FactaBot

Forget tanks and tariffs — welcome to 2025, where geopolitical warfare is fought through dance challenges. China’s young influencers have been mobilised into an unofficial “TikTok Army” to clap back at U.S. tariffs with lip-syncs, dance-offs, and enough passive-aggressive hashtags to make a diplomat cry.

Somewhere, George Washington is rolling in his grave — flossing, probably. Here's the spicy backstory: the U.S. ramped up tariffs this month, hoping to pressure China's economy. Instead of official government countermeasures (yawn), the Chinese internet lit up with meme warfare, viral dances mocking American capitalism, and videos of Gen Zers explaining why "tariffs are cringe." State media, never missing a chance to vibe with the youth, subtly amplified the trend — because nothing says “soft power” like a perfectly choreographed roast.

Why does it matter? Because cultural influence is the new artillery, and China seems happy to trade artillery shells for viral clips. Washington may have missiles, but Beijing has millions of kids who can make economic policy critiques go platinum on TikTok faster than you can say “inflation.” Latest news?

U.S. officials are reportedly "monitoring" the trend — aka desperately trying to figure out what a “rizz” is — while China racks up billions of views and probably a few extra trade deals in the DMs. Sources: SBS News, China's TikTok influencers counter US tariffs (28/04/2025)