Undoubtedly, China has realized the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernization. For 2,500 years the Chinese have honored the rational ethics of Confucianism. For at least 1,000 years until the early 20th century, China was ruled by feudal bureaucrats, and Confucianism was the governing school of thinking. After it took control of the country in 1949, the Communist Party of China swept away Confucianism. However, in today's China, Confucianism is making a return as a philosophy that is imbedded within the Chinese minds. The interpretation of Confucian principles by President Xi shows that China is becoming ever more confident in its culture. In a country the size of China, cohesiveness is central. But placing one's hopes on nationalism can backfire, as this will probably lead to crisis or even war against our intentions, while the Chinese civilization, with its history and substance, will do a better job at boosting the confidence and purposefulness of the Chinese. During the 5,000-year course of Chinese culture, there has rarely been any trace of imperialist thinking, and China has always honored peace above all else. A good example of this is that according to Chinese historical records General Zheng He, the 15th-century Chinese mariner and explorer, did not take advantage of his fleet's military superiority when visiting foreign countries.

After WWII the Western European countries gradually adopted a more rational attitude towards China. Over time the continents of Europe and Asia became closer in economic fields, which was a positive development. The European Union is now China's biggest trading partner, and China is the second biggest partner of the EU. China-Germany relations are also at their strongest ever.

It is a matter of regret for me though, that the Chinese leadership has always had a better understanding of the West than vice versa. The publishing of President Xi's new book represents a positive attempt to change the status quo. The book educates foreign readers on the philosophy adopted by China's leadership, and the strategic guidelines on which China's direction of development is based. As such, it offers the world a better understanding of China's development, especially its policies on governance and diplomacy. It is President Xi's hope that China realizes the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and for this China must find its own path and once again become a world power. A book like this will help foreign readers to gain a better and more objective understanding of China from historical and other perspectives. Often times the West finds it hard to suppress the impulse to act as a lecturer with regard to China and its leaders, which usually results in failure stemming from ignorance and arrogance. The West needs to apply more common sense, abandon its condescending attitude, and let fair play apply.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)