Chinese netizens use Douyin to post satire targeting Xi Jinping

Chinese social media users have increasingly engaged in “Chongta” (climbing the tower) activities, using platforms like Douyin to post satirical content targeting President Xi Jinping. Recent incidents include users posting references to “The Emperor’s New Clothes” to mock the leader, resulting in immediate content removal and the clearing of comment sections.

These digital acts of dissent often reference past controversies, such as the 2020 criticism by imprisoned businessman Ren Zhiqiang, who described Xi as a “clown” attempting to maintain imperial ambitions. Other forms of online mockery have included altering textbook covers, creating satirical resumes, and using coded symbols to reference historical events like the June 4th incident.

Despite rapid censorship and account bans by Chinese platforms, observers note that content often circulates via overseas platforms like X before being re-imported into the Chinese internet, creating a cycle of secondary fermentation and renewed discussion.