Anti-U.S. Sentiments in China, 1989-96: Sources, Development, and Impact

Abstract

Since the Tiananmen Incident in 1989, anti-U.S. sentiments have risen in China. By mid-1996, resentment of the United States had reached an unprecedented high among the Chinese people for several reasons, including official propaganda advocated by conservative Chinese leaders, and increased confidence due to China’s booming economy. The anti- China wing of Congress, Washington’s political pressure on Beijing, and the anti-China tendencies of the U.S. mainstream mass media also contributed to anti-U.S. feelings. Although Chinese resentment of Americans is perhaps unavoidable, it will gradually decrease in the future f Beijing reduces its anti-U.S. propaganda and Washington pays attention to Chinese complaints and has the courage to abandon any hegemonic imperatives.