A photo of the sign was one of many anti-American memes circulating on Chinese sites this week. The government has allowed the outpouring of criticism in part because it directs attention away from China’s handling of the trade talks, experts said.

“They realize they have to let the anger be unleashed, otherwise this could be a social disruption for the regime,” said Yu Jie, a fellow at Chatham House, a research institution in London.

President Xi Jinping now faces pressure to deliver a deal.

China on Monday announced plans to raise tariffs on nearly $60 billion worth of American goods, including beer and wine. Some have urged Mr. Xi and the ruling Communist Party to take more severe actions, such as imposing boycotts on American goods or selling United States Treasuries. Analysts said the economic tensions are likely to last for years.

“There seems to be a wide consensus within the party that this trade war is going to be long,” Dr. Yu said. “Now it’s just a question of how to manage public opinion.”

Taking on Trump

President Trump’s efforts to taunt and threaten China in recent days have left many Chinese citizens incensed. Mr. Trump last week raised tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, and he has repeatedly blamed the Chinese for the collapse of trade negotiations.