A Chinese ultranationalist vlogger came across red circular stickers in a shopping mall in Nanjing with the words “Happy 2024” and criticized them as nationalistic Japanese motifs. Local police ordered the decorations to be taken down, causing an uproar on social media about the banning of red circular objects. This incident highlights the government’s attempt to control the narrative surrounding nationalism as part of Xi Jinping’s push for patriotic sentiment. The Chinese government balances patriotism with international diplomacy, moderating nationalistic output as needed to serve its interests. The Nanjing incident reflects how intense patriotic feelings in China can lead to a toxic environment, particularly concerning Japan-related topics. Historical conflicts like the Second Sino-Japanese War contribute to anti-Japanese sentiment in China, sometimes manifested in violent protests. In extreme cases, anti-Japanese demonstrations can turn violent, damaging property and straining China-Japan relations. The government aims to prevent such escalation by containing ultranationalist fervor, as seen in the response to the Nanjing vlogger. While patriotism can be monetized by bloggers and vloggers on Chinese social media, using it for profit can backfire, as demonstrated in the case of the Nanjing incident. The incident also highlights the government’s efforts to prevent the exploitation of patriotism for personal gain.
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