One China, one world

China’s regime insists on national unity and international harmony. Is this anything more than an imperial posture? - by Peter C Perdue

In recent years, the Chinese government has increasingly emphasized the importance of national unity and international harmony as core principles of its foreign policy. This focus on unity and harmony is often framed as a commitment to peace and cooperation on the global stage, but some critics argue that it is little more than an imperial posture designed to assert China’s influence and legitimize its territorial claims.

The Chinese government’s insistence on national unity is rooted in its historical context. Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the country has been preoccupied with the issue of territorial integrity. The PRC claims sovereignty over Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, which it considers to be integral parts of its territory. The government’s determination to maintain national unity is partly a response to the perceived threat of secessionist movements and external interference.

In addition to its domestic concerns, China’s emphasis on international harmony is intended to project a positive image on the global stage. The country has been actively engaged in multilateral diplomacy, participating in international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. China has also been a vocal advocate for global cooperation on issues such as climate change and the promotion of sustainable development.

However, critics argue that China’s emphasis on national unity and international harmony is not as altruistic as it appears. They contend that the Chinese government’s insistence on these principles is a strategic move to assert its influence and legitimize its territorial claims. For instance, China’s stance on Taiwan is often presented as a matter of internal sovereignty, but it is also seen as a way to prevent Taiwan from seeking independence or aligning with other regional powers.

Furthermore, some analysts argue that China’s emphasis on international harmony is a tool for soft power, designed to win over allies and neutralize opposition. By promoting itself as a peaceful and cooperative nation, China seeks to undermine the legitimacy of its critics and deter potential adversaries. This approach has been particularly evident in China’s relations with its neighbors, where it has sought to build alliances and invest in infrastructure projects to strengthen its influence.

Critics also point to China’s history of imperial expansion as evidence that its emphasis on national unity and international harmony is little more than an imperial posture. From the Qing dynasty’s territorial expansions in Central Asia to the PRC’s annexation of Tibet and its claims to the South China Sea, China has a long history of asserting its territorial ambitions. The current government’s insistence on national unity and international harmony is seen as a continuation of this imperial tradition, albeit in a more modern and globalized context.

In conclusion, while China’s regime insists on national unity and international harmony as core principles of its foreign policy, these principles are often viewed with skepticism by critics. The Chinese government’s emphasis on these principles is seen by some as a strategic move to assert its influence and legitimize its territorial claims, rather than a genuine commitment to peace and cooperation. As China continues to play an increasingly prominent role on the global stage, the question of whether its emphasis on national unity and international harmony is a genuine commitment or an imperial posture will remain a subject of debate and analysis.