Editor's note: The author, Zhenyu Li, is a contributing columnist for some of the world's premier publications and editor-in-chief of the business channel at the People's Daily Online, a publication of China's Communist Party.

Ever since Chinese President Xi Jinping championed the concept of the "Chinese dream" at the start of his tenure last year, the catchphrase has generated a substantial buzz. Within 13 months, the Chinese dream has resonated not only with the ordinary Chinese people, but also global elites from the four corners of the world.

Rick Snyder is one of those elite figures. He is the Governor of Michigan and an influential business executive. He has visited China on multiple occasions and maintained a good relationship with the Chinese leadership.