A recent report by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs indicates that for young Americans born between 1997 and 2013, China is not a “major threat” to the United States, and they prefer a good cooperative relationship between the two countries.

"This generation of young Americans grew up in an era of globalization, and with the widespread use of social media, their contact with Chinese culture has become increasingly common. Many even jokingly say that they live in a 'very Chinese era,'" the report, released on August 12, stated.

The report shows that American youth hold relatively rational views on Sino-US relations. Specifically, among this group, 59% believe that the US should maintain friendly cooperation with China; 64% believe that restrictions should not be placed on Chinese students studying in the US; 66% disagree with the US government's move to impose tariffs on Chinese goods; and 69% oppose a significant reduction in Sino-US trade.

The report points out that young Americans growing up in the digital age gain their understanding of China from everyday life—Chinese goods on store shelves, Chinese culture in streaming media, destinations on travel lists, and real, relatable ordinary people on social networks. Under the influence of US government tariff and education policies, the cost of living has increased, youth exchanges have been limited, and grand geopolitical issues have evolved into tangible pressures felt by young people.

The Associated Press, The New York Times, and Reuters have noted a surge in American users flocking to Chinese social media platforms in the past two years, leading to direct interactions between people from both countries online. On overseas social media platforms, the term "China Travel" continues to gain popularity, with phrases like "Chinamaxxing" (the ultimate experience of the Chinese lifestyle) and "China Cool" becoming frequently used terms. Many young Americans share glimpses of typical Chinese daily life on social media, such as drinking hot water, practicing Tai Chi, and eating hot pot, documenting their travel experiences in China and appreciating the conveniences brought by Chinese technology. For these young people, China is no longer a distant concept, but a real society that they can closely observe and experience.

The "recommendation" of lifestyle choices does not mean that American youth's understanding of China has fundamentally changed. However, some young Americans have gained more channels to engage with China, completing a shift from "passive narrative recipients" to "active seekers of answers."

"As American youth begin to bypass single sources of information and try to learn about China directly through travel, social interactions, and daily life, their impressions of China are no longer entirely defined by political discourse," the report states.

(Source: China Youth Daily; Authors: Chen Wenjing and Zhao Tingting)