The 'Becoming Chinese' Meme Shows China's Soft Power Moment

The viral trend of young people embracing Chinese culture reflects China's growing global influence.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:19am

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A vibrant, fractured painting of a person drinking from a steaming mug, surrounded by overlapping geometric shapes and waves of warm colors, conceptually representing the global embrace of Chinese cultural practices.The 'becoming Chinese' meme reflects a growing global fascination with Chinese culture and habits, though the trend raises complex questions about cultural appropriation.Brooklyn Today

In recent months, 20-somethings around the world have taken over social media with posts enthusing about how they're embracing Chinese ways of life, from drinking hot water with boiled goji berries to wearing slippers in the house. This 'becoming Chinese' meme is the latest example of how Chinese products and consumables are enjoying a cultural cachet they've never had before globally, reflecting China's growing soft power.

Why it matters

Along with its economic and geopolitical rise, China's government has tried for years to push its soft power on the global stage. But those official efforts never came close to the success the 'becoming Chinese' meme is enjoying now, which shows China is gaining real soft power through the global embrace of Chinese culture and 'Chineseness' in everyday life.

The details

The TikTok trend has raised questions about cultural appropriation, with some Chinese people feeling their experiences of discrimination don't just disappear because Chinese culture is suddenly cool and trendy. However, others see the visibility and cultural sharing as a way to reduce misunderstanding over time. The meme is riding on a broader embrace of Chinese popular culture, from the frenzy over Labubu toys to the global success of Chinese movies, music, and video games.

  • In recent months, 20-somethings have taken over social media with 'becoming Chinese' posts.
  • Last year, the Chinese rapper known as Skaii isyourgod gained fans around the world with his viral single 'Blueprint Supreme'.
  • Last year, the animated blockbuster 'Ne Zha 2' became the highest grossing animated film of all time.

The players

Xie Feng

The Chinese ambassador to the U.S. who referenced the 'becoming Chinese' internet craze as he promoted a new visa-free transit policy.

Shaoyu Yuan

A professor at the New York University School of Professional Studies' Center for Global Affairs who said China is gaining real soft power through the global embrace of Chinese culture and 'Chineseness'.

Elise Zeng

A 28-year-old from Brooklyn, New York who posted a video critiquing the 'becoming Chinese' social media phenomenon that was liked by more than 36,000 people.

Sherry Zhu

A 23-year-old from New Jersey who posted a couple of videos joking about how liking noodles, hotpot, and wearing slippers at home meant you were 'becoming Chinese'.

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What they’re saying

“China is gaining real soft power, and you can see it most clearly in how Chinese culture and 'Chineseness' are becoming familiar, repeatable, and globally consumable in everyday life.”

— Shaoyu Yuan, Professor, New York University School of Professional Studies' Center for Global Affairs

“Appreciation does not erase the racism that many Chinese people grew up with.”

— Elise Zeng

“I believe that visibility and cultural sharing can reduce misunderstanding over time.”

— Sherry Zhu

The takeaway

The 'becoming Chinese' meme reflects China's growing soft power and the global embrace of Chinese culture, but it has also raised questions about cultural appropriation and the experiences of discrimination that many Chinese people have faced. As Chinese influence continues to grow, navigating these complex issues of cultural exchange and understanding will be crucial.