It all started with a tweet. Or more precisely, a celebrity tweet, a few angry nationalists, and a lot of tea.
What followed was something nobody quite expected: a pan-Asian, meme-powered movement that brought together young people from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Myanmar—each sipping their own version of milk tea, but all fighting for the same thing: democracy, freedom of expression, and a future without fear.
As someone who follows the region closely (and drinks way too much bubble tea), I’ve been fascinated by how this movement evolved. In this post, I’ll walk you through the origins of the Milk Tea Alliance, the unique story behind each member country, and how the movement recently made a comeback during the Cambodia–Thailand border crisis.
So, What Is the Milk Tea Alliance?
The Milk Tea Alliance is a grassroots, online movement linking activists and netizens across Asia who are standing up for democracy and pushing back against authoritarianism. The name comes from something seemingly simple: milk tea. It’s a drink enjoyed in many parts of Asia, and each country has its own twist on it. But what started as a cheeky cultural connection quickly turned into a digital symbol of resistance.
The movement really kicked off in April 2020, when Chinese nationalists on Twitter started attacking a Thai actor for supposedly supporting Taiwan and Hong Kong. Instead of backing down, Thai netizens clapped back—and were soon joined by users from Hong Kong and Taiwan. The internet did its thing, and the #MilkTeaAlliance was born.
Meet the Founding Members
Taiwan
Taiwanese people know what it’s like to stand up to pressure. With China constantly trying to isolate the island diplomatically and deny its sovereignty, it’s no surprise that Taiwanese netizens jumped right into the Milk Tea Alliance.
Their drink of choice? Bubble tea, of course. Taiwan’s famous boba became a proud symbol of resistance. Taiwanese users used the movement not just to support friends in Hong Kong and Thailand, but also to assert their own identity on the global stage.
Politicians like Audrey Tang mentioned the Alliance in public interviews, while netizens flooded social media with memes, videos, and joint campaigns. For many, the Milk Tea Alliance became a way to shout: “Hey, we’re here, and we’re not backing down.”
Hong Kong
Hong Kong was already deep into its own pro-democracy fight when the Milk Tea Alliance started gaining traction. With the 2019 protests still fresh and the looming National Security Law making organizing on the ground riskier by the day, digital solidarity took on new importance.
Enter the Milk Tea Alliance. Hongkongers found a natural home in the movement, sharing protest tactics, strategies, and messages with fellow activists in Taiwan and Thailand. The iconic Hong Kong-style milk tea (black tea with evaporated milk) became another symbol in this shared visual language.
As the local crackdown intensified, the Alliance offered a rare glimmer of hope and solidarity. Online, borders didn’t matter. People thousands of kilometers away were cheering them on.
Thailand
Thailand’s role in the Milk Tea Alliance started with a celebrity scandal but quickly evolved into something much deeper. The Thai youth-led protests in 2020 weren’t just about democracy—they took the unprecedented step of openly criticizing the monarchy, something that had long been taboo.
Using Twitter as a digital battleground, Thai activists brought humor, sharp satire, and creative visuals into their resistance. When they joined the Milk Tea Alliance, they didn’t just join a movement—they supercharged it. Thai protest culture injected fresh energy and creativity, and in return, they received international solidarity.
From Telegram stickers to viral protest memes, the Thai wing of the Alliance helped keep the movement alive and buzzing.
Myanmar
In February 2021, Myanmar’s military overthrew its elected government, sparking mass protests and a huge civil disobedience movement. Young people flooded the streets, banging pots and pans and demanding the restoration of democracy.
As the crackdown worsened, many turned to the internet for support—and found it in the Milk Tea Alliance. Myanmar’s own version of milk tea, known as Royal Milk Tea, was added to the growing lineup of solidarity brews. Artists drew powerful images of the four milk tea countries standing side by side, fists raised.
Activists also shared lessons from Hong Kong’s protest playbook: how to avoid surveillance, how to organize flash mobs, and how to use encrypted messaging apps. The Milk Tea Alliance didn’t just offer moral support—it offered practical tools for survival.
Honorable Mentions: India and Indonesia
Though not part of the original lineup, netizens from India and Indonesia have sometimes joined the mix. During the 2020 border clashes between China and India, Indian users brought in their own milk tea variant: masala chai. It was a spicy addition to the Alliance.
Indonesians, meanwhile, have engaged with the movement during waves of anti-corruption protests and civil society crackdowns. While they haven’t been as central, their participation shows how the Milk Tea Alliance can grow and adapt across borders.
A Comeback Cup: The Cambodia–Thailand Border Dispute
After a quieter couple of years, the Milk Tea Alliance made a surprise comeback in mid-2025. This time, it wasn’t about China—it was about the growing tensions and violent clashes between Cambodia and Thailand.
In May, things escalated fast. A Cambodian soldier was killed near the disputed Preah Vihear temple. Artillery fire, airstrikes, and civilian deaths followed. The conflict triggered mass displacement and widespread fear.
Once again, the internet lit up with solidarity. Thai and Cambodian netizens began using the #MilkTeaAlliance hashtag to call for peace, criticize militarism, and share updates from the border. Artists started posting new milk tea illustrations, this time including Cambodian tea as well.
It was a reminder that the Alliance isn’t just anti-China or about one specific regime—it’s about people coming together to push back against all forms of authoritarianism and nationalism.
At its core, the Milk Tea Alliance is a testament to the power of internet culture and youth solidarity. What started as a meme turned into a movement, connecting people across borders, languages, and systems of oppression.
Whether you’re into Thai iced tea, Hong Kong-style milk tea, or classic Taiwanese bubble tea, one thing is clear: this drink tastes a lot like resistance.
And as long as there are people willing to stand up for their rights—even with a cup of tea in hand—the Alliance isn’t going anywhere.
Bubble Tea Island 