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.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: The East China Sea
2. Historical perspective of the conflict
3. Victimization
4. Dual identity
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This essay explores the contradiction between China's assertive foreign policy in the East China Sea and its deeply rooted domestic narrative of victimization. It aims to determine how the display of military power and the quest for regional dominance impact China’s national identity and the domestic legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
- Historical context of the "century of humiliation" and its impact on Chinese identity.
- The strategic construction of a "victimization" narrative by the CCP to foster national unity.
- Analysis of the dual identity resulting from the tension between victimhood and superpower status.
- Evaluation of how aggressive foreign policy challenges the internal legitimacy derived from the narrative of a victimized, vulnerable state.
Excerpt from the Book
Historical perspective of the conflict
The historical perspective plays a crucial role in this conflict and in China’s understanding of itself. The reference to history is understood as a reference to the ‘century of humiliation’ which captures best the devastation and humiliation China had to bear. This time period stretches from the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century (Gries, 2004, p. 47). Two major historic events shall be named to underpin the sense of humiliation China has experienced with respect to Japan.
First, the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895. As Japan used modern arms to defeat China on land and at sea in only a three-day period, it suggested a shift of power towards Japan (Paine, 2003, p. 4). Particularly, the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895 is considered as a disgrace as it declared Korea’s independence and required China to open cities to foreign trade (Chang, 2001, p. 75). Although China had experienced western imperialism prior to that date, it was humiliating to be dominated by such a small Asian country (Chang, 2001, p. 75).
The second incident is the War of Resistance against Japan in 1931/1937-1945. In 1937, a massive invasion from Japan let to the loss of vital Chinese regions and cities, such as Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai (Chang, 2001, p. 80). In this context, Iris Chang (1998, pp. 4, 6) depicts the brutality of the Rape of Nanjing, where the Japanese intruders committed torture, rape and mass killing. Until 1945, 10 million Chinese citizens and soldiers lost their lives (Chang, 2001, p. 81). However, China’s actions against Japan in the Second World War are barely recognized, since the Chiang regime quickly resigned after the communist regime took over in 1947 (Mitter, 2013, para. 8). Thus, the Allies saw China as a communist threat, which left cruelties such as the Rape of Nanking in 1937 unrecognized by the Allies (Mitter, 2013, para. 6). The missing recognition meant further humiliation for China.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The East China Sea: Introduces the escalating dispute between China and Japan and outlines the central contradiction between China's display of power and its narrative of historical humiliation.
2. Historical perspective of the conflict: Examines the historical roots of Chinese grievances, specifically focusing on the Sino-Japanese War and the War of Resistance as foundational moments for the "century of humiliation."
3. Victimization: Analyzes how the CCP utilizes the narrative of a victimized and vulnerable state to create national unity and sustain a moral campaign for the population.
4. Dual identity: Discusses the tension between China's self-perception as a victim and its current status as an assertive, powerful state, arguing that this dichotomy threatens domestic legitimacy.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes how these contradictory narratives and the resulting dual identity create an erosion of legitimacy for the ruling regime.
Keywords
China, Japan, East China Sea, National Identity, Century of Humiliation, Victimization, CCP, Legitimacy, Foreign Policy, Sino-Japanese War, Sovereignty, Nationalism, Territorial Integrity, Dual Identity, Historical Grievances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this essay?
The essay investigates the impact of the East China Sea territorial conflict on China's national identity, specifically looking at the contradiction between China's assertive military behavior and its domestic reliance on the narrative of being a victimized state.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The key themes include the historical trauma of the "century of humiliation," the social construction of victimhood as a source of legitimacy, and the resulting dual identity formed by the regime's powerful foreign actions and its domestic rhetoric of vulnerability.
What is the main research objective?
The goal is to demonstrate that China's aggressive foreign policy in the East China Sea complicates its domestic identity narrative, potentially leading to an erosion of the CCP's political legitimacy.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The paper utilizes a qualitative analysis of historical documents, political science literature, and existing theories on national identity and legitimacy to examine the relationship between state behavior and collective memory.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the historical context of Chinese-Japanese relations, the role of education and media in spreading the narrative of victimization, and the analytical framework of a dual identity that forces the nation into an ambiguous position on the world stage.
Which keywords define the research?
The core keywords include National Identity, Victimization, Century of Humiliation, Legitimacy, CCP, and East China Sea.
How does the "century of humiliation" affect current foreign policy?
The author argues that the historical memory of being a victim to imperial powers acts as a moral driver for the CCP, yet this conflicts with China's desire to assert itself as a strong, sovereign superpower.
Why does the author consider China's identity "dual"?
China is described as possessing a dual identity because it projects power and military assertiveness internationally while simultaneously maintaining a domestic narrative that portrays the state as a vulnerable victim requiring unification and defense.
What is the role of the CCP in maintaining these narratives?
The CCP relies on the narrative of victimization as a crucial dogma to ensure national unity, effectively using it as an instrument for domestic legitimation in the absence of democratic procedural legitimacy.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Konrad Eilers (Autor:in), 2016, The East China Sea conflict and China’s national identity, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/354507
