Nationalism and National Identity in Contemporary China: Assessing the Debate
Author(s)
Schubert, Gunter
Abstract
Nationalism is still one of the most important currents in contemporary political thinking in the People’s Republic of China. It is mostly perceived in the West as ideological patriotism, anti-Westernism, & cultural traditionalism, the quest for a strong state, & the uncompromising protection of China’s national interests. Consequently, Chinese nationalism is said to be realist, undemocratic, xenophobic, & Sinocentric. This verdict disregards, however, a substantial current within the Chinese debate on nationalism that promotes a much more liberal brand of thinking. Liberal nationalism rejects political authoritarianism, anti-Westernism, & cultural essentialism, instead striving for a more democratic redefinition of the relationship between the state & the people. Supported by developments in the coastal provinces & especially in Taiwan, this type of thinking might gradually give ground to a new consensus on the disjuncture of state & nation, thereby bringing about not only federalism & more democratic reforms of the PRC’s political system, but also recognition of Taiwan’s political sovereignty.
