Chinese smash iPhones in anti-U.S. protest

/Courtesy of Twitter

By Lee Han-soo

The Permanent Court of Arbitration's (PCA) ruling that China's South China Sea claims have no legal basis has sparked a rise in anti-American sentiment.

In the latest protest, some Chinese are smashing their iPhones. This follows a protest outside an outlet of American fast-food company KFC.

"Tension over the South China Sea decision is increasing," a Chinese netizen, who uploaded a video of her smashing her iPhone, said. "We have to go back to boycotting American products, so I will take the lead in smashing my iPhone."

Another user, who identified himself as a singer, also posted a photo of his smashed iPhone.

"I remember breaking a Japanese camera when there was a territorial dispute between the nations," he said. "Now it's time to break iPhones, iWatches and Macbooks. Please follow in my footsteps."

The boycott has gone viral and many have posted videos or pictures of their smashed iPhones on Chinese social networking service Weibo, stating "Become a patriot by smashing your iPhone."

But others in China are opposed to the unconditional boycott of foreign products.

"IPhone is one of the most mass-produced electronics in China and gives thousands of jobs to the Chinese people who make them," a netizen said. "Boycotting this childish behavior is much more urgent than boycotting Korean, American and Japanese products."

Media outlets have also released statements asking citizens to refrain from boycotts.

"We can't claim our rights when we don't guarantee the legal rights and interests of others," wrote the People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party. "Foolish patriotism cannot earn the respect and support of the world."

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