Wang Gungwu: China Rises Again
On Yale Global, historian Wang Gungwu writes about the new role that China is carving out for itself in the world order. From the introduction:
In China’s long history, its leaders have managed other rises in power and preeminence, but the current rise confronts them with a different set of challenges on a global scale. This two-part series reflects on how China handles its rise and responds to other global powers. In the first article of the series, leading historian of China’s foreign relations, Wang Gungwu, details the considerations for Chinese leadership as the country moves beyond a global role largely limited to trade, exports and economics. Those aspiring to lead on global issues naturally see opportunity in the current economic recession: Confidence has diminished in Western institutions and strategies, including military solutions for the Middle East or development plans for Africa. Chinese leaders and intellectuals want to stave off demands from the West and carefully select their own methods for achieving prosperity, security and civilized culture. Wang predicts that modern Chinese leaders will rely on ancient principles to achieve timeless goals: the economic global can serve as a means in establishing a prosperous and powerful state that wields global influence; and modern ideas on best practices can be integrated with Chinese heritage to ensure sustained civilized society. The greatest challenge, he warns, is applying good governance in maintaining a unified state and harmonious society amidst so many conflicting demands.
POSTED COMMENTS: One Response
Prof Wang head of Sinology institute in NUS Singapore, is one of the most prolific writer on the subject of China and Overseas Chinese. He bring clear headed reflection on so called “universal value”
Those hostile to what China might stand for are not satisfied. They insist on higher “universal norms” that China has yet to accept: ideals of individual freedom, democracy and human rights protected by the rule of law. Until the nation does so, critics see China’s dramatic economic achievements as measures to strengthen an authoritarian state capitalism that keeps the regime indefinitely in power.
The West expects further progress in China to conform to what’s considered appropriate for the global future. China’s sense of itself questions the validity of these Western demands. The Chinese leaders want to find their own selection of what they need for their multinational state to be prosperous, safe and civilized. They would like to do it in their own way and at their own speed.