The nationalist movement has been on the rise across the globe since the financial crisis in late 2000s, when many around the world became disillusioned with the so-called Washington Consensus. In the absence of new ideologies to guide popular movements, nationalism serves as a rallying cry for the disgruntled and disadvantaged.
On the other hand, as China becomes more assertive in protecting sovereignty and the right to development, its policies are often accused of being more nationalist than before. However, the nuance between patriotism, which the CCP consistently invokes among Chinese citizens, and nationalism, which has been stigmatized in western discourse, should be acknowledged.
Patriotism is a love and devotion to one's country that often involves a sense of pride in its achievements, culture, and values. It is a positive feeling of attachment and loyalty to one's homeland without necessarily implying superiority over other nations.
Nationalism, on the other hand, can be seen as an ideology or movement that emphasizes the interests, unity, and independence of a nation, sometimes to the exclusion or detriment of others. Nationalism can involve a belief in the superiority of one's own nation and can lead to a more aggressive or exclusionary stance towards other nations or groups. It often involves a strong identification with one's nation and a desire for its advancement and preservation at the expense of others.
Patriotism could be conditional. Conditional patriotism, rooted in the concept of a (tacit) social contract, reflects a dynamic relationship between individuals and their government, where loyalty to one's country is influenced by the perceived benefits exchanged within this implicit agreement. This reciprocal nature of patriotism underscores that individuals' attachment to their nation can be molded by the government's performance and the fulfillment of its obligations outlined in this social contract. When a government effectively represents the state and upholds its end of the social contract by providing security, welfare, and justice, citizens are more likely to exhibit a stronger sense of patriotism. Conversely, a government's legitimacy and performance can significantly impact the level of patriotism among its citizens, as the quality of governance and the delivery of services shape the reciprocal bond between the state and its people, influencing their perceptions of what they receive in return for their loyalty.
As CCP has dramatically improved the living standard of Chinese citizens in last few decades, the level of patriotism of the populace rises up correspondently. A survey conducted by the Global Times indicated that an overwhelming 98.1% of respondents identify as patriots, with only 0.5% expressing a lack of patriotic sentiment. This survey included over 1,300 participants from major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, highlighting a strong national pride among the populace.
Nationalism in the Global South, including China, often diverges significantly from its understanding in the West, shaped by historical, socio-economic, and political contexts. Here are key points that illustrate these differences:
Colonial Legacy: In many countries of the Global South, nationalism is deeply rooted in anti-colonial struggles. Nationalist movements emerged as responses to imperial domination, aiming to reclaim sovereignty and identity. China shares this legacy as several parts of the country had been colonized by Western powers during late 19th and early 20th century. This contrasts with Western nationalism, which has often been framed around concepts of statehood and civic identity rather than liberation from external control.
Post-Colonial Identity: Nationalism in the Global South frequently emphasizes collective identity and solidarity against perceived neocolonial influences. This is evident in the rhetoric of leaders from regions like Africa and Latin America, where national pride is intertwined with a rejection of historical injustices and ongoing inequalities.
Developmental Aspirations: Nationalism in the Global South is often linked to aspirations for economic development and social justice. Movements may prioritize economic independence and self-sufficiency as integral components of national identity. In contrast, Western nationalism can sometimes focus more on cultural homogeneity or economic protectionism without the same historical baggage.
Global Inequality: The Global South's nationalism is influenced by global economic structures that perpetuate inequality. Many nations advocate for a multipolar world order that recognizes their rights and needs, contrasting with Western nationalist perspectives that may prioritize maintaining existing power dynamics.
Geopolitical Realignment: Recent geopolitical shifts have seen countries in the Global South assert their interests more vigorously on the global stage. For instance, nations like India and Brazil have sought to redefine their roles within international frameworks, advocating for reforms in institutions like the UN to better reflect their status and contributions.
Diverse National Interests: Unlike the often monolithic narratives of Western nationalism, the Global South encompasses a wide array of national interests that reflect diverse political systems, economic conditions, and cultural identities. This diversity complicates any singular understanding of nationalism within these regions.
Nationalism in the Global South is characterized by its historical roots in anti-colonial struggles, socio-economic aspirations for development, and a collective response to global inequalities. As long as the Western hegemony remains in place, China’s nationalism, as in elsewhere of Global South, will continue to exist and even thrive against the backdrop of US-led containment and economic sanctions. This contrasts sharply with Western nationalism, which often focuses on statehood, cultural identity, and even blended with racism (white nationalism), without the same historical context of anti-imperialism or liberation from economic dependency. Understanding these differences is crucial for understanding China’s attitude toward nationalism and fostering meaningful dialogue.
Karl Marx once dismissed nationalism as “false consciousness” and advocated for internationalism in global working class’s struggle against capitalist. As students of Marxist theory, CCP is well aware of the flaws and limitations of nationalism. While it may serve as a rallying cry for cultural unity, nationalism's shadowy underbelly reveals a host of issues that lurk beneath the surface.
Cultural exclusivity is a prominent concern associated with nationalism. By elevating the interests and identities of a single cultural group, nationalism often marginalizes others, creating divisions within multi-ethnic societies. This exclusivity can fuel tensions and conflicts among different cultural groups vying for recognition, fostering an "us versus them" mentality that undermines social cohesion and empathy between communities. As a nation with 56 officially recognized ethnicities, that mentality is exactly what CCP are trying to avoid.
The party is investing heavily to protect minority cultural heritage and offering generous welfare to citizens of minority groups. From 2012 to 2024, Chinese government invested 74.1 billion yuan in minority ethnic group development. This investment, totaling 29.4 billion yuan since 2021 alone, has funded over 24,000 projects—including initiatives to develop distinctive industries—significantly advancing economic and social progress in these regions.
Therefore, China's ethnic minority regions have experienced remarkable economic and social progress in recent years, a transformation reflected in a significant rise in per capita income. From 2012 to 2021, the gross regional product (GRP) of these areas surged from 5.1 trillion to 11.8 trillion yuan, outpacing the national average. Rural residents saw their per capita disposable income more than double, climbing from 6,314 yuan to 15,094 yuan.
This growth is not merely a matter of economic figures; it represents a profound societal shift. A targeted poverty alleviation campaign, launched after the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, successfully lifted 31.21 million people out of poverty by 2021. This success story is underpinned by substantial investment in infrastructure, with significant expansions in railway and highway networks. The industrial landscape has also modernized, with the service sector now contributing nearly half of the GRP.
Beyond economic gains, improvements in education are equally striking. At the end of 2021, there were 752 public libraries and 778 museums in these regions. Notably, these cultural institutions are dedicated to safeguarding the languages and scripts of all ethnic groups, respecting and ensuring their use and learning. Moreover, Han officials in minority regions are encouraged to learn these languages and scripts. All of these contributes to greater intercultural understanding and communication.
Domestically, by these comprehensive measures, the potential impact of Han-ethnic nationalism, if any, is kept in check. Internationally, nationalism often favors protectionist policies that can hinder global trade and economic cooperation. Prioritizing national interests over international collaboration, nationalist agendas may lead to economic isolationism, exacerbating global inequalities and impeding progress towards shared prosperity. Conscious of nationalism's pitfalls, the CCP strategically utilizes patriotism to mobilize its citizens while championing free trade internationally.
The dark side of nationalism contradicts with CCP’s principle of “reforming and opening up” established since Deng’s era, which has delivered socio-economical miracles for China. To combat the narrow-mindedness of nationalism, CCP is calling for cooperation and shared prosperity transcending borders. The vision of a global community with a shared future for mankind, championed by CCP leader Xi Jinping, represents an internationalist worldview without the emphasis on class struggle of Marxism and is more aligned with the Confucian ideal of “great harmony of all under heaven”.
The concept of the community of shared future for mankind encapsulates five essential dimensions: political, security, economic, cultural, and ecological.
1. Political Harmony:
At its core, this envisions a world where nations foster new international relationships based on respect, fairness, and cooperation. By transcending outdated power dynamics, countries can engage in democratic dialogue, paving the way for mutual development and prosperity. It’s a rejection of any form of hegemony and exploitation by major powers, and also a departure from the western practice of relying on the balance of power to maintain global peace, which could only heighten the tension among nations.
2. Security Synergy:
A shared and sustainable security perspective is crucial in tackling global challenges. Balancing self-preservation with a genuine regard for others' safety, nations must resolve conflicts through collaboration and dialogue to safeguard world peace and stability.
3. Economic Integration:
Promoting an open, inclusive, and sustainable global economy is key. By advocating for trade liberalization, enhancing economic governance, and addressing the needs of developing nations, we can strive towards balanced and widespread prosperity. China is playing a pivotal role in promoting regional economic integration. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a significant trade agreement that includes China and 14 other Asia-Pacific countries, was signed on November 15, 2020, and became effective from January 1, 2022. RCEP aims to enhance economic integration among its members by reducing tariffs and promoting trade in goods and services. China's involvement in RCEP complements its BRI efforts by fostering infrastructure connectivity and investment opportunities across Asia-Pacific nations.
4. Cultural Fusion:
Diversity should be celebrated through the exchange and enrichment of various civilizations. Respecting cultural differences, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and promoting coexistence can paint a vibrant tapestry of global unity and mutual respect.
5. Ecological Balance:
Upholding eco-friendly practices and cooperative efforts is essential in combating climate change and other environmental crises. Encouraging green development, environmental protection, and sustainable living is crucial for a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature.
In essence, these five pillars embody a holistic approach to global governance, urging nations to collaborate in addressing universal challenges. Together, the concept encourages nations to strive towards a world of enduring peace, shared prosperity, and sustainable development.
Perhaps nowhere can one find a better example of China's internationalist worldview than BRICS. China stands as the powerhouse of the BRICS alliance, wielding significant economic influence within the group. Contributing over 18% to the global economy, China's economic magnitude surpasses that of its BRICS counterparts, notably India, by a factor of five. This positions China as a key figure in intra-BRICS trade, which currently comprises a staggering 85% of total trade among member states.
In the realm of trade relationships, China's proactive approach has bolstered economic prosperity among BRICS nations. Between 1999 and 2010, China's imports from countries like Brazil, India, and Russia saw exponential growth, driven by China's escalating demand for raw materials and food products. This surge in imports has significantly contributed to the economic growth of these nations.
Beyond economic prowess, China strategically wields its political influence within BRICS to promote its vision on the global stage. Leveraging its position within the alliance, China advocates for reforms in global governance structures such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), aiming to amplify the bloc's role in safeguarding the interests of developing nations.
Cultural and humanitarian exchanges serve as vital facets of China's engagement with fellow BRICS members, underscoring a commitment to fostering goodwill and collaboration beyond mere economic interests. These exchanges underscore a broader vision of shared prosperity and mutual understanding.
In terms of institutional development, the New Development Bank (NDB) stands as a pivotal mechanism established in 2014 to provide funding for infrastructure projects within BRICS nations, further intertwining their economies. China plays an active role in supporting the NDB. The institution seeks to operate independently of economic and political pressures from major industrialized nations. To finance projects, NDB utilizes its member countries' financial markets, employing a local currency strategy to mitigate risk and reduce costs. The bank's ambitious goal is to deploy $5 billion in loans by 2024, supporting emerging and developing economies within the BRICS group and globally.
During its BRICS presidency in 2022, China spearheaded efforts to expand the alliance's membership, aiming to enhance its global prominence and diversity. Prospective new members such as Saudi Arabia and Argentina have been earmarked as potential additions, reflecting a strategic move to broaden the bloc's reach and impact on the world stage.
Nations around the world are queuing up to join the group. As of October 2024, over 47 countries have either formally applied or expressed interest in joining BRICS. Among them, four Southeast Asian countries – Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand – have become 'partner countries' of BRICS.
When the West is resorting to protectionism and forming Cold-War style ideological bloc, many have declared the end of globalization. But in the other side of world, globalization is alive and well, advancing at full steam. In contrast to Globalization 1.0, the most prominent feature of this Globalization 2.0, spearheaded by China and its partners, is the vision for a multipolar world—a world that is more equal and respects the true diversity of the world's various cultures, values, and lifestyles. It avoids the neo-colonialism in the form of so-called "universal values" imposed by a privileged group of wealthy nations.
