“`html
In Guangzhou, southern China’s vibrant city, 39-year-old entrepreneur Joyce Yip has developed a new admiration for Melania Trump, the former first lady. Despite the political tension between the Trump administration and China, Melania has gained significant popularity online, particularly among Chinese women. This burgeoning admiration seems to stem from her independent character, stylish fashion sense, and the way she is raising her teenage son, Barron.
Moreover, her steadfast loyalty to Donald Trump, even amid controversies surrounding his behavior, has struck a chord with many. Yip expressed her thoughts on the social media platform Xiaohongshu, stating that Melania embodies elegance, strength, and majesty. The release of new fashion items inspired by Melania’s wide-brimmed hat at the recent inauguration quickly caught on in Chinese online shops, showcasing her influence.
Chinese cultural norms traditionally expect women to support their husbands and focus on family, yet Melania’s blend of modern independence and her humble Slovene beginnings resonate with many. Jingsi Wu, an associate professor of media studies, highlighted that fans appreciate her duality as she represents both traditional values and contemporary empowerment.
One striking moment from a four-year-old video, where Melania declines to hold Donald Trump’s hand while exiting Air Force One, has amassed over five million likes on Douyin, China’s equivalent of TikTok. This significant online engagement illustrates the public’s interest in her character. A humorous post on Xiaohongshu about her aversion to public life received around half a million likes, and a satirical piece from The New Yorker garnered a million views on Bilibili, suggesting that criticism can sometimes enhance her appeal. Additionally, discussions surrounding a past interview where she described their relationship as “super sweet” continue to garner substantial attention.
Among her admirers is Ge Yahan, a 24-year-old from Zibo, who describes Melania as a daring individual who pursued her aspirations across continents. Yahan also capitalizes on this admiration by selling unauthorized translations of Melania’s memoir in Mandarin for a modest price on underground platforms. Despite Donald Trump’s overt criticisms of China’s economy and his inflammatory rhetoric, there remains a sense of fascination with the political scene in the U.S. Wu points out that many in China view U.S. politics as a form of entertainment, akin to a soap opera rather than a serious affair.
In contrast to the tightly managed image of Chinese political figures, where personal details and lifestyles remain obscure—such as Xi Jinping’s wife, Peng Liyuan—Melania’s public persona provides a glimpse into a different world. Rose LuQiu, a communication professor, believes that Melania’s image as an independent woman who balances her loyalty to Donald Trump enhances his narrative of success and manhood.
Fashion industry professional Huang Li, who also sells Melania’s memoir, indicates that her interest lies more in Melania’s resolve than in the politics surrounding them. Huang’s side business thrives on the allure of Melania’s story, as she has sold over thirty copies of the memoir that lacks official distribution in China. With English editions being offered for considerable prices, there’s a clear demand for her personal narrative.
Fans appreciate Melania’s commitment to her son Barron, often humorously attributing her return to the “White House dormitory” as a strategic move to facilitate his future. Wu suggests that parenting holds a special significance in Chinese culture, which likely contributes to the fascination with Milania’s role as a mother. This theme is further amplified by Melania’s resilience throughout Donald Trump’s political and personal challenges.
Entrepreneur Joyce Yip summarized Melania’s appeal well by stating that she is a woman who remains grounded, supporting her husband quietly while being a steadfast partner. Reflecting on her past admiration for Ivanka Trump, Yip now feels betrayed by Ivanka’s testimony in her father’s civil fraud trial, suggesting a double standard in society regarding loyalty. She concludes that while men may act with disloyalty, society expects unwavering loyalty from women, a quality she believes Melania possesses in abundance.
“`
