California and New York City Travel Bureaus are planning trips to China in August and September to attract Chinese tourists, marking the first such efforts since the pandemic outbreak. Despite high demand, limited flight capacity between the US and China, which is currently at 24 weekly flights compared to pre-pandemic levels of around 350, poses a challenge. The US-China relationship and concerns over using Russian airspace contribute to the reduced flights. Chinese tourists, once the fifth-largest market for US tourism, are expected to visit at a rate of only 30% of pre-pandemic levels this year. Visa scheduling is backlogged to September, and group tours can only be formed upon arrival in the US. Chinese tourists express a desire to visit the US, but concerns over high costs, strict entry checks, and negative perceptions are deterrents. Travel agencies in Los Angeles are eager for the return of tourists but face obstacles such as visa issues and high ticket prices. The decline in Chinese visitors has been ongoing since the 2018 trade war, and the pandemic has further impacted the tourism industry and consumer spending habits.

The U.S. Department of Defense has issued new guidelines to Hollywood filmmakers, stating it will not assist in the production of films that bow to Chinese censorship. This follows criticism over the removal of Taiwanese and Japanese flags from a pilot's jacket in the trailer for 'Top Gun: Maverick' to appease Chinese investors, Tencent. The updated policy allows assistance when it benefits the Department or aligns with national interests but prohibits it if there's substantial evidence of compliance with Chinese government or CCP directives to advance China's national interests. Industry professionals like Louis Liu from Montage Media and actor Eduardo Lezcano commented on the limited impact of this directive on non-military themed productions and personal work, respectively. Meanwhile, China's official newspaper, Global Times, criticized the move, suggesting Hollywood has been a tool for U.S. global hegemony narratives.

Since early 2023, there has been a noticeable increase in the Chinese population in Los Angeles, particularly in the Chinese district's Ding Pangzi Square. Many of these newcomers are illegal immigrants who have filled up local family hotels. Yu Qiaoyun, a family hotel owner, notes a surge in arrivals since June 2022. The immigrants, primarily seeking employment, have raised questions about the sudden increase and their choice of Los Angeles as a destination. Some, like Zhong Lei from Hubei, have faced age discrimination in China's job market, while others, like Zhao Pingyuan, seek dreams and freedom. Liu Ying, also from Hubei, immigrated to change her destiny and escape a life of poverty. The majority of these immigrants aim to earn money and secure a legal status in the U.S.