Reading the Chinese Metaverse through the Past

The Metaverse has emerged as a significant topic of discussion globally, including in China, where it is intertwined with national narratives of technological advancement and geopolitical positioning. This study examines the Chinese Metaverse through the lens of historical, geopolitical, and cultural narratives, particularly focusing on the role of the prominent Chinese scientist Qian Xuesen (钱学森). The research deconstructs the neo-techno-nationalist discourse surrounding the Metaverse in China, demonstrating how it supports the country’s shift from a ‘great country’ to a ‘powerful country’ amidst the US-China tech and trade war. By analysing Qian Xuesen’s letters and the initiatives by the China Mobile Communication Association Metaverse Industry Committee (cmca-mcc), the study explores how historical figures are leveraged to foster digital nationalism and patriotism. This study also suggests that Qian’s writings on virtual reality from the 1990s have been instrumentalised to support the current Metaverse narrative today. Finally, this article contributes to understanding the historical and cultural dimensions of the Chinese Metaverse, offering insights into how past scientific achievements are utilised to shape the prc’s future technological landscapes, national identity and international ambitions.