URGENT UPDATE: NBA superstar LeBron James has issued a powerful call for unity through basketball, emphasizing its role as a bridge for diplomacy between the U.S. and China. In a rare op-ed published in the People’s Daily on October 9, 2023, during his visit to China, James stated, “Basketball is not only a sport, but also a bridge that connects us.”
This op-ed comes just weeks before two highly anticipated NBA preseason games between the Phoenix Suns and the Brooklyn Nets, set to take place on October 10 and October 12 in Macao. The timing is critical as U.S.-China relations face escalating tensions, including the looming threat of trade tariffs.
LeBron’s comments resonate deeply as both nations seek avenues to prevent a potential trade showdown. President Donald Trump recently threatened to impose steep tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing. However, he has since delayed the tariffs for 90 days, allowing negotiators from both countries to explore a potential deal, which could pave the way for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year or early next year.
James, who is preparing for his 23rd NBA season, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception he has received in China, describing it as “super humbling.” He added, “I just wanted to pour it back to the community and to this country,” during his visit to Chengdu, as reported by Xinhua, the official news agency.
The NBA is actively working to restore its brand in China after a significant rift caused by a tweet from then-Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey in 2019, which supported pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. This controversy led to the league being effectively banned in China for a year, with no NBA games broadcast for an extended period. Regular broadcasts resumed in 2022, but the road to normalization has been fraught with challenges.
As James’ op-ed circulates, it has caught the attention of the South China Morning Post, highlighting the rarity of foreign sports stars publishing in China’s state media. This unique platform underscores James’ influence and the importance of his message in the current geopolitical climate.
Looking ahead, the NBA’s return to China signifies a positive shift in relations, with high-profile players like Stephen Curry and De’Aaron Fox visiting last year and drawing massive crowds. The upcoming games in Macao are expected to attract significant attention, marking a hopeful chapter in U.S.-China sports diplomacy.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story, highlighting the intersection of sports, culture, and international relations.
