The Audio Long Read ‘Americans are democracy’s equivalent of second-generation wealth’: a Chinese journalist on the US under Trump
Nov 3, 2025
Wang Jian, a former journalist from Hong Kong, shares insights on US politics under Trump through engaging YouTube broadcasts. He critiques how Americans often take democracy for granted and compares US political dynamics to China's authoritarianism. The discussion reveals how Chinese media shapes perceptions of the US, highlighting the influence of filtered narratives. Wang also contrasts Trump and Xi Jinping's leadership styles while reflecting on his journey as a journalist. Ultimately, he emphasizes the importance of media and information access for all.
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From Garage Apartment To Nightly Broadcasts
- Wang Jian broadcasts twice daily from a garage apartment near Boston, turning dinner into prep for live shows.
- He speaks familiarly to viewers while using ring lights and a professional newscaster cadence to build trust.
U.S. Seen Through A Chinese Lens
- Wang centers China in his U.S. coverage and frames American politics as both comical and dangerous from an outsider's view.
- He argues Americans take democracy for granted, calling them 'democracy's equivalent of second-generation wealth.'
Perception Swings Shape US-China Views
- Chinese narratives about the U.S. swing with events like the pandemic or tech achievements, shaping perceptions of decline or superiority.
- Western concern about China's rise intensifies U.S. anxiety about national decline and competitiveness.
