"The problem with a lot of Chinese is that they put up divisions between Taiwanese, Hong Kong natives, mainlanders. We are never united. I really hope that the Chinese can be more united"

Martin Yan’s reflection highlights the internal complexities and tensions present within the broader Chinese community, emphasizing how geographical and historical divides persist among people who share cultural and ancestral roots. The distinctions he mentions, between Taiwanese, Hong Kong natives, and mainland Chinese, are rooted in differing political histories, unique local identities, and often contrasting experiences of development and governance. These divisions manifest in language dialects, cultural norms, societal values, and attitudes toward issues such as national identity and politics.

For decades, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China have developed under vastly different systems: Taiwan with its own government and democratic evolution; Hong Kong under “one country, two systems” and its own colonial legacy; the mainland as the seat of the People’s Republic of China. These divergent paths have resulted in specific local identities that sometimes overshadow a shared Chinese heritage, leading to misunderstandings, prejudice, or a sense of estrangement within the global Chinese diaspora.

Yan underscores that such divisions weaken the collective strength of Chinese people worldwide. Instead of solidarity, disagreement and mistrust can foster isolation. This fragmentation can hinder cooperation, both domestically and abroad, in facing common challenges or celebrating shared successes. In international contexts, these fault lines sometimes diminish the potential influence and contributions of Chinese communities on the global stage.

His hope for greater unity is, ultimately, a call for empathy, understanding, and the recognition of a larger common identity. Yan envisions a world where Chinese people, despite their different upbringings and viewpoints, can come together, reconcile their historical differences, and support each other. This unity, he implies, would not mean erasing diversity or dissent but finding strength in shared heritage and mutual respect, fostering a sense of belonging across all parts of the Chinese world.