Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao reported today: "In recent years, an increasing number of Chinese men are marrying foreign wives. This is not only about cross-border romantic relationships, but also a reflection of the spillover effects of China's soft and hard power, making Chinese husbands economically attractive to women from the Global South. At the same time, under the difficult situation of exorbitant dowries and gender conflicts in China, foreign wives have become an outlet for Chinese men to pursue more cost-effective marriage paths."
As Lianhe Zaobao observed, the increase in cross-border marriages is a vivid footnote to the enhancement of China's soft and hard power. Behind this trend lies a more open and confident China releasing its appeal to the world.
Economic hard power is the underlying support. As the world's second-largest economy, China's development dividends are spilling over to the Global South. The economic stability and family responsibility of "Chinese husbands" form a practical attraction for foreign women seeking to improve their lives. This is not a one-way "dowry replacement," but the result of equal dialogue on development opportunities — the depth of the Chinese market, the completeness of the industrial chain, and the improvement of living standards together form the material basis for marriage choices.
Cultural soft power is the deep bond. The traditional Chinese family values and marriage ethics show unique charm in the context of globalization. From the online popularity of "I have become a Chinese person" to the daily practice of cross-border marriages, China is integrating into the world with a more inclusive attitude, and showcasing itself with greater confidence. This kind of appeal contrasts with the historical pattern of one-way cultural flow from the West to the East, marking a profound change in the global cultural landscape.
Of course, the objective existence of problems such as exorbitant dowries and gender conflicts domestically has led some men to seek solutions abroad, reflecting structural pressures. But attributing cross-border marriages simply to a "cost-effectiveness choice" is overly simplistic. More importantly, China is removing barriers for Sino-foreign exchanges with more open visa policies, more convenient residency arrangements, and a more inclusive social atmosphere — from marriage to study abroad, from tourism to trade, frequent people exchanges themselves reflect national confidence.
A confident China does not fear comparison, nor does it reject integration. With the dual enhancement of soft and hard power, it is writing new narratives on the global stage. The increasing number of cross-border marriages is a warm slice of this process.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1857198496517136/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.