Americans' Views on China are Changing: Here's How You Can Tell

From social media memes to COVID-19 response, perceptions of China are shifting in the U.S.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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This article examines how American views on China are evolving, driven by factors like the popularity of 'Chinese' memes on social media, the success of Chinese influencers like IShowSpeed and Ryan Chen in building cultural bridges, and China's effective COVID-19 response compared to the U.S. The article also discusses the persistent Orientalism and hypocrisy in U.S. criticism of China, as well as the anti-Asian racism that emerged during the pandemic.

Why it matters

Understanding the changing American perceptions of China is important, as it reflects a broader shift in the geopolitical landscape and the growing influence of China on the global stage. This shift has implications for U.S. foreign policy, economic relations, and social dynamics, particularly for the Asian-American community.

The details

The article explores how the popularity of 'Chinese' memes on social media, the success of Chinese influencers like IShowSpeed and Ryan Chen in building cultural bridges, and China's effective COVID-19 response compared to the U.S. are all contributing to a shift in American views on China. It also discusses the persistent Orientalism and hypocrisy in U.S. criticism of China, as well as the anti-Asian racism that emerged during the pandemic.

  • In recent years, policy institutes have levied contentious claims of genocide against the Communist Party of China, citing the construction of special re-education camps in Xinjiang for erasing ethnic identity.
  • An Oct. 2025 report from the Chicago Council of Global Affairs found that the average feeling towards China across all Americans was 35% positive, the highest result since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.

The players

IShowSpeed

A Twitch streamer who visited China and became an internet sensation, earning the nickname 'Jia Kang Ge' (Hyperthyroid Guy).

Ryan Chen

An Instagram personality known for his remarkably accurate impersonation of President Donald Trump, often starting his videos with the byline 'I'm in Chongqing, China.'

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What they’re saying

“I'm in Chongqing, China.”

— Ryan Chen, Instagram personality (Instagram)

The takeaway

The evolving American perceptions of China, driven by factors like social media, influencers, and the pandemic response, reflect a broader shift in the geopolitical landscape and the growing influence of China. This shift has implications for U.S. foreign policy, economic relations, and social dynamics, particularly for the Asian-American community, and highlights the need to critically examine the persistent Orientalism and hypocrisy in U.S. criticism of China.