Array
A Chinese nationalist pundit known for his inflammatory criticism of the United States has attracted ridicule online after he was shown attending a party celebrating Independence Day at the US embassy in Beijing – and apparently having a great time while there.
Sima Nan, a 67-year-old blogger, rode the wave of rising nationalism in China to become one of the country’s most influential online commentators, amassing more than 40 million followers across various Chinese social media platforms.
His blistering attacks against Washington have earned him a reputation as an “anti-American fighter” – he has blamed the US and NATO for provoking Russia’s war on Ukraine, decried American support for Taiwan and mocked the US government for failing to control gun violence and the coronavirus.
A self-styled patriot, Sima has also targeted his wrath at Chinese intellectuals, entrepreneurs and doctors who he has accused of “betraying” China and “colluding” with the West.
Now, the blogger is facing accusations of hypocrisy, after he shared his experience attending the Independence Day celebration hosted by the US embassy on Tuesday, which featured American style food – including burgers and pizza – and live music.
“Surprised! American ambassador Nicolas Burns invited me to dinner,” exclaimed the headline of an article Sima posted Wednesday.
In the article, he praised the “spectacular” food offered at the event, to which “national day celebrations at the Russian embassy cannot compare,” he said.
