By Joel Wong, Board Member of AAUC, Co-Chair of the Asian American Stories Video Contest & Chair of the Judges Committee, Silicon Valley Community Media (SVCM)
The U.S.-China rivalry is a profound structural collision between two distinct operational architectures and strategic playbooks.
The Operating Systems: Spark vs. Circuit
U.S. — Internal Combustion Engine: Driven by high-risk venture capital and creative disruption, the American model acts as an ignition chamber for radical technological breakthroughs. However, it is highly volatile, prone to asset bubbles, and fractured by political polarization, leaving Washington struggling to scale and manufacture its innovations domestically.
China — Integrated Smart Grid: Beijing synchronizes state-owned enterprises, private tech giants, and macroeconomic blueprints into a unified conductor. It dynamically reroutes resources during external shocks to achieve unparalleled industrial scaling, but it risks centralized fragility and favors incremental optimization over revolutionary discovery.
The Playbooks: Checkers vs. Go
U.S. — Checkers: Focuses on direct confrontation, rapid tactical captures, and reactive crisis management via targeted sanctions, military deployments, and mini-lateral alliances. It excels at fast responses but lacks long-term structural continuity.
China’s — Go (Weiqi): Prioritizes patient spatial encirclement, cumulative advantage, and building enduring global infrastructure networks. While highly resilient over decades, this bureaucratic strategy is vulnerable to sudden, non-linear black swan events.
The Hybridization Race: The contest is fundamentally an operational duel moving toward hybridization. The U.S. is deploying aggressive industrial policies to build its own grid, while China pours state capital into foundational tech to ignite its own spark. The ultimate victor will be the superpower that successfully executes both strategies: fusing high-velocity disruption with systemic, long-term endurance.
Published: 2:00pm, 7 Feb 2026 Updated: 1:37pm, 24 Feb 2026
If you’re enjoying a cup of apple herbal tea, starting your day with tai chi, and winding down with a soothing foot bath, you may be part of an intriguing trend known as “Becoming Chinese.”
Since January, a TikTok influencer has unintentionally ignited a global movement centred on adopting Chinese lifestyle habits, with videos showcasing these practices attracting over 20 million views.
In one engaging clip, Sherry Zhu Xirui, 23, humorously proclaims to her audience: “If you love hotpot, dim sum, Sichuan cuisine, and Biangbiang noodles, then you are Chinese. Your body is simply yearning for that wonton.”
TikTok influencer Sherry Zhu, above, unintentionally sparked a global movement focused on embracing Chinese lifestyle habits, with her videos showcasing these practices garnering over 20 million views. Photo: Instagram
Zhu, whose father is from Pinghu in Zhejiang province, eastern China, and mother hails from Guizhou, southwest China, was raised in New Jersey after her father came to the US for studies.
In an interview with the SCMP, Zhu shared that her Chinese-American upbringing included traditional wellness habits, such as drinking hot water for digestion and wearing slippers indoors to protect from han qi, the body’s cold energy.
Many users have joined Zhu by posting content tagged “becoming Chinese” or “transforming into a Chinese baddie,” showcasing lifestyle changes like opting for bone broth over salads, replacing coffee with hot water, or practising tai chi and Baduanjin qigong to alleviate work-related stress.
Zhu, second from left, whose father is from Zhejiang province and mother from Guizhou, was raised in New Jersey after her father moved to the US for his studies. Photo: Instagram
One TikTok user remarked on experimenting with acupuncture and cupping, referring to it as “the painful but worthwhile step to becoming a Chinese baddie.”
As Western audiences increasingly embrace Chinese lifestyles, they are also reevaluating their own cultural identities through this journey.
A year earlier, with the threat of a TikTok ban in the US, many users transitioned to the Chinese platform RedNote, dubbed “TikTok refugees,” leading to a significant cross-cultural exchange that saw RedNote rise swiftly in popularity.
This migration prompted the rapid introduction of AI translation features, facilitating connections across cultural lines.
Sun Fei, a social work professor at Michigan State University, observed that the “becoming Chinese” phenomenon underscores a disillusionment among some non-Chinese individuals with their own societal norms.
Experts said as Western audiences increasingly adopt Chinese lifestyles, they are also reassessing their own cultural identities amid this transformative experience. Photo: Shutterstock
He explained to the SCMP: “Western users realised that China’s technology, urban lifestyle, and culture differ from their expectations. Engaging with Chinese culture allowed many to dismantle prejudices and feel empowered to redefine their perceptions of social reality and justice.”
However, the trend is not without its critics.
Zhu remarked that some negative responses have come from fellow Chinese-Americans, who may feel conflicted seeing their culture commodified.
“They’ve faced bullying and now grapple with the confusion of witnessing Chinese culture presented as trendy,” she noted.
In the wake of the Covid pandemic, animosity towards overseas Chinese communities surged, adding complexity to the conversation.
Reflecting on her childhood experiences, Zhu recalled being teased for bringing noodles to school; nevertheless, she refused to let negativity cloud her spirit, proudly embracing her cultural heritage. Photo: Instagram
Recalling her childhood struggles, Zhu mentioned being teased for bringing noodles to school, with remarks like her food resembling worms. Others would condescendingly acknowledge her proficiency in English.
Despite these challenges, Zhu did not allow negativity to deter her; she embraced her cultural roots with pride.
“I’ve understood from a young age the warmth and benefits that Chinese culture offers. The support of my family and friends has been unwavering. Those who deride a culture they don’t comprehend are the truly pitiful ones,” Zhu expressed.
Why ‘becoming Chinese’ has gone viral among Americans despite US-China tensions
She is encouraged by the increasing number of individuals eager to learn about Chinese culture.
Meanwhile, Chinese mainstream media sees the trend as an opportunity to enhance the country’s soft power.
Sociologists emphasise that any nation aiming to reshape its international image must cultivate cultural confidence while addressing domestic issues of fairness and harmony, steering clear of excessive focus on external validation.
Professor Sun remarked: “Those embracing ‘becoming Chinese’ might overlook some of the internal challenges within Chinese society, yet these are the realities recognised and experienced by the Chinese public.”
Following the looming threat of a TikTok ban in the US last year, many Western users flocked to the Chinese platform RedNote, fostering significant cross-cultural exchanges and propelling its rapid rise in popularity. Photo: shobserver.com
He advocates for social media platforms, global content creators, and social organisations to present a wider spectrum of cultural narratives.
While the “Becoming Chinese” trend may not endure indefinitely, the phenomenon of cultural imitation facilitated by digital mediums is anticipated to resurge.
“In the future, we may witness cycles of trends such as embracing Japanese lifestyles, adopting Nordic minimalism, or relocating to Thailand. Today’s global youth are eager to explore their identities and foster cross-cultural connections,” Sun said.
He posed a challenge to content creators: “You have established cultural trends, but can you evolve into true leaders, advocates, and influencers who inspire meaningful societal change?”
Zoey Zhang is a multimedia reporter who covers ranges of topics including China culture, education, social trends, and Asian human interest stories. She previously interned with the Post on the video desk over the winter of 2022-2023. She holds a master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Hong Kong.
I want to share my cooking and diet journey with whoever sees this story.
I come from North China. My family and I eat typical Chinese food: Chinese bread (Mantou), rice, Chinese noodles, stir-fried mixed meat and vegetables, stir-fried mixed egg and vegetables, fried meat, fried vegetables, fried eggs, dumplings, and steamed bao. I still remember when I started cooking with my mom, I was in the first grade of elementary school. I have to stand on a stool to reach the kitchen counter and make the dough flat for my mom to use to make dumplings.
In 2001, my family moved to Sweden. The first Western food I learned about from my daughter, who ate in school, was bread with butter. I spread a one-centimeter-thick layer of butter on the bread. After I have eaten this bread for half a year, I have been fatter, my skin has been smoother and shinier. When I went back to China, all my friends thought I was pregnant. After I started working in a nursing home in Sweden, I finally saw how Swedes eat bread with butter! While I was working in a nursing home in Sweden, I saw the patient eating typical Western food: bread, coffee, cookies, cake, the entrée, usually with meat and vegetables, and always with potatoes or mashed potatoes, pasta, or spaghetti. Staff are allowed to eat patients’ food for pay. I really enjoyed all the Swedish food. I also tried baking and cooking Swedish food at home. Although I didn’t cook Swedish food well, actually, I did it very badly, my family and I liked what I cooked. Compared to Swedish food and Chinese food, Swedish food contains more dairy, and Chinese food contains more vegetables.
In 2005, my family moved to Boston, America. My family eats mixed Western food and Chinese food. Although my family eats mainly Chinese food, spaghetti, and pasta are always our favorite foods. We usually eat spaghetti and pasta with Chinese stir-fried meat and vegetables. I sometimes spread butter and cheese on Chinese bread (Mantou) to eat, which is very delicious. We love pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches, cake, and cookies. When we go to a buffet, I see a lot of Chinese, Asian (like sushi and stir-fried vegetables), and Western food, all of which is so great and enjoyable.
In the field experience course, I translated many fliers into Chinese promoting fruit and vegetables. CDC recommends eating colorful fruit and vegetables throughout the day: at least 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit. For the Chinese, it is not difficult to achieve. But Chinese people should increase their dairy and protein intake, according to CDC recommendations (n.d.).
I want to tell people who, like me, come from China: please try Western food. You will find plenty of Western food that you will love, and you will be creative in making your dining table both attractive and healthy.
Reference
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (n.d.). Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Seaweeds—brown (Phaeophyceae), red (Rhodophyta), and green (Chlorophyta)—are earning major attention for their health and sustainability benefits. Nutrient-dense and naturally low in fat, they provide vitamins (A, B-complex, C, D, E, K), essential minerals (iodine, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc), fiber, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Just as important, seaweeds are rich in bioactive compounds—fucoidan, laminaran, alginate, phlorotannins, fucoxanthin (brown); carrageenan and agar (red); and ulvan plus antioxidant pigments (green)—that show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and other promising properties in research.
These bioactives already power everyday applications: carrageenan and agar as food and pharma gelling agents; alginates in wound dressings, coatings, and texture systems; phlorotannins and ulvan in cosmetics and skincare for moisturizing, UV protection, and anti-aging; and even emerging roles in antivirals, nutraceuticals, and material science (edible films, bioplastics, biofuels). Seaweeds also support health indirectly through agriculture—used as biofertilizers, they enrich soils and crops without harsh chemicals, strengthening food systems while reducing environmental load.
Looking ahead, integrating seaweed extracts across food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors can accelerate healthier products and cleaner supply chains. Continued research is essential to identify and characterize more bioactive molecules, optimize safe, effective use, and ensure benefits for human and animal health. In short: seaweeds unite high nutritional value with powerful bioactives and sustainable applications—making them a compelling ally for personal well-being and a resilient, future-ready economy.
Did you know that nearly one in five students experiences bullying each year? Bullying can take many forms—verbal, physical, social, or online—and its impact goes far beyond hurt feelings. Victims may struggle with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, and in severe cases, it can affect academic performance and emotional health. Recognizing the signs early—such as sudden withdrawal, changes in mood, or reluctance to go to school—is the first step in helping those affected. Awareness is the foundation for change.
When we notice someone being bullied, our response matters. Encouraging victims to speak up, seek help from trusted adults, and connect with school counselors or support lines can make a big difference. Even small acts of kindness—listening without judgment, offering to walk with someone between classes, or including them in group activities—can remind victims that they’re not alone. Building a network of empathy and support empowers students to stand stronger together.
Preventing bullying starts with creating environments where respect and compassion thrive. Schools and communities can foster inclusion by promoting kindness campaigns, encouraging bystander intervention, and setting clear anti-bullying policies. Teaching empathy, celebrating diversity, and practicing open communication can help transform school culture into one of safety and acceptance. Together, we can make every classroom and hallway a place where all students feel seen, valued, and protected.
Since 1992, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) has led the celebration of October as Filipino American History Month (FAHM) across the United States. Recognized by Congress in 2009 and first honored at the White House in 2015, FAHM celebrates the deep roots and powerful contributions of Filipino Americans. This year’s theme, “From Quotas to Communities: Filipino American Migration and Movement,” commemorates the 90th anniversary of the 1935 Filipino Repatriation Act and the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act—two pivotal moments that shaped the Filipino American journey from exclusion to belonging.
In 1935, the U.S. government passed the Filipino Repatriation Act, a policy designed to reduce the Filipino population by offering one-way passage back to the Philippines under the condition that those who left could never return. Though framed as a benevolent opportunity, it reflected the era’s deep anti-Asian sentiment and exclusionary practices. Only a small fraction of the Filipino population accepted this offer, and the law ultimately failed thanks to community resistance. Thirty years later, the passage of the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act transformed the landscape, abolishing discriminatory quotas and opening the doors for thousands of Filipino immigrants—nurses, teachers, engineers, and more—to build lives and multigenerational communities in the U.S.
Today, over 4 million Filipino Americans continue to enrich the nation through social activism, healthcare, education, technology, and the arts. As immigration debates persist, this year’s theme reminds us that migration is not only about crossing borders but also about the ongoing movement toward justice, dignity, and belonging. The Filipino American experience stands as a testament to resilience and solidarity—showing that when marginalized communities unite, they have the power to challenge injustice, reshape policy, and expand opportunity for future generations. As we celebrate FAHM 2025, may we honor the past while continuing the work toward equity, remembrance, and liberation for all.
Cultural traditions are often seen as fixed in the past, but for bicultural artists, they are living sources of inspiration. Across communities, ancestral practices like calligraphy, weaving, or folk dance are finding new life in contemporary art forms. A brushstroke once reserved for poetry may now appear in street murals, or a textile pattern once worn at ceremonies may inspire modern fashion designs. By reimagining these traditions in fresh ways, artists show that heritage is not static—it evolves with each generation.
When bicultural artists reinterpret traditions, they do more than preserve them—they make them accessible to wider audiences. A performance that blends traditional instruments with modern beats can resonate with young people who might not otherwise connect with cultural history. Similarly, a gallery installation that incorporates ancestral symbols into modern digital media can spark conversations across cultures. These creative reinterpretations allow traditions to thrive outside their original contexts, ensuring that they remain relevant while honoring their roots.
The beauty of reimagining traditions is that it proves culture is both timeless and adaptable. Bicultural artists show us that innovation doesn’t mean abandoning heritage, but expanding it. In modern spaces—whether on stage, in galleries, or online—traditions are not only remembered, but transformed into tools of expression, healing, and connection. By blending the past with the present, these artists ensure that traditions remain powerful, inspiring, and deeply meaningful for generations to come.
In BIPOC families, elders hold more than memories—they carry the stories, traditions, and practices that root us in who we are. Learning from them means gaining access to a living archive of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. Whether it’s through oral histories, recipes, music, or rituals, elders pass down traditions that remind us of our collective strength and the journeys of those who came before us.
When we sit with our elders, we aren’t just hearing lessons—we’re experiencing culture firsthand. Simple acts, like learning to prepare a family dish, hearing a lullaby in an ancestral language, or practicing a craft handed down through generations, become moments of connection and continuity. These traditions are often survival stories wrapped in beauty, showing how communities endured and thrived despite hardship. They remind younger generations that culture is not just preserved in museums—it’s alive in daily life.
The beauty of learning traditions from our elders is that it gives us the tools to shape our future with roots firmly planted in the past. For BIPOC families, this knowledge ensures that identity is not lost but carried proudly into new spaces. By listening, learning, and practicing these traditions, we keep our cultures vibrant and evolving, honoring the sacrifices of our elders while building bridges for the generations to come. In this exchange, we discover that tradition is not just about the past—it’s a gift for the future.
As a Black guzheng artist, I live at the intersection of multiple identities. The guzheng, with its thousands of years of history rooted in Chinese culture, became my voice. Each performance is a reminder that identity is layered: I am both carrying the traditions of an instrument not born of my culture and expanding what it means to represent Black artistry in America. My journey has been about more than music, it’s been about reclaiming space, creating belonging, and showing that culture is not a wall, but a bridge.
The BIPOC experience is defined by resilience and adaptation. For me, learning the guzheng meant stepping into rooms where I was often the only Black person, asked again and again to explain my choice of instrument. At times, the pressure to “justify” my art was heavy, but that very tension also shaped my perspective: identity is not confined by expectation. The guzheng’s voice—at once delicate, powerful, and infinite—mirrors the complexity of BIPOC existence. We carry histories of struggle, yet we transform those stories into art, sound, and healing. My fingers on the strings are not just playing notes, but weaving together threads of ancestry, survival, and hope.
To be BIPOC in the arts is to confront stereotypes while also rewriting narratives. Every performance is my way of saying: we belong everywhere art is made. The guzheng in my hands represents possibility—proof that boundaries can be crossed, cultures can be shared, and voices once silenced can be amplified. As a Black guzheng artist, I don’t just play music; I embody the resilience of my community, the shared dreams of BIPOC artists, and the promise that our voices whether spoken, sung, or strummed across strings, will continue to shape the world.
Friendship is one of the most important foundations of a positive school environment. When students feel connected to their peers, they are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. A good friend can make school feel safer, more welcoming, and more enjoyable, creating a sense of belonging that every student deserves.
On the other hand, bullying damages that sense of belonging and can leave lasting emotional scars. Being excluded, teased, or targeted can make students feel isolated and fearful, which impacts not only their confidence but also their ability to learn. Bullying undermines the very spirit of community that schools work so hard to build, replacing trust and safety with fear and division.
That’s why it is so important to encourage kindness, empathy, and inclusion in every classroom. By promoting friendships and teaching students to stand up for one another, schools can create spaces where everyone feels valued and respected. Each act of friendship—no matter how small—has the power to change someone’s day, and together, students can create a culture that says no to bullying and yes to kindness.
Inspiring Words for Students
Show kindness every day, because even small acts can make a big difference.
Treat everyone with respect, no matter how different they are from you.
Include others so no one feels left out or alone.
Practice empathy by trying to understand how others feel.
Be courageous and stand up for yourself and for others.
Support your friends and classmates when they need help.
Remember that everyone deserves to belong and feel safe at school.
Work together in unity to build a school community that cares.
Celebrate friendship—it makes school brighter for everyone.
Friendship has the power to transform schools into safe, supportive, and joyful places for everyone. When students choose kindness over cruelty and inclusion over exclusion, they help create a community where no one feels alone. Bullying may cause harm, but strong friendships can heal, uplift, and inspire. Together, students can build a culture of respect and unity—one where every voice matters, and every person belongs.
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