China is ramping up its propaganda machine, with the United States clearly in its sights. In an article in the People’s Daily (the Chinese Communist Party’s mouthpiece), America was described as the “enemy of the world.” Countless anti-American articles and other forms of media have appeared in various state media sources.
China has also been making multiple references to the battle of Triangle Hill in 1952. The battle occurred in North Korea, near the demilitarization zone. Thousands of troops in the American-led UN coalition clashed with Chinese troops. Over the course of 40 days, thousands of troops on both sides died.
The UN coalition was unable to push the Chinese troops from their position despite inflicting massive casualties. China claims the battle was an undisputed victory and the battle is often highlighted in textbooks and movies. China is now harking back to the battle as proof that their military can stand toe-to-toe and defeat the American military.
China has also issued travel alerts to students and tourists, warning that the United States is a dangerous place plagued by shootings and crime. Nearly three million Chinese people visited the United States in 2018, but that’s a five-percent decrease from a year prior. Most likely, numbers will be down once again in 2019. Chinese students also spend more than $10 billion a year studying in American universities.
With no sign of the trade war abating, expect both nations to dig in further. President Trump has shown no willingness to back down from the dispute and the Chinese have likewise made it clear that they are in no mood to negotiate.
