The following essay will shed light onto this contradiction. The essay argues that as China displays force against Japan, it becomes increasingly difficult to justify the mentality of humiliation and victimization. First, the essay gives an outline of China’s understanding of its own role in the conflict with regard to the historical perspective of the century of humiliation. By introducing the idea of victimization, the dual identity can be assessed. In the end, the problem of eroding legitimization will be discussed.
“Scholars linked to the Chinese government privately suggest that a crisis might be needed to resolve the dispute over the Senkakus” (Herman & Libby, 2016). Arthur Herman’s quote suggests the urgency of the dispute; the level of escalation it has already reached. The islands in the East China Sea (ECS) have belonged to Japan since the 19th century, but China claims them as well since 1970. In recent times, China does not only claim the territory of these islands, but it also pursues its aspirations with vigor. In 2013, the government reportedly established an Air Defense Identification Zone which includes the territory of the contested islands. Since April 2015, China’s air force allegedly has intruded Japan’s airspace more than 200 times.
China’s actions display power. They emphasize its willingness and ability to stand up against Japan. Furthermore, it acts in this assertive manner despite the declaration of the United States to support Japan if China forcefully changes the status quo. The displayed force suggests that China finally ended the subordination to Japan as Samuel P. Huntington envisioned. However, China is still deeply divided in its understanding of its identity when it comes to foreign policy. Guo emphasizes that while China wants to present a proud image of itself, the concept of national humiliation has been a major element of Chinese society.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction: The East China Sea
- Historical perspective of the conflict
- Victimization
- Dual identity
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the contradiction between China's display of force against Japan in the East China Sea conflict and its continued embrace of the narrative of national humiliation. It explores how China's historical experiences with Japan have shaped its identity and how these experiences are used to maintain national unity. The essay argues that China's assertive foreign policy challenges the narrative of victimization and creates a dual identity within the country.
- The impact of the "century of humiliation" on China's national identity
- The role of the narrative of victimization in shaping Chinese society
- The emergence of a dual identity in China, characterized by both strength and vulnerability
- The challenges of maintaining legitimacy in the face of a changing international order
- The implications of China's assertive foreign policy for its domestic narrative
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The East China Sea: This chapter introduces the conflict over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea and highlights China's assertive actions against Japan. It sets the stage for the essay by outlining the contradiction between China's display of power and its historical narrative of victimization.
- Historical perspective of the conflict: This chapter explores the historical context of the conflict, focusing on the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895 and the War of Resistance against Japan in 1931/1937-1945. It argues that these events have deeply shaped China's understanding of its own identity and have contributed to the narrative of national humiliation.
- Victimization: This chapter examines the narrative of victimization that is prevalent in China. It argues that this narrative is used to maintain national unity and to justify China's actions in the East China Sea. The chapter explores the role of the Chinese curriculum in perpetuating this narrative.
- Dual identity: This chapter analyzes the idea of a dual identity in China, where the narrative of victimization coexists alongside China's assertive foreign policy. It explores the challenges of maintaining legitimacy in the face of this contradiction and the implications of China's actions for its domestic narrative.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key themes and concepts explored in this essay include: East China Sea conflict, Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, national identity, century of humiliation, victimization, dual identity, legitimacy, assertive foreign policy, China-Japan relations.
- Quote paper
- Konrad Eilers (Author), 2016, The East China Sea conflict and China’s national identity, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/354507
