So because it’s behind a strong paywall I was only able to scrape the page source get the story.

The story reveals an ironic turn of events in early 2025 regarding social media platforms and US-China tech relations:

1. A surge of American users have begun flocking to Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote), a Chinese social media app, in protest of potential TikTok restrictions in the US. They’re doing this in the name of “free speech” - which is ironic given China’s strict content controls.

2. Key statistics:

• In early 2025, 22% of Xiaohongshu’s total app downloads came from the US (up from just 2% in the same period in 2024)
• Downloads increased more than 20 times in a single week in January 2025

3. This has created several challenges for Xiaohongshu:

• The platform was caught off guard and initially had no capacity for censoring English content
• Existing Chinese users (70% female, half born after 1995) are complaining about the flood of foreign posts
• The company had to modify its algorithms to show less English content to Chinese users

4. The situation has also created some unique opportunities:

• Chinese brands like Luckin Coffee and Li Auto are using the platform to reach American audiences
• It may serve as an unofficial tourism campaign for China
• The platform has become a rare bridge for US-China civilian exchange, as it’s one of the few Chinese apps that allows foreign users to register without strict ID verification

5. However, there are concerns about sustainability:

• Xiaohongshu employs over 30% of its 15,000 workers as content censors
• The platform must balance keeping Chinese regulators happy while accommodating new foreign users
• The language barrier and different user expectations pose long-term challenges

The situation highlights the complex dynamics of US-China tech relations and the unintended consequences of attempts to restrict social media platforms.