Call it milk tea, boba, bubble tea or pearl milk tea, It’s got many names. The tea is enjoyed all over the world — especially in Asia.

What began as a Twitter spat over China, Hong Kong and Taiwan has evolved into a global solidarity movement against authoritarianism.

If Chanel lipstick is the go-to item for women, milk tea drinks are soothing China’s urban youth, who are dealing with stubbornly high unemployment.