Fan Wang, a BBC digital journalist based in Singapore, and Kerry Allen, a BBC News China Media Analyst, share insights on the alarming rise of cyber-nationalism in China. They discuss how this trend has escalated violence against foreigners, citing a tragic stabbing incident that heightened tensions with Japan. The conversation explores the historical context of Sino-Japanese relations and the implications of aggressive nationalism fueled by social media and ongoing international conflicts, revealing a concerning shift in public sentiment.
The violent incident involving a Japanese schoolboy highlights the rising xenophobia in China fueled by historical grievances and nationalistic sentiments.
Chinese cyber-nationalism, manifested through social media campaigns, reflects deeper economic frustrations and poses risks for China's international relations and social stability.
Deep dives
Reactions to Tragic Incidents
The fatal stabbing of a 10-year-old Japanese boy in Shenzhen, China, sparked significant outrage and international tensions between Japan and China. Following the incident, the Japanese government swiftly condemned the act, linking it to a rise in xenophobia attributed to anti-Japanese sentiment on Chinese social media. In contrast, the Chinese response downplayed the incident, labeling it as an isolated case while emphasizing their commitment to protecting foreigners. This dual reaction reflects the sensitive historical context and current geopolitical tensions that complicate relations between the two nations.
Historical Context and Nationalism
Nationalism plays a critical role in the backdrop of these violent incidents, as historical grievances stemming from World War II continue to influence modern perceptions in both China and Japan. Many Chinese citizens frequently encounter reminders of their country's past suffering, which often fuels resentment and nationalistic fervor, particularly when incidents involving Japanese individuals arise. The relevance of dates commemorating historical invasions intensifies the emotional response towards such attacks, weaving historical narratives into contemporary incidents. This persistent background contributes to the tension that informs public discourse and national identity in China.
Online Nationalism and Its Implications
The growth of online nationalism in China has become a significant cultural phenomenon, often manifesting through coordinated social media campaigns promoting patriotic sentiments or attacking perceived foreign adversaries. Instances such as boycotts against businesses accused of insufficient nationalism highlight how swiftly public sentiment can turn against individuals and corporations alike. This organized cyber-nationalism can echo broader social discontent among Chinese youth, who struggle with high unemployment and economic pressures yet are voicing frustrations through a nationalistic prism. The intertwining of economic grievances and rising nationalism raises concerns about potential social unrest and the long-term implications for China's international relations.
A Japanese schoolboy was fatally stabbed by a stranger outside a school in China last month. The killing caused outrage and increased diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing. Japan blamed the attack on rising xenophobia and online nationalism in China. It was the third high-profile attack on a foreigner in recent months, all of which China has described as “isolated incidents”.
On this episode, Katya Adler is joined by BBC digital journalist Fan Wang, and Kerry Allen, who is a China media analyst at BBC News. They discuss whether growing Chinese cyber-nationalism is fuelling violence against foreigners and what impact it is having on China’s reputation abroad.
Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Mariana Hernández Carrillo
Sound engineers: Stephen Bailey and Hannah Montgomery
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode