Chinese state media has sharply criticized the Donald Trump administration following a wave of protests across U.S. cities, sparked by intensified immigration raids. Outlets like Xinhua, Beijing Youth Daily, and Beijing Daily mocked what they called a "chaotic era" in American leadership, portraying Trump as a "strongman" prone to knee-jerk decisions and lacking strategic foresight.
This criticism came as protests spread from Los Angeles to cities including New York, Chicago, Seattle, and Atlanta. Chinese media seized on the moment, highlighting the use of the National Guard against American citizens and framing the unrest as evidence of systemic failure in U.S. democracy. Social media in China also joined in, using sarcastic jabs such as calling the protests “a beautiful sight in the land of freedom,” mocking former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s past praise of Hong Kong demonstrations.
At the same time, President Trump claimed progress in U.S.-China trade talks, announcing a tentative deal on rare earth access and student visa issues. Chinese outlets, however, dismissed these diplomatic gestures as superficial, accusing Trump of lacking long-term vision and masking deeper problems with temporary fixes.
The coverage not only serves as propaganda to deflect criticism from China’s own governance but also aims to undermine U.S. global influence. This is consistent with Beijing’s approach during past U.S. crises like the Capitol riots or racial justice protests, which it used to question the legitimacy of American democratic values.
As tensions between Washington and Beijing remain high, particularly after years of trade disputes and geopolitical rivalry, China’s media narrative is using America’s internal challenges as a strategic counterpoint — highlighting instability abroad while projecting control at home.
