The Chinese government released a striking new video message aimed at building up global solidarity in its ongoing standoff with the Trump administration. The video is subtitled in both English and Chinese and comprises a rapid montage of images with voiceover narration.
The narrator frames the Trump administration’s tariff campaign against China and its pressure on other countries to cut deals that would limit their trade with China as a global campaign of bullying. Noting that “bowing to a bully is like drinking poison to quench thirst,” the video urges other countries to resist: “kneeling only invites more bullying.”
It positions China as a champion of win-win globalization and a reliable development partner to the Global South in the face of America First-ism. Over images of African children, the narration says: “China won’t back down, so the voices of the weak will be heard.” It also points out that the U.S. only makes up a fifth of global trade, and in the face of global solidarity, it will be reduced to “a small stranded boat.”
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? The video is part of a wider diplomatic messaging campaign aimed at shoring up global resistance to tariff pressure from the U.S. It frames the current campaign against China as part of a longer U.S. history of derailing development in other countries. It is likely to add to Global South conversations about reforming the global system away from U.S. centrality.
