In the United States and China, much of what people know about each other’s countries typically comes from their respective governments and media outlets. However, there is now a growing trend of direct communication between individuals from both nations, at least for the time being.
On the Chinese social media platform RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu (“Little Red Book”), there has been a surge of excitement as a recent wave of American users have created accounts. These individuals, self-described as “TikTok refugees,” are seeking an alternative to the short-form video app, which is facing a ban in the U.S. due to concerns over its ties to Beijing-based ByteDance and the Chinese government. TikTok is set to go dark upon the ban taking effect unless it receives assurances from the Biden administration, which is currently exploring ways to keep the app operational.
In response to the impending ban, TikTok users have flocked to RedNote, propelling it to the top of Apple’s App Store. They are playfully dismissing U.S. security worries as they navigate the Chinese-language app. This influx of users has facilitated immediate online interactions between Americans and Chinese, bridging a gap created by pandemic restrictions and economic tensions between the two countries.
“I feel very moved to see friendly American users joining us here, enabling mutual learning and understanding,” said Eric Wang, a graphic designer from China. He expressed a sense of closeness despite the geographical distance.
RedNote provides a platform for Americans and Chinese to communicate openly, a feat not easily achievable on Western social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, which are inaccessible in China without VPNs. TikTok, too, is unavailable in China, although there is a localized version called Douyin.
The growing trust fostered through these interactions has led to a surge in fact-checking and dialogue that traditional diplomacy has struggled to achieve. Misconceptions are being corrected, such as the debunking of myths surrounding China’s alleged “social credit system.”
In a single day, the number of U.S. iPhone users on RedNote surged from 400,000 to 1.8 million, marking a significant increase. However, this figure remains a fraction of the user base on TikTok and Xiaohongshu. The influx of American users poses challenges for the platform, which, like other Chinese social media platforms, is subject to strict government oversight and may struggle to moderate English-language content effectively.
The situation has drawn parallels to the Clubhouse app, which China blocked in 2021 after discussions on sensitive topics. Xiaohongshu has not issued a public statement regarding the influx of new users.
In response to a request for comment, it is noted that Americans may feel restricted by China’s online censorship. Christine Lu, a Taiwanese American living in Los Angeles who spent ten years in China, observed a lack of understanding among some American users about this issue. She mentioned that there is a segment of users in America upset about the potential ban of TikTok without grasping the broader implications of online censorship.
Lu’s experience with the Chinese social networking app RedNote highlighted the differences in content restrictions between free societies and China. When she intentionally posted sensitive content, her RedNote account was swiftly banned. This incident prompted Lu to explore the app further after learning that American users faced blocks on their posts featuring cleavage or flags of Taiwan and Tibet.
While some Chinese users are welcoming of Americans joining their online community, concerns have been raised about potential unfair competition and cultural differences. For instance, American users’ shorter videos on RedNote could impact Chinese users who rely on the platform for income. There are suggestions that American users should adhere to the rules and cultural norms of the Chinese app, including using its Chinese name Xiaohongshu.
Yolanda Ma, a journalism lecturer at the University of Hong Kong, highlighted the challenges RedNote may face with an influx of American users. She suggested that if the app aims to expand its international user base, a separate app could be more effective in managing content and retaining new users in the long run.
Discussions on RedNote between American and Chinese users range from daily routines to societal comparisons. Users share experiences on topics like breakfast choices, coffee-making rituals, and economic systems in the U.S. and China. The platform has become a space for cross-cultural exchange, with users interacting on various aspects of their lives and seeking to understand each other’s perspectives.
Diego Obando, a new RedNote user from California, finds the app user-friendly with a welcoming community compared to TikTok. Despite concerns about privacy, Obando believes surveillance is a common aspect of using any social media platform.
Overall, Beijing seems receptive to the presence of American users on RedNote, stating that the use of social media is a personal choice. This openness reflects China’s stance on supporting individual decisions regarding online platforms.
“We are dedicated to enhancing people-to-people exchanges and fostering stronger bonds with all nations,” stated spokesperson Guo Jiakun during a routine briefing in Beijing. State media in China has shown favorable coverage as well. “Embracing RedNote can be viewed as a form of resistance against the U.S. government’s narrative that Chinese apps pose security risks,” remarked a commentary published on Wednesday in the People’s Daily newspaper. “By adopting RedNote, users are challenging the notion that Chinese platforms are inherently unsafe.”
Jia highlighted Beijing’s receptiveness to new RedNote users as part of its strategy to attract more international visitors, particularly as the economy continues to recuperate from the impacts of the pandemic. China has implemented visa-free policies for travelers from various countries since 2023, excluding the United States for the time being.
However, some individuals expressed skepticism, suggesting that the Chinese government would likely intervene. “I doubt that this situation will persist indefinitely,” remarked Wang, a lifestyle blogger. “It seems temporary.”
Reporting from Hong Kong were Mithil Aggarwal and Jennifer Jett, with Larissa Gao reporting from London, and Janis Mackey Frayer from Beijing.”
