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US-China relations
ChinaDiplomacy

Trump’s China election-interference claims spark scapegoat fears among Asian-Americans

US president’s prime-time address draws sharp backlash from immigrants who fear a surge in anti-Asian hate crimes

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US President Donald Trump is pictured after delivering an address to the nation from the East Room of the White House in Washington on July 16. Some US networks, such as ABC and NBC, chose not to broadcast the speech live. Photo: Pool/AFP
Han Liin Washington, DC,Nayan SethandWilliam Zhengin Hong Kong
President Donald Trump’s allegations of US election manipulation by China have triggered concern among Chinese-American community leaders and citizens, some of whom fear they will be targeted as “scapegoats” if the midterm election results are deemed unsatisfactory by the White House.
In a fiery prime-time address to the nation on Thursday evening, Trump delivered an unprecedented broadside against China, accusing Beijing of orchestrating the “largest compromise of election data in history” and declaring an end to US complacency in the face of “Chinese interference”.
The speech, which contained sharp domestic warnings ahead of the November midterm elections, was one of the most confrontational White House addresses of Trump’s second term, directly hitting Beijing while pressing for changes to “protect the integrity of America’s elections” and defending US military actions.
WATCH: US President Donald Trump addresses nation

Annie Guo, who was born in China’s Fujian province and migrated to the United States more than two decades ago, said she was worried that the Chinese immigrant community – particularly first-generation migrants – would again be targeted following Trump’s speech.

“First-generation Chinese immigrants like me are the easy targets because we still have many family ties in China. Whenever Trump doesn’t do well in the election, he needs a scapegoat. We are likely going to be the primary target again this time. It is like our original sin,” said Guo, a mother of two living in New York.

“Since Covid-19, we have experienced many waves of hate crimes towards Asian-Americans. I think more will come,” she said.

“But I am still hopeful, because many American people have common sense and know what’s the truth. Just look at [broadcasters] ABC, NBC, CNN: all decided not to air the speech live on primary channels.”

The decision by these major US television networks not to broadcast the speech live drew a rebuke from the president, who has placed unprecedented pressure on American media.

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