The Chinese vs. American Dreams: Different but Still a Little Similar

When President Xi Jinping visited, he said that the Chinese dream — and the American dream — is that of all people in the world, saying that all these beautiful dreams are “xiang tong.” Literally “xiang tong” has two meanings, the first being similar. In this case, the similarities between the two [the Chinese and American dreams] are not mutually exclusive, which could lead to conflict: The two can try to resolve issues through some kind of a partnership of cooperation and coordination. The second means connected — not the same. Regardless of their origins, the Chinese and American dreams are equal in importance and relationships with one another.

A deep analysis of “xiang tong” also involves the U.S. in its prosperity, welfare of its people and world peace, which are the three levels logically used to assess power.

Let us talk at the national level. The American dream is not a national perspective for illustrating and interpreting dreams. Rather it is a self-realization to maximize [the potential of] each individual according to the country’s opportunities. Similarly, the Chinese dream is about the people. The international political and economic patterns of both countries help ensure each one to achieve its own kind of prosperity, certainly not for the two countries to become enemies. Although the Chinese dream is not the same as the American dream, a nightmare for China would just as well become a nightmare for the U.S. and vice versa.

In regard to the people, whether it is through cultural tradition or political structure, religious ethics or secular habit, China and the U.S. appear to be very different. However what is opposite is also complementary — yin and yang. China and the U.S. are both two great civilizations of the East and West, and their politics, culture, values and other aspects are very different but somehow provide a rare complementary compatibility. The Chinese are seen as feminine, while Americans are seen as masculine. Chinese culture advocates for one to be tolerant, while American culture advocates for an every man for himself mentality. China is always seen as a student, while the U.S. is always the missionary. China’s system puts country before one’s home, while the American system puts one’s home before country. The Chinese look toward the long term, whereas Americans want instant gratification, focusing on convenience, speed and standardization. In conflict resolution, there is a winner-takes-all mentality.

Although these two great civilizations are so different, they are also the same thing. In the most concrete and direct pursuit of well-being, the two are both in search of what it means to be happy. They both wish for healthy bodies, harmonious families, loving friends and a stable society. Concern about the happiness of the people is the greatest common denominator between the two, thus showing the dreams are linked to one another.

Last is world peace. Whether the Washington or Beijing consensus, the two sides are deeply aware of each other and their decisions in addressing international affairs. The U.S. must work together with China. From the North Korean nuclear crisis resolution to the Iranian nuclear negotiations, it is clear that the two countries are not immune from terrorism, network viruses and attacks. Cooperation between the two to solve the world’s problems is key.

Thus, though the Chinese and American dreams are not necessarily the same, they must be.