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A couple pose for a picture next to a cardboard cut-out of then US presidential candidate Donald Trump during an election event organised by the American consulate in Shanghai last November 9. Photo: AFP

Why China’s ‘Trump fever’ has cooled so quickly

Audrey Jiajia Li says the incoming US president’s comments on ‘one China’ and Taiwan touched a raw nerve and have left even diehard fans wondering whether seasoned diplomat Hillary Clinton would have been the more rational choice

The US presidential election attracted unprecedented attention in China, with both the government and the public favouring Donald Trump to a great extent. To the West, this popularity seemed intriguing, especially since Trump blamed China for many of America’s problems. But the Chinese government’s preference for the unconventional Republican was a no-brainer, as he appeared to share many of the values they hold dear.
A magazine featuring US President-elect Donald Trump on the cover is seen at a news stand in Shanghai last December 14. That was just days before tensions with the US escalated over China’s seizing of a US naval probe in international waters. Photo: AFP

As a pragmatic businessman, Trump appeared to care little about traditional American “clichés” such as democracy and human rights. In fact, his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin might have revealed his inclination towards authoritarianism. Hillary Clinton, in contrast, with her tough line on human rights issues and her role in President Barack Obama’s “pivot to Asia” policy – ostensibly to contain China – was seen as more hostile.

Dissident artist Ai Weiwei ‘surprised, confused’ by Chinese people’s support for Donald Trump

But what was puzzling to the rest of the world was that a great number of ordinary Chinese, who had never participated in an election, were also crazy about the US real estate tycoon. On Chinese social media platforms, the majority of the posts were pro-Trump. But the pro-democracy camp in China remained divided. Most of those leaning towards Western liberal ideology were turned off by Trump’s disrespect of women and minorities, his insulting rhetoric and divisive campaign tactics. Others, who identify more with the conservatives, liked him as a straightforward strongman who would end “excessive political correctness” and be open to confronting dictators.

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump leave the stage after their first presidential debate in Hempstead, New York, last September 26. The unconventional ways of Trump found him many supporters among the government as well as the people of China, while Clinton was viewed as more of a hardliner. Photo: AFP
The pro-government camp, however, almost unanimously supported Trump; they would love to see the US abandon the idealistic side of its foreign policy, which could help justify their own ideology.

Trump’s fans in China are sticking with him despite lewd remarks

But, these two groups of Trump supporters do have a few things in common. First, they share a disdain for political correctness. This attitude is a direct result of China’s modern history. In the Mao Zedong (毛澤東) era, intellectuals went through a series of political crackdowns and civility fell victim to the need for survival. Then, post-Mao reforms ushered in decades of social and economic competition, which saw many lose faith in idealism and embrace “the law of the jungle”.

Money and power are now the essence of the “Chinese dream”. The attitude is that the poor are lazy and their dire conditions are not the concern of society.
US President Barack Obama with first lady Michelle Obama on their way to the White House for their first inauguration, on January 20, 2009. References to colour when commenting on the outgoing first couple are not uncommon in mainland China. Photo: AP
As for sexism, a lot of Chinese Trump supporters don’t regard it as a big deal, mainly due to the male chauvinism rooted in Chinese culture. The Trump campaign’s racial overtones did not shock here either. Racial insensitivity is still common in China, and netizens often refer to colour in their comments on the current US president and first lady. Derogatory words for racial and ethnic groups seen on social media are rarely censored, and Trump’s rise emboldened some to openly vent their bias against Muslims. And the role of fake news is also not to be underestimated. Fake news and conspiracy theories sell very well in China, and those about Clinton were no exception.

Trump’s top trade pick ‘set to strain economic ties with China’

However, this “Trump fever” quickly cooled when he broke with almost four decades of diplomatic practice to accept a congratulatory phone call from the president of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen. He also said the US was not necessarily bound by the “one-China” policy and he could use the topic as a leverage to negotiate deals on other issues.

Watch: China labels Trump call as ‘petty action’ by Taiwan

China’s brazen seizure of a US underwater drone in international waters and Trump’s Twitter messages added fuel to the fire. The foreign affairs ministry and once Trump-friendly state-run Global Times both fought back. On social media, some supporters went silent, while others came to realise that Clinton may have been tough but was at least a rational diplomat who would respect existing international protocols.

Beijing casts wary eye as Taiwan’s president makes stopover in the US

Sovereignty over Taiwan and Hong Kong has always been a key bottom line for the Chinese authorities and people alike. Entertainers from either place accused of sympathising with the independence movement have been banned on the mainland. It is obvious Trump, too, touched a raw nerve with many.

It seems like a satire: a stubborn nationalist who quickly dampened nationalists’ enthusiasm for him by hurting their nationalist feelings.

Audrey Jiajia Li is a filmmaker and columnist in Guangzhou, China

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Trump’s fans in China won’t cross strait line
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