On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video showed Chinese venting anger at Trump’s trade war through memes and mockery.
In response to the escalating trade war with the U.S., Chinese internet users are turning to social media.
They’re using humor and memes to express their anger at President Trump’s tariffs.
China’s online campaign combines humor with economic commentary
As the U.S.-China trade war intensifies, Chinese internet users are fighting back not with political speeches but with humor.
Memes and videos targeting Donald Trump’s policies are flooding social media platforms.
The trade war has led to steep tariffs on imports between the two economic giants, impacting everything from technology to apparel.
The consequences have sent global markets into a frenzy and stoked fears of a worldwide recession.
Memes and mockery are becoming a tool of political protest
In one viral video, a Chinese user humorously showcases that he doesn’t buy anything from the U.S.
He mocks America’s dependence on Chinese-made goods. His content, uploaded on TikTok has garnered millions of views.
“Donald Trump started a trade war, so… F*** MAGA,” he says, referencing Trump’s campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again,” while mocking U.S. attitudes toward China.
AI-Generated video take aim at U.S hypocrisy
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a significant role in the creation of viral videos.
On Tiktok platfrom, a viral video depicted high-profile U.S. figures like Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and tech mogul Elon Musk as factory workers assembling shoes and electronics.
Such videos criticize the U.S. for its hypocrisy — American officials opposing Chinese labor while benefiting from cheap Chinese-made goods.
The contrast between rhetoric and reality is a core theme.
The hypocrisy of U.S. Officials and their dependence on China
Another viral video shows White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wearing a dress that originated from Taobao, China’s online shopping platform.
This exemplifies the contradiction in U.S. politicians attacking Chinese manufacturing while benefiting from it.
“Attacking ‘Made in China’ is work; enjoying ‘Made in China’ is life,” reads one popular comment.
Social media reaction
Chinese social media users are also offering practical advice.
Many encourage Americans to bypass tariffs by traveling to China and purchasing goods directly.
One TikTok video shows a man offering Birkenstock sandals for just $10, significantly cheaper than the U.S. retail price.
These videos highlight how Chinese manufacturers are directly reaching global consumers. It provided a humorous yet pointed critique of the U.S. trade policies.
However, many criticized the mocking of Trump by Chinese users. Some believed that the AI-generated memes actually originated in the U.S., and that China is merely copying the developed technology.
Additionally, others mocked China in return, expressing frustration over their reactions. They also pointed out that China should take the U.S. tariffs more seriously instead of responding with mockery.
One person said: MASA Make America Sweat Again
A second wrote: The sewing machines must be running one stitch a minute.
While a third joked: US fat buggers working in factory may help lose some of those thick fat weight.
Another added: ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! Jobs that MAGA’s are salivating over.
Someone else said: Thank America for for making sweat shirts for me.
Another added: Made in China. This is what Americans look like. Make America Great Again
China’s export-driven economy is feeling the pressure from tariffs. While, many fear the long-term impact on both consumers and manufacturers.
Despite the humorous content, there’s an underlying concern. Many believe that censors are removing any narratives warning of the trade war’s impact on China’s economy
@skyandmia The Chinese are trolling America with memes on American re-industrialization. #tariff
Previously, Trump reverses stance on 145% China tariff
President Trump, weeks after sharply raising tariffs on China, now appears to ease his tough trade stance, surprising both allies and critics alike.
The former 145% rate on most Chinese imports was announced during the early days of Trump’s second term.
According to his recent social media statements, that rate may soon be revised downward.
Trump took to Truth Social on May 9, writing: “80 percent Tariff on China seems right! Up to Scott B.”
The post signals a major shift from Trump’s earlier stance, which imposed record-high import taxes on Chinese goods in U.S. history.
The post signals a major shift from Trump’s earlier stance, which imposed record-high import taxes on Chinese goods in U.S. history.
Earlier tariff increases triggered Chinese retaliation measures
Following his inauguration, Trump proclaimed April 2 as “Liberation Day,” introducing sweeping tariffs across the board.
Although many nations were affected, China faced the most substantial penalties.