The "Yellow Peril" emerged in the late 19th century, driven by fears of East Asian, especially Chinese, immigration and economic impact on Western societies. This fear led to discriminatory laws, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, reflecting deep-seated racism and economic competition.

Some interpret biblical passages, like Revelation 16:12 ("the kings from the East") and Revelation 9:16 (an army of 200 million), as predicting eastern threats, possibly involving Asian nations. However, these interpretations are speculative and not universally accepted, with varying theological perspectives.

Today, China's rise is viewed by some as a modern echo of the Yellow Peril, with geopolitical analyses highlighting the economic and military challenges it poses to the West. Debates continue whether China's growth is peaceful, with actions in the South China Sea raising concerns, despite China's promotion of a "peaceful development" narrative.

This report provides a detailed examination of the "Yellow Peril," a concept historically tied to fears of East Asian threats to Western civilisation, and its evolution into contemporary geopolitical discourse. It addresses scriptural indications, secular references, and a historical timeline, reflecting on its implications for understanding global power dynamics as of June 27, 2025.

The term "Yellow Peril" originated in the late 19th century, encapsulating Western fears of East Asian, particularly Chinese, immigration and cultural influence. This fear was rooted in racism and economic competition, as Chinese workers were often willing to accept lower wages, leading to backlash from local white populations. For instance, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, signed by President Chester A. Arthur, prohibited Chinese labour immigration and denied citizenship to Chinese residents, marking the first U.S. law to restrict immigration based on nationality. This act, initially in effect for 10 years and later made permanent in 1902, was repealed in 1943 during World War II, reflecting shifting alliances between China and the United States against Japan.

The concept was not limited to the U.S.; in Europe, Kaiser Wilhelm II used "die Gelbe Gefahr" in 1895 to justify colonial interests in China, as seen in Hermann Knackfuss's lithograph "Peoples of Europe, Guard Your Most Sacred Possessions." This period also saw violent incidents, such as the 1911 Torreón massacre in Mexico, where 308 Asians, mostly Chinese, were killed due to perceived cultural threats, with an apology issued in 2021 by Mexican President López Obrador.

By the 1960s, Asian Americans attempted to reclaim the term, aligning with civil rights movements like the Third World Liberation Front, using slogans like "Yellow Peril Supports Black Power" to challenge its racist origins. This evolution highlights the complex legacy of the Yellow Peril, transitioning from a tool of exclusion to a symbol of resistance.

Scriptural references potentially linking to a threat from the east are found in Christian eschatology, particularly in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 16:12 states, "Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared," suggesting a future role for eastern powers. Similarly, Revelation 9:16 mentions an army of 200 million, which some, such as GotQuestions.org, interpret as possibly including China, given its large population. However, BibleRef.com notes this could also refer to a demonic horde, indicating interpretive diversity.

These passages are often linked to end-time prophecies, with some, such as the Philadelphia Church of God, suggesting a modern-day fulfilment involving Asian nations. Yet, interpretations vary, with some viewing these as symbolic rather than literal, reflecting the complexity and controversy in applying ancient texts to contemporary geopolitics.

In the 21st century, China's rise has reignited discussions reminiscent of the Yellow Peril, with a focus on its economic, military, and geopolitical influence. The Association for Asian Studies notes that China's economic growth surpassed Japan's in 2011, making it the world's second-largest economy and challenging U.S. preeminence. This has led to U.S. strategies, such as Obama's "pivot to Asia," Trump's trade wars, and Biden's efforts to "out-compete" China, as discussed in Bruegel's analysis.

Geopolitical tensions are evident in Northeast Asia, where China's grievances against Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan destabilise the region. Japan adopted the "democratic security diamond" in 2012. In Southeast Asia, disputes over the South China Sea, including clashes like the 2014 Chinese oil drilling near the Paracels, raise concerns, as noted in the same Association for Asian Studies report. India's rise, with a population of 1.3 billion and the fastest-growing economy in 2015, is seen as a counterbalance, as it joined the Quadrilateral Strategic Dialogue in 2017.

China promotes a "peaceful rise" or "peaceful development" narrative, articulated in 2003 and later, as seen in China's official white paper, emphasising non-aggression. However, scepticism persists, with the Australian Institute of International Affairs highlighting actions such as ignoring the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration verdict on the South China Sea, suggesting a more assertive stance.

Below is a detailed timeline of key events related to the Yellow Peril, integrating historical and modern developments:

This timeline highlights the historical continuity and contemporary relevance of Yellow Peril fears, encompassing a range of issues from immigration policies to geopolitical strategies.

The "Yellow Peril" has evolved from a racist fear of Asian immigration to a geopolitical concern about China's rise, reflecting deep-seated anxieties about global power shifts. Scriptural interpretations add a layer of eschatological speculation, while secular analyses highlight strategic competition. As of June 27, 2025, the debate on whether China's rise is peaceful or threatening continues, underscoring the need for diplomatic engagement to navigate these tensions.