The online relationship between the US and China involves mutual caricature. Chinese users see a US defined by crime and homelessness, while US users see a hyper-modern, problem-free China. Both sides are consuming and obsessed with highly skewed imagery of the other.

A massive media format has emerged where 100-minute dramas are sliced into 1-minute vertical videos. Users are shown a paywall every seven minutes, hacking user psychology to drive high upfront monetization ($30-40 in the first month)—a powerful alternative to standard subscription models.

Online, there is 'Cool China'—a futuristic, creative nation—and 'Real China,' which includes youth unemployment and economic struggles. Western audiences overwhelmingly consume the former, filtering out the grim realities that circulate within China's own internet.

Young Westerners, facing narratives of economic decline, are drawn to Chinese content that depicts functionality, stability, and affordable pleasures. This imagery offers a compelling alternative to their perception of the struggling American dream.

A growing meme suggests China is becoming "hot" and "in," capturing the Western imagination with its futuristic cities and unique online culture. This cultural shift, amplified by influencers, positions China as a new center of gravity for trends, potentially supplanting the long-held cultural influence of Japan and Korea.

The online portrayal of China has fundamentally changed. A decade ago, it was dominated by content from Western expatriates. Post-COVID, this has been largely replaced by content from Chinese nationals, shifting the perspective and control of the narrative to local creators.

China's most famous rapper built a massive following both at home and abroad. His music, celebrating the wealth of China's past economic boom, resonates with nostalgic domestic youth. Simultaneously, his sound and swagger are easily remixed for platforms like TikTok, creating a global fanbase that enjoys the "vibe" without understanding the lyrics.

China's cultural influence spreads mainly through 'lowbrow' short-form content, not prestige films. Unlike movies with long production cycles, short videos can be created and distributed in minutes, enabling rapid, trend-responsive cultural transmission that high art cannot match.

A viral social media trend of Western youth adopting Chinese lifestyle habits reflects a growing disillusionment with American culture and a nuanced view of China. This 'China maxing' phenomenon shows an ability to appreciate Chinese culture (food, fashion, wellness) as distinct from the country's political system, representing a significant evolution in soft power dynamics.