Obama has family links to the Chinese, too: He has a brother-in-law and niece of Chinese origin, as well as a Chinese sister-in-law. In addition, his father was an immigrant, and he spent his early years in Hawaii and Indonesia, thus acquiring a deep knowledge of the Asian culture. The sense of cultural identity surely influenced his decision to appoint Chinese American officials and heed China's opinions on major issues.

The global financial crisis is also changing the status of Chinese Americans. Mired in economic difficulties, the U.S. Federal Government and state governments are giving top priority to social stability. California's bill of apology appears to be aimed to promote social harmony.

The bill was adopted just as Judy Chu from California became the first Chinese American congresswoman in the United States—and when Commerce Secretary Locke and Energy Secretary Chu were in Beijing for a joint visit. In this context, California's apology seemed more important than ever.

New opportunities

The improvement of Chinese Americans' social status is attributable to their hard work over past generations. Their growing political awareness also contributed to the change. For example, California State Assembly member Paul Fong is a major advocate for a state apology to California's Chinese Americans. With unremitting efforts, he has gathered the support of other assembly members.

It is worth noting that Chinese Americans have rapidly increased their standing as the relationship between Beijing and the United States has gained strength. This burgeoning relationship gives impetus to Chinese Americans' pursuit of higher social and political standings. The growing popularity of the Chinese culture, meanwhile, also helps them expand room for their development.

Deepening economic and trade cooperation between China and the United States presents a multitude of opportunities for Chinese Americans. Against the backdrop of the worldwide financial crisis, Washington is eager as ever to work more closely with China. Chinese Americans, who can communicate effectively with China thanks to their cultural bonds, will have a big role to play.

It is predictable that the Obama administration will take a positive stance toward historical and current problems concerning Chinese Americans. As they gain influence in American society, Chinese Americans will help bring Sino-U.S. relations into an upward trajectory.

U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act on December 17, 1943. In a letter to Congress, he courageously called for measures, which he believed long overdue, to "correct an injustice to our friends."

"Nations, like individuals, make mistakes," he wrote. "We must be big enough to acknowledge our mistakes of the past to correct them."

It is never too late to do the right thing. We expect the U.S. federal government will follow California's example and apologize to Chinese Americans in all the states—a move that will undoubtedly contribute to strong development of Chinese-U.S. relations.