In a recent live stream from China, political commentator Hasan "HasanAbi" Piker declared his admiration for the country, sparking a significant online debate. This article delves into Hasan's praise for China, the controversy surrounding his trip, including an incident with police in Tiananmen Square, and the subsequent fallout.
"I've Become Full Chinese"
During a "Just Chatting" live-stream on November 12, 2025, HasanAbi expressed his fascination with China's societal structure. He lauded the nation for its "abundance style consumption paired with a centrally controlled economy," which he described as a "synthesis" of things he personally enjoys. In a now-viral clip, he proclaimed, "In my conscience, I have already become Chinese. Okay? We were already White Chinese in this chat. I've already become full Chinese." He went on to admire the juxtaposition of "1950s Soviet era building blocks next to the Gucci store," calling it "sick."
Police Harassment at Tiananmen Square
While the "love for China" stream set the stage for the controversy, it was an incident in Beijing's Tiananmen Square that drew the most attention. During a live-stream of the flag-raising ceremony, a member of Hasan's group displayed a meme on his phone featuring Hasan's face on the body of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. This action quickly drew the attention of Chinese security officials.
The live-stream was briefly interrupted as police questioned Hasan and his crew, asking to see their phones and footage. While rumors of his arrest spread on social media, Hasan was not detained and resumed his stream shortly after, explaining it was a misunderstanding. He later clarified that the authorities were being "extra attentive" because foreigners rarely attend the ceremony and they wanted to ensure no one was mocking the event or Mao Zedong.
The Online Firestorm
The combination of HasanAbi's praise for China and the Tiananmen Square incident led to a significant backlash online, with many critics highlighting his past pro-CCP (Chinese Communist Party) statements. The hashtag #HasanAbiCancelled trended, and many called for him to be deplatformed from Twitch. The controversy was also heavily discussed on other platforms like Rumble, where creators often cover such events.
Critics pointed to what they perceive as Hasan's incomplete and overly positive analysis of China, arguing that he ignores issues like the country's stance on LGBTQ+ rights and its "reactionary" culture. In contrast, his supporters defended him, stating that he often provides a counter-narrative to the predominantly negative coverage of China in Western media. The incident has become another chapter in the ongoing debate surrounding the popular live-streamer and his often-controversial political takes.