Some people think the increasing business and cultural contact between countries brings many positive effects. Others say it causes the loss of national identities. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
The accelerating cross-border business and cultural engagement in the era of globalization has sparked divided views: while many celebrate its widespread benefits, others worry about the erosion of national identities. In my view, these interactions create overall gains, and national identity loss is an avoidable risk rather than an inevitable outcome.
Those who advocate for closer international contact highlight its tangible economic and social benefits. For businesses, trade cooperation and global supply chains allow consumers to access affordable, diverse products, while creating jobs in both developed and developing economies; for example, cross-border e-commerce between China and Southeast Asia has lifted millions of small traders out of poverty since 2015. Culturally, global exchanges spread shared values such as environmental protection and gender equality, and allow people to appreciate different art forms, cuisines and lifestyles without travelling abroad, fostering mutual respect between nations.
Critics, however, argue that such contact weakens unique national identities. They point out that global brand dominance and homogeneous pop culture are displacing local traditions: in many countries, fast food chains replace local family restaurants, and Hollywood blockbusters overshadow domestic film productions, leading younger generations to know little about their own cultural heritage.
From my perspective, identity loss is not a necessary result of global contact. Countries can actively protect their national traits while engaging globally: for instance, Japan maintains its unique tea culture, traditional festivals and craftsmanship while being a major global economic and cultural power. If governments support local cultural inheritance and guide citizens to value their own roots, cross-border contact can enrich rather than erase national identities.