Why Everyone Is Suddenly in a ‘Very Chinese Time’ in Their Lives

New York: These days, everyone is feeling very Chinese. People are saying, “You met me at a very Chinese time of my life.” They are sharing activities like eating dim sum and wearing cool Adidas jackets. This trend has even caught the attention of celebrities like Jimmy O Yang and Hasan Piker. It’s become common to see phrases like “Chinamaxxing,” meaning to act more Chinese, or “u will turn Chinese tomorrow,” which is like giving a good wish.

Many online people have noticed a big change over the past year. Even with tough trade rules and criticisms of China, many young Americans are loving Chinese technology, brands, and cities. They are buying more products made in China than ever. So it makes sense that some want to embrace a Chinese identity.

An influencer named Chao Ban joked on TikTok, asking people if they realize they are using a Chinese app, probably on a Chinese phone, wearing clothes made in China, and even collecting Chinese toys.

Everything Is China

These memes about being Chinese do not give a real view of life in China. Instead, they show what some people dislike about American life. Tianyu Fang, a researcher at Harvard, says many Americans look to China during a time when their own country seems to be struggling. With crumbling buildings and problems in the government, people see China as a better alternative.

As people feel a desire for change because of political shifts, they find inspiration in China’s amazing cities and fast trains. Critics often compare China’s clean energy projects to the U.S. government’s failures in climate policy and its housing issues. This shows China’s strengths but overlooks its problems. Writer Minh Tran noted that in today’s world, people admire China for what it represents, not just for what it is.

One big reason everyone is thinking about China is because it’s everywhere. No matter where you are, many things are made in China. At WIRED, we have shown that your phone, laptop, or even robots you own are made there. Toys, solar panels, and the best-selling electric cars also come from China. Even some of the most popular AI models are from China. This is why we call this newsletter Made in China.