March 27, Beijing: In an unlikely cultural diplomacy breakthrough, U.S. YouTube star IShowSpeed (real name Darren Watkins Jr.) has become an overnight sensation in China during his viral livestream tour, amassing 10 million views and rare praise from Chinese officials. The 20-year-old’s unfiltered exploration of Beijing and Shanghai comes amid heightened U.S.-China tensions, offering both nations an unexpected bridge.
Why Is China Celebrating an American Influencer?
The Ohio-born content creator’s six-hour streams showcased:
Crowds of Chinese fans mobbing him for selfies
Seamless 5G connectivity on Beijing subways
Friendly ping-pong matches with locals
A backflip on the Great Wall that went viral
State media Global Times hailed the visit as proof that “people-to-people exchanges can stabilize bilateral relations.” China’s embassy in Washington even promoted his trip with the hashtag #240hourvisafree, referencing new visa exemptions for Americans.
A Strategic Propaganda Win?
While IShowSpeed simply documented his adventures, Beijing quickly framed it as:
- Counter to “Western anti-China narratives,” Weibo influencers claimed his videos “eliminated decades of propaganda.”
- Validation of China’s openness – Despite bans on YouTube/Instagram domestically
- Soft power victory – Showcasing urban development and public safety
Dutch sinologist Manya Koetse noted: “This plays perfectly into Beijing’s preferred narrative of a welcoming, modern China.”
The Bigger Picture
The influencer’s accidental diplomacy occurs against a tense backdrop:
Trade wars – New Trump tariffs on Chinese EVs and semiconductors
Travel warnings – U.S. still advises caution visiting China
Media distrust – Both nations accuse each other of misinformation
Yet as USC professor Nicholas Cull observes: “When young people share pop culture references, it chips away at stereotypes better than official diplomacy.”
What’s Next?
IShowSpeed’s organic success may encourage:
More visa-free initiatives to attract foreign creators
Increased Chinese engagement with Western social media stars
Potential backlash from U.S. lawmakers concerned about influence ops
For now, the 37-million-subscriber YouTuber has achieved what years of formal exchanges couldn’t – making China relatable to global youth, one livestream at a time. As comments flood in from Chinese viewers (“He shows the real China!”), The question remains: Can viral moments like this sustain genuine connections between adversarial nations?
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