A chilling familiarity: China's perspective on Trump's America
A stand-up comedian's dilemma: cracking jokes or self-censorship
Vickie Wang, a rising star in the comedy scene, finds herself in a delicate position. While performing in New York, she navigates a fine line, carefully choosing her jokes to avoid direct criticism of the administration. Her cautious approach is a learned behavior from her time in China, where she knew the boundaries. But in the US, she feels like she's walking on shifting sands.
A year of palpable change
Since Donald Trump's reelection as US President, Wang and many others who have lived in China sense a distinct shift. Enemies are ostracized, the President demands unwavering loyalty, and journalists face targeted attacks. Institutions, once pillars of stability, are now under assault. This new political landscape feels eerily reminiscent of China's own recent history.
Trump's admiration for Xi Jinping: a meeting of minds?
Trump's open admiration for Xi Jinping, China's strongman leader, is a point of contention. As the two leaders met for trade talks, the contrast between their political systems was evident. Under Trump's second term, it appears the US is moving closer to China's model, a reversal of the long-held belief that closer ties would liberalize China.
A professor's perspective: cultural revolution in the US?
Zhang Qianfan, a constitutional law professor at Peking University, describes the US as undergoing a "cultural revolution." He compares Trump's tactics of mobilizing the grassroots to undermine the elite to events in China half a century ago. The mobilization of youth, the purging of institutions - Trump's actions, viewed through a Chinese lens, bring Mao-style chaos to the US.
The calming of the storm: a new political atmosphere
As the initial upheaval of Trump's early months subsides, a different political atmosphere emerges. This new climate, while distinct, still holds echoes of China for many.
The most profound similarity: cracking down on free speech
Deng Haiyan, a former police officer turned CCP critic, experienced a shocking backlash in the US after tweeting about the death of Charlie Kirk. His family was doxed, and he was accused of being a Chinese spy. This incident, which should have been confined to authoritarian regimes, shocked Deng. It highlighted the similarities between social surveillance in the US and China.
A professor's analysis: emerging trends in the US
Maria Repnikova, an associate professor at Georgia State University, notes the emergence of surveillance of public speech on sensitive issues in the US. This trend, she says, is reminiscent of China today, where students are encouraged to report on teachers. The US, once a beacon of free speech, is now facing fears of a similar surveillance culture.
The decline of America's image: a painful acceptance
Zhang Qianfan laments the decline of America's image among Chinese liberals. Once seen as the beacon of constitutional democracy, America's lighthouse now appears dimmer. Chinese liberals, often critical of their own political system, are finding America's system increasingly objectionable. Zhang acknowledges the pain of this realization, especially given China's post-pandemic efforts in environmental improvement and technological advancement.
Comparisons with China: government stakes in US companies
The Trump administration's acquisition of stakes in US companies draws parallels with China's blurred lines between government and private industry. The US government's recent announcement of becoming a shareholder in a rare earth processing startup, following similar moves in other companies, has raised concerns about government meddling.
Major differences persist: a glimmer of hope
Despite the similarities, significant differences remain. Several news organizations, including The Guardian, refused to sign a Pentagon policy demanding authorized news reporting. US courts have also blocked or overturned many of Trump's actions, a stark contrast to China's judiciary.
Isaac Stone Fish, founder of Strategy Risks, emphasizes that even in the worst-case scenario, the US would still be freer and more liberal than China under Xi.
Intellectuals' shock: US universities and diversity
Zhang notes the shock many Chinese intellectuals felt when US universities capitulated to government demands on diversity and free speech. In China, top universities are state-owned by default, and leaders have no liberty to say no.
Precautions once confined to authoritarian regimes
Even in the US, people are taking precautions reminiscent of authoritarian countries. A US professor, once outspoken on US-China issues, declined to be interviewed, citing fear of censorship. He feels less afraid to criticize Xi than to say anything negative about Trump.
Additional research: Lillian Yang
