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How an Arabic RedNote could transform cultural exchange and global perceptions

January 22, 2025 at 8:45 pm

this photo illustration, a Rednote logo is seen displayed on a smartphone with a Xiaohongshu logo in the background on 20 January 2025 [vishek Das/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images]

Among the first executive orders signed by US President Donald Trump at the start of his second term in the White House was a decision that signalled a new chapter for the US, with a mix of continuity and disruption defining his return to power.

Notably, Trump reversed the controversial TikTok ban, which had cast uncertainty over the popular app. He granted TikTok a 75-day extension to comply with a law requiring either its sale or a nationwide ban.  TikTok, owned by the Chinese internet company, ByteDance, had gone dark in the country in anticipation of the federal mandate, which was set to take effect on Sunday. However, the platform quickly resumed operations after Trump announced his intent to issue the order delaying the ban once he took office on Monday.

During the app’s prohibition, many users—dubbed “TikTok refugees”—migrated to alternative platforms, most prominently the Chinese app, RedNote, or Xiaohongshu (“Little Red Book”) in Mandarin. According to the New York Times, as of Monday, Americans were still downloading the alternative TikTok app. Just last week, the newspaper also reported that RedNote was the most downloaded free app in the US Apple store.

Yet, what began as an online refuge for content creators and social media users has since transformed into a global phenomenon, crossing borders and undermining years of anti-Chinese propaganda in the West.

RedNote, with its welcoming atmosphere and even banter by some Chinese users about being “Chinese spies”, along with a clever use of cultural soft power, has effectively reshaped perceptions about the country—not just for impressionable Zoomers but also for Millennials and Boomers. Business Insider described the development as “a mass cultural exchange on an unprecedented scale.”

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If, as I suggested almost two years ago, that TikTok was China’s way of implementing the Art of War—subtly infiltrating global culture through entertainment and soft power—then RedNote is its natural evolution. A platform designed not just to entertain but to reshape perceptions, amplify narratives, and assert influence on a deeper, more strategic level.

Where TikTok thrived on viral trends and “challenges”, RedNote seems to offer something more enduring: a curated space for cultural expression and global dialogue that remains distinctly aligned with China’s values, interests and geopolitical aims. Moreover, while initially intended for domestic use, the app’s newfound global attention prompted the developers to quickly add a feature translating posts from Mandarin to English—just three days after being announced.

The success of RedNote raises an intriguing question: could an Arabic equivalent achieve similar success in breaking down stereotypes and countering decades of anti-Arab and anti-Muslim sentiment? Such an initiative would not only challenge entrenched narratives but also amplify the voices of a region historically side-lined in mainstream media. However, while the idea holds immense potential, it faces unique hurdles rooted in the lack of unity and geopolitical rivalry within the Arab world.

Despite these obstacles, the potential for such a platform—independent of state backing—to wield cultural and religious soft power remains undeniable. The coverage of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza across social media has played a pivotal role in undoing years of pro-Zionist influence and propaganda, bringing the plight and humanity of the Palestinian people into sharper focus for ordinary Americans and Westerners, in general. This is also in spite of notable social media censorship on pro-Palestinian coverage or anti-Israeli content on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

Interestingly, observers have noted that, in line with the world’s growing consensus on supporting the Palestinian cause or, at least, increasing awareness of it, China is no exception. On RedNote, any self-described Israeli or Zionist user will quickly discover how many in China perceive the Occupation state.

A dedicated app that allows outsiders to engage with and learn from authentic Arab spaces could offer unprecedented insights to a global audience that is now more empathetic and curious about the region than ever.

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At its core, RedNote offered users a blend of creativity, community and cultural exchange. However, the platform also came with a set of rules aligned with China’s policies. Creators were expected to avoid politically sensitive issues, such as Tibet, Hong Kong or the Uyghur issue.

It would be interesting to see how an Arabic version of RedNote would play out in this regard, ensuring that content adheres to regional values. This might include promoting family-friendly content, avoiding material deemed offensive to Islamic principles and reflecting the region’s deep cultural and religious heritage. Additionally, such a platform could serve as a digital bulwark against normalisation efforts with Israel.

However, some Arab states, such as the UAE and Bahrain, have normalised relations with the Occupation state, prioritising economic and security alliances over popular opinion. Others, like Algeria, Iraq and Yemen remain staunchly opposed to normalisation. These divisions would make it difficult for an Arabic RedNote to adopt a unified stance on sensitive issues, without being censored in some states.

The Arab and Muslim world has long been the target of dehumanising narratives, particularly in Western media. Whether through portrayals of terrorism, authoritarianism or backwardness, these narratives have fostered widespread Islamophobia and justified policies of intervention and occupation.

Just as RedNote offered a platform for Chinese creators to showcase their culture, an Arabic version could provide a stage for Arab talent to shine organically. From music, poetry and food, the Arab world has a wealth of cultural assets waiting to be shared with the world.

Such a platform could also foster greater co-existence within a region scarred by sectarianism and great power rivalries by highlighting shared values and struggles. It could even act as a bridge between the Arab world and the wider Muslim community, for whom the Arabic language holds fundamental importance to their faith.

Indeed, the potential is there, though it will likely emerge as a grassroots-led initiative rather than one backed by the state. Although this approach has the advantage of aligning more closely with the aspirations and values held by most in the region, as well as rallying around a common cause that resonates deeply across the Arab world and beyond.

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The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.