In China, some scholars and commentators are drawing parallels between the presidency of Donald Trump and the country’s former leader, Mao Zedong. Ding Xueliang, a distinguished scholar of Chinese politics based in Hong Kong, notes that while there are profound differences between the two leaders, there are certainly similarities.
Similarities Between Trump and Mao
Ding, who was once a fervent believer in Mao’s revolutionary ideals as a young Red Guard, points out that both Trump and Mao share a deep contempt for intellectual elites, a strong mistrust of the bureaucratic apparatus, and a populist appeal aimed at farmers and blue-collar workers. Trump’s disruption of the federal bureaucracy, attacks on elite universities, and pledge to bring manufacturing jobs back to the US are seen as eerily similar to Mao’s Cultural Revolution, which aimed to erase remnants of China’s pre-communist past.
Mao’s Legacy and Trump’s Presidency
During the Cultural Revolution, Mao’s Red Guards declared war against the “Four Olds” – old customs, old culture, old habits, and old ideas. This campaign led to the widespread destruction of historical and cultural artifacts and resulted in the deaths of between 500,000 and two million people. Some Chinese liberals are dismayed by Trump’s sweeping expansion of executive power and attacks on press freedom, academic independence, and the rule of law.
Chinese Perceptions of Trump
Wu Qiang, an independent analyst in Beijing, notes that Trump has earned the nickname “Chuan Jianguo,” or “Trump, the nation builder,” among Chinese nationalists, who see him as making China stronger by undermining America. However, others are critical of Trump’s approach, with some comparing his actions to Mao’s authoritarianism. Zhang Qianfan, a constitutional law professor in Beijing, warns of an “American-style Cultural Revolution” unfolding in Washington.
Contrasting Views
While some Chinese see Trump as a strong leader who can bring about change, others are concerned about the implications of his policies. Zhang believes that Trump’s reelection reflects widespread political discontent in the US and that America’s “Cultural Revolution” can be seen as a desperate response to the failure of democracy. Ding, on the other hand, notes that Trump’s movement lacks the ambitious, internationalist vision of Mao’s Cultural Revolution.
Global Implications
Trump’s presidency is reshaping the global order, disrupting the transatlantic alliance, and pushing Asian allies to pay more for US protection. His global tariff war has also cut off trade between the world’s largest economies. Despite these challenges, Zhang remains hopeful that America can mend its social contract and restore its beacon of democracy.
Conclusion
The parallels between Trump and Mao serve as a reminder that the US and China have different systems and histories. While some Chinese scholars and commentators see similarities between the two leaders, others are critical of Trump’s approach. As the world watches the unfolding drama of Trump’s presidency, one thing is certain – the global implications will be significant.