Historically, China has a rich and ancient tradition of puppetry, known as 傀儡戏 (kuǐlěi xì). This art form, involving everything from string puppets to shadow puppets, is the literal foundation of the word. The metaphorical meaning, however, is where the term gains its modern power, particularly in political discourse. The concept of a 傀儡政府 (kuǐlěi zhèngfǔ), or “puppet government,” is a deeply resonant and sensitive topic in Chinese history, often used to describe regimes controlled by foreign powers, such as the state of Manchukuo under Japanese control in the 1930s and 40s. For a Western learner, the concept is similar to calling a politician a “puppet” of corporate interests or a foreign nation. However, in the Chinese context, the accusation of being a 傀儡 often carries a heavier weight, touching upon deep-seated cultural values of national sovereignty, dignity, and resistance to foreign interference. While in the West it can sometimes be a casual political insult, in China it is a very serious charge that questions a leader's or government's fundamental legitimacy and loyalty.
The term 傀儡 (kuǐlěi) is almost always used with a strong negative connotation.