Chinese Perception of American Political Turmoil: A Civics Lesson Unavailable at Home

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Chinese viewers perceive America’s political chaos differently from Westerners, viewing it as a forbidden civics lesson. When Yan Zhou left China at 26 as a graduate student, his faith in the Communist Party shattered the moment his first flight, a Boeing 747, took off, showcasing industrial power China couldn’t match.

For those raised in a closed, leader-centered society, American politics is full of surprises that Westerners take for granted. Despite the Great Firewall, American politics is increasingly visible in China. White House briefings, court rulings, and congressional hearings circulate on Weibo and WeChat with Chinese subtitles until censors catch up; others bypass the wall using VPNs.

Political chaos is common in democracies, but the Trump administration made it exceptionally dramatic. Clashes between the president, Congress, and the courts became routine. For example, in February, the Supreme Court ruled against Trump’s use of emergency powers for tariffs. In June, it struck down his order restricting birthright citizenship. No side wins every round, and none can cancel the process.

Many Americans tire of political battles, but in China, viewers watch and learn quietly. Five insights stand out:

Everyday Life Continues: In China, upheaval at the top affects all aspects of daily life, as the Cultural Revolution showed. American life largely continues unaffected, maintaining global leadership in innovation.
Authority Above the Ruler: Chinese tradition is human-centered, with no authority above the emperor. America’s founders declared people have rights no government can take away, grounded in God or natural law, meaning rulers are not the highest authority.
Facts Decide in Court: In China, authorities define concepts, and facts fit the narrative. American courts rely on evidence and law, argued openly. Judges ask about facts and statutes, not ideology.
Rule of Law: In China, law governs people, not those who govern. In America, presidents can be sued and must comply with legal decisions. The separation of powers endures, as seen in court rulings against actions by both Trump and Biden.
Freedom to Speak and Organize: China’s constitution grants rights only on paper. Every newspaper aligns with the party, protests are crushed, and independent groups are suppressed. In America, newspapers, comedians, and citizens criticize the president, organize, protest, and sue the government freely.

Beijing’s media portrays these as proof democracy breeds chaos, stating “the East is rising and the West is declining.” On Chinese social media, only pro-government views survive. Dissent is silenced, as shown by Liu Xiaobo’s death in custody and Ren Zhiqiang’s imprisonment. Chinese AI like chatbots are censored, avoiding topics on dissidents.

What people in China truly think can’t be measured. Speaking freely carries high risks, and even those abroad remain cautious. Yet, those who dare to speak tell another story. American chaos reflects liberty, power checking power, and a society free enough to invent. The noise is the sound of a nation debating itself, not obeying one authority. Chinese viewers may see not a nation in decline, but a freedom they lack at home.

Yan Zhou, who grew up in China, holds a Ph.D. in mathematical economics from UCLA and is an independent researcher in Seattle. He authored “From Scripts to Worldviews.”