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Gbeminiyi Ogunleye
22 hours ago
Overview
China Welcomes 'TikTok Refugees' To RedNote Over US Ban Threat
Chinese social media platform RedNote, known locally as Xiaohongshu, has seen an unexpected surge in users from the United States, nicknamed “TikTok refugees,” as fears of possible US ban on TikTok drove Americans to explore alternatives.
The influx of over 700,000 new users sparked a mix of excitement, curiosity, and controversy on the platform.
Chinese users greeted the newcomers with selfies and messages of welcome, while Beijing highlighted the importance of cultural exchange.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said during a press briefing, “China has always supported and encouraged strengthening cultural exchanges and promoting mutual understanding among the peoples of all countries.”
RedNote, typically used for lifestyle recommendations such as beauty tips and food reviews, became an unexpected bridge for US-China interactions. Users on both sides were swapping questions about pets, food, and daily life, marking a rare opportunity for direct engagement.
