As the possibility of a TikTok ban in the United States grows, a surprising connection is forming between American and Chinese users. They are sharing jokes, memes, and forming bonds on the Chinese social media platform RedNote, or Xiaohongshu, in what some describe as a “historic moment.”
RedNote stands out because it lacks the internet restrictions that typically separate China from the rest of the world. This has made it an attractive alternative for self-identified US “TikTok refugees,” who are seeking a new space on the internet, despite their government’s growing concerns over national security with TikTok.
On RedNote, Americans are now directly engaging with 300 million Mandarin speakers from China and beyond. Meanwhile, tensions between Beijing and Washington continue to rise, especially with the threat of a contentious Trump presidency.
A Stand Against Government Fears
At the heart of the US ban on TikTok is a concern that China is using the app to spy on Americans. Critics claim that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, could be forced to hand over user data to the Chinese government under national security laws. TikTok has denied these allegations, asserting that it operates independently.
However, this fear doesn’t seem to bother some US users. In the last two days, RedNote has seen 700,000 new sign-ups, making it the most downloaded free app in the US App Store.
“I’m here to spite our government,” said one new user, Definitelynotchippy. “They claim TikTok is a Chinese app, so we decided to download an actual Chinese app to troll them. We want to learn about China and connect with you all.”
Though TikTok is owned by ByteDance, it is based in Singapore and operates independently from its Chinese counterpart, Douyin. RedNote, a Chinese company based in Shanghai, operates in both China and globally. This raises similar concerns over data privacy, and some users on RedNote are jokingly referring to themselves as “Chinese spies.”
Many new users post messages like: “I’m looking for my Chinese spy. I miss you. Please help me find him,” with Chinese users responding humorously, “I’m here!”
Unlikely Cultural Exchange
While this spontaneous exchange between American and Chinese users may not align with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision of “people-to-people cultural exchanges,” it is happening on RedNote. The app has become a place where Chinese users are welcoming curious Americans.
“You don’t need to travel abroad. You can talk to foreigners right here,” one Chinese user said in a video that has garnered over 6,000 likes.
Topics such as American TV shows, food, and jobs have sparked lively discussions. For example, one Chinese user asked, “Is life in America like how it is on Friends?” Meanwhile, others are humorously requesting “cat taxes” — photos of cats from California — in exchange for using the platform.
The interaction goes beyond casual conversations. Some Chinese users are turning to Americans for help with homework, prompting quick responses. One post asking for help with a question received over 500 replies.
This influx of American users has taken RedNote by surprise, leading to reports that the company is hiring English-speaking moderators. Additionally, apps like Duolingo, which helps users learn languages, have seen a 216% increase in US users compared to last year.
Is RedNote the Next TikTok?
Despite its current popularity, the future of RedNote in the US is uncertain. There are no guarantees that it won’t face similar backlash to TikTok, especially regarding fears over data privacy.
It is unclear how long the Chinese government will tolerate the app’s growing international reach. China’s strict internet control is central to its governance, and it is possible that RedNote could face more restrictions as it continues to grow.
One Chinese user pointed out the irony of the situation, saying, “Don’t we have a firewall? How come so many foreigners can enter, when clearly I can’t leave?”
While Chinese users have long been restricted from interacting directly with foreigners on global platforms like Twitter and Instagram, RedNote is one of the few apps that allow such exchanges. However, certain topics like politics or anything critical of the government can still trigger censorship. Some new users have already been warned for posts discussing LGBT issues or questioning Chinese policies.
Chinese users frequently remind their American counterparts not to touch on sensitive topics, such as religion or the “One China” policy, which asserts China’s claim over Taiwan.
The US and China, Online and Beyond
Although the US government has not yet commented on RedNote, Chinese state media has highlighted the platform’s growing appeal, even interviewing American users who are eager to interact with Chinese citizens.
For now, the future of RedNote in the US remains uncertain. But online, at least for the moment, the rivalry between the US and China seems to be taking a pause — all thanks to cat pictures.
