2026-2-14
A message from a Chinese American who believes in honesty, not hatred
In today’s polarized world, saying “thank you to America” is often seen as politically incorrect.
But history should be judged by facts, not by emotions.
There is a simple and undeniable truth:
The rise of modern China would not have been possible without America’s decision to open the door.
It was the United States that helped break decades of isolation and allowed China to re-enter the global system.
It was the U.S.-led international order that provided the external environment for China’s reform and opening-up.
And it was America that supported China’s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), enabling Chinese manufacturing to integrate deeply into global supply chains.
Without that openness, there would be no “Made in China” on the scale the world sees today,
and no massive poverty reduction or economic transformation over the past four decades.
This is not ideology.
It is history.
On a personal level, this openness also changed millions of individual lives.
Because America chose openness, countless Chinese students, entrepreneurs, professionals, and families were able to come here—to study, to work, to build businesses, and to make America their home.
Many of us rebuilt our lives because this country gave us a chance.
Over time, China grew stronger.
At the same time, the United States faced serious internal challenges—industrial hollowing-out, social division, political polarization, and economic inequality.
These problems are real.
Yet even in moments of tension, America has often shown something rare among great powers: self-reflection.
I still remember a remark by Donald J. Trump to Xi Jinping, in which he said, in essence:
We don’t blame you for today’s situation. America did not manage things well enough ourselves.
That statement was not weakness.
It was accountability.
True strength lies in the ability to admit one’s own mistakes.
So I want to say this clearly:
Every honest and clear-minded Chinese person should feel gratitude toward the United States.
And for those of us who live here, raise families here, and build our futures here,
we should cherish America and care deeply about its well-being.
Gratitude does not mean blind loyalty.
Criticism does not mean hostility.
And loving America does not require denying its flaws.
A mature society—and mature immigrants—can hold all three truths at the same time.
At a time of division, choosing reason over resentment matters.
At a time of rising suspicion, choosing gratitude matters.
And I hope the broader American society knows this:
Many Chinese Americans love this country, appreciate its values, and want to see it thrive.
