28 Comments Add your own

• 1. Dan N  |  December 26th, 2010 at 7:37 pm

  I would agree that Chinese are more culturally loyal then other ethnic groups. I witnessed this when I participated in an Urban Studies off-campus program as an undergraduate in San Francisco. The children of Italian immigrants moved to the suburbs as they grew up while those of Chinese immigrants did not. As a result, the Italian community of San Francisco, “North Beach”, now consists almost entirely of Chinese people who are overflowing from neighboring Chinatown.

  However, I’m failing to see the geopolitical consequences of this characteristic. The large Chinese community has coexisted with the rest of San Francisco for more than 150 years. I think that we can gain a lot of insight into our future relationship with China by studying this relationship. Yes, the Chinese stick together and this has given them certain advantages in the city. But, for the most part, this hasn’t led to unusual societal problems there. I think that San Francisco is a perfect example of the impact that we can expect a “relevant” China to have on the world. Like all of us, the Chinese have natural strengths and weaknesses that uniquely qualify them for certain roles in society.

• 2. Katie Moeller  |  January 8th, 2011 at 11:55 am

  The story of Loretta Chao and her grandfather both highlighted the emotional and financial decisions in regards to staying in your home country. What a story her grandfather had with leaving China and never seeing his parents again. I believe his parents wanted to provide him the opportunity to achieve what he couldn’t in China. Many people from China have come to the United States to earn their MBA’s like the second article mentioned. What is fascinating is that many of them are returning to China after getting what they want out of the United States. I think China now represents what the United States has represented – opportunity. China is growing and developing and educated people understand it is their chance to seize the “American” dream in China. It seems almost sly of them to be doing this, using our education system, but its business savvy. I think this trend will continue. It would be interesting to meet some Overseas Chinese to hear first-hand about their experiences and future endeavors.

• 3. David Hart  |  January 8th, 2011 at 10:12 pm

  It looks like stories like Loretta Chao’s story are not uncommon among the Chinese. That was a tender story of a family being reunited after so many years. I can only imagine what that must have felt like.

  I lived abroad for two years overseas and I remember the feeling I had when I saw family and friends when I came home. Of course I had had regular contact with them throughout that time. I cannot imagine just leaving family members like Chao’s grandfather did. He did not have contact with them for a long time. That must have been a very challenging experience that took a leap of confidence.

  The fact that many Chinese are returning to their land rather than staying in the US after receiving their education speaks volumes of the economic opportunities in China. With so much demand for so many services, China will likely continue to reap the benefits of the “overseas Chinese.”

  I have a European friend who recently married a Chinese citizen. They met in college in Europe. She wanted to be close to her roots and so they are settling near her family in China. After receiving her education abroad, she wanted to return home.

  As I continue to learn more about China, I am beginning to see that for many people, China is the place to be.

• 4. Jessie Wilkie  |  January 10th, 2011 at 8:37 pm

  This blog got a more visceral response from me than I expected. When I was reading the WSJ article and about the girl’s grandfather leaving China and I got to this part I literally started tearing up:

  “Not knowing what was going to happen in China or when he’d see his family again, my grandfather reluctantly boarded a ship. He left with no time to go home to say goodbye to Dongfeng or his younger sister, Zhao Jianxin, and cousins. It was the first time he had ever seen the ocean, and the last time he would ever see his father. He was 23, the same age I am now.”

  I don’t know. It just makes me think of my father and my mother. And how when I travel, I wonder if it is going to be the last time that I’m going to see them. I once left them for five months and went across the globe–I ended up getting an infection and I wondered if I’d ever see them again. All I could remember is the last time that I saw them at LAX…I wonder if this is how her grandfather felt.

  I think that the emotional response that this post solicits from me (and most likely anyone from any culture) is the magic of this post and the signified behind the “For Chinese people, the blood that binds us is thicker than any body or water that separates us” signifier.

  My memories and my heart are here, just like the memories and the hearts of those Chinese who grew up in China are there. Human emotions are very powerful. It’s no wonder that overseas Chinese exist. I think one could say the same for any culture…except maybe people who live in the arctic, but maybe even then…

• 5. Cassie Bettencourt  |  January 11th, 2011 at 5:22 pm

  There is no doubt that overseas Chinese returning to China is a presently occurring phenomenon. I believe the reason why is a combination of their cultural loyalty, their desire to connect to their roots, and the many new opportunities in China. However, the article “More Chinese Graduates Return Home” pinpointed the new opportunities in China as the main contributing factor. I agree. Valid points from the article include the fact that Chinese business people are considered more valuable and to have a comparable advantage in their home country with their US expertise, and the perception of the happenings in China as the “gold rush” or “wild west.”

  The blood and loyalty has always been there along with the fact that China is home, but the more recent economic developments China has experienced really seems to be the straw that broke the camel’s back–especially for young Chinese people located here in America. Although I feel that some of this might be unique to the Chinese, it may simply be more apparent since this is currently a hot topic in the geopolitical sphere and the general Chinese population is so large. I would be interested to see how their statistics compare relatively with other countries that have their people overseas and where these people reside.

• 6. Jessica Shayler  |  January 20th, 2011 at 4:44 pm

  I got the impression Chinese students in the US wanted to move back to China for the chance to make a recognizable difference in a place that’s important to them. “I am passionate and patriotic about China.” But even though they are being educated in the US and leaving for China I also got the impression that (at least from the perspective of the article’s author) many of these recent grads got jobs with US companies operating in China. This seems like it would be a huge asset for these US businesses! All the educational benefits of US universities plus experience in US business practices plus the cultural benefits of being raised Chinese (language, culture, etc) seems like a dynamite combination.

  I think I would feel a twinge of indignation if the majority of US-educated Chinese students returned to their home country and worked solely for Chinese companies… That’s probably my over-developed sense of “fairness” speaking. I know, since when is the world fair?

• 7. Brady Haug  |  January 21st, 2011 at 5:46 pm

  The United States has always been considered a land of opportunity. Whether for economic opportunity or schooling, the United States attracts hoards of immigrants. I think that Katie’s statement, “China is growing and developing and educated people understand it is their chance to seize the “American” dream in China” is the real reason why the Chinese are returning to their roots. It is in an attempt to gain the American dream and bring it back home with them. The Chinese are a loyal and highly cultural people, but the allure of economic opportunity is what really drives immigration.

  Loretta Chao’s story is one that I can relate too. My father immigrated to the United States as a young child from Switzerland. My father’s family had no contacts in the United States, but they knew that this country held great opportunity. For my grandparents, they decided to leave Switzerland in order to leave farm/factory work behind and provide a better schooling environment for their kids. My father had only been to his hometown once, back when he was in college, and my whole family was able to go with him again three years ago. We met my father’s uncle and a multitude of other relatives. It was an emotional return for my father and something that I will never forget. In my opinion, most immigrants have a yearning to return to their roots.

• 8. Robbin Forsyth  |  January 22nd, 2011 at 8:10 am

  There is a great amount of cultural “stickiness” with the Chinese people. With a long continuous history deeply ingrained with Confucian ideals there is huge cultural gravity in China.
  Part of that culture is pragmatism and I believe the metaphor of Two-song Jian Shu is quite appropriate.
  In my experience, first generation Chinese immigrants long for an idealized version of a home they left. Of the Chinese expats I have met, the younger ones have left in search of educational opportunities. The older ones are usually entrepreneurs or political refugees. Someone that experienced the devastation of the Great Leap Forward or the Cultural Revolution and was lucky enough to escape out of China is similar to a victim of war or huge natural disaster. They can feel guilty about their luck of escaping the suffering that their friends and loved ones were left to endure. I have spoken with people that been through this and they always idealize the “China” of the people that they left behind. These same people are acutely aware that the CCP government imposed this turmoil on its own citizens because of inept communist ideals.
  Loretta Chao’s article and its details about the lives of her Grandfather and Great Uncle bring this keenly into focus. As the quality of life and relative freedoms increase it seems only natural that people want to return home. I do know several Chinese expat business people that now have residences in China. What I think is most telling is the fact that their families stay in California most of the time and all personal assets are kept in the USA. There seems to be a clear line between line between business, which is done in China at an acceptable risk and personal lives that are not worth the risk and kept stateside. I have talked at length to my friend Arthur Cheng about this and he hope that some day his two boys will want to experience more of their Chinese heritage. After they are educated in the USA and make the decision themselves.
  I believe this mindset also the younger generation to a lesser extent. The popular perception is that all Gen Y or Millennial generation Chinese are blithely unaware of the repressive capabilities of the CCP government. If this were true, why are all of the MBA students mentioned in the Ronald Alsop’s article taking positions with western multinational companies in China? The fact that these people have spent time in school outside of China gives them a better perspective on the world outside of China, (and an external view of China). Could it be that these intelligent, highly educated young people are still a bit wary of the future actions of the CCP? I believe they have desires to leave future, alternate options open for assignments outside of China if their circumstances require it.

• 9. j hurley  |  January 25th, 2011 at 4:17 pm

  I personally think that there could be several reasons why many Chinese are deciding to return home. One, I personally feel that Chinese family ties are very strong as well as their values, and it is important for many not to loose touch with their family and friends that help define their culture.
  Two, I think that many are returning back to China as more opportunities are beginning to arise there. For the past 100 years people from all over the world have been traveling to the U.S. for opportunity reasons; however, as the world becomes more flat, opportunities are emerging everywhere in the world.

• 10. Randy Camat  |  January 27th, 2011 at 10:07 pm

  I think this quote from the second article from WSJ More Chinese Graduates Return Home by Mark Wilkins, President of Stampede, summarizes the main reason why so many Chinese graduates are returning to China, “Chinese students are more valuable back in their home country, where they can charge a premium for their expertise…doing business in China is all about relationships.” In addition, the Chinese economy is booming compared to the US economy. Who wouldn’t you want to go back “home” especially if it’s filled with so much opportunity and you have the advantage of getting hired. Not to mention the added family ties the first article A Return to China: Amid a Tide of Homecomings, A Granddaughter, Visits the Land Her Family Left in 1948 highlights another reason for returning home. I’d like to echo j hurley in saying that in the family unit is very important in Asian cultures.

• 11. Kristine Spencer  |  February 1st, 2011 at 11:03 pm

  I can somewhat relate to the story of returning to your roots. I visited my great grandparents’ old home in the Netherlands with my grandmother, mother, and little sister. Seeing my grandmother’s reaction to the “homestead” and reminiscing about the home was something I will always remember. It gave me such a feeling of pride for my Dutch heritage and love for my family. Just to paint a picture, the small home is in a quant village, has a thatched roof and has a turn bridge; it was even on a postcard, which my grandmother is extremely proud of! But my experience doesn’t hold a flame to the experiences that Chinese overseas dealt with, included being isolated from your family like in the article for 34 years.

  I think that all of the reasons Professor Carr lists above could be reasons why Chinese would return to China. I also think that the Chinese want to be a part of China’s rise and development as a nation. Almost every parent wants their children to be in touch with their culture and heritage, so it’s natural for successful Chinese would want to go back to China to raise their children and carry on with their lives in their native culture. Brady mentions the “American dream,” and maybe these overseas Chinese want to pursue their idea of the “Chinese dream,” which includes economic opportunity.

• 12. Jason Jay Sharma  |  February 8th, 2011 at 3:55 am

  The story of Loretta Chao and her grandfather is moving tale–while it was sad that Tim was separated from his family for so long, it’s heart-warming to find out he was able to reunite with his siblings. As for Overseas Chinese, I think Loretta makes a good example of a United States-born Chinese working in China (or at least attempting to return to work in China).

  The reasons I feel Overseas Chinese are flocking to China is that they are aware the China is on the cusp of its great potential, and they want to be there to see if happen. Culturally, I can image that they feel any success China can accomplish it part of their own success. Compared to other foreign individuals working in or conducting business in China, I feel Overseas Chinese must also feel that they have more right returning to China–almost possessing part of the accomplishments.

  Then again, this is all speculation from someone trying to see the perspective from in their shoes. This isn’t a complete stab in the dark, but from my experiences with friends, Chinese people, like many Asian cultures have stronger bonds ethnically and with family.

  As for the graduating students returning or leaving for China, the additional articles clearly point to the fact that Chinese students who studied in the United States are in high demand. The mix of education and their cultural/ethnic advantage combined with high salaries makes a strong combination to lure Overseas Chinese back to the homeland.

• 13. Tim Easton  |  February 8th, 2011 at 9:49 pm

  I believe that Chinese people are returning to China for many different reasons. They have a strong connection with their culture and family back at home. Leaving China to study in the United States had to be tough and they made that sacrifice for their entire family, not just themselves. With the growth occurring in China it is relatively easy for an educated individual to find a well paying job in China. My parents are professors at San Diego State and have many international students in their classes, and most of them are from China or India. I recently had dinner with my parents and one of their former students, who is Chinese. After graduating he returned to China and he is now working for an insurance company in Beijing, and has been extremely successful. He and his wife have two apartments in Beijing, and they recently bought a house in San Diego. His wife is living in the house in San Diego, because she is trying to become a citizen, while he lives in one apartment in Beijing and his mom lives in the other one. His reasons for returning to China match those of many “Overseas Chinese”; the better job opportunities, and the chance to return to family.

• 14. Ashley Ogden  |  February 10th, 2011 at 9:09 am

  The Chinese people are moving back to China because they see exciting opportunities there. They have a desire to make their own mark on China, their homeland. Even Chinese that are not born in China feel a strong connection to China. In the past, there were not as many opportunities in China but now there are many opportunities for them. There is high demand for businessmen and women that are knowledgeable about the Chinese culture and Chinese traditions. In some way I think that the younger Chinese generations feel an obligation to go back to China. They also see China as the “Wild-west” and a new type of “gold rush”. With all these business people moving back to China, there will definitely be some exciting things happening in China and also many exciting opportunities.

• 15. Sarah Weinzapfel  |  February 10th, 2011 at 5:36 pm

  I have to admit, I ALMOST got a little teary eyed during the first WSJ article. I could never imagine leaving my hometown and family to go to a whole new country for an indefinite amount of time. My freshman year of college was hard enough. I also can’t imagine not even be able to talk to my family for 34 years and not being around for the end of my parents’ lives.

  While I have always thought Chinese ties to their cultural roots were stronger than most other cultures, I can understand why someone would want to visit a country where their immediate family is from and what their lives used to be like. My dad’s side of the family is from Germany and even though not even my grandparents were born there, I have always been curious about my distant relatives’ lives over there and to travel there. I think another reason young Chinese people travel home is because they want to take what they’ve learned and seen abroad and use it in ways to help their families and country.

• 16. Matt Streiter  |  February 10th, 2011 at 5:37 pm

  The most I can relate to this story is going to Arizona for college. It was hard and I did miss my family a lot. This time in my life was really the first time I had been out there on my own. I didn’t know anyone over there when I first arrived and it was my responsibility to build my life. This would be a less drastic version of what many Chinese people went through, moving to a foreign place to better yourself and create more opportunities.The day I moved back home was great, I had accomplished the purpose of moving to Arizona and was now back to be reunited with my family and my home state.

  Relating this to the Chinese gives me a very small glimpse to how they must have felt leaving China to try and better their lives and hopefully achieve the “American Dream” in some cases. These circumstances represent the strong family unity that would have to have existed in order for families to have the desire to reunite down the road after being separated for so long. Furthermore it demonstrates the undesirable conditions that existed in the country at the time that would motivate such a large amount of people to migrate away. The desire to return now symbolizes China’s new found opportunity.

• 17. Chris Bruns  |  February 12th, 2011 at 8:30 pm

  I think the first WSJ article, A Return to China: Amid a Tide of Homecomings, A Granddaughter Visits the Land Her Family Left in 1948, really hit home for me because I have never seen the Philippines and where my mother’s side of the family has come from. I still have immediate family there and my grandmother lives there for part of the year still. It would be nice to experience what Loretta Chao was writing about and being able to connect. I enjoyed the More Chinese Graduates Return Home article and I thought the quote that hit home was from Virginia Roberson. Her description of what China looks like to the students with an entrepreneurial side is “It’s like the Wild West and the gold rush to them.” I think that there is some truth to that idea in that there is opportunity available to those that want to chase a dream. There is risk and there are others chasing the same type of dreams, and I think that is what makes China our chance for opportunity and wealth. I was also surprised by the interactive map and what a large population of Chinese in Russia and Peru.

• 18. Tyler Sereno  |  February 13th, 2011 at 4:14 pm

  It seems that the older overseas Chinese return to China to reunite with family. During the harsh times in China, many people were forced to separate from their families in order to chase a greater opportunity. And for a long time they had no way and were not permitted to contact the families that they had to leave behind. I believe this makes the reunited relationships much more emotional and stronger when these overseas Chinese are finally able to travel back to China and see their relatives. After being away from their home for so long makes it harder for them to leave when they visit. As mentioned in the WSJ article, her grandfather has now gone back 12 times to visit his family once he was able to reunite with them.

  The younger overseas Chinese are returning to China for the greater opportunities. As mentioned in the article “More Chinese Graduates Return Home,” these students earn their MBAs and see more opportunities back in China. Their background of Western business culture learned in business school helps them do business in China with Westerners. And they already possess the background in Chinese culture, so they have an advantage to be successful in China with the emerging economic boom there.

• 19. Will Moeller  |  February 13th, 2011 at 4:59 pm

  First of all, I had no idea there were 56 ethnic groups in China. I’m not surprised, given both the land area the country covers and the sheer number of people that live there. Juxtaposing that against the United States is awestriking. I’m not sure how many ethnic groups there are in the United States, but I have to imagine its fewer - by far. Furthermore, the American ideal seems to be, “I am an American” versus the Chinese ideal of “we are Chinese.” I’ll agree, my heart was warmed by the blood and water quote above. It certainly inspires a sense of community.

  The Loretta Chao story of being separated for so long and then reunited is also interesting. Taking family for granted is easy when you live in a country with relative internal stability. Thinking about other historical events during my lifetime - the Berlin Wall, Rwandan genocide - it’s clear that the population that identifies with a country can get separated for reasons outside its control - sometimes under horrible circumstances.

  The other side to this blog is the business side. Some overseas Chinese left to pursue business opportunities. On that note, I would echo Randy’s point about Chinese returning “home” because their skills, if employed correctly could reap nice returns. In essence, the “Chinese Dream” is today what the “American Dream” was 200 years ago. (If you want more of my thoughts on the chasing the dream idea, I wrote about it in the Postcards from Tomorrow Square book review.)

• 20. Amanda Podesta  |  February 14th, 2011 at 8:45 pm

  The WSJ’s “Strangers at Home” provoked my ire. While I’m patriotic, I can separate myself from my country and stand in mixed approval of its policies/actions. That is a great freedom. What we are seeing in people afraid to take a stance or share their knowledge/opinions is the exact opposite situation. It is fear of open dialogue that would make someone quote the “unique national conditions” [of China] as the reason for such-and-such. It is a worse and more frustrating answer than “I don’t know.” To try to hide behind a bamboo curtain is weak and self-protectionist rubric. It is a people trying to shore knowledge only unto themselves and not be drawn out into discussion. That this is a prevalent trend in China suggests a nation of conformers trying to sync so tightly to a national identity but ironically can’t because the party line changes too frequently to be able to quote.

• 21. Anthony Kallioinen  |  February 19th, 2011 at 11:18 am

  The group of people called ‘Overseas Chinese are people of Chinese decent that live outside of China. This fits with what Kaiser Kuo was talking about (red guards against rednecks) in that is more important what one’s heritage is than their nationality. This is a really strong concept in China; they care more about the cultural umbrella of the Chinese people than they do about national identities. For this reason, mainland China has included Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan as part of the peoples included in this term ‘Overseas Chinese.’ If you are ethnically part of the group then you are in the club. This is another difference between individualistic nations and collectivistic ones: China is willing and must include all of its members in the count, harnessing them in with saying such as: “For Chinese people, the blood that binds us is thicker than any body or water that separates us.” This shows the depth of the connection one has with the rest of one’s cultural body around the world. It is interesting that although there are over 600,000 ‘Overseas Chinese’ reported in Japan, there is a note at the bottom of the table excluding Japanese nationals of Chinese decent from this count. For a country that includes everyone with ethnic roots in the group, this is really harsh. This really shows the anger towards the Japanese that the Chinese have for the apology that they still believe they deserve.

  People are returning to China for many reasons, basically because the reasons they left are not as binding as they used to be. Chinese people left the mainland for many reasons, usually in search of better opportunity. Now that China is more receptive to the rest of the world, people are returning to visit their great homeland. For some, China will always be home to them, even if they have never been there, they recognize that they are part of something larger. If they grew up in China, then they are possibly going back to visit family and remember the good times they used to have, or to create new memories with the new freedoms that they now enjoy (taking pictures/dinner parties). For others educated in the US, there is possibly now more opportunity in China. China is exploding! For the newly minted US college graduate of Chinese decent, returning to China will provide them with more opportunity than a US firm.

  There are many reasons that ‘Overseas Chinese’ are returning. In many ways it is due to all the recent chatter about China on the news over the last decade. China is becoming a very large economic power and is enjoying better living conditions and more freedoms than it has in the past. Both of these factors contribute to the draw of returning to China.

• 22. Tara Millard  |  February 28th, 2011 at 10:32 pm

  Loretta Chao’s story of her grandfather leaving China without as much as a goodbye highlights the emotional ties that exist in this country.

  “Not knowing what was going to happen in China or when he’d see his family again, my grandfather reluctantly boarded a ship. He left with no time to go home to say goodbye to Dongfeng or his younger sister, Zhao Jianxin, and cousins. It was the first time he had ever seen the ocean, and the last time he would ever see his father. He was 23, the same age I am now.”

  Perhaps overseas Chinese are returning to China, because the stories passed on through family members and generations have highlighted China as native soil, a place to be called home. While Loretta Chao’s grandfather had to leave China in a haste, his story has lived on and instilled in the generations to follow a sense of loyalty and love for China. While her grandfather was unable to stay in China, Loretta is seeing China as a thriving nation, a nation in which she could live and succeed.

  This story highlights the Blood and cultural loyalty amongst the Chinese that bring many Overseas Chinese back to the “rich” Chinese soil. For many, China is the home they had only imagined living in, and now they have the opportunity to make this dream a reality. While cultural ties are evidently present in the Chinese culture, the thriving business market in China cannot be ignored in this trend of Overseas Chinese moving to China itself. The opportunities available in China as of present are merely not available in China’s brother and sister countries. Moving to China not only has a mystical quality instilled through a “grandfather’s story” but it also holds the potential for unthinkable success.

• 23. Kyle R.  |  March 6th, 2011 at 4:56 pm

  I believe overseas Chinese are returning to China for many different reasons. For some, it’s due to a sense of cultural loyalty, like the WSJ article on Ms. Chao’s grandfather. Her grandfather felt a great sense of loyalty to his Chinese culture and believed it was necessary to take his granddaughter there so she could see where her family came from. I can only imagine how tough it must have been for her grandfather to pack up everything and leave his family, not knowing if/when he would ever see them again. When looking at the sheer number of people who left China in the 19th century, I would imagine that there are many people in situations similar to Ms. Chao’s grandfather. However, some people might just might be returning to China to explore their ancestry and where their family came from, not necessarily with an emphasis on cultural loyalty.

  The second WSJ article showed a completely different reason for going back to China and it seems to make sense. College graduates are extremely valuable in China, primarily because of their American education/influence mixed with their Chinese heritage. I can see why so many students want to work or develop something new in China after graduation. It must be motivating to hear Virginia Roberson’s say, “It’s like the Wild West and the gold rush to them.”

• 24. Ben Raymond  |  March 8th, 2011 at 2:01 pm

  The overseas Chinese return to China for multiple reasons. Many of the elder overseas Chinese return to China to reunite with family, as was the case in the Loretta Chao story. Many people left the country due to the political situation and the vast number of opportunities outside of the country and haven’t been in contact with their homeland family. Chinese students who came to America for the education return to China with a knowledge of Western business and an increased value to companies. Even American born Chinese students are heading to China for the ever growing opportunity and the Wild West mentality that is manifesting in China. Their knowledge of the language and culture of China and the U.S. increases their value to U.S. companies and Chinese Companies alike.

  Overall, it seems that they really have two reasons for returning, either family, or opportunity. As opportunities in China continue to rise I expect we will see a greater return of the overseas Chinese. If Americans are heading to China for the opportunity, it makes perfect sense that someone with a Chinese background would be even more eager to explore the new Wild West.

• 25. J Vail  |  March 14th, 2011 at 12:44 pm

  I have heard several similar stories of ‘Cultural Loyalty’ by Chinese emigrants, but I think that people from all walks of life can appreciate the feeling of home. I think this might be further compounded by the fact that many people leave China for such a long period of time, as well as rural areas in china being so hard to contact. Blood is thicker than water – which is part of the reason why this article is so universal for anyone reading it. I think the return of the Chinese to their homeland isn’t surprising, there are easier means of getting there and the country is in a much better position than it was previously. I knew several Ecuadorians from working in a restaurant, and they often lamented the same desire to return home, but didn’t have enough money to get back and knew there would still be no opportunities for them there. Regardless the feeling is the same the world over; to better understand ourselves we have to reflect on (and at least visit) where we came from.

• 26. Chris F.  |  March 16th, 2011 at 5:34 pm

  By that definition, I (along with all Chinese in this country)would be considered an overseas Chinese since I am descended from Chinese immigrants (my grandparents). However I personally think that the definition of overseas Chinese pertains to citizens of the PRC, ROC, Macau and Hong Kong living abroad. While the quote about the Chinese bond is true, I don’t know if I would (or could) possibly move back to the mother-country. But like the ancestors who has the opportunity to leave China to pursue economic possibilities or escape war, overseas Chinese are moving back to China because there is opportunity to do so. Some do it purely as a career opportunity; some also feel the “blood and cultural loyalty” (I have a bit of loyalty to China in general too). But I know it will never be truly home if I moved there. While I am ethnic Chinese, I am not Chinese - Chinese; I won’t fit in with the social norms over there.

  In terms of geopolitical consequences, on the positive side, Chinese and their deep bond to one another do transcend great distances. My family have extended family over in Guangzhou, China and my family has recently visited. It has been a long time since my mother visited in the early 1980’s with her mother (my grandmother), but there is still family over there who remember. While I don’t personally know my extended family, communication does occur from time to time between those over there and those here in the United States. A negative consequence is that it drives the “One China” policy. Meaning that the Chinese government see it as their right to reunify the greater China under one flag and system. This means that there will eventually be friction between the U.S. and the PRC over Taiwan (ROC). How that event will turn out, no one can say for certain but it will definitely be something that will intertwine our societies in the near future.

• 27. JP Salazar  |  March 18th, 2011 at 12:17 am

  The story of the Loretta Chao and her grandfather reuniting with their family in mainland China is a heartwarming one. It highlights the intense and difficult decisions that young people had to make during the Cultural Revolution in China. Mr. Chao was forced to leave the country in which he had spent his entire life as well as break ties with his family in the face of social and political reform. As a result, his brothers and sister ended up living a life that was much different than the one he experienced.
  But blood is thicker than water, as one traveler on their bus put it. No matter the time or distance that had separated the Chao family from each other, they are still connected by the bonds of family. Even though their lives had followed much different paths, as evident in the stark physical contrast of Mr. Chao and his brother, they were still brought together by their shared experience of growing up together.
  I wish this type of feeling was more evident in the US. Family ties are usually not as important in American culture as they are in Asian ones. I am currently having some trouble with this and my little brother. He has been making choices lately that have been driving us apart. He definitely does not exhibit the same level of commitment to family that I do. I worry that the longer we are separated and not talking the harder it will be for us to reconnect down the line. I can only try to take some reassurance from the Chao family story that people can reconnect, even after long periods of time and over vast distances.

• 28. Omar Pradhan  |  March 18th, 2011 at 1:40 pm

  I agree that Chinese exceptionalism (and why not given their 5000 year unbroken cultural heritage) is likely at the heart of the phenomenon documented. Moreover, it seems to me that these folks remain optimistically connected (e.g. “blood that binds us is thicker…”) because 1) they have not done well at integrating (e.g. seemingly everywhere you go there’s a proud China town where non-integration is implicitly / explicitly championed) and 2) their separation affords perspective on the fragility of the existing political manifestation, which in turn kindles hope for a political reformulation and a fairytale homecoming… I look forward to exploring whether my characterization has any merit.

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