What kind of situation will Chinese living in the U.S. face if U.S.-China relations plummet?
The answer to this question can be found in similar historical cases.
In the news, we often hear terms like “Chinese,” “Overseas Chinese,” and “Chinese Americans,” but many people do not understand the distinctions between them.
“Chinese” refers to individuals born in China or those who once held Chinese nationality but later acquired citizenship in other countries.
These individuals often have very limited connections to China; many Chinese do not even speak Chinese and have relatively weak emotional ties to their homeland.
On the other hand, “Overseas Chinese” refers to those who hold Chinese nationality but reside abroad. They have a deep emotional connection to their homeland and are usually reluctant to change their nationality, maintaining a closer relationship with China.
“Chinese Americans” are descendants of Chinese ancestry born abroad, often referred to online as “ABCs,” and they typically have almost no connection to China.
A well-known example of a Chinese American is NBA player Jeremy Lin, who does not speak Chinese.
Currently, there is a large population of Chinese and Overseas Chinese in the U.S., with official statistics indicating that there are as many as 5.5 million Chinese in America.
This number only includes those holding green cards and permanent residency; in reality, short-term residents and illegal immigrants are not counted, so the actual figure may be even higher.
The Chinese community plays an important role in the U.S. economy, generating significant wealth and contributing greatly to local economic development.
The history of Chinese in America dates back to the late Qing Dynasty and the Beiyang government period, when many Chinese left due to domestic turmoil and the high-paying opportunities available in the U.S.
After Li Hongzhang returned to China, many were impressed by the development in America and began to sneak into the country in pursuit of the so-called “golden dream.”
However, at that time, Chinese laborers occupied the lowest rungs of American society, similar to a slave status, performing the most arduous tasks without any dignity.
Despite this, over time, some individuals gradually emerged in America and left behind a remarkable legacy.
Although the U.S. is a nation primarily composed of immigrants coexisting with various ethnic groups, it is predominantly white.
As a result, Chinese living in America often face discrimination.
The influence of cultural factors cannot be overlooked.
China is a traditional agrarian society, which means that most Chinese people have dealt with land.
The fairness of land implies that the effort put in corresponds to the rewards received, and this hardworking ethos is ingrained in the Chinese national character.
Therefore, wherever they go, Chinese people are seen as a diligent nation, a trait that is also reflected in the lives of Chinese living in America.
Additionally, the emphasis that Chinese people place on education makes some white Americans feel threatened.
Many Chinese families, despite limited financial means, are willing to invest all they have in their children's education.
Through education, many Chinese have gradually entered the upper echelons of American society, especially notable in academia, which has led to increased prejudice and attacks.
However, for Chinese living in America, the heaviest pressure comes from political factors.
The unfair treatment they endure in the U.S. is often closely tied to the turbulent U.S.-China relations.
Especially for Chinese scholars engaged in research in America, they frequently face baseless attacks and accusations.
In 1999, Chinese scientist Wen Ho Lee was accused of stealing nuclear weapon secrets and passing them to China.
This accusation was clearly unfounded, and fortunately, under pressure and clarifications from Chinese organizations, Lee was not detained, but his research career suffered a severe blow.
Even worse, Chinese individuals find it nearly impossible to establish a foothold in American politics.
Despite their emphasis on education and hopes for their children to enter politics, those with Chinese backgrounds, even if they possess U.S. citizenship, find it challenging to break into upper political circles and gain real decision-making power.
American society often operates under the principle that "the squeaky wheel gets the grease." In the past, Chinese were seen as a "model minority," which on the surface seemed safe, but in reality, it was difficult to guarantee their rights.
In stark contrast, African Americans brought to the U.S. through the slave trade, despite their tragic history, have seen their rights legally acknowledged, which is quite ironic.
Even when U.S.-China relations are stable, Chinese people still face discrimination. What will happen to those living in America if tensions between the two countries intensify?
Japanese settlers in the U.S. experienced similar fates as the Chinese.
Enticed by the American Dream, many Japanese also sought a better life.
However, following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, U.S.-Japan relations deteriorated sharply, placing Japanese Americans in an extremely difficult position.
They faced severe discrimination, with many losing their jobs, and some restaurants even posted signs stating "No Japanese Allowed."
In such circumstances, Japanese living in America were treated like pariahs.
Japanese aristocrats who had once fled to America saw their assets frozen by the U.S. government, intended for reparations to the Japanese government.
To gain preferential treatment, many Japanese even joined the U.S. military, becoming enemies of their own country.
This pattern of discrimination did not ease even after Japan's defeat.
The experiences of Japanese Americans serve as a cautionary tale: despite having obtained U.S. citizenship, they still struggle to be fully accepted in a country that claims to uphold freedom and democracy.
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