China's 'Becoming Chinese' Meme Highlights Rising Soft Power Influence
A new social media trend known as the 'becoming Chinese' meme is gaining traction globally, with young people embracing Chinese cultural practices such as drinking hot water with goji berries and wearing slippers indoors. This trend is part of a broader rise in China's soft power, as Chinese culture becomes increasingly popular worldwide. The Chinese government has long sought to enhance its soft power, but this organic cultural phenomenon has achieved a level of success that official efforts have not. Chinese Ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng, has even referenced the trend while promoting a new visa-free transit policy. However, the trend has sparked discussions about cultural appropriation, especially among Chinese Americans who have faced discrimination. 
