As I’ve noted before, there is a fundamental difference between the American dream and the “Chinese dream” described by Xi. The former focuses on the ability of individuals to reach their full potential with the assistance of a limited, predictable state; the latter revolves around China becoming more politically and economically powerful, with each individual Chinese citizen enjoying a microscopic piece of that success.
That difference is one of America’s chief advantages in a soft power battle with the Chinese, because it is a model with a proven track record around much of the world. Its appeal is consequently universal. Chinese exceptionalism offers nothing to anyone except the Chinese.
To put it another way, when was the last time you read a story about desperate migrants from adjoining countries fleeing poverty and oppression to get into China? Never? Consider the issues at our border to be a backhanded compliment.