By: Jiang Jiang
The writer is a founder of Ginger River Review
In recent times, there have been discussions all over the world about China’s increasing national power and whether it poses a threat to the current world order. Such concerns are largely due to the remarkable pace at which China has developed over the last 40 years coupled with a lack of understanding about the country, particularly in the Western world. Some people even compare China to historically aggressive nations and claim that it is seeking to expand its territory and become a global empire.
Regardless of these misconceptions, China, as one of the most populous nations and the second-largest economy globally, is a significant variable in the international order. Its sheer size and influence mean that its presence, whether strong or weak, inherently shapes global dynamics. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of China is crucial for the world.
History has demonstrated that among politics, economy, and culture, it is culture that endures the longest. Accordingly, as the civilization with the longest continuous history, China’s present cannot be fully understood without referencing its past.
Rites (li) & Harmony (he)
In China, the nation is often referred to as “a land of Li,” or “a country of rites and rituals”. The nuanced concept of “Li” lacks a direct translation in English, differing significantly in meaning. In essence, “Li” encompasses restraint of human nature, the promotion of benevolence, the establishment of order, and the achievement of harmony. These deeply-ingrained values have been propagated since the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BC), gradually evolving into standards governing both statecraft and social conduct. The historian Qian Mu once stated, “‘Li’ is also a government’s guideline, governing all internal and foreign affairs.”
Historically, China, as a major power in East Asia, has maintained harmonious relations with its neighboring states. Chinese traditional culture is inherently introspective and peaceful, often viewing the use of military force as a last resort. This philosophy is reflected in the ancient text “Zuo Zhuan,” which states, “Military forces are to be used only for the maintenance of peace and order,” suggesting that true martial prowess lies in preventing war and ensuring peace.
“The Art of War,” a renowned work by ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu, opens with: “Warfare is a matter of vital importance to the state; a matter of life and death, the road to survival or ruin. It must be thoroughly pondered and analyzed.” The essence of this statement emphasizes the importance of cautious engagement in war, advocating for the avoidance of conflict wherever possible.
Chinese culture has long understood the protective role of peace for civilization and the destructive impact of war. A belief in the law of the jungle, where the strong dominate the weak and incessantly wage war, is seen as a path to ruin. For thousands of years, a disposition toward peace has been deeply ingrained in the fabric of Chinese civilization.
In the Ming Dynasty, legendary Chinese navigator Zheng He led one of the world’s most formidable fleets on seven voyages without conquering or annexing a single inch of foreign territory. Although China was the most powerful country at the time in terms of comprehensive strength and the military might of Zheng’s massive fleet far surpassed the countries and regions he traveled through, Zheng chose a peaceful approach instead of hegemony and war to resolve conflicts and disputes between nations. This sharply contrasts with the Western Age of Discovery, characterized by aggressive domination and colonial plunder. Zheng’s voyages vividly reflect the value of peace inherent in Chinese civilization, representing a lively manifestation and the best example of the Chinese nation’s peaceful genetic makeup.
Reflecting on the broader historical context, the influence of Chinese civilization on East Asian societies has been profound, shaping a regional ethos centered on harmony, peaceful coexistence, and amicable relations with neighbors. Those principles have been cornerstones of East Asian diplomacy for centuries and continue to influence China’s approach to international relations today.
In October 2023, the Chinese government published “Outlook on China’s Foreign Policy on Its Neighborhood In the New Era,” a comprehensive document outlining its diplomatic policies toward neighboring countries. According to the document, “China has resolved historical boundary issues with 12 neighbors on land through negotiations,” showcasing China’s commitment to the diplomatic resolution of disputes.
From Historical Struggles to Peaceful Modernization
While China has primarily followed a path of peaceful coexistence, it’s essential to acknowledge its historical challenges and conflicts. Many of these military campaigns were defensive measures aimed at safeguarding the nation’s heartland and border regions from external threats.
China’s modern history is generally considered to have begun with the Opium War in 1840. This conflict, marking the clash between the Qing Dynasty and Britain, resulted in China’s defeat and the signing of the Treaty of Nanking, hereafter, formally inaugurating the era of modern Chinese history. In the 109 years that followed, from 1840 to 1949, China endured immense hardships and human loss. Casualties among Chinese military personnel and civilians in several wars during this period amounted to over 100 million.
Chinese people place great importance on learning from history, not out of a sense of nationalism or a desire for revenge, but as a reminder of the lessons learned from the devastation caused by war. Today, every middle school student in China is taught about the pain and suffering the nation endured due to its past backwardness and the ravages of war. This historical consciousness instills in the Chinese people a profound recognition that the path to national rejuvenation and the continued development of modern China indispensably relies on maintaining a peaceful and stable external environment. If a nationwide survey were conducted in China today, asking citizens whether they wish for war, I believe the overwhelming majority would respond with a resounding “no.” This sentiment is not born out of fear, but rather from an understanding, deeply embedded in the collective memory of the Chinese people, of the tragic consequences that war brings and the value of peace.
China’s advocacy for peace is also a fundamental aspect of its socio-political DNA, shaped by its unique socialist system. Today, in the framework of Chinese socialism, economic and social progress is envisioned as a path that does not rely on external aggression or expansionist policies. Instead, it focuses on internal development, common prosperity, and harmonious coexistence within the global community. This approach is deeply embedded in the country’s political and economic philosophy, reflecting a profound departure from the expansionist tendencies seen in some capitalist economies.
In January 2023, Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, emphasized in a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in the United States that “China’s strategic goal is grand and yet simple. That is to deliver a better life for more than 1.4 billion Chinese people”.
The Chinese government generally follows a top-down, long-term strategic approach for its development goals. One of the highlights at the 20th National Congress of the CPC is the concept of the Chinese path to modernization, a key term defining China’s journey to rejuvenation. This strategy, characterized by the modernizations of a huge population, common prosperity for all, material and cultural-ethical advancement, harmony between humanity and nature, and peaceful development, indicates that rather than aggression, China is more interested in the growth and prosperity of its people.
Some skeptics might believe that any country could potentially conceal certain actions and motives. Indeed, such a viewpoint is not unreasonable. However, it is important to understand that, as a country with a population of 1.4 billion, the development goals repeatedly emphasized by its highest leadership to both domestic and international audiences are extremely influential. These objectives influence the daily decisions of every individual, including those of government officials, and are not easily altered.
Global Engagement and Responsibility
Promoting the Chinese path to modernization does not mean that China adopts an attitude of indifference or detachment toward affairs in other parts of the world. The Chinese leadership has repeatedly stressed the importance of shouldering China’s responsibility as a major country. Such responsibility includes advocating the spirit of independence, championing peaceful development, and promoting global stability and prosperity, according to the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs convened in Beijing in December.
Over 2,100 years ago, during China’s Han Dynasty, Zhang Qian embarked on missions of peace and friendship to Central Asia. His journeys, conducted twice, opened the doors to amicable relations between China and various Central Asian nations. These expeditions also pioneered the Silk Road, a route stretching across continents, linking East with West. More than two millennia of interaction stands as testament to the fact that nations of diverse ethnicities, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds can indeed share in peace and achieve joint development. This history underscores the principles of unity and trust, equality and mutual benefit, inclusiveness and learning from each other, and cooperative win-win scenarios. Zhang’s example shines a light on the enduring characteristics of Chinese civilization: its commitment to peace and its dedication to exchange and mutual enlightenment.
In today’s world, China’s global engagement extends well beyond its immediate surroundings, with a growing role in shaping global affairs. Its active participation in international organizations, such as the United Nations, and its proposals for global initiatives in areas like development, security, and civilization reflect China’scontributions to the international community.
Regrettably, some China-watchers have not delved deeply into the profound influence of these cultural traditions rooted in the Chinese civilization. However, the core spirits and manifestations of Chinese civilization, such as “ritual,” “harmony,” “inclusiveness,” and “embrace the world with virtue,” continue to permeate the lives of the Chinese people.
China can coexist with other countries in the world in a manner of “harmony without uniformity.” A rising China is not a threat to the world; on the contrary, it presents the essence of Chinese and East Asian civilizations on the world stage and will contribute to maintaining global peace and development with other countries. Enditem
