The Dangerous Direction of Chinese Nationalism

May 11th, 2008

Submitted By: Nic Dominguez

Readers of this week’s Economist might have trouble sleeping at night after witnessing the intense cover art combined with the leader “Angry China.” The editors have summarized the recent tension into one simple and foreboding conclusion. The Chinese people are angry. International protests over everything from assumed human rights violation, environmental degradation, political corruption, and of course Tibetan independence have all surfaced in the last few months. The reaction of the Chinese people with the aid of the Chinese government has been their own outcry for respect. Although this conflict in itself is very frightening, the Economist makes it clear that the consequences of such tension for the Chinese government of are more dire than media rants from the West and bitter feelings at home.

In order to funnel this anger into something more constructive the CCP has stirred up notions of nationalism among the populace. The Economist has paraphrased the government’s statements that “China will be restored to its rightful place at the centre of world affairs. According to the editors, the CCP has forgotten that an angry population is still a threat to stability even if it is angry at the outside world.

“There is no doubt genuine fury in China at these offences; yet the impression the response gives of a people united behind the government is an illusion. China, like India, is a land of a million mutinies now…Herein lies the danger for the government. Popular anger, once roused, can easily switch targets.”

The Economist proposes that the CCP will not be able to sidestep the core issues plaguing the minds of the populace. If the anger turns on the government the wisest step would be to handle the problems of pollution, corruption and human rights violations without hesitation or hostility.

I know this blog has beaten the issue of alleged Chinese government brutality and the future of the Chinese political system to death. However, this lesson in cause and effect should not be disregarded. The protestors on both sides must consider what the retaliation of the other side will do to the international environment. I know most of us do not want to see an alienated Chinese state in the coming years. That outcome would be dreadful for us and the Chinese people. My view is that Nationalism is a dangerous road for any country. The CCP may want to consider a steadier road to travel. At the same time the outcry of anti-Chinese protests in the West does nothing but force the CCP into a corner. It comes down to a simple childhood lesson, whether you are yelling for change, yelling for patriotism or yelling to save face, yelling doesn’t solve anything.

Entry Filed under: China, Pre-Departure, Beijing