A new trend on social media, known as 'Chinamaxxing', is bringing Chinese everyday life into the spotlight of Western pop culture. This phenomenon features young Americans claiming they are 'becoming Chinese' by incorporating wellness practices and daily habits inspired by Chinese culture, such as drinking hot water with boiled apples or wearing slippers at home. Accompanied by references to movies like Fight Club and the hashtag #newlychinese, it shows a shift in cultural perceptions that was not prominent until recent times.

This trend emerges against the backdrop of geopolitical reshaping and ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing. As former President Donald Trump reenters the political scene and American society becomes increasingly polarized, the image of China, particularly on social media, appears to be superficially improving. The popularity of this trend could reflect a deeper engagement with Chinese culture among young Americans, contrasting with the prevalent narrative of conflict and rivalry between the two nations.

Chinamaxxing could signify an unexpected soft power victory for China, as Western youth embrace elements of its culture while public perceptions in the United States remain influenced by political discourse. As the trend continues, it raises questions about cultural exchange and the possibility of reducing cultural barriers, even as political and economic tensions persist between the two countries.