Filial Piety Across Borders: Decision-Making and Migration Experiences of Young Chinese in Poland

China’s birth control policy and modernization efforts in the late 20th century altered family structures, which made children primarily responsible for elderly care. As a result, Chinese migrants face new challenges in maintaining family obligations, particularly in countries like Poland, which has a relatively small Chinese diaspora. This study analyzes the migration experience, including migration decision-making factors, perception of filial piety (xiao), and practices of maintaining family ties abroad for Chinese migrants in Poland. The research is based on Reflective Thematic Analysis (RTA) and draws on 30 interviews conducted between 2022 and 2023 with Chinese individuals residing in Poland for at least a year. The paper studies the complex social, cultural, and emotional factors that influence how migrants fulfill their family responsibilities abroad. Findings reveal that Chinese migrants generally view Poland as a temporary residence, with limited opportunities to develop transnational care strategies. For most participants, the decision to choose Poland as a migration destination was determined by external factors, and they expressed the desire to return to China, anticipating a deeper emotional engagement with their ageing parents upon their return. The migration experience prompts significant changes in their awareness, future plans, and participation in elder care.