China Embraces Surge of ‘TikTok Refugees’ on RedNote

China Welcomes Influx of ‘TikTok Refugees’ on RedNote Amid Mixed Reactions

The Chinese social media platform RedNote, known locally as Xiaohongshu, has seen a sudden surge of new users from the United States, dubbed “TikTok refugees,” as concerns over a potential U.S. ban on TikTok grow. This influx has sparked lively exchanges, with Chinese users posting selfies and welcome messages, while Beijing expressed support for fostering stronger cultural ties.

RedNote, traditionally a lifestyle platform for sharing recommendations on beauty, food, and travel, has transformed into a surprising space for U.S.-China cultural exchange. Users on both sides have been swapping photos, discussing favorite foods, and even asking about pets.

Mixed Reactions to the Newcomers

Despite the warm welcome from many Chinese users, not everyone is thrilled about the change. Nationalist bloggers and some platform regulars have expressed concerns about the new dynamic.

Ren Yi, a Harvard-educated blogger and grandson of a former Chinese Communist leader, cautioned his followers about potential American influence, claiming that U.S. propagandists could subtly shape opinions through the platform. His critical article was deleted shortly after publication.

Independent analyst Liu Xingliang suggested the trend might be short-lived, describing the atmosphere as “warm and joyful” but predicting that the platform’s experience for foreign users may not meet expectations.

Some new users reportedly tested the limits of RedNote’s censorship, encountering restrictions when discussing sensitive topics like the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. The platform is reportedly scrambling to moderate English-language content and develop translation tools to manage the sudden influx.

TikTok Ban Concerns Drive Migration

The wave of over 700,000 new users was driven by looming U.S. security concerns about TikTok, which has 170 million users in America. Many TikTok users turned to RedNote as a potential alternative.

Among the enthusiastic welcomers was Jacob Hui, a translator from Hangzhou, who joined live chats to interact with American users, discussing topics like popular video games and cultural trends. “There weren’t many opportunities to directly interact with Americans before,” Hui shared.

Official Response and RedNote’s Unique Position

Chinese state media, including CCTV, applauded the influx, calling RedNote a “new home” for TikTok users. Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun echoed these sentiments, stating, “China has always supported and encouraged strengthening cultural exchanges and promoting mutual understanding.”

Unlike other Chinese social media platforms that require local phone numbers, RedNote allows international users to sign up without such restrictions. This flexibility has made it an attractive option for displaced TikTok users.

While the platform has enjoyed the spotlight, whether RedNote will sustain this popularity among international users remains to be seen. For now, it stands as a rare channel for direct cultural interaction between U.S. and Chinese users.