In a surprising turn of events during the ongoing trade war between the US and China, the Chinese embassy in Washington, DC, has taken to social media with a series of memes that poke fun at President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Unlike traditional diplomatic practices where embassies typically refrain from making light of the host government, this approach signals a bold shift in China’s strategy.
The memes, which are prominently featured on the embassy’s official Facebook page, not only criticize the steep tariffs imposed on Chinese goods but also portray the US as a declining power beset by outdated infrastructure.
One of the memes plays with the idea of consumer choice, featuring a woman in Trump Tower who finds numerous items bearing ‘Made in China’ labels tucked away. The accompanying text in Mandarin asserts, “You won’t believe how many hidden ‘Made in China’ labels are tucked inside Trump Tower. Take a closer look.”
Another post utilizes a cartoon drawn by internationally syndicated artist Patrick Chappatte to illustrate the potential consequences of increased tariffs, suggesting that the price of an iPhone manufactured in the US could surge beyond US$2,000.
A striking caricature portrays Uncle Sam collapsed on the floor, exhausted and overwhelmed by the very tariffs his government enacted.
In a more symbolic representation, a video shows two rams, one labeled “USA,” locking horns, with the caption stating that while the Chinese people do not provoke trouble, they will not back down when confronted with it.
Public infrastructure in the US takes center stage in further posts, one of which features rats scurrying in a dilapidated subway station against a backdrop of China’s gleaming metro systems.
In another post, the embassy celebrates advancements in China’s 6G technology, showcasing milestones that include launching a 6G test satellite in 2020, contrasting this with America’s focus on containing China and a perception of falling behind in technological competition.
To bolster its argument, the Chinese embassy has also shared archival clips that reveal the perspectives of past American presidents. These clips critique Trump’s focus on trade deficits and advocate for a more nuanced approach to international trade.
For instance, one post features Ronald Reagan, the iconic Republican president, discussing the emotional weight of the balance of trade. He points out how a trade deficit does not necessarily equate to job losses, stating, “In 1980, we had a trade surplus, and about 99 million Americans had jobs. Today we have a trade deficit, and almost 107 million Americans are working.”
While Reagan’s insights have resonance, the embassy omitted his assurance to combat unfair trading practices.
Another piece comes from John F. Kennedy, who emphasizes the limitations of US influence, uttering, “We must face the fact that the United States is neither omnipotent nor omniscient…there cannot be an American solution to every world problem.” This reflection comes from a time of great geopolitical tension during the Cold War, aiming to diffuse tensions rather than exacerbate them.
The accompanying caption states, “A little humility is in order— even from the world’s superpower,” resonating with many who view US unilateralism skeptically.
When approached for comment regarding the intent behind this meme campaign, Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the embassy, refrained from elaborating.
Instead, he reiterated China’s position on tariffs, asserting that the hikes were initiated by the US and that it is up to the US to resolve the situation through dialogue, which requires abandoning a maximum pressure approach.
The lack of a response from the US State Department underscores the complex dynamics at play in this exchange.
American reactions to the memes have been largely negative, with experts suggesting the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aims to exploit divisions within the US.
Randall Schriver, vice-chairman of the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, remarked, “The CCP seeks to exploit internal divisions in the US,” indicating strategic calculations behind these social media operations.
Analysts frequently refer to the CCP in this context to differentiate the ruling party from the people of China, highlighting the complexities in understanding the nation’s intentions.
Schriver argued that the Chinese embassy’s meme strategy bears similarities to the CCP’s information operations in Taiwan, emphasizing its cognitive warfare tactics aimed at manipulating perceptions in foreign populations.
Given recent political dynamics underscored by events like the January 6 Capitol riots, Chinese narratives increasingly focus on the perceived fragility of US democracy and the notable divisions among the American populace.
Professor Dennis Wilder, an expert on US-China relations, described the embassy’s meme approach as, “unusually undiplomatic and tactless,” suggesting it reflects a deep frustration within Chinese diplomatic circles.
Wilder suggested that while this may resonate with Democratic followers, it is unlikely to exert pressure on Trump’s administration.
The use of lighthearted imagery has been a growing trend in China’s communications strategy, particularly in response to perceived threats and criticism.
Zichen Wang, who studies Chinese communication efforts, pointed out that this tactic is designed to showcase resilience against American pressure.
“It’s apparent that they believe these cartoons and pictures showcase the strong resolve and firm stance of China against encirclement and bullying from the US,” Wang commented.
International observers are left to judge the effectiveness of such memes as the intended message from Beijing appears clear: China will not retreat nor plead for concessions.
Despite the colorful nature of the embassy’s content, Wang noted that it primarily targets foreign audiences and avoids direct confrontation with the American leadership, which he considers both prudent and wise.
Reflecting on the complexities of international communication, Wang invoked Michelle Obama’s words from the 2016 campaign: “When they go low, we go high,” suggesting that a more elevated approach could yield better results for diplomacy.
With the continued evolution of the US-China relationship marked by conflict, competition, and now memes, this unconventional discourse raises questions about the future of international diplomacy.
As both nations navigate this turbulent landscape, it remains to be seen whether humor through memes can indeed impact perceptions and outcomes in the complex arena of global trade and relations.
image source from：https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/not-so-diplomatic-chinese-embassy-in-washington-takes-potshots-at-trumps-tariffs-and-america
