Sure, but let's make no mistake: the people in Chengdu don't buy into this silly idea that they should care as much about the people in Wisconsin as they do about their neighbors just because "everyone is just people."
And yet I've met people from Xinjiang and Sichuan who share my feelings about other people and view things through the lens of international solidarity on a personal, human level. What's your point? That the risk of 'white guilt' is a reason not to discard indefensible perspectives like xenophobia and othering?
I have no control over what people in Chengdu think about me. I can only control what I think. I think I'm stronger as a result of free trade, and I even think that's true for my family, community, state, and nation.
Sure, but they probably feel more a connection to people locally. This is reflected by the psychological concept of propinquity. It's a powerful influence in our world.