China Welcomes ‘TikTok Refugees’ to RedNote Over US Ban Threat

In a surprising turn of events, China’s social media platform RedNote (Xiaohongshu) has seen a surge in users from the United States, with many Americans flocking to the platform due to the looming threat of a ban on TikTok in the U.S. These new users, dubbed “TikTok refugees,” have been seeking alternatives in the wake of concerns over TikTok’s potential shutdown.

The platform has experienced an influx of more than 700,000 new American users, triggering a mix of excitement and controversy. On RedNote, Chinese users have warmly welcomed their American counterparts with selfies, messages of welcome, and an openness to cultural exchange.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed the phenomenon, saying, “China has always supported and encouraged strengthening cultural exchanges and promoting mutual understanding among the peoples of all countries.” The surge in U.S. users has turned RedNote into a rare space for direct interaction between Chinese and American users, offering an opportunity for cross-cultural dialogue.

RedNote, typically known for lifestyle content such as beauty tips, food recommendations, and product reviews, has become an unexpected bridge between two of the world’s largest economies. Users from both sides of the globe have begun swapping questions and insights about daily life, including topics like pets, food, and even video games, as U.S. users sought to connect with Chinese peers.

Jacob Hui, a translator from Hangzhou, embraced the platform’s new role, stating, “There were not many such opportunities to directly interact with Americans in the past.” Hui joined a live chat co-hosted by influencers from both countries, asking questions about popular video games in the U.S., contributing to the newfound global interaction.

While Chinese state media like CCTV have framed RedNote as a “new home” for TikTok users, the platform’s rapid influx of international users has not been without its detractors. Some Chinese users have expressed frustration with changes to the platform’s content, and nationalist bloggers have voiced concerns about American influence creeping into the platform.

Ren Yi, a Harvard-educated commentator and grandson of a former Chinese Communist leader, wrote in a now-deleted WeChat post, “Propagandists from the United States can easily achieve their goals by following a simple routine – first praise you a few words to make you ‘relax your vigilance,’ and then bring their own goods to subtly influence you.”

This influx of U.S. users poses challenges for RedNote, as the platform scrambles to adapt to its growing international audience. According to Reuters, RedNote has been working to develop English-language moderation tools and improve translation features to accommodate foreign users. However, the platform’s experience for international users remains less than ideal, and some American users have tested the platform’s censorship boundaries. Reports have surfaced of posts discussing sensitive topics, such as the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, being swiftly removed.

China’s strict “Great Firewall” typically restricts access to international social media platforms like Instagram and X, while local Chinese platforms such as Weibo often require registration with Chinese phone numbers. RedNote’s lack of such restrictions has made it particularly attractive to international users, further fueling its popularity in the wake of the TikTok ban threat.

As of now, RedNote remains a vibrant forum for cultural exchange, but its future as a refuge for “TikTok refugees” will depend on how well it can manage its expanding international audience while navigating the challenges of censorship, content moderation, and adapting its platform to accommodate diverse users from around the world.