To date, it seems that only major powers like China and the United States have dared to “dream” on a national scale. It’s important to recognize that not every country is qualified to “dream.” A country can only dream for itself if it holds its destiny in its own hands, has sufficient scope in time and space to imagine, and possesses the strength and confidence to make those dreams a reality.

    China and the United States—one is the largest developing country, and the other is the largest developed country. The Chinese and the Americans are both great and irreplaceable peoples, each with a strong sense of national pride. Deep in their hearts, they harbor boundless love for their homeland and country, and they are both determined to create miracles in human history and build a great nation. At the same time, the two countries differ in many respects—including their basic national conditions, social systems, values, and spiritual beliefs—and, of course, each has its own dreams.

    The Chinese Dream places greater emphasis on national prosperity and the rejuvenation of the nation, while the American Dream places greater emphasis on personal wealth, success, freedom, and happiness. Two years ago, during his visit to the United States, President Xi Jinping clearly stated that the Chinese Dream is interconnected with the aspirations of people around the world, including the American Dream. Throughout U.S. history, presidents of various races and ethnicities have come and gone, yet there has never been a Chinese-American president. This is likely the American Dream that many Chinese Americans envision.

    He Zongtong’s mother had just earned her master’s degree in finance from Tsinghua University; it’s fair to say that both his parents are among the most outstanding individuals in China today. In my circle, there are quite a few families like the He family. The Chinese have always placed great importance on their children’s education, and the hope that their children will achieve great success is an integral part of realizing the Chinese Dream. This may be precisely what makes it so intriguing that they named their New York-born child “He Zongtong.” It embodies both the Chinese Dream and the American Dream. The story of He Zongtong’s family demonstrates that, as President Xi Jinping has said, the Chinese Dream and the American Dream are interconnected and should be entirely achievable.

    U.S.-China relations have always been relatively sensitive, largely due to ideological tensions. To consolidate the common ground and points of convergence between the two countries’ interests, China and the United States must continue to advance mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation. If the Chinese Dream and the American Dream clash, they will ultimately result in a lose-lose situation; but if the two dreams are aligned, they can complement each other and lead to mutual progress. Judging from Al Gore’s special meeting with He Zongtong, we have reason to believe that the Chinese Dream and the American Dream are compatible, and that in the future, a familiar Chinese face will surely occupy the presidential seat in the White House.