中文
By Wang Peng
The impending TikTok ban in the United States has triggered a massive "migration" of users, with many seeking "refuge" on China's Xiaohongshu, a social networking and e-commerce platform also known as "Little Red Book." This unexpected phenomenon not only highlights shifting dynamics in global digital platforms but also exposes the complexities of political maneuvering, technological sovereignty and freedom of speech in the U.S. The TikTok-Xiaohongshu saga offers a case study of the challenges Chinese tech companies face in navigating the international stage. It also underscores the opportunities for fostering global engagement while maintaining compliance with diverse regulatory landscapes.
The root of TikTok's potential ban lies in U.S. concerns, or excuse, over national security. Since its acquired Musical.ly in 2017, TikTok's meteoric rise has raised eyebrows among American lawmakers. Critics allege that its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, could grant the Chinese government access to U.S. user data or even influence public opinion through algorithmic content control. In a move emblematic of broader geopolitical tensions, the Joe Biden Administration issued an ultimatum in 2023: Sell TikTok's U.S. operations or face a ban.
The situation escalated when the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the possibility of the ban, intensifying uncertainty for TikTok's 1.7 million American users. Many users, fearing an abrupt loss of the platform, began exploring alternatives. Instead of flocking to established Western platforms like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, a significant number turned to Xiaohongshu, a Chinese app renowned for its rich, visually appealing user-generated content.
This migration was unique not just in scale but also in sentiment. American users dubbed themselves "TikTok Refugees" and bringing creativity and humor to Xiaohongshu, blending cross-cultural exchanges with playful adaptation. Xiaohongshu's user-friendly design, bolstered by recent updates aligning it with TikTok's interface, provided a seamless transition. Within days, Xiaohongshu climbed to the top of the U.S. App Store rankings, an unexpected coup for a platform previously struggling to crack Western markets.
TikTok's troubles are deeply intertwined with the polarized U.S. political landscape. For many Republican lawmakers, the platform represents a national security risk tied to China's rising global influence. Under former President Donald Trump, TikTok's alleged ties to the Chinese government became a rallying cry for stricter economic and technological decoupling from China.
Democrats, while ostensibly less hawkish on China, face a dilemma. TikTok's algorithm has been lauded for its ability to amplify grassroots campaigns, making it a valuable tool for progressive movements. However, its association with China poses a political liability, particularly in the face of bipartisan pressure to appear tough on Beijing. Some analysts suggest that sidelining TikTok could inadvertently serve Republican interests by curbing youth-centric political activism often facilitated by the platform.
At its core, the TikTok ban reflects a broader geopolitical chess game. The U.S. government seeks to secure its digital sovereignty and counter China's technological ascendancy. Yet, the rapid adoption of Xiaohongshu by American users shows that cultural and digital engagement often transcends political boundaries, complicating efforts to regulate such platforms.
This file photo shows a logo of TikTok's Los Angeles Office in Culver City, Los Angeles County, the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]
The TikTok ban raises critical questions about America's commitment to free speech, a cornerstone of its democratic identity. Proponents of the ban argue it is necessary to safeguard national security, but critics view it as a convenient cover for digital protectionism and political maneuvering.
The U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protects freedom of speech, but the government's actions suggest that this principle is not universally applied. While platforms like TikTok face scrutiny, similar concerns about data privacy and misinformation on U.S.-based platforms like Facebook and X (Twitter) have not resulted in comparable regulatory threats.
This selective approach reveals a deeper hypocrisy: the U.S. preaches freedom of speech globally while curtailing access to foreign platforms domestically. The targeting of TikTok, in particular, underscores the double standards in invoking national security justifications, disproportionately affecting entities associated with geopolitical rivals.
By banning TikTok, the U.S. risks undermining its global reputation as a champion of free expression. The move also sets a troubling precedent that other countries might follow, leading to further fragmentation of the global internet and eroding the very principles the U.S. claims to uphold.
The TikTok saga offers both cautionary tales and inspiration for Chinese tech firms aspiring to go global. ByteDance's experience highlights the vulnerability of Chinese companies operating in geopolitically sensitive markets. Robust data governance frameworks, transparency initiatives and localized operational models are crucial for mitigating such risks.
In contrast, Xiaohongshu's sudden popularity in the West illustrates the power of cultural engagement and product adaptability. Despite its initial lack of international strategy, the platform capitalized on a rare opportunity, demonstrating the value of maintaining an agile and user-centric approach.
However, challenges loom. Xiaohongshu must address concerns about data privacy, content moderation, and compliance with Western regulations. It should also consider introducing features like in-app translation to foster inclusivity for non-Chinese users. Moreover, as its user base diversifies, Xiaohongshu must navigate cultural sensitivities and regulatory scrutiny to sustain its growth.
For Chinese tech companies, the key takeaway is clear: Success in global markets demands a delicate balance between leveraging unique value propositions and aligning with local norms. The TikTok-Xiaohongshu episode highlights that while challenges are inevitable, opportunities abound for those willing to innovate and adapt.
The TikTok ban and Xiaohongshu's rise illustrate the intricate interplay of politics, technology and culture in the digital age. For users, these events underscore the universality of online expression. For businesses, they offer lessons in resilience and adaptability. And for nations, they serve as a reminder that genuine leadership lies not in erecting barriers but in fostering dialogue and understanding.
Wang Peng, a special commentator for CGTN, is a research fellow at the Institute of State Governance, Huazhong University of Science and Technology and the Eurasian Research Institute, Renmin University of China.
