Patriotism gone awry: China’s fragile ‘little pinks’ are on a dangerous Trump-like warpath

Beijing’s online defenders appear wholly committed to the nation but are damaging China’s image, harming its interests and causing divisions
Their latest target is rapper Namewee and his viral hit ‘Fragile’, but the behaviour it lampoons should give them and officials pause to reflect, not rage

Peter Kammerer

Published: 6:15am, 3 Nov 2021

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Hong Kong used to want the best and brightest people for the city. Now, all we hear from Beijing and local officials is that it’s “patriots” above all else who are important.

There’s obviously nothing wrong with being proud and protective of your country. But as important, and perhaps more so for the sake of a stable, fair and inclusive society, is to also stress morality, integrity and honesty.

I am hopeful authorities have not been so remiss as to ignore these basics when deciding who is a patriot. I do know, though, that the behaviour of some people who claim to be patriotic is found wanting. Of particular note are those hordes of pro-Beijing online trolls colloquially known as “little pinks”.

In blindly supporting all that the government and officials say and do, they spit hatred around the world through their “us against them” posts. They appear to be wholly committed to the nation but are also damaging China’s image, harming its interests and causing divisions.

Beijing could easily silence them by pulling the plug on their online accounts, just as it does to anyone it disagrees with or considers a threat. From time to time, it does so when their antics get out of control.

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But mostly it allows them to point fingers, threaten and harass. For those not considered at one with the agenda, such behaviour can be a crime; for patriots, it’s usually fine.

Chinese-Malaysian rapper Namewee certainly does not come across as a patriot. He says he loves China – the country of his ancestry – and is proud of Chinese civilisation, although he is plainly not fond of its government.

His Mandarin-language song Fragile, featuring Chinese-Australian singer Kimberley Chen, has lyrics that appear to be about breaking a brittle heart but can also be read as mocking “little pinks”.

The video, full of pink objects and symbols meant to poke fun at the Communist Party leadership, has gone viral since its release on YouTube on October 15.

A still from the video for “Fragile” by Malaysian artist Namewee and Australian singer Kimberley Chen. Photo: YouTube

But what passes as humorous and clever in the wider Chinese world does not necessarily get laughs and plaudits in mainland China. It is banned there amid claims of insulting China and the Chinese people.

Unsurprisingly, the “little pinks” are not amused. They have poured out vitriol at the rapper, song and supporters. But their behaviour prompted the song and video, and they should instead be asking questions of themselves. For one, their fervent nationalism is dangerous.

The “little pinks” are just like sports fans. They go wild when the team or player they support wins and get pleasure from the defeat of opponents. It’s a “win at all costs” mentality, and they have no qualms about hurting or humiliating others or the use of dirty tricks to win.

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I still remember the comment posted about one of my columns from someone who had previously expressed pro-Beijing views: “I wish someone would punch this guy in the face.” Another said: “Does this guy ever have anything good to say about Hong Kong? Mate, if you don’t like it, then leave. It’s that simple. Hong Kong doesn’t need your imperialist hatred.”

We’ve heard similar in the Donald Trump era of American politics. His “America First” policy while president created anti-Chinese sentiment that put the United States and China on a dangerous course.

There have been hate crimes against Asian-Americans, politically motivated violence, indifference to suffering and broken promises. On January 6, there was an attempt by Trump supporters to overturn the result of the presidential election and overthrow the government.

Nationalism can also lead to instability, causing rifts among the chosen ones and those who are considered outcasts. The “little pinks” are treading the same path as Trump supporters – with Beijing’s blessing.

This is what happens to patriotism when it is misdirected. Namewee’s video has been silenced in mainland China, but it makes a valid point that officials would be wise to heed.

Peter Kammerer is a senior writer at the Post