Chinese social media is having a field day with the ongoing trade war between Beijing and Washington. Recently, AI-generated posts have been flooding platforms, showcasing Americans in factory settings. One striking example features former President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk working on a Nike production line, donning blue jumpsuits. This light-hearted mockery targets Trump’s "Make America Great Again" slogan, highlighting the impact of hefty tariffs on American consumers.
The posts, amplified by Chinese state media and officials, emphasize the rising costs of goods produced in the U.S. or imported from China under the newly imposed 125% tariffs. In one meme, Trump and Musk are seen laboring alongside Vice President JD Vance, who is assembling an iPhone while wearing a denim outfit and a red hat that notably lacks the MAGA letters.
Adding to the humor, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning shared an AI-generated image of red MAGA hats labeled "Made in China," with a price tag $27 higher than before. She also responded to Trump’s recent 104% tariffs, stating, "We are Chinese. We are not afraid of provocations. We don’t back down."
In another creative jab, AI memes from Beijing Business Daily feature penguins on the uninhabited Heard and McDonald Islands wearing caps that read "Make America Go Away." These playful videos and memes have gone viral, amassing millions of views across platforms like TikTok and X.
The Chinese government is clearly not backing down in this trade battle. They have vowed to "fight to the end" against the U.S. tariffs, describing them as bullying. The Chinese Commerce Ministry stated that their countermeasures are legitimate actions to protect their sovereignty and trade interests.
Despite the rising tensions, many American companies have not shifted their production back to the U.S. China remains a vital trading partner, especially for electronics and apparel. In 2024, the U.S. traded $582.4 billion with China, with a significant trade deficit. Recent trade data shows that Vietnam has become a major player in manufacturing, particularly for Nike, as companies seek alternatives to Chinese production amid escalating tariffs.
As the trade war continues, both nations are feeling the effects, with American markets responding to Trump’s tariff policies. While the situation remains fluid, the exchange of memes and videos illustrates a unique aspect of this complex relationship, blending humor with serious economic implications.