Pink Feminism: The Reconciliation between Feminism and Nationalism in Contemporary China

Feminism in China has faced significant stigmatisation from both the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and nationalists, frequently being labeled as a “destabilising factor,” “Western interference,” or even “extremism” subject to criticism and suppression. This repressive stance is largely anticipated, given the widely acknowledged patriarchal nature of the Chinese state and the prominent role of nationalism in its ideology, wherein feminism and nationalism are often perceived as antithetical. However, the emergence of pink feminism (fenhong nvquan) in China since 2020 has challenged this rigid opposition by embracing feminism and nationalism simultaneously. To understand this alternative relationship between feminism and nationalism in China, this study employs online ethnography to explore how pink feminism reconciles the seemingly contradictory nature of feminism and nationalism. Through thematic analysis, four themes explaining the reconciliation emerge: 1) Pink Feminism as Marxist/socialist feminism; 2) conditional nationalism; 3) Pink Feminism as post-colonial feminism; 4) “China” as a multi-faceted notion and constructive patriotism.  By examining pink feminism, this study contributes to a more heterogeneous understanding of contemporary Chinese feminism, challenges oversimplified interpretations of Chinese feminism and nationalism, and sheds light on the CCP’s resilience in navigating the rise of grassroots feminist movements.