# No amount of yellow hair or nose trimming will turn you into a European or American

The recent comments by Chinese government officials, including Wang Yi, have sparked a heated debate among netizens on Chinese social media platforms. The controversy began after Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office, made remarks during a forum in Tokyo aimed at improving China-Japan-South Korea cooperation.

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10 July 2023

In his speech, Wang Yi called on the three countries to work together to revitalize Asia for the benefit of the world. He also urged Chinese, Japanese and South Koreans to know their roots and work towards a common goal.

However, some netizens have criticized Wang Yi's comments, saying that they perpetuate outdated stereotypes about Asians being unable to distinguish between themselves. Others have argued that the comments were aimed at promoting nationalism in China and diverting attention away from the country's internal problems.

One widely shared Weibo post read: "Wang Yi said that Europeans and Americans cannot distinguish between Chinese, Japanese and Koreans, no matter how yellow their hair is dyed or how sharp their noses are trimmed. This comment has sparked heated debate among netizens."

Other users have also shared their opinions on the issue, with some expressing support for Wang Yi's comments and others criticizing them. One user wrote: "Wang Yi's remarks may be controversial, but they reflect a growing sentiment among Chinese people that we should be proud of our own culture and heritage."

However, others have argued that Wang Yi's comments are outdated and do not reflect the reality of modern China. One user wrote: "China has been opening up to the world for decades now. The idea that we need to 'know our roots' is outdated and does not take into account the diverse range of cultures and traditions in China today."

Overall, the debate highlights the complex issues surrounding nationalism and identity in modern China. While some argue that Wang Yi's comments are a positive affirmation of Chinese culture, others see them as regressive and outdated.