Rise of the Chinese-American right wing

 

Rise of the Chinese-American right wing

 
Chinese immigrants in the US have become a rising force in conservative politics.

Many are propelled to the right-wing political sphere by their opposition to affirmative action, a policy that aims to reduce inequality in education and employment, but is seen by some Chinese-Americans as damaging to the educational opportunities of their children and grandchildren.

Anti-communism beliefs also play an important role in mobilising right-wing Chinese Americans, as some had believed that the Trump administration's hardline policy on China would apply pressure on Beijing and eventually lead to the communist regime's downfall.

'Why I translate all of Trump's tweets into Chinese'

"Trump is the most supportive president in American history for China's human rights," says one Chinese immigrant in Los Angeles.
Trump supporter rally in New York City in 2019Image source, Getty Images

As Beijing tightened its grip over Hong Kong and ramped up military pressure on Taiwan, an increasing number of Hong Kongers and Taiwanese placed hope on Trump's "tough on China" stance.

During the pandemic, an unlikely alliance has emerged between the Chinese-speaking diaspora and American conservatives, as Washington and Beijing clash over the origins of Covid-19.

For strident opponents of Beijing, blaming China for not containing the virus within its borders is another opportunity to condemn the Chinese government.