Chinese Netizens React to US Military Action in Iran, Expressing Hope for Change
Following the United States military’s triumphant air strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities on June 21, 2025, chinese netizens have taken to social media to express a range of reactions, including calls for similar intervention in China. The US operation, which involved the B-2 stealth bomber, has ignited discussions about internal reform versus external assistance in achieving political change.
US “Midnight Hammer” Operation Sparks Online Reactions
President Trump announced on June 21 that the U.S.military successfully launched air strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran: Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan. A video released on June 23 showed the B-2 bomber safely returning to Missouri Air Force base after the mission. The operation, dubbed “Midnight Hammer” by US officials, involved more than 125 aircraft and aimed at facilities related to Iran’s nuclear program, a mission decades in the making [Nuclear Threat initiative].
Did You Know? The B-2 Spirit bomber, first deployed in 1993, can fly over 6,000 nautical miles without refueling [U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet].
On June 24, a user on X (formerly Twitter) shared a video showing Chinese social media users on TikTok posting “Save Me” messages alongside videos of the B2 bomber.This sparked a wave of comments and discussions, reflecting a mix of hope, frustration, and cynicism.
Some of the comments included:
- “The power of silence.”
- “Haha, it truly seems that no matter how high a wall is, it cannot stop people’s hearts.”
- “carpet bombing towards Zhongnanhai, thank you!”
- “Lilac still knows it myself. Kidnapped by the Communist Party.”
- “What the people want.”
Though, other netizens expressed skepticism, suggesting that true change must come from within.
Pro Tip: Engaging in respectful and constructive dialogue online can be more effective than simply calling for external intervention.
Calls for Action Against the CCP
The situation in Iran has resonated with some Chinese netizens who are critical of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Some have expressed hope that similar actions could be taken against the CCP’s leadership. Before the Israeli airstrikes on Iranian state television, some Iranians posted the coordinates of the stations on social media, calling for Israel to crack down. Chinese netizens lamented that Israel’s air strike on the Iranian mouthpiece was “at the request of the Iranian people.”
On June 18,a Douyin blogger posted a video introducing the “Beheading Operation,” which resonated with many mainland netizens. The video barrage was swept by the words “connected” in the screen. One netizen even posted coordinates corresponding to Yingtai Island, Zhongnanhai, the location of the office of the communist Party leader.
Independent Voices Weigh In
Independent commentator Du Zheng reported receiving feedback from a Wuhan resident who stated that many Chinese citizens would assist the US military if a war broke out between the United States and the CCP.
Potential Risks and US Stance
While these sentiments reflect a desire for change among some Chinese citizens, the situation remains complex. Tensions between the US and Iran are high, with Iran preparing missiles for potential retaliatory strikes on US bases in the middle East should the united States join Israel’s war against the country [3]. However, the Pentagon has stated that the US does not want to pursue war with Iran [2].
Comparing military Strengths: US vs. Iran
| Factor | United States | Iran |
|---|---|---|
| Active Military Personnel | 1.39 million [Statista, 2024] | 575,000 [GlobalSecurity.org, 2023] |
| military Expenditure (USD) | $886 billion [SIPRI,2023] | $10.3 billion [SIPRI,2023] |
| Aircraft Strength | 13,247 [GlobalFirepower, 2024] | 541 [GlobalFirepower, 2024] |
Looking Ahead
The events surrounding the US military action in Iran and the subsequent reactions from Chinese netizens highlight the complex interplay between international relations, domestic politics, and social media. The desire for change is evident, but the path forward remains uncertain.
Evergreen Insights
The use of social media to express political opinions and desires for change is a growing trend worldwide.The reactions of Chinese netizens to the US military action in Iran reflect a broader sentiment of discontent and a yearning for political reform. Understanding these sentiments is crucial for analyzing geopolitical dynamics and anticipating future developments.
FAQ
- Why did the US military strike Iran’s nuclear facilities?
- the US military conducted air strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, namely Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan, in an operation called “Midnight Hammer”. This mission,involving over 125 aircraft including the B-2 stealth bomber,aimed at facilities related to Iran’s nuclear program.
- How did Chinese netizens react to the US military action in Iran?
- Following the US military strikes, videos of the B-2 bomber circulated on Chinese social media, with many netizens expressing calls for help from the US military. This phenomenon sparked heated discussions, with some expressing hope for change and others debating the effectiveness of such appeals.
- What is the significance of the B-2 stealth bomber in the US military operation?
- The B-2 “Ghost” bomber played a crucial role in the “Midnight Hammer” operation, flying for 37 hours with multiple air refuelings. Its participation caused a sensation, highlighting the advanced capabilities of the US Air Force.
- What are some of the sentiments expressed by Chinese netizens regarding the CCP?
- many Chinese netizens expressed discontent with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP),with some hoping for similar actions against the CCP’s leadership. Some even posted coordinates of government buildings, reflecting a desire for political change.
- What is the “Beheading Operation” and why is it resonating with Chinese netizens?
- The “Beheading Operation” refers to the idea of targeting top leaders, and a video about it resonated with many mainland Chinese netizens. This reflects a desire for change and a hope that external forces might intervene to alter the political landscape in China.
- What are the potential risks of escalating tensions between the US and Iran?
- escalating tensions between the US and Iran could lead to retaliatory strikes on US bases in the Middle East [3]. While the US does not want to pursue war with Iran [2], the situation remains volatile.
What are yoru thoughts on the role of external intervention in promoting political change? Share your comments below and subscribe for more updates.
