Trump is trending on Chinese social media, and many are rejoicing
China Reacts to Trump’s Conviction: A Glimpse of Independent Accountability #
As Donald Trump became the first former US president to be convicted of a felony, China found the verdict intriguing. While China has always sought to portray its political system as superior to American democracy, Trump’s trial provided a glimpse into the possibility of an elected leader being held accountable by independent courts and convicted by a jury. Chinese propagandists have used this trial to strengthen Beijing’s narrative of a declining United States. Social media in China exploded with discussions on the verdict, with nationalists mocking the situation and highlighting the flaws of Western-style democracy. However, China’s state media is expected to cautiously navigate this topic, avoiding attacking Trump and instead showcasing the flaws of the US system.