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For China’s Trolls, ‘Chairman Trump’ and ‘Eyeliner Man’ Are Easy Targets

The New York Times's profile
The New York Times
Yesterday

Chinese internet users, ranging from nationalists to liberal-minded individuals, are trolling the Trump administration through creative expressions like parodies, AI-generated content, and satire. This trolling highlights shifting perceptions of the U.S. in China, with President Trump's policies providing rich material for both humor and critique. Videos and images mock American leaders for what are perceived as outrageous policies, such as high tariffs and offensive remarks, making it easier for Beijing to assert moral superiority. The content often features President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Elon Musk in humorous or degrading roles, with Vance notably mocked for his 'peasants' comment. Despite attempts by Chinese censors to control this narrative, the trolling continues to thrive, showcasing the ingenuity of Chinese netizens in circumventing restrictions while targeting foreign leaders rather than their own.

For China’s Trolls, ‘Chairman Trump’ and ‘Eyeliner Man’ Are Easy Targets

Chinese trolls, utilizing platforms like YouTube and TikTok, create AI-generated videos and images that satirize American political figures, particularly targeting President Trump and his administration's policies.

The trolling stems from a mix of nationalistic fervor and liberal disillusionment, with content mocking Trump's vision for America, Vance's derogatory remarks about Chinese people, and other perceived policy blunders.

This wave of satire is fueled by the Trump administration's implementation of high tariffs on Chinese goods and the controversial statements of figures like JD Vance, who is derided as 'the eyeliner man' in China.

Chinese censorship rules, which are typically stringent, are more lenient when mocking foreign leaders, allowing this form of expression to serve as both a political critique and a means of creative resistance.

The content often depicts American leaders in mundane or demeaning jobs, resonating with domestic audiences who view these figures as out of touch with reality, thereby reinforcing a narrative of moral and cultural superiority for China.

A video blogger named Chen Rui has gained fame in China for his accurate impersonations of Trump, blending humor and critique while steering clear of Chinese political commentary in his content.

While domestic censorship attempts to limit the spread and impact of such content, Chinese netizens continue to find innovative ways to express dissent and entertain through this form of digital mockery.

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