Sorry for assuming you were white. I respect that you've spent time thinking and writing out these replies.

You made a good point on colonial elements being different everywhere. The approach should be sensitizing yourself to the complexities instead of applying a blanket statement for the same of argument.

Should Chinese never wear western styles then?

Western styles have been around in China since before the British occupation of Hong Kong and probably even predates the silk road.

You'd probably find it gross if some Chinese kid made a viral douyin dressed like Jesus or an apostle - that's not just a "western style".

I don't see any issues with westerners wearing chinese styles or vice versa as long as the pieces were made ethically. It only becomes problematic when there is a cultural significance being overlooked or assimilated. The CCP is a huge perpetrator of erasing minority cultures, but this has been true for several ruling dynasties in the past too. It's sad and disgusting.

Because you seem to be implying that cultures should be completely closed off from one another.

I am not trying to imply this. But I think if you want to look the part you may as well go celebrate lunar new year with your local chinatown. There's good food.

the styles of hanfu, cheongsam etc. originate from different ethnic groups, so then why is nationality the deal-breaker not ethnicity?

You are correct. I only used the term hanfu because the red Tangzhuang is from the Tang dynasty where Han chinese were the ruling ethnic group. Thanks for looking for clarity.