Xenophobia implies fear.

I don't think Chinese fear foreigners but I do think many U.S. citizens do fear foreigners.

China, like Japan and Israel and Saudi Arabia and a few other middle east countries, has a unity of race and culture (though not religion as in the middle east).

Their 'interest' in foreigners is based on this powerfully homogeneous experience that offers them little exposure to foreign culture, race, and religion.

Yes: you and I and even your children will never be truly 'Chinese' in the eyes of the Chinese. Nor can we ever be truly Israeli or Japanese or Saudi.

We have been fortunate to have been raised in a pluralistic society. The Chinese carry a great burden of 'consensus' and 'face' as a result of their unity.