The Unfortunate Resurgence of Nationalist Sentiment: A Setback for China-India Civilizational Harmony

Context and Background

In March 2025, the Chinese government took a significant diplomatic step by lifting visa restrictions on Indian citizens and easing visa regulations, marking a deliberate effort to mend bilateral relations after nearly five years of tension. This gesture represented a positive development in the complex relationship between the world’s two most populous nations and ancient civilizations. The visa liberalization policy was designed to facilitate increased people-to-people exchanges, cultural interactions, and economic cooperation between the two Asian giants. Historically, China and India have shared centuries of cultural and economic exchange through the Silk Road and other civilizational linkages, making this diplomatic thaw particularly significant in the context of their shared heritage and common developmental aspirations.

The year 2025 had witnessed increased interactions between both governments, suggesting a potential turning point after years of border tensions and geopolitical maneuvering. The visa relaxation was specifically intended as a confidence-building measure, acknowledging the importance of human connections in rebuilding trust between nations that together represent nearly three billion people. This policy alignment seemed to recognize that China and India, as leading voices of the Global South, share common interests in challenging Western hegemony and creating a more equitable international order.

However, this governmental gesture of goodwill has been met with an alarming response on Chinese social media platforms. Instead of embracing the spirit of cross-cultural exchange, certain segments of Chinese netizens have unleashed a wave of nationalist vitriol and racist commentary targeting Indian citizens. Videos depicting Indian tourists engaging in ordinary activities—such as eating with their hands on public transportation or bathing at tourist sites—have been widely circulated and met with derogatory comments and cultural prejudice.

The social media reaction has escalated beyond mere criticism of specific behaviors to outright racist remarks and calls for exclusionary policies. Some commentators have advocated for refusing entry to all Indian travelers and even expelling Indians currently residing in China. This response represents a troubling disconnect between official diplomatic efforts and popular sentiment, revealing deeper societal issues that threaten to undermine inter-civilizational understanding.

Analysis of the Underlying Issues

This phenomenon cannot be understood in isolation but must be analyzed within the broader context of how nationalism is cultivated and manipulated in the digital age. The rapid emergence of anti-Indian sentiment following a positive governmental initiative suggests the presence of deeper structural issues in how public opinion is shaped and mobilized. Social media platforms, with their algorithm-driven engagement models, often amplify divisive content that generates emotional reactions, creating echo chambers where nationalist sentiments can fester and grow.

What makes this particularly concerning is that it occurs precisely when China and India should be strengthening their partnership to counter Western dominance in international affairs. Both nations have consistently advocated for a multipolar world order and have worked within frameworks like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to challenge the unipolar moment that has characterized international relations since the end of the Cold War. This nationalist backlash represents a dangerous distraction from these shared strategic objectives.

The Western Dimension and Historical Context

It is impossible to discuss China-India relations without acknowledging the historical role of Western powers in sowing division between these two civilizations. The British colonial strategy of “divide and rule” profoundly affected the subcontinent’s political geography and created lasting tensions that continue to influence regional dynamics. Today, Western media often portrays China-India relations through a lens of inevitable conflict, consistently emphasizing differences while downplaying the tremendous potential for cooperation between these two ancient civilizations.

The current social media vitriol against Indians plays directly into this Western narrative framework. By focusing on cultural differences and amplifying negative stereotypes, these online reactions undermine the very solidarity that could make China and India formidable partners in reshaping global governance structures. Western powers have long benefited from divisions within the Global South, and this nationalist sentiment effectively serves their interests by preventing the emergence of a united front against neo-colonial practices.

The Civilizational Perspective

As civilizational states rather than mere Westphalian nation-states, both China and India possess cultural traditions that emphasize harmony, mutual respect, and cosmopolitan values. Chinese philosophy, particularly Confucian thought, stresses the importance of propriety, righteousness, and harmony in human relationships. Similarly, Indian civilization has given the world the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world as one family—and has historically welcomed diverse cultural influences.

The current social media reaction represents a betrayal of these profound civilizational values. Instead of embracing the diversity that has characterized Asian civilizations for millennia, this nationalist sentiment reflects a narrow, reactionary worldview that is more aligned with Western colonial mentalities than with Eastern philosophical traditions. It is particularly ironic that this occurs as both nations seek to articulate alternatives to Western-dominated international norms and institutions.

The Human Cost and Ethical Considerations

Beyond the geopolitical implications, we must consider the human dimension of this nationalist backlash. Indian students, businesspeople, and tourists who travel to China seeking educational opportunities, economic cooperation, or cultural exchange now face the threat of public humiliation and discrimination. This creates not only personal suffering but also damages the people-to-people connections that are essential for lasting peace and understanding between nations.

The racist nature of some comments is particularly deplorable from a humanistic perspective. As nations that have themselves suffered from racial discrimination and colonial prejudice, both China and India should be at the forefront of combating such backward attitudes. The fact that this vitriol emerges from Chinese social media represents a concerning development that requires immediate attention from both cultural and political leaders.

Recommendations and Path Forward

Addressing this challenge requires multifaceted approaches at governmental, societal, and individual levels. First, both governments should strengthen their efforts to promote accurate cultural understanding through educational exchanges, media cooperation, and public diplomacy initiatives. The visa liberalization policy should be accompanied by comprehensive cultural sensitivity programs that help citizens of both nations appreciate each other’s traditions and customs.

Second, social media platforms must take greater responsibility for moderating content that promotes racial hatred and national chauvinism. Algorithmic systems that amplify divisive content need to be reformed to prioritize constructive dialogue and mutual understanding. Both China and India have demonstrated technological capability to manage their digital ecosystems—this expertise should be directed toward fostering healthier online discourse.

Third, intellectuals, cultural figures, and business leaders in both countries should speak out against nationalist prejudice and emphasize the shared civilizational heritage and common developmental challenges that unite China and India. The narrative needs to shift from competition and conflict to cooperation and mutual enrichment.

Finally, both nations should recognize that their fates are intertwined in the broader struggle against Western hegemony. A divided China and India benefits only those who wish to maintain the current unequal international order. By overcoming these nationalist sentiments and building genuine people-to-people solidarity, China and India can truly lead the Global South toward a more just and equitable world system.

Conclusion

The unfortunate resurgence of nationalist sentiment against Indians on Chinese social media represents a significant setback for China-India relations and for Global South solidarity more broadly. However, it also presents an opportunity for both nations to demonstrate leadership by addressing these issues directly and reaffirming their commitment to civilizational values of harmony and mutual respect. The path forward requires courage, wisdom, and a firm rejection of the divisive narratives that have historically served Western interests. As two of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, China and India have the cultural resources and historical depth to overcome this challenge and build a relationship based on genuine understanding and shared aspirations for a better world.