Chinese authorities are actively guiding public discourse on social media regarding the recent imposition of U.S. tariffs, aiming to foster a narrative that enhances national strength while censoring specific details.
China Censors Online Discussions of U.S. Tariffs Amid Rising Trade Tensions
China Censors Online Discussions of U.S. Tariffs Amid Rising Trade Tensions
The Chinese government controls narrative around U.S. trade actions, emphasizing resilience against tariffs.
China has ramped up censorship regarding discussions on social media platforms about the new tariffs on Chinese goods following a major announcement from the Trump administration. As of April 9, 2025, users on Weibo, a popular social media site in China, noticed that hashtags referencing the specific tariff rate of 104% faced censorship and returned error messages when users attempted to view them.
In contrast, trending topics which criticize the United States or celebrate China's resilience were actively promoted by state media. For instance, CCTV, the country's state broadcaster, initiated the hashtags like “America is fighting a trade war while begging for eggs” and “China does not provoke trouble but is never afraid of it,” signaling a clear agenda in controlling what narratives are showcased to the public.
State outlets have been unabashedly assertive in their portrayal of the situation, publishing opinion pieces in the People’s Daily that reflect confidence in China's economic resilience amid escalating trade tensions. Articles stress that China has over the years adapted its economy to handle external pressures, suggesting that such challenges are a catalyst for progress. "In Chinese people’s genes, we never fear any risks," one article proclaimed.
Moreover, sections of the media have shifted focus from tariffs to initiatives aimed at bolstering employment, particularly for university graduates, indicating a broader strategy to maintain public morale in the face of economic challenges from the West.
Prominent social media figures and influencers echoed this sentiment of strength, interpreting the trade conflict as evidence of the United States' decline while calling on China to assert its economic might more robustly.
This narrative shift underscores China's approach to handling its public image, especially in the context of international trade dynamics, as it endeavors to strengthen support domestically while under external pressure.
In contrast, trending topics which criticize the United States or celebrate China's resilience were actively promoted by state media. For instance, CCTV, the country's state broadcaster, initiated the hashtags like “America is fighting a trade war while begging for eggs” and “China does not provoke trouble but is never afraid of it,” signaling a clear agenda in controlling what narratives are showcased to the public.
State outlets have been unabashedly assertive in their portrayal of the situation, publishing opinion pieces in the People’s Daily that reflect confidence in China's economic resilience amid escalating trade tensions. Articles stress that China has over the years adapted its economy to handle external pressures, suggesting that such challenges are a catalyst for progress. "In Chinese people’s genes, we never fear any risks," one article proclaimed.
Moreover, sections of the media have shifted focus from tariffs to initiatives aimed at bolstering employment, particularly for university graduates, indicating a broader strategy to maintain public morale in the face of economic challenges from the West.
Prominent social media figures and influencers echoed this sentiment of strength, interpreting the trade conflict as evidence of the United States' decline while calling on China to assert its economic might more robustly.
This narrative shift underscores China's approach to handling its public image, especially in the context of international trade dynamics, as it endeavors to strengthen support domestically while under external pressure.
