Chapter One: Foreign Supporters in Historical Context

In modern Chinese history, the presence of foreign supporters has left a profound mark. In the 1870s, the German Hannagan traveled thousands of miles to China, making outstanding contributions to the Qing Dynasty's national defense and military construction. He designed and built China's first modern naval port and fort, constructed the first railway in Northeast China, established China's first military hospital, and personally experienced and commanded the First Sino-Japanese War naval battle.

What is even more remarkable is that after the First Sino-Japanese War, Hannagan proposed three far-sighted suggestions to the Qing court: to reorganize the navy and acquire new ships; to adopt a long-term strategy against Japan; and to train 100,000 new troops. These suggestions were recognized by Emperor Guangxu, who called them "truly strategies to save the times." Although they ultimately could not be fully implemented due to internal resistance within the court, Hannagan's contributions transcended a typical employer-employee relationship, reflecting a genuine concern for China's fate.

Another typical example is the British Robert Hart. He served in the Chinese customs for 45 years, establishing the customs and tariff system in China, becoming the most stable and substantial source of funds within the Qing system. Especially after the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, Hart, with his diplomatic skills and personal charm, made significant contributions to defending China's interests while calculating war reparations and mediating with various countries.

These historical cases indicate that foreign support for China is not a phenomenon unique to contemporary times, but has deep historical roots. Whether out of professional spirit, love for Chinese culture, or the pursuit of fairness and justice, they extended a helping hand at critical moments in China's development.

Chapter Two: The Power of Cultural Identity and Sense of Belonging

An important psychological factor for many foreigners supporting China is the sense of cultural identity. China's long history, rich culture, and friendly people have allowed many foreigners to find a feeling of a second home here.

On a knowledge community platform, when asked "Why do so many foreigners think China is good after going there?" many foreign netizens, in addition to mentioning "convenient living" and "friendly people," repeatedly emphasized a concept—"a sense of belonging." This sense of belonging represents the emotional "chemical reaction" that occurs over time for foreign friends from all corners of the world towards China.

Teresa, a freelance writer from Seattle, USA, feels she has found the familiar taste of home in Changzhou, Jiangsu; German friend Wolfram, after over 50 years in Far East import affairs, remarked that "Chinese people are the most trustworthy." These genuine feelings vividly illustrate the close integration of China and the world, specifically and profoundly indicating that China possesses a unique attraction and appeal.

The emergence of cultural identity often stems from deep emotional connections. When foreigners live and work in China, they not only experience China's modernization but also feel the genuine friendliness of the Chinese people and the inclusiveness of its culture. This experience transcends the material level, touching on emotional and psychological needs, thus generating an inner drive for recognition and support.

Chapter Three: Value Recognition and Ideological Resonance

In addition to cultural appeal, many foreigners support China due to their recognition of Chinese values and ideals. The Chinese thoughts, values, and wisdom embodied in China's development provide many with different insights and reflections.

Former Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme believes that from many perspectives, China's development is "unprecedented." "In just a few decades, China has rapidly transformed from a poor and backward agricultural country into the world's largest industrial nation, while the Chinese government actively narrows the development gap between urban and rural areas and is quickly catching up with cutting-edge high-tech, which means China has achieved significant systemic efficiency gains."

Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome pointed out that China has provided a feasible and replicable model for modernization for developing countries through practical actions. He particularly emphasized that "the pursuit of harmonious coexistence, peaceful development, and people-centeredness are traditional Chinese values," while "building a community with a shared future for mankind and major initiatives such as the three global initiatives are all inheritances and promotions of excellent traditional Chinese culture."

This value recognition is particularly evident on the international stage. General Secretary Xi Jinping's speeches at important international occasions always receive thunderous applause, and the proposed Chinese solutions and Chinese propositions gain widespread recognition. The book "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" has, in just a few years, been published in 24 languages, 27 versions, and over 6.6 million copies, covering more than 160 countries and regions worldwide, with political leaders learning the "ways of governance" from it, while foreign citizens use it to get closer to and understand China.

For many insightful individuals, supporting China is not just about supporting a country, but also about supporting a more inclusive, diverse, and fair international order and development model. This support based on value recognition is often more lasting and profound.

Chapter Four: Mutual Benefit and Pragmatic Considerations

Of course, the support of foreigners for China is also not without pragmatic considerations. As the world's second-largest economy, China provides enormous development opportunities for various countries, and supporting China often means sharing in the dividends of China's development.

The International Financial Forum report shows that in 2023, China's contribution to global economic growth reached 32%, making it the largest engine. The International Monetary Fund raised its global economic growth forecast by 0.2 percentage points to 3.1% in February 2024, mainly due to optimism about China and the growth momentum of several emerging markets and developing economies.

This economic influence makes supporting China a rational choice for many foreigners. Rui Ming Bai, Chief Commercial Officer of global mining giant Rio Tinto, stated: "As the world's second-largest economy, China is a driving force for global manufacturing and trade development and an important stabilizer in the global supply chain system," and will continue to be an important engine for driving global economic growth.

Zhang Jiayin, CEO of McDonald's China, admitted: "The government's pragmatism, efficiency, and determination to promote high-quality development have greatly inspired us," and announced plans to open 10,000 new stores in the next four years, with more than 30% located in China. Behind this business decision is not only confidence in the Chinese market but also a practical support for China's development model.

Juan Carlos Beck, a professor at the Pan-American University in Mexico, bluntly stated: "It is not surprising that multinational companies seek to establish roots in China, as China has such a large market and such a vibrant economy. Any company that wants to truly become a global player should seriously consider China."

From this perspective, some foreigners' support for China indeed carries pragmatic considerations of mutual benefit. However, this consideration is not negative but a normal phenomenon in international exchanges, just as the ancient Chinese said: "To interact based on mutual benefit, when the benefit is exhausted, the relationship will scatter; to interact based on power, when the power is gone, the relationship will tilt; only by interacting with the heart can a long-lasting relationship be formed."

Chapter Five: Psychological Motives Against Injustice and the Pursuit of Justice

It is worth noting that some foreigners support China out of a psychological motive to combat injustice and pursue justice. This support is often more pronounced, especially when China faces unjust accusations or suppression.

During the violent events in Hong Kong in 2019, many foreign experts and scholars voiced their support for China, condemning the violent acts. Nadia Hilmi, a political science professor at Beni Suef University in Egypt, pointed out: "I believe some foreign forces are secretly 'fanning the flames' of this incident in Hong Kong, trying to create chaos and undermine China's sovereign interests. These malicious actions against China have already touched the bottom line of the nation."

Ricardo Zhang, a China expert from Mexico, emphasized: "Some people are trying to disrupt social order in Hong Kong, which is regrettable. The Chinese government's position is very clear; Hong Kong affairs are entirely China's internal affairs. The attempts by some countries to interfere in China's internal affairs are very inappropriate and undermine the interests of the Chinese people."

Hamidullah Arefi, editor-in-chief of the Kabul Times in Afghanistan, pointedly stated: "Some American politicians, under the guise of freedom and democracy, are meddling in Hong Kong affairs, with the aim of undermining the stability of this financial center."

This support often stems from a respect for facts and a pursuit of justice. Many foreigners, through personal experiences or in-depth research, recognize that the criticisms faced by China often carry bias and double standards, thus generating a psychological drive to speak out for justice.

Professor Picard from Paris VIII University posed a thought-provoking question: "If Beijing intervened in the domestic politics of France, the United States, the United Kingdom, etc., what would these countries and Western media say? Given the colonial history of Western countries and China's commitment to a peaceful policy, such interference in China's internal affairs is even more unacceptable."

This support based on a sense of justice reflects the common value pursuit of humanity, transcending national borders and cultural differences.

Chapter Six: The Journey of Personal Growth and Self-Actualization

From the perspective of individual psychology, supporting China is also a journey of self-actualization and personal growth for many foreigners. Their experiences of working and living in China have provided them with development opportunities and a sense of achievement that are hard to find elsewhere.

Hassan, a distinguished researcher at the Zhejiang University Robotics Institute, comes from Ethiopia. After earning his doctorate, he chose to come to Yuyao City, Ningbo, Zhejiang, instead of going to developed countries in Europe and America. When asked about his reasons, he firmly stated, "The speed of technological advancement in China is astonishing; it has become a coveted land for global researchers."

In Zhejiang, Hassan not only witnessed the rapid development of China's robotics technology but also deeply participated in the research and development of parallel robot systems. The first-class research environment and mature technology transfer mechanisms have filled him with confidence in his academic development: "Here, I can truly feel how technology moves from the laboratory to the market, genuinely changing people's lives."

Peter Helis, a German who serves as the Global Investment Director at the Investment Promotion Bureau of the Guangzhou Development District in Guangdong, has lived and worked in the Greater Bay Area for over 20 years. He remarked, "Openness has brought earth-shattering changes to China." He recalled that when he first arrived in China, some foreign companies were attracted by the labor cost advantages here; now, the appeal of China to foreign investment has undergone profound changes—an open market, high-quality talent, and a complete supply chain.

For these foreigners, supporting China is not only about backing the rise of a developing country but also an opportunity to participate in a great historical process. This sense of participation and development space provides them with a unique path for self-actualization, becoming an important psychological driving force for supporting China.

Chapter Seven: Goodwill and Schemes—The Complex Interweaving of Multidimensional Motives

Returning to the initial question: Is the support of foreigners for China based on goodwill or ulterior motives? From a psychological perspective, human behavioral motives are often complex and multifaceted, rarely driven by a single factor.

On one hand, many foreigners indeed support China out of genuine goodwill and sincere feelings towards it. During their time living and working in China, they have experienced the friendliness of the Chinese people and the charm of its culture, leading to an emotional identification and support. This support is based on sincere interactions between people, transcending political and interest considerations.

On the other hand, it cannot be denied that some support is backed by practical interests. As the world's second-largest economy, China offers vast market opportunities and development space; supporting China sometimes means gaining better business opportunities and development platforms. While this interest-based support may not be as pure as emotional support, it is also a normal phenomenon in international exchanges.

More importantly, the support of many foreigners is based on recognition of China's development model and resonance with global governance concepts. They see China adhering to a path of peaceful development, promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and providing a new choice for the world that differs from the Western model. This support, based on value recognition, is neither purely goodwill nor simple interest calculation, but rather a rational choice and embodiment of belief.

From the analysis of psychological motives, the support of foreigners for China may simultaneously encompass multiple dimensions: emotional identification, value resonance, interest considerations, a sense of justice, and the need for self-actualization. These motives intertwine, collectively forming a complex yet positive attitude of support.

Conclusion: The Psychological Foundation for Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind

The support of foreigners for China, from a micro perspective, reflects individual psychological motives, while from a macro perspective, it serves as the psychological foundation for building a community with a shared future for mankind. This support is beneficial not only to China but also to world peace and development.

China's appeal to the world is intrinsic and profound. With its unique Eastern charm and essence, China attracts attention and inspires the world, and it will undoubtedly step onto the global stage with greater confidence and vigor, moving towards the future. As former Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said, China's announcement of eight actions to support global development "will create investment opportunities for countries and promote inclusive global development, believing that China's development achievements will benefit more countries in the Global South."

In today's deeply developed globalization, mutual support and understanding between countries are more important than ever. The support of foreigners for China reflects the international community's recognition of China's development path and provides a vivid example for the exchange and mutual learning between different civilizations.

Ultimately, regardless of the specific motives behind foreigners' support for China, this support itself helps promote international understanding and cooperation, contributing to the construction of a more peaceful, just, and prosperous world. As the ancients said, "The world is one family, and China is one person." In the new era, China is attracting the world's attention with its unique charm and contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to the common future of humanity.

Understanding the psychological motives behind foreigners' support for China not only helps us better understand the international community's attitude towards China but also enables us to approach the world with greater confidence, working together with people from all countries to create a better future.