Trump’s Growing Fan Base in China Despite Trade War and Harsh Stance on China: One of the Biggest Mysteries in Modern Politics

Trump's Growing Fan Base in China Perplexes Observers

Donald Trump's unexpected rise as a popular figure in China has left many puzzled. Despite his administration's aggressive trade policies that directly impact China, his influence on Chinese social media continues to grow. Many Chinese users admire his bold personality and even refer to him as “Trump, the Nation Builder.” This paradoxical admiration sheds light on deeper social, psychological, and political dynamics at play. Exploring the reasons behind his growing fan base reveals a complex relationship between admiration, cultural perception, and cognitive dissonance.

Despite the trade tensions between the U.S. and China, Donald Trump has gained a surprising and growing following on Chinese social media. Although no official surveys are available, a quick look at major Chinese social platforms shows a significant number of users expressing their admiration for Trump, with some treating him as if he were their own leader. His supporters, many of whom are vocal, often speak as if his loss would spell disaster for the world.

One striking example is the experience of Lucy, a Chinese immigrant who has lived in the U.S. for decades. After becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, she embraced American values, including freedom of speech and democracy. Recently, Lucy shared on social media (Xiaohongshu) her decision to vote for Kamala Harris in the upcoming elections, expressing her support for progressive policies. However, the backlash she received was swift and vicious.

Her post was flooded with hostile and offensive comments, many of which echoed right-wing ideologies:

"When your boy goes to school, you will see him turned into a girl."
"Your community will be flooded with homeless people because of your choice to vote for Harris."
"Are you a psycho for voting Harris?"
"She must be a lesbian to vote like this."
"Maybe she is transgender anyway, enjoying sissy dresses and nail jobs."

Lucy was left perplexed, not just by the personal attacks, but by the fact that many of these comments seemed rooted in admiration for Trump—despite his harsh policies toward China. She expressed confusion about how Trump, whose administration had implemented trade wars and other sanctions against China, could still inspire such fervent support from Chinese netizens. Lucy's experience is not unique; several of her friends have also faced similar reactions when expressing political views that do not align with Trump’s ideologies.

Trump’s unexpected popularity in China, particularly among men, reveals a complex relationship between admiration for his leadership style and a disregard for the consequences of his policies on their own country. This paradox continues to intrigue both political analysts and social media observers alike.

"Trump, the Nation Builder" – A Humorous Nickname With Deeper Meaning

In Chinese internet culture, Trump has earned the playful and ironic nickname "川建国" (Chuān Jiànguó), meaning "Trump, the Nation Builder." This name combines Trump's Chinese surname with the phrase “to build a country,” a term often associated with founders or leaders who shape nations. While on the surface, the nickname may seem humorous, it also reflects a level of admiration for Trump's perceived ability to influence global politics, including his role in shaping America.

For Americans unfamiliar with this term, it’s important to understand that the phrase balances irony with a touch of genuine respect. Trump’s brash personality and unconventional approach have resonated with segments of the Chinese population, especially those who appreciate his strongman image. They see him as a bold leader who defies political norms, a quality that aligns with their admiration for authority and power.

Why Trump Appeals to Chinese Men

Several key factors contribute to Trump's appeal, particularly among Chinese men:

Business Background and Rule-Breaking Style: Trump’s background as a businessman resonates with many Chinese entrepreneurs and private-sector leaders. His willingness to break rules and defy conventions mirrors their own experiences in navigating China’s challenging business environment.
Disdain for Political Correctness: Trump’s rejection of political correctness and his direct, sometimes brash communication style attract Chinese men who see this as more authentic and transparent than the polished language of traditional politicians.
Dislike for Hillary Clinton: Many Chinese citizens harbor negative views toward Hillary Clinton, whom they perceive as overly aggressive toward China. Trump’s contrast to her is seen as a more favorable option, even though his policies are not necessarily pro-China.
Entertainment Factor: Some Chinese people view Trump through the lens of entertainment. His unpredictability is seen as a source of amusement, with many feeling that his controversial actions primarily impact the U.S. and the West.
Hopes for Market Reforms: Wealthier segments of Chinese society hope that Trump’s tough stance on China might push the country to adopt more market-oriented reforms, which could benefit their businesses.
Influence of Social Darwinism: Trump’s views on political correctness, immigration, and counter-terrorism resonate with those who have grown up in a competitive, survival-of-the-fittest environment.
Pragmatism: Trump’s policies often align with the pragmatic views held by some Chinese citizens. His stances on immigration and trade, for example, appeal to their desire for strong, decisive leadership.
Dissatisfaction with U.S. Traditional Politics: Many Chinese citizens are critical of traditional U.S. politics, and Trump’s rise as an outsider who challenges the establishment is seen as a welcome disruption.

The Psychology Behind Trump’s Popularity in China

The paradox of Trump’s popularity in China, despite his detrimental trade policies, can be explained through various psychological theories. These insights help to understand how Chinese fans rationalize their admiration for Trump while ignoring the negative consequences of his actions on their own country.

1. Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Cognitive dissonance arises when individuals hold two conflicting beliefs, which creates discomfort. Chinese Trump supporters might experience this tension between admiring Trump and suffering the economic consequences of his trade policies. To resolve this discomfort, they might downplay the impact of the trade war, justifying their support for Trump by focusing on his leadership qualities rather than the economic harm.

2. Attribution Theory

Attribution theory explains how people interpret the causes of behavior. Chinese fans may attribute the negative effects of the trade war to external factors like geopolitical competition rather than Trump himself. They might view his toughness on China as a sign of respect, seeing him as treating China as a worthy global competitor.

This theory suggests that individuals derive a sense of identity from their association with certain social groups. Chinese Trump supporters may identify with a global movement of people who admire Trump for his defiance against political establishments, enjoying a sense of belonging to an international community that values strength and bold leadership.

4. Parasocial Interaction Theory

Parasocial interaction describes one-sided relationships that fans develop with public figures. Chinese Trump fans may feel connected to him through his media presence and persona, admiring his flaws and charisma while remaining detached from the real-world consequences of his policies.

5. The Halo Effect

The halo effect refers to the cognitive bias where positive impressions of a person influence perceptions of their other traits. Trump’s strong leadership style may cause Chinese fans to overlook the negative impacts of his trade war, assuming that his actions are part of a larger strategy.

6. Charismatic Leadership Theory

Trump’s magnetic personality, boldness, and disregard for norms align with charismatic leadership, making him appealing even to those negatively affected by his policies. His image as a "hero" who fights against corrupt systems resonates with many.

7. Humor and Irony

Humor plays a significant role in how Chinese internet users engage with Trump. The nickname "Trump, the Nation Builder" reflects ironic praise, allowing fans to appreciate Trump’s entertainment value while remaining aware of the contradictions in his policies.

Conclusion

Trump’s growing fan base in China can be attributed to a combination of cultural, psychological, and political factors. His business background, strong leadership image, and defiance of political norms resonate with Chinese citizens who value pragmatism and strength. At the same time, psychological theories like cognitive dissonance, attribution, and the halo effect explain how fans rationalize their admiration despite the economic harm his policies may cause.