China’s Rising Nationalism Essay

The rise of nationalism in china can be viewed to be unique in its respect. This nationalism has been characterized by several distinct features which have been demonstrated in several ways. The rise of nationalism has taken another dimension from that which existed in the past. Conscious definition of the new nationalists unlike the liberal ones of the 1980s.These nationalists are not in tandem with those of the 1980s whom they claim their times were full of radicalism and Romanism. They claim to be more realistic with their programmatic principles in their time. That they are the advocates of order and stability in society.

They believe in Confucianism is characteristic of nationalism in China. The supremacy of pride in Confucianism civilization is present in the nationalists in China. This ideology seems not to be limiting nationalism but it forms the basis for the rising nationalism in China. The rise of Confucianism has come about due to the collapse of communism and most nationalists evince this ideology in their political works.

In the international arena, Chinese nationalism has experienced insecurity. The rivalry between China and Japan is still evident with nationalists describing Japan as a paradigmatic enemy. The foreign main cause a lot of anxiety in most Chinese nationalists. In China’s nationalism, there is a reemergence of a feeling that China is like a sexually violated woman. The blame is adversely put on the Whiteman And the Americans. This shows that the nationalists in China are not on good diplomatic terms with the Americans for what they believe is an assault with the Chinese and have exploited her.

Instances such as the Belgrade bombing are a clear indication of growing self-esteem in the nationalism of china. Chinese nationalists have tended to differ in ideology concerning the issue of what ideology and policies would make china a very strong nation. The issue of foreign policy and international relations with the world powers has also been an issue of contention between the nationalists. Nationalism in china has managed to manifest itself in several ways and this is significant in the sense that ideological diversity has been greatly enhanced in the country. Such diversity has contributed towards the responsiveness to both local and foreign events in the country.

Most of the efforts of the current Chinese nationalism is the focus on reunification of the mainland to Taiwan. There has been a consensus with the current crop of nationalists on maintaining the status quo. There is controversy in the relationship between China and Taiwan. Some theorists have come up with assertions the current nationalism In china is imperialist as it has led to the oppression of some minority groups in the country.

In Chinese nationalism nowadays, Intellectuals contribute significantly and they have become a major dividing force in the politics and ideology of China. Intellectuals in this case can be taken to mean that people who have been educated like the doctors, teachers, and so on have been involved in the articulation of new ideas.

Therefore in conclusion I can note that the rising nationalism has been influenced by the educated elite in the society. This goes as far as ideology is concerned and this can be witnessed in the way the current ideology differs from the one in the past which had its ideologies.

References

1. Peter Hays Gries, Chapters 1 & 7 in China’s New Nationalism. (Should be online somewhere)
2. Fareed Zakaria, “Don’t Feed China’s Nationalism” Web.
3. Osnos “Angry Youth: Letter from China” Web.
4. Bell, “Chinese Students’ Constructive Nationalism” Web.
5. Dali Yang “Forced Harmony: China’s Olympic Rollercoaster” Web.
6. A. Nathan “Medals and Rights” Web.