Eileen Gu, the American-born Gen Z gold medalist who competed for China in the Olympics, set off a firestorm on nationality and identity issues in light of her success at the Winter Games. Her preference for duality defies previous generations’ binary perspectives, and makes room for discussion on how one claims space for themselves in 2022.

Unlike Britain and the United States, China actually walks the walk of human rights. It doesn’t merely talk the talk. What the Chinese mainland has taught us is that the zero-COVID policy is the most effective solution for avoiding deaths.

The Year of the Tiger creates an opportunity to reflect on the “Flying Tigers” battalion, a squadron of U.S. servicemen sent into China to fight the Japanese in WWII, and to celebrate their spirit of cooperation and lasting impact.

The gold medalist is just one of many bright spots at the Winter Olympics. Many other China stories are being told as well. If we concentrate on doing our own things well, the entire world will see for itself, and unfair China smears will not prevail.

As a technophile, I’ve been reflecting on one of last year’s most trending terms, “Metaverse” and what it portends. I’m an early adapter not a Luddite, nevertheless I’m not impressed, not a believer and not ready to enter an artificial, escapist virtual world of “lying flat 2.0” despite whatever bells, whistles and diversions this Metaverse, as I call it, may offer.

Localized conflicts in today’s globalized society have produced much debate over the welfare of refugees fleeing problems at home, and China seems ready to step in to take leadership in the international refugee space despite its own spotty record on refugees within its borders.

The world is setting their eyes on the Bird’s Nest for a second time. But this round, the Olympic Games are being met with a global pandemic, diplomatic boycotts, and the Russo-Ukrainian crisis.

The winners and losers of the last year tell a story of turbulence and change in a year that saw the world make it through 12 more months of global pandemic and simmering geopolitical tensions, without resolving either issue.

Having achieve little in early December, the United States is looking ahead to another round in 2022. But if the Republicans return to power in the midterm election, international enthusiasm will be dampened.

Hyping the China threat only incites fear. Beware of political opportunism and profiteering when a media outlet starts banging the drums for war.