The Roots of Anti-Semitism in Contemporary China

This article attempts to examine the origin, development and manifestation of anti-semitism on the Chinese internet. It examines relevant historical roots in 19th century Chinese history, the composition of the book Currency Wars, and recent development in Chinese-Israeli and Chinese-US relations. It discusses how anti-semitism in China has its origins in 19th century Chinese history known as the Century of Humiliation, and that anti-semitic opinions and conspiracy theories found in the series currency wars, were encouraged by the fluctuations in Chinese relations with Israel and the US, notably the long history of hostile relationship with the United States which contributed to Chinese Anti-US nationalism and the way the Chinese government handled and explained the Chinese-Israeli relations in the 2010s, and flared due to the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023. The findings indicate the legacies of colonialism and imperialism on the Chinese mindset, the tendency of the Chinese government to censor and control historical narratives, and call for the dissemination of objective historical knowledge to help shape a proper historical narrative.