I've already stated it previously, as have other users, that giving a child is a big deal in Chinese culture. I'll add to that by noting that this typically involves the entire family - especially the child's grandparents. I would be extremely surprised if this was not the case with Priscilla and her parents. That coupled with the fact that Zuck is actively learning the language and culture makes it unlikely that his request was just social awkwardness nor that he is largely ignorant about Chinese culture as you seem to suggest. Plus if I recall, his wife was by his side when he asked Xi.

In regards to your point about Priscilla, many, if not the majority of ABCs (esp first gen) are raised by their parents "Chinese" culturally-speaking. Her not having lived or worked in China does not mean she is unfamiliar to Chinese culture. To suggest that is frankly absurd and runs counter to the Asian-American experience.

Because of all these reasons, many people view Zuck's request as a shameless act of ass-kissing and not just being "socially awkward".

Lastly, the reaction in China was not only due to "hyper-sensitivity" but also to a mix of 1) media exaggeration and 2) how important naming a child is in Chinese culture.

With all due respect to you and your family, your personal anecdote about your son not having a Chinese name is not the norm - even for mixed Western/Chinese couples.

Isn't Zuck conversationally fluent in Chinese? I'd assume he's also somewhat reasonably aware of a lot of Chinese social customs (like the baby naming thing) then, too.