Donald Trump’s UN speech about patriotism and sovereignty proves a hit – in China
- US embassy in China’s post of a Trump quote on Weibo, the day after Beijing celebrated its National Day, finds an enthusiastic audience
- Many commenters relate the words to Chinese affairs, including protests in Hong Kong
A quote from Trump’s speech, translated into Chinese and posted by the US embassy in China on its official Weibo account on Wednesday, attracted thousands of comments and shares and more than 38,000 likes, with many users saying it could apply to them.
Some people on the Twitter-like platform said the president’s reference to democracy, sovereignty and national pride chimed with their own patriotism or even offered a lesson for anti-government protesters in Hong Kong.
The translated quote came from a September 24 address to world leaders in which Trump expressed a preference for nationalism over globalism.
“Looking around and all over this large, magnificent planet, the truth is plain to see,” Trump said. “If you want freedom, take pride in your country. If you want democracy, hold on to your sovereignty. And if you want peace, love your nation.”
He said the future belonged to patriots and independent nations that protected their citizens, respected their neighbours and honoured the differences that made each country unique.
The quote highlighted by the embassy did not mention China directly. Trump did make several direct references to China in his UN speech, including a lengthy attack on its trade policies and an appeal for restraint in Beijing’s handling of ongoing unrest in Hong Kong.
But his emphasis on sovereignty – often a theme of China’s statements on foreign relations – was greeted enthusiastically by many mainland readers.