In BusinessWeek, Robert Lawrence Kuhn argues that national pride and a deep desire to be recognized on the global stage is behind the Chinese drive to outpace other world powers in the development of various industries:
The roots of this pride go deep, to the visceral feelings of a people whose civilization led the world for centuries only to be humiliated and oppressed by foreign invaders and then stymied and scourged by domestic tyrants. Pride in China’s history “is the historical driving force inspiring people today to build the nation,” says Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping, who is odds-on favorite to become China’s next president. “Our commitment and determination is rooted in our historic and national pride,” he adds. “China’s development, at least in part, is driven by patriotism and pride.”
Politburo member Li Yuanchao, a rising star in Chinese politics, emphasizes China’s national spirit. “Although the Chinese people are not as wealthy as Westerners, and China lags behind developed countries in many areas such as technology, social systems, and environmental protection,” Li says, “the Chinese people as a whole are very positive about their country’s development and have confidence in their future. We have a sense of adventure and pride and we are ambitious to build our society.”
