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My Take | Why China’s ‘Never Kneel Down’ video fails to change US trade war narrative
China’s ‘Never Kneel Down’ video employs nationalistic rhetoric to resonate with a Chinese audience, but is unlikely to influence the global narrative on tariffs
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The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it hoped that the social media video produced and released under its auspices this week would effectively communicate China’s stance in the ongoing tariff war with the United States.
But apart from being endorsed by Chinese internet users and ringing of strident jingoism, it is doubtful whether the video will provide any new insights into China’s well-known position on tariffs to a broader global audience.
On Tuesday, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson’s Office released a video titled “Never Kneel Down”, emphasising China’s refusal to yield to US tariff policies.
Spokesman Guo Jiakun stated during a regular press briefing that he hoped the video would help all parties better understand China’s position.

Voiced in both Chinese and English amid an ominous background and generous sprinkle of black and white visuals, the video boldly declared: “Bowing down only leads to relentless pressure; China will not kneel!”
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