China Beach features a gay male nurse, Frankie, portrayed with dignity and professionalism. While he faces prejudice from some colleagues, the show's protagonist defends him, offering a clear message of acceptance and empathy. This portrayal highlights external challenges while affirming the character's worth, resulting in a net positive impact.

China Beach features Bonsai, a Vietnamese transvestite/transgender character, depicted with notable empathy and complexity. The character's resilience and humanity are highlighted, and while facing external prejudice and hardship, the show's portrayal is largely respectful and affirming of their identity and worth.

Buddhism is depicted as an integral part of Vietnamese culture, often portrayed with respect and dignity. The show highlights its role in providing spiritual solace, cultural identity, and a framework for understanding life and death for the Vietnamese people, often contrasting it with the Western characters' perspectives. The narrative generally presents Buddhist practices and beliefs as a source of peace and resilience.

The show often portrays characters, including chaplains, who find solace, purpose, or a moral compass in their Christian faith, even amidst the horrors of war. While characters may question or struggle with their beliefs, the narrative generally treats these spiritual journeys with respect and empathy, acknowledging faith as a significant coping mechanism and source of strength for many. The show explores the human experience within faith under extreme duress without condemning the faith itself.