Anti-American Sentiment Spreads in China Amid Tariff War
Self-Employed Join the Movement as Authorities Stoke Patriotism and Public Opinion
The tariff war has escalated tensions between the United States and China. Amid this, anti-American sentiment and patriotism are reportedly spreading in China.
On the 11th, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that many Chinese self-employed individuals have been posting notices containing discriminatory messages toward American customers as a form of response.
A barbecue restaurant in Wuhan displayed a notice stating, "From today, our store will charge American customers a 104% service fee," adding, "If you don't understand, please inquire at the U.S. Embassy."
The figure 104% corresponds to the tariff rate the U.S. announced it would impose on Chinese imports. After U.S. President Donald Trump declared high tariffs on China, Chinese people began a kind of retaliatory action at the private level.
On social networking services (SNS), photos of restaurants, bars, billiard halls, and jewelry shops posting similar notices are being shared.
Some self-employed individuals voluntarily declared that they would not sell American imports or export to the U.S. A shoe manufacturer posted a video on Douyin (China's TikTok) stating that they would no longer do business with American partners.
"A notice at a Chinese restaurant stating, 'From today, our store will charge American customers 104% more in service fees' [Image source=Captured from X (formerly Twitter)]"
He said, "Patriotism is more important than making money in business," adding, "Even if I suffer losses, I have decided not to export goods (to the U.S.)."
Another smartphone seller revealed that they removed Apple's iPhones from their display shelves.
Among Chinese netizens, comments such as "patriotic" and "cool" were made. On the other hand, some pointed out, "Instead, we should offer discounts to attract Americans to visit, buy more Chinese products, and spend money." There were also criticisms that this was merely opportunistic behavior for business promotion.
Meanwhile, on Chinese SNS, a song titled "Opposition to U.S. Tariff Increases," which is a parody of a patriotic song by Chinese singer Tu Honggang, has attracted attention.
The Chinese authorities are also fueling this atmosphere. They have been posting content daily on SNS to inspire Chinese patriotism or satirize the U.S.-China trade war, stirring public opinion.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning posted a video of Mao Zedong from 1953 on X (formerly Twitter).
The video contains Mao Zedong's remarks on China's participation in the Korean War: "We do not know how long this war will last, but no matter how long it lasts, we will never surrender and will fight until complete victory is achieved."
It is reported that the video surpassed 10 million views within a day.
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