Examining the Chinamaxxing Trend
Young people in Western countries are increasingly participating in a social media trend known as Chinamaxxing. This phenomenon involves adopting aesthetics or habits associated with China, such as drinking Tsingtao beer, eating traditional dishes, or filming content in bustling metropolitan centers like Chongqing. While some of these posts are clearly meant as satire, others reflect a genuine, if idealized, interest in moving to or living in the country.
Journalist Melissa Chan and artist Badiucao, who are both currently promoting their new graphic novel, observe this trend with skepticism. Badiucao suggests that the movement often stems from a sense of political defeatism among younger generations. Many young people feel that domestic systems in the West are unresponsive to concerns about global conflict or domestic corruption. Consequently, some look toward an idealized version of China as a form of escapism, rather than engaging in the harder work of local political reform.
A Graphic Response to Authoritarianism
Chan and Badiucao bring significant personal stakes to their work. Chan, a former journalist for Al Jazeera, was expelled from China in 2012 after officials refused to renew her credentials. Badiucao, a cartoonist, was forced to reveal his identity in 2019 after state authorities pressured his family members living within China. Their collaborative project, titled You Must Take Part in Revolution, depicts a fictional 2035 conflict between the United States and China.
The book serves as a critique of authoritarian power structures in both nations. While the plot is centered on Chinese-speaking diasporas, it refuses to portray the United States as a perfect alternative. Chan notes that the authors want to avoid simplistic comparisons or political whataboutism. Instead, the narrative focuses on the moral choices individuals face when they live under oppressive regimes, regardless of the country’s specific political branding.
Global Impact and Reader Responses
Released in the United States in 2025, the graphic novel is now reaching Australian and British markets. The authors opted for a manga-influenced style, drawing inspiration from works like Attack on Titan to explore complex themes of war, inequality, and systemic racism. They argue that this medium allows for a deeper connection with younger readers than standard political commentary or traditional text-heavy journalism.
Interactions at book signings reveal how these stories resonate across generations. Badiucao recalls a specific encounter in New York between an immigrant mother and her daughter. Both were initially hesitant to discuss political topics related to China due to past family trauma during the Cultural Revolution. After engaging with the book’s content, the two were able to start a dialogue about their shared history. This outcome remains a primary goal for both authors, as they seek to move beyond political lectures and toward meaningful human connection.