A new term, "Chinamaxxing," is emerging in online discourse, signaling a growing fascination and admiration for China's economic, technological, and cultural achievements among some Western observers. This phenomenon, highlighted by historian Adam Tooze, presents a counter-narrative to prevalent "decoupling" discussions, emphasizing various dimensions of China's appeal.
Tooze, in a recent social media post, outlined several "vectors" contributing to this trend. He noted, "> The most obvious is technocratic envy - Dang Wang’s thesis in Breakneck, that China is a society run by engineers, bent on “engineering the future”." China's governance model is frequently characterized by its strong reliance on technocrats, particularly engineers and scientists, in positions of power, prioritizing data-driven decision-making and ambitious national projects.
Another significant driver is the direct experience of visitors to China, leading to what Tooze describes as "> the shock of the encounter with Chinese reality... whether those visits are stage managed by official tourist agencies, or not." This often includes an appreciation for "> retro-authenticity - street scenes from Beijing on Chongqing as reminders of a lost world of “down to earth” life."
The global interest in Chinese cultural aspects also plays a crucial role. Tooze observed, "> There is a lot of interest in Chinese ways of wellness," referring to practices like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The global TCM market, including acupuncture, has seen significant growth, valued at over USD 400 billion, with increasing integration into modern healthcare systems worldwide.
Furthermore, Chinese popular culture is gaining international traction. Tooze pointed out that "> The West has discovered that Chinese netizens have a great sense of humor," and that "> Chinese popular culture is one of the great generators of the styles and paraphernalia of “cuteness”." C-dramas, music, and animation are contributing to a more nuanced international perception of China, showcasing its creative and entertaining aspects.
Finally, Tooze included "> The erotic realm: recurring rumors of epidemics of “Yellow fever” sweeping the dating scene" as a vector, acknowledging a more controversial and often debated aspect of cross-cultural attraction. These varied elements collectively contribute to the complex and multifaceted phenomenon of "Chinamaxxing," reflecting a shifting perception of China's global influence beyond purely economic or political terms.
