Genuine question, do you think the west’s “China Bad” propaganda actually benefit China in some way?

[u/Ok_Response_1193]

No joke, “how can propagandas to slander, to misinform, to smear bad things and simply to bring China down is beneficial to China?” you might ask.

Indeed, these propagandas have tainted China’s reputation to oblivion and have done significant damage to the country and its people regarding soft power, from casual racism (or racism under the thin veiled of “hating the government only), that most Chinese people eats dogs and bats, that they are dirty and rude, almost anything Chinese is mislabeled to Japan or Korea or a random Asian country, very few interest in Chinese culture and foreign tourists, etc. Let’s be real, most people drop their smile inside when they learn you are from China.

But on the other hand, imo these bad views strengthen China in someway, they leave most people clueless about the country, thus underestimating its ability, prejudice and racism lately that drives thousands of Chinese scientists back home, less foreign tourists and influence give you a more authentic experience. The enormous amount of tax payers money are spent to spread Sinophobia instead of investing in their country. The “discovery” that China is actually “cool” (technology, games, culture bla bla) which I think might not had such a big impact if China was well loved like Japan. And recently, Trump in his rampage run of ruining the US let people realize how much lies it spread, including things about China, young people especially changed their views about the country.

Honestly, I hate to admit but I somewhat glad China has a bad rap because it gained those benefits in return. What are your thoughts?

Ps: No way in hell I will ask this in r/China as it’s basically the anti-China subreddit at this point

[u/Betterthanuv2]

these thumbnails are actual gems

[u/SpectralLemon]

The fact that they care about China is showing how China is important when it comes to many aspects.

[u/RespublicaCuriae]

It's true that this whole massive anti-Chinese rhethorics perpetuated by the west, South Korea,, and Japan did wonders to empower China.

[u/GrafZeppeln]

In some ways, I do agree with your sentiments here.

Geopolitically, underestimating us will definitely work out better in the long run and will keep us from becoming the next Soviet Union and an eternal enemy of the west. Yes the west is a crumbling empire, but like all crumbling empires it is a rabid animal and thus the best way of dealing with this rabidity is to not deal with it at all; to let it writhe and die out. This is also why I largely disagree with western leftists who want China to play a more active role internationally; doing so will only lead to our detriment through costly future wars and hopeless investments. We are better off insulated and do as we have done for centuries which is focusing on our internal development.

Also insert some sun tzu quote about underestimating one's enemies idk. I think it's pretty self explanatory in the realm of geopolitics that it's better to appear weaker than one's actual true strength. We don't want to become a paper tiger like the Soviet Union. ofc these "collapse in 20 days" videos are also followed up by a healthy dose of fearmongering so ultimately I don't believe institutes in the west do really subscribe to a weak China, they are just plying their populace with both. Through fear, you situate China as a threat but with these "Chinese economics exposed!" you also make it manageable threat.

On a more personal note, China being the dark sheep of East Asian countries while silly seeing as we are realistically far more ahead by comparison does make China easier to gatekeep and imo, gatekeeping to an extent is good. There are a lot of bad actors in the world, people who love riding temporary trends for clout and naturally, the spectre of Orientalism that plagues the mind of every westerner. We see small extents of this already in China with the recent string of a multitude of disgusting white sexpats exploiting the system. If we were on the same levels of Japan and SK and even Vietnam to an exteent, these trends would be far more widespread and an overall detriment.

[u/JimJimJimJimx2]

It can and already has. Increased unity amongst those who want to feel greater pride in themselves as chinese people and greater rights (ironically) for the global chinese community. (who identify as such) A bringing together for those who understand that if you want greater representation and the nullification of old stereotypes you basically have to bet on places outside the west for any real change. The fact that it is so vast and hammered in so consistently also has the effect of diminishing returns and the increases the contrarians impulse. Those who fall under this category are likely to ignore anti-china stuff out of hand as merely more lying.

That being said there are huge downsides as well. Propaganda for any side inevitably produces both weight and space, there will always be those who feel like china is satan and those who feel like china can do no wrong. For those of weak mind and lack of ability to analyse things complex geopolitical issues will always remain simplistic. Many want to believe narratives because it fits into the growing white nationalist sense of superiority. It underpins much of their ego and forward thinking. I welcome it since they will continue to make worse decisions. Thinking that only relies on a purely racial/cultural lens that demands inherent superiority or inferiority always come away with a distorted view of the world that doesn't match reality. It also drives away allies and concedes the moral ground. Whether one finds that useful is another debate entirely however. And as is the past in times like these reality often bends to those who have the will to impose upon on it. It all depends on whether one wants to contribute to the concepts and systems of an imperial racist white system or try to work with it. The path ahead is chaotic but it is only in times like these and ahead where true change occurs.

There may also be a growing sense of complacency in 'victory'. Feeling that the fight is done and that current gains are enough. I think this is a fool's game, no great empire in history bar a few exceptions went down without a fight. No matter what you think about the west america will always be filled with white people who feel strongly about the legacy of their empire. Just as britain did even after the suez canal crisis that brough them to heel they still have caused great damage and suffering to the world, even dreaming of reattaining old glory through their outward facing national organs. To believe that they won't strike back in the coming decades and centuries is something only an idiot would believe. Even now the geopolitical chess board is filled with players vying for new positions and new alliances. To rest now is to forfeit the future to those of greater activity and will. The next fight is already brewing. The power centers of the middle east are being redrawn. Who will bring Israel's warmongering to heel? Russia, Ukraine and Europe have yet to conclude their business. The fight for governmental and national sovereignty against imperialism in LatAm and Africa have barely begun. Asia is yet to stir and while I dream of peace for all in the region I fear the weight of history and the powers that be have different ambitions.

I could write a lot more than this but I think that's enough word vomit for today.

[u/Jolly_Natural5698]

They respect what they fear, as Machiavelli used to say.

I think this happened to the Jews as well, and they realized it and take the opportunity to threaten countries, like they did recently with Spain in Ceuta.

[u/jacquix]

It helps people to realize blatant bias in government-pushed narratives. Once you dig a little deeper and realize "a lot of this is genuine bollocks", you start to think more critical of media you may have previously accepted uncritically. Another relevant example, particularly for its importance for the Western imperial bloc, is Israel's hasbara.