She might be just reaching out to that part of herself that was less familiar even to herself. Raised in the US by a single Mom who is a Chinese, she looks more Caucasian than Asian yet her Caucasian father doesn't seem showing up much. The American society is tough in its racial aspects, many growing ups are challenged while their first generation minority parents can't perceive it.
I believe she is sincere with her representing China in the Olympics. No need to eithet romanticize or vulgarize it.
