US Olympic Attire “Made in China”

Recently in London, the U.S. Olympic delegation just made a widely acclaimed debut of its uniforms. However, because of their “Made in China” label, they have suddenly triggered a storm. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other members of Congress even threatened that they should be fully repossessed and burned. They said that it is shameful that our American athletes should be wearing Chinese-made uniforms. The Olympic Games have not yet begun. Gold has not been claimed by China.

After seeing these reports, I cannot help laughing. Eleven years ago, after 9/11, the American people’s patriotism was unprecedented. There were mass demonstrations, and almost everyone was carrying the national flag. In order to support the patriotic enthusiasm of the American masses, Chinese workers worked overtime, day and night, to help the Americans manufacture the United States flag. Most of the national flags that were held by the U.S. masses in parades were “Made in China.” Why, at that time, did lawmakers not yell that this is a “shameful act” and that they should be collected and burned in a fire? Are they forgetful or ignorant?

Ironically, the member critical [of the uniforms] just picked up the phone to make a call regarding his heavy criticism that U.S. athletes would even wear “Made in China” sportswear and suddenly found that his cell phone was “Made in China.” This gentleman wanted to send an email to let off steam, but found the computer keyboard is “Made in China.” He was so angry he wanted to shatter the keyboard. He could not bear it.

The United States has been claiming that “economic globalization” and international “free trade” should be promoted. They have repeatedly stressed this. They even continue to “enlighten” other countries, and say that this is an irresistible trend of the times. Over the years, the U.S. multinational company has been busy running around concerned with its personal gain. But, what now?

In this regard, some people say that this is the performance of narrow nationalism. Some people say that this is “An Edition of Justice and Society in the U.S.” But the real reason I’m afraid is that the U.S. has the mindset that it “will never come in second,” and its confident mind rushes toward reflection. Of course in all of that is blended in anxiety about China’s development. And there is some kind of trade protectionism under the new situation. According to the logic of some U.S. lawmakers, would not the United States have to shatter or “burn” a variety of products from shoes and clothing to cars?!

How the U.S. government and the International Olympic Committee deal with the “Made in China” uniforms given the imminent opening of the London Olympics will be iconic. Let’s wait and see.

Wang Yusheng, Director of the China Foundation for International Studies, Center for Strategic Studies