Nationalism, as an ideology that prioritizes the needs of an individual nation or state finds its reflection in many modern countries. With the rising globalization of the world, it becomes important for some nations to emphasize their interests on the global arena. The degree to which each nation values its individual interests and how it pursues them can differ greatly. In addition, nationalism has the capacity to manifest in a hostile manner, attacking other nations or creating international conflicts. For the purposes of this work, the relationship between nationalism and China’s politics will be considered.
China and Nationalism
Compared to other nations, China has a complicated relationship with the concept of nationalism. Considering its historic roots, China has been a closed-off nation for hundreds of years. Prioritizing its own needs, expanding and exploiting its closest neighbors, as well as performing trade with other nations, China was largely culturally cohesive. With the introduction of the west to Chinese society, a number of changes occurred. Gradually, the nation became more open to foreign trends, traditions, and ways of living. After the failures of the early communist regime, China decided to further open its borders and create a mix between a capitalist system and a Marxist one. In this vein, China became better able to interact with other nations around the world, and reap the financial benefits of both foreign investment and trade. Importantly, the unique political organization of China shapes its views of other nations and its capacity for growth. The capacity of Marxism to control and organize an extremely large and concentrated population is cited as one of the greatest successes of China’s regime (Weiguang, 2021). Marxism, and with it, socialism, are conceptualized as the only way to organize a predominantly proletariat-oriented society of the CCP.
Changes in China’s National Focus and Economic Nationalism
Changes in the way the nation was governed influenced China’s approach to nationalism. Starting out as a heavily internally-focused nation, it gradually embraced more partnerships and took part in international agreements. This initial move toward globalization allowed the country to engage with various ideologies more thoroughly. Specifically, liberalism has evolved and increased in prominence, as western philosophies merged with traditional Confucian values of individual enlightenment (Jenco, 2010). More recently, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have marked another important shift in policies China prioritizes. In particular, tensions with the US and other countries turned China inward, encouraging China-centric rhetoric within the press and politics. In addition, the unjust discrimination of Chinese citizens as a consequence of COVID contributed heavily to a change in political discourse surrounding China. As discussed in an article by Brian Wong, China utilized a moment of international turmoil to attempt and re-contextualize its position on the global arena, as well as create precedent for anti-Chinese discrimination (Wong, 2020). This effort works well in allowing China more freedom in its action overseas, creating a layer of protection from criticism.
Seeing China from the perspective of economic nationalism, it is possible to understand its priorities and actions. Considering the quick industrial development of China, its international interests, and its politics, it is possible to ascertain that the country only pursues its own interests when interacting with other nations. This can be seen in the efforts of China to buy natural resources and obtain stakes in the valuable products of other countries. In addition, the economy of the nation itself serves as a tool of furthering the interests of the state. Under a socialist-capitalist framework, the notion of free market is secondary to the plan made by the central government. In such a system, companies that work within China become useful mechanisms that increase national wealth or develop areas that the party finds to be desirable.
References
Jenco, L. K. (2010). Chinese liberalism. LSE Research Online. Web.
Weiguang, W. (2021). Adapting Marxism to the Chinese context: A glorious chapter in CPC’s hundred-year history. Qiushi Journal. Web.
Wong, B. (2020). How Chinese nationalism is changing. The Diplomat – The Diplomat is a current-affairs magazine for the Asia-Pacific, with news and analysis on politics, security, business, technology and life across the region. Web.