<p>Existing literature has shown that nationalism is positively correlated with the development of modernity, particularly media development, which plays a vital role in dissemination. However, with the rapid emergence of personal media and increased state censorship over the past decade, the relationship between nationalism and media modernization in contemporary China is no longer linear. This research conducts in-depth examinations of recent Chinese nationalist activities overseas, including the “Tokyo Seitaigo” incident, the conflict between Brendan Kavanagh and Chinese nationalists in London, and the appearance of Chinese political slogans in London’s Brick Lane, to investigate under what conditions, and through what mechanisms, media modernity suppresses—rather than reinforces—Chinese nationalism. I argue that nationalism is, to a certain extent, suppressed by media modernization, and the key conditions are the real-time dissemination and expansive reach of personal media, coupled with the widespread awareness of state censorship and sociopolitical taboos. This mechanism was utilized by the usually neglected minority audiences, including both foreigners and Chinese dissenters, to counter Chinese nationalism, and it was effective mainly due to the awareness of heightened censorship among the general public. This research demonstrates that several features of media modernity, such as broader public circulation, enhanced state control, and real-time interaction, may have detrimental effects on Chinese nationalism. Thus, a new framework may be required to comprehensively assess nationalism in China in this era, where personal media prevails.</p>