China’s Rise: A Quest To ‘Hug The World’?

In a series looking at China’s expanding reach in the world, NPR’s Morning Edition goes back in history to look at China’s goals and motivations in undertaking global explorations under Admiral Zheng He (Listen to the full report here):

Western historians say Chinese dynasties do have a tradition of expanding their continental borders — Tibet and the Muslim northwest being examples — but that there’s no doubt Zheng He’s voyages show a less missionary and less expansionist side to Chinese culture.

William Kirby, a professor of Chinese history at Harvard University, however, says when you fast-forward 600 years to today, modern China’s motivations may be more like those of Western countries.

“It is not one of conquest; it is exploration and contact,” he says. “But in no case does it result in a conquest. Whereas it does appear Zheng He’s voyages were motivated by desires different from those of Columbus or Magellan or great Western explorers. Today China’s role in Africa seems to me to be very similar to that of other countries. I see China following, for better and possibly for worse, an American model of needing to secure energy sources and seeking to do so in a great variety of ways, wherever the energy can be found.”

China’s search for natural resources comes in the context of its growing military. But many Chinese people point out that it was the West that semi-colonized China in the 19th century, not the other way around, and they stress that China’s peaceful culture has not changed since Adm. Zheng He’s time.

Read more about Zheng He via CDT.

CDT EBOOKS

Subscribe to CDT

SUPPORT CDT

Browsers Unbounded by Lantern

Now, you can combat internet censorship in a new way: by toggling the switch below while browsing China Digital Times, you can provide a secure "bridge" for people who want to freely access information. This open-source project is powered by Lantern, know more about this project.

Google Ads 1

Giving Assistant

Google Ads 2

Anti-censorship Tools

Life Without Walls

Click on the image to download Firefly for circumvention

Open popup
X

Welcome back!

CDT is a non-profit media site, and we need your support. Your contribution will help us provide more translations, breaking news, and other content you love.