Kim views China’s perception in the context of its historical development and draws parallels between national cultural identity and the political course of development, focusing on “the existence of a homogeneously unified and univocal” country (218). Despotic orders that are associated with this state are explained by the long and complex epoch of development, and the dominance of national foundations is viewed regarding historical perspectives.
The Chinese power centralization had a significant influence on the formation of medieval trade relations since, as Kim notes, the country became one of the centers of cultural interaction among states (219). Nevertheless, different epochs of development are considered those stages that significantly influenced the perception of the image of modern China. According to the author, the Qing dynasty was one of the key points that marked the end of one era and the beginning of the other one (Kim 220). Relationships among neighboring Asian countries were largely determined by the position regarding the spheres of influence and the centralization of power; therefore, contradictions arose.
Misunderstandings between China and neighboring countries, particularly Korea, are viewed as disagreements regarding the centralization of power and the concepts of dominance. Kim argues that the Korean state took over some aspects of Chinese ideology, changing it and adapting it to its own regime (221). The concept of “central efflorescence” is proposed as a phenomenon describing the abolition of many aspects of traditional life in the era of the Ming dynasty, in particular, domination and slavery (Kim 222).
The examples of Vietnam and Japan are considered in relation to the approach to the organization of the power structure, and some similarities may be traced. The strategic principles of eastern countries largely determined the nature of the relationships among states in the framework of trade, military, and other areas. The criticism of dynasties emanating from various intellectuals was associated with significant changes in political regimes. The author also compares the modern power models of European countries and argues that their approaches are destructive for traditional Chinese society where the order is based on foundations and traditions (Kim 225).
Nevertheless, today, the role of this eastern country on the world stage is mentioned as significant, despite the fact that “The Chinese government has been passionately devoting itself to the idea of a unified state” (Kim 230). The driving force of the country is significant, and its potential is used for strengthening positions and development.
Work Cited
Kim, Youngmin. A History of Chinese Political Thought. Polity Press, 2018.