China does not permit dual citizenship. But, like all authoritarian regimes, it is notorious for imposing rules on the masses which they allow the elites (e.g., like Putin’s oligarchs) to flout.
And so it was that China permitted Eileen Gu to reap all the benefits of representing China at the Beijing 2022 Olympics without having to renounce her US citizenship. But, make no mistake, this was a case of mutual exploitation.
After all, Gu gave China the most telegenic face and articulate voice any Olympic organizing committee could have hoped to have for their Games. And she was treated like a queen – complete with sponsorship deals worthy of a king (LeBron James). Oh, she also happened to win 2 gold and 1 silver medal, too.
But that was then. Because it appears Gu has decided she has gotten all the Olympic medals and sponsorship money she needs out of Beijing. She clearly wants her Olympic legacy to be associated more with Team USA than Team China.
Eileen Gu, the California-born athlete who won two gold medals for China in freestyle skiing at the recent Beijing Olympics, has signed on to work for Salt Lake City’s bid for the 2030 or 2034 Winter Olympics
The 18-year-old Gu was born in the United States to a Chinese mother. … In explaining her choice, she often said she wanted to inspire young Chinese women. In announcing her role with Salt Lake at the Time event, she said skiing and her position with the bid committee was a ‘beautiful example of globalism.’
(The Associated Press, June 8, 2022)
The United States is secure enough in its national pride to deal with Gu’s dual flirtation. But, if she proceeds now to represent Team USA as indicated, you can bet China will not only cancel all sponsorship deals but “disappear” her from all media and public consciousness.
Even so, iPINIONS thinks Gu has done a pretty good job of having her cake and eating it too…
Legacy Note: With over 5,600 posts spanning 20 years, I am easily the most prolific blogger on the most eclectic array of topics on the web. That makes The iPINIONS Journal an unparalleled archive of informed political and cultural commentary. Visit the ARCHIVES section in the sidebar or search by topic. You won’t find a more consistent, independent voice on world affairs.