements” during the 25 years he spent in the Shaanxi-Gansu border region from 1927 to 1952.
Xi Zhongxun joined the Communist Party in 1928 and went on to become a prominent revolutionary and political leader. In the northwest’s Shaanxi-Gansu border region, he played a critical role in establishing revolutionary bases. Working alongside notable figures like Peng Dehuai (彭德怀), his efforts were instrumental in consolidating Party influence in the region.
On social media, some viewers of the first episode have shared emotional responses, while others praise popular actor Wu Lei (吴磊, 1999) for his portrayal of the young Xi Zhongxun.
One interesting aspect of the series’ announcement on Weibo is the unusually high number of shares—over 620,500—compared to the relatively low number of comments, suggesting that online discussions surrounding the series are controlled and contained.
What’s Memorable
On the morning of November 9, 2016 (Beijing time), the world received news of Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election. In our coverage of Trump’s win at the time, we provided insight into Chinese reactions to America’s unconventional new president. From official Chinese media to Weibo netizens, responses to Trump’s triumph were favorable, critical, humorous, but above all, mixed.
Weibo Word of the Week
Digital Iboprofen | Our Weibo word of the week is 电子布洛芬 (diànzǐ bùluòfēn), which translates to “Digital Ibuprofen” or “Electronic Ibuprofen.”*
This week, the term came up when fans told Chinese actor and singer Tan Jianci (檀健次) that he is their “digital ibuprofen.” Tan, with a puzzled look, asked what that meant. A fan explained, “It means we feel better when we see you” (or, essentially, “our bodies feel no pain”). Since then, Tan Jianci has become associated with the term “digital ibuprofen.”
Although the phrase resurfaced this week, it has been around for some time, gaining popularity in 2022-2023 among fans of entertainment shows. It refers to content that provides relief from stress or discomfort, much like how ibuprofen alleviates physical pain. For instance, the Hunan TV show Go for Happiness (快乐再出发) is often called “digital ibuprofen.”
Chiikawa is the original ‘digital ibuprofen’. Image via @南岛客厅.
The term saw a surge in popularity alongside the Japanese animated series Chiikawa, which became a viral hit among young people. The anime’s portrayal of its cute character staying optimistic despite life’s stresses earned Chiikawa the nickname “digital ibuprofen,” as fans found comfort in its stories (read more in this story by Sixth Tone).
“Digital ibuprofen” applies to more than just shows—it can be any content, such as videos, memes, or idols, that provides comfort, distraction, and relief to fans.
In the same category, there’s also “digital pickled mustard” or “electronic pickled mustard” (电子榨菜, diànzǐ zhàcài), which refers to a binge-worthy or comforting show.
*The term 电子 (diànzǐ) means “electronic” and is commonly used in modern Chinese terms, much like the English “e-” prefix in ebook (电子书) or email (电子邮件). It’s also used for digital transactions, like digital payments (电子支付) or digital wallets (电子钱包).
Featured image of Tan Jianci’s head inside an ibuprofen pill, on Xiaohongshu via 燋糖栗子.
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China Food & Drinks
China Trending Week 11: The Yang Braised Chicken Scandal, Haidilao Pee Incident, Taiwan Tensions
What’s been trending on Weibo and beyond? I doomscrolled Chinese social media so you don’t have to.
🍚🤢Yang’s Braised Chicken Rice Scandal
The popular Chinese franchise Yang’s Braised Chicken Rice (杨铭宇黄焖鸡米饭) is at the center of attention this week—for all the wrong reasons. The company, which opened its first restaurant in 2011 and has since franchised more than 2500 locations across China, was exposed by Beijing News for reusing expired ingredients and reselling leftover food in at least three of its restaurants in Zhengzhou and Shangqiu (Henan). Cooks were smoking in the kitchen and even going as far as dyeing spoiled, darkened beef with food coloring to make it appear fresh.
The issue has sparked widespread concern on Chinese social media—not only because Yang’s Braised Chicken Rice is a well-known restaurant chain, but also because food safety and kitchen hygiene remain ongoing concerns in China. The timing of this news is particularly significant, as it was published in the lead-up to March 15—China’s National Consumer Rights Day, an annual event that highlights consumer protection issues.
China’s State Council Food Safety Commission Office has now ordered authorities in Henan and Shandong, where Yang’s Braised Chicken is headquartered, to thoroughly investigate the case. The affected stores will reportedly be closed permanently, but the impact extends far beyond these locations—most netizens discussing the scandal have made it clear they won’t be ordering from Yang’s Braised Chicken Rice anytime soon.
Can the company win back consumer trust? Even though general management has been apologizing and pledged to personally oversee kitchen standards, this is not the first time the company is in hot water. In 2024, a customer in Chengdu allegedly ordered Yang’s Braised Chicken Rice via takeout and discovered a fully cooked dead rat in their meal (picture here not for the faint of heart).
🇹🇼⚔️Beijing Angrily Responds to Lai Ching-te’s Speech: “Pushing Taiwan Towards the Danger of War”
While tough language on Taiwan was already trending last week during China’s Two Sessions, another wave of discussions on Taiwan has emerged this week. This follows a high-level national security meeting held on Thursday by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te (赖清德), after which he addressed the media and proposed more aggressive strategies to counter Beijing’s so-called ‘united front’ efforts within Taiwan.
On Friday, Beijing responded with stern remarks. Chen Binhua (陈斌华), spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, called Lai Ching-te a “destroyer of cross-strait peace” (“两岸和平破坏者”) and a “creator of crises in the Taiwan Strait” (“台海危机制造者”) who is “pushing Taiwan towards the dangerous situation of war” (“把台湾推向兵凶战危险境”).
Chen also reiterated Beijing’s stance that reunification with Taiwan is inevitable. This message was further amplified on Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo and Douyin through the hashtag “Inevitable Reunification with the Motherland” (#祖国必然统一#).
🔥🚽Haidilao’s “Pissgate”
Last week, on March 6, a peculiar news item went viral on Chinese social media, and I tweeted out the viral video here. The footage shows a young man standing on a table in a private dining room at a Haidilao restaurant, seemingly urinating into the hotpot. The incident was later confirmed to have taken place at the popular chain’s Bund location in Shanghai on the night of February 24.
Just when you thought the world couldn’t get any crazier… someone stands up and pisses in the Haidilao hotpot. Blasphemy! Hotpot treason!
Anyway, Haidilao reported the guy to the police, and I’m pretty sure he won’t be welcome back anytime soon. pic.twitter.com/3ytLhGdYjX
— Manya Koetse (@manyapan) March 6, 2025
Honestly, the video seemed staged (the “pee” looked more like water), but understandably, Haidilao was very pissed about the negative impact on its reputation. In case you’re not familiar: Haidilao is one of China’s most popular hotpot chains, known for its excellent service and food quality (read here).
The company immediately launched an investigation into the video’s origins and reported the two men—the one urinating and the one filming—to the police.
This week, the incident gained even more traction (even the BBC covered it) after it was revealed that Haidilao had reimbursed 4,109 customers who dined at the restaurant between February 24, when the incident occurred, and March 8, when all tableware was discarded and the entire restaurant was disinfected.
Not only did Haidilao reimburse customers, but they also compensated them tenfold.
This compensation strategy sparked all kinds of discussions on Chinese social media. While many agreed with Haidilao’s solution to prevent a marketing crisis, some customers and netizens raised ethical questions, such as:
💰If you paid for your meal with coupons and only spent a couple of cents in cash, is it fair that some customers only received 9 RMB ($1.25) in compensation?
💰If you paid for an entire group of friends, meaning you originally spent around $140 on a meal but now received $1,400 in reimbursement, should you split the compensation with your friends?
💰How should cases be handled where a third party made the reservation and ends up claiming part of the compensation?
By now, the incident has become about much more than just pissing in soup.
By Manya Koetse
(follow on X, LinkedIn, or Instagram)
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China Insight
US-Russia Rapprochement and “Saint Zelensky”: Chinese Online Reactions to Trump’s Shake-Up
From shifting sentiments on Zelensky to a renewed focus on Taiwan, recent geopolitical developments have sparked noteworthy takes from Chinese online commentators.
Three years ago, when the Russia-Ukraine war first broke out, one particular word went trending on Chinese social media: wūxīn gōngzuò (乌心工作). The term was a wordplay on the term wúxīn gōngzuò (无心工作), meaning not being in the mood to work, and it basically meant that people were too focused on Ukraine to concentrate on work.
Although that word has since faded from use online, recent geopolitical developments surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war have once again drawn considerable attention on Chinese social media, where trending word data tools show that “Trump” and “Zelensky” are among the hottest buzzwords of the moment.
Trump Zelensky, Ne Zha, Lei Jun; biggest words of interest on, among others, Weibo, on March 4, 2025.
Trump’s recent rhetoric toward Russia, his remarks about Ukraine, and his attitude toward NATO not only mark a shift from Biden and decades of US policy, but also reshuffle the geopolitical cards and raise questions about the future of the postwar international order.
Where does China stand in all this?
➜ Although China’s online environment is tightly controlled, particularly regarding political discussions, what stands out in conversations around the recent developments involving Trump, Putin, and Zelensky is a widespread sentiment that — at its core — it’s all about China.
Many believe that China’s rise on the global stage, and the resulting US-China rivalry, are key forces shaping US strategy toward Russia as well.
Woven into these discussions are US-China trade tensions, with Trump increasing tariffs by 10% on February 1, and then doubling the tariff on all Chinese imports to 20% from 10% on March 4. This immediately prompted China to retaliate with 10-15% tariffs on US agricultural products, effective March 10.
Currently, developments are unfolding so rapidly that one hashtag after another is appearing on Chinese social media. “It’s not that I don’t understand, it’s just that the world is changing so quickly,” one Weibo blogger commented, referencing a famous song by Cui Jian (“不是我不明白，是这世界变化快”).
Amid this whirlwind of events, let’s take a closer look at the current Chinese online discourse surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war, with a focus on shifting attitudes toward Zelensky and US-Russian relations.
THE OVAL OFFICE INCIDENT
“Saint Zelensky is a real man!”
One major moment in the recent developments has been the clash between Zelensky, Trump, and US Vice President JD Vance in the White House Oval Office on February 28.
Zelensky had come to the White House to discuss the US’s continued support against Russia and a potential deal involving Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, but it ended in a heated confrontation during which, among others, Zelensky questioned Vance’s notion of “diplomacy” with Putin, and Trump and Vance expressing frustration with what they perceived as Zelensky’s ingratitude for US support.
On Chinese social media, the clash between Zelensky, Trump, and Vance in the Oval Office seemingly caused a shift in public views towards Zelensky and the position of Ukraine. Some commentators who are known to usually take a pro-Russian stance were suddenly positive about Zelensky.
“Zelensky is really awesome, he had a confrontation with Putin’s two top negotiators in the Oval Office and still managed to hold his own,” historian Zhang Hongjie (@张宏杰) jokingly wrote on Weibo.
Others compared compared Trump and Vance to “two dogs barking” at Zelensky, and saw the meeting as one that was meant to humiliate Zelensky.
Nationalist blogging account “A Bad Potato” (一个坏土豆, 335k+ followers) admitted: “I’ll lay my cards on the table: I fully support Zelensky.”
He further wrote:
💬 “Let’s not make any illusions. Trump’s ultimate target is China. (..). He’s already added two rounds of 10% tariffs on China. Isn’t it obvious? Did you think he is pulling closer to Russia for some big China-Russia-America unification? Once he’s done dealing with his internal problems, he’ll inevitably come at China with full force. There are some people here who are hoping for Zelensky to kneel before the US, and I’d like to ask these people: Whose side are you on? Are you on the Russian or American side? When Zelensky’s firm towards the US, of course I’ll support him. His performance was so perfect that I’d like to call him Saint Zelensky!
(..) Some say Zelensky’s betraying his country. So what if he is? As long as he’s not selling out China, he can sell out the whole world for all I care. Just look at the stupid and bad Macron, or Starmer who’s full of sneaky tricks, they’re getting humiliated by Trump in all kinds of ways. Then look at Zelensky again and let me shout: Saint Zelensky is a real man! He’s a tough guy! Of course, I’m keeping it balanced here—I support Russia too. Both sides must make an effort.”
➜ Although there is some pragmatism in this ‘pro-Zelensky’ shift, which is Sino-centric and mostly based on which actors in the political game are considered antagonists of China, there is also another level of sympathy towards Zelensky as the underdog in this situation — facing a 2-against-1 dynamic on unfamiliar terrain, while speaking a language that is not his.
Weibo user “Uncle Bull” (@牛叔, 820k followers) wrote:
💬 “The arguing scene in the Oval Office should be a reminder for every politician that it doesn’t matter how well you speak English, when it’s a formal occasion, you should always speak your native language and have a translator with you— it helps avoid a lot of direct confrontations.”
In his analysis of the situation, well-known political commentator Chairman Rabbit (兔主席) took a far more critical stance towards Zelensky, suggesting that his confrontational attitude in the Oval Office was misplaced and driven by personal pride, and that his actions in the White House caused it to be “the most disastrous trip in history.”
Chairman Rabbit also commented:
💬 “There is an ancient Chinese saying: “A man of character can bow or stand tall as required [大丈夫能屈能伸].” When it comes to major issues like the survival of the nation, things like some dignity and righteousness and principles all are meaningless. When facing Trump, you just have to flatter and appease him. If Zelensky is unable to humble himself, then he’s probably not suited for this job. It’s just as the most pro-Ukraine Republican senator, Senator Lindsey Graham, said – he suggests that Zelensky should step down, and Ukraine should find someone else to negotiate.”
But there are many netizens who do not agree with him, like this popular comment saying: “Whatever you do, don’t kneel [to Trump] — you’re a spiritual totem (精神图腾) for so many people on Weibo.”
TRUMP’S ‘PIVOT’ TO RUSSIA
“The US-Russia honeymoon has begun”
When US and Russian delegates sat down in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 18 to discuss improving Russia-US relations and ending the war in Ukraine—without Europe or Ukraine at the table—Chinese netizens pointed out that there were no plates on the table, joking that “Europe and Ukraine are what’s on the menu.”
They referred to a comment previously made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken when replying to a question about US-China tensions leading to greater fragmentation: “If you’re not at the table in the international system, you’re going to be on the menu.”
The official Chinese response to the developments, as stated by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun (郭嘉昆), is that China is glad to see any efforts that contribute to peace, including any consensus reached between the US and Russia through negotiations (#中方回应俄美代表团举行会晤#).
Among social media users, there was banter about the sudden US-Russia rapprochement, after news came out that the two countries intend to cooperate on various matters concerning their shared geopolitical interests (#俄美决定未来将在多领域合作#).
“The US-Russian honeymoon has begun [美俄蜜月开始]!” some commenters concluded.
“It won’t last more than four years,” others predicted.
Some suggested it might be an opportunity for China and Europe to draw closer: “China and Europe will also cooperate on various matters.”
Regarding Putin agreeing to assist in US-Iran talks (#美媒爆普京同意协助美促成与伊朗核谈判#), reactions were cautiously optimistic: “It’s hard to find an American president seeking peace as much as Trump is,” one Weibo user wrote. Another added: “He might be pursuing ‘America First,’ but his efforts for peace deserve some acknowledgement. I hope it’s true.”
➜ Outside of China, analysts and commentators have argued that a US-Russia rapprochement could be bad for China, suggesting it might undermine the close strategic partnership between China and Russia. However, this sentiment seems less pronounced on Chinese social media, where many argue US-Russian relations are bound to be fickle, while others echo the official stance.
The official response to such concerns, as stated by Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian (林剑), is that the China-Russia bilateral relationship “will not be affected by any third party”:
💬 “Both China and Russia have long-term development strategies and foreign policies. No matter how the international landscape changes, our relationship will move forward at its own pace. The US attempt to sow discord between China and Russia is doomed to fail.”
Another perspective comes from Chinese political scientist and commentator Zheng Yongnian (郑永年), in a recent interview with Xiakedao (@侠客岛), a popular commentary account from People’s Daily Overseas Edition.
Zheng noted that the US-Russia shift is not surprising—considering, among other things, Trump’s previous comments about his good relationship with Putin—but that it places Ukraine and Europe in an unfavorable position.
➜ Like other commentators, Zheng suggests that Trump’s strategy to improve ties with Russia is also linked to gaining leverage over China. However, he does not necessarily view it as a direct revival of Kissinger’s famous Cold War-era strategy, which aimed to align with China to counter the Soviet Union. In this case, it would be reversed: allying with Russia to counter China (“联俄抗中”). In Trump’s view, Zheng argues, Europe doesn’t matter, and Ukraine is insignificant. Russia is the key to maximizing US interests.
➜ Like others—and in contrast to some foreign analyses—Zheng does not see the U.S.-Russia rapprochement as necessarily harmful to China. Instead, he suggests that right-wing, pragmatic partners may ultimately be more beneficial to China than left-wing ideological ones, stating:
💬 “When it comes to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the previous Biden administration continuously tried to frame China, attempting to shift the blame onto China. So now, after the US and Russian leaders spoke, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by saying they are ‘pleased to see all efforts working for peace, including Russia and the US coming to a common understanding that will lead to peace.’ China won’t meddle in another country’s internal affairs. No matter who’s in power, we will engage with them. China can indeed take a relatively neutral stance.
In the past, we said, ‘It’s easier to deal with the right-wing in the West.’ Why? Because the political right is less hypocritical; they value interests, and interests can be exchanged. Some Western left-wing factions, however, cling to ideological patterns, labeling and defining you, making exchange and interaction impossible.”
SHARPENED FOCUS ON TAIWAN
“Ever since Trump came to power and betrayed Ukraine, the rhetoric towards Taiwan has become increasingly tough”
Although there may be mixed views and different analyses, one thing is certain: Trump’s strategies are shaking things up from how they used to be.
➜ One thing that doesn’t change in rapidly changing times, is an overall anti-American sentiment on Chinese social media.
Even though some commenters appreciate Trump’s pragmatism or are entertained by the spectacle of US politics from the sidelines, there remains a strong belief that US strategies are ultimately aimed against China. This reinforces anti-American sentiments and fuels discussions about a potential US-China conflict.
This is especially tangible at a time when the US government has once again raised tariffs on Chinese imports.
“If war is what the U.S. wants—be it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war—we’re ready to fight till the end,” China’s embassy in Washington posted on X, reiterating a government statement from Tuesday.
During the Two Sessions on March 7, Foreign Minister Wang Yi (王毅) also commented on US-China relations, stating:
💬 “No country should harbor the illusion that it can suppress and contain China on one hand while seeking to develop a good relationships with China on the other. Such two-faced behavior [两面人] is not only detrimental to the stability of bilateral relations and cannot build mutual trust.”
➜ Against this backdrop, the Taiwan issue has once again come into sharp focus.
This is partly driven by the two Two Sessions (March 5-11), China’s annual gathering of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). This is not just a major political event but also a key moment for propaganda and political messaging.
But it is mostly linked to the broader, rapidly changing geopolitical sphere and Trump’s shifting stance on Russia and Ukraine. The narrative of US power politics failing to change the course of a China-Taiwan “reunification” is surfacing again precisely because of Trump’s reshuffling of alliances.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Chinese social media users have frequently drawn comparisons between Taiwan and Ukraine. The phrase “Today’s Ukraine, tomorrow’s Taiwan?” gained traction at the time, as online commenters saw Ukraine’s rapid invasion as a cautionary tale for Taiwan, highlighting how quickly the situation could change. A viral meme from that period depicted a pig labeled “Taiwan” watching another pig, “Ukraine,” being slaughtered.
A meme circulating on social media in 2022 showing a pig “Taiwan” watching the slaughtering of another pig “Ukraine.”
This week, Chinese state media launched a large-scale social media propaganda campaign using strong language and clear visuals to reinforce the narrative that Taiwan is not a country, that it is part of China, and that reunification is inevitable.
Such rhetoric has appeared before, with similar peaks in Taiwan propaganda dating back to at least 2022. The topic of Taiwan has often been amplified during key political events, such as the 20th Party Congress and Xi Jinping’s speech in October 2022.
“Have you noticed?，” Weibo author Yangeisaibei (@雁归塞北) wrote: “Ever since Trump came to power and sold out Ukraine, the rhetoric towards Taiwan has become increasingly tough, the tones become more stern, and the words more straightforward.”
According to prominent Weibo blogger @前HR本人, who has over two million followers, the Taiwan issue is now more important than before.
💬 “When it comes to foreign struggles, resolving the Taiwan issue is China’s top priority. Judging from the Chinese Embassy in Washington declaring “We are not afraid of any kind of war with the US”, it seems we are already preparing to reunify Taiwan at any moment.”
Another Weibo blogger (@王江雨Law, 419k fans) wrote:
💬 “Now that all kinds of big and smaller developments are changing the [political] climate, especially if America’s strong territorial expansion claims turn into concrete actions, this could trigger synchronous reactions, greatly increasing the possibility of resolving the Taiwan issue within a few years. We need to rethink the previous view that the mainland is not in a hurry on this matter.”
What emerges from these discussions is that Chinese online discourse on the Russia-Ukraine war and US foreign policy is primarily centered around two key ideas:
🔸 The belief that China is ultimately at the core of US geopolitical strategies in its dealings with Russia.
🔸 A pragmatic, Sino-centric view in which support or opposition to leaders like Trump, Putin, or Zelensky shifts depending on what serves China’s interests best.
Rather than seeing the conflict in black-and-white terms, many Chinese netizens approach it as a dynamic political chess game, one in which China should play a smart and confident strategy.
Politics-focused blogger Mingshuzhatan (@明叔杂谈, 137k followers) wrote:
💬 “In the process of this game against US, we must respect them in tactics, and contempt them in strategy [战术上重视、战略上藐视] – stay patient and confident. Trump is currently going against the tide, he’s being destructive. But actually, this recklessness is damaging US credibility and its global influence, it will accelerate the decline of American hegemony. A silent majority of countries in the international community harbor growing resentment and disappointment toward the US, and when these sentiments reach a tipping point, America will truly experience the pain of “un unjust cause draws little support” [失道寡助]. China, on the other hand, although also facing some challenges, focuses on science and technological and industrial innovation. That’s the right path for China’s long-term stability, prosperity, and security. In the China-US competition, it is becoming increasingly evident that time is on China’s side.”
This perspective reflects a dominant theme across Chinese online discussions: No matter how intense the geopolitical shifts may be, or how much the US reshuffles its global strategy, China remains on its course and is playing the long game.🔚
By Manya Koetse
(follow on X, LinkedIn, or Instagram)
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