Heaven, Earth and Foreigners in Chinese Historical Texts

Abstract

Usage of the same term “tianxia” for the world and China, definition of both China and the whole world with the same term brings to mind a politically imperialistic intention. However, the collateral usage of both meanings for centuries, refers cosmologically to “the uniqueness of the space” and to the earth being regarded as identical. Although, the space being divided as internal and external, this identicalness yet supports the idea that people are equals by nature. The identity of“China” and “the earth”, instead of degrading “the earth” into “China”, suggests the idea that both meanings of the concept all under heaven are consciously preserved with the possibility of an expanded China on earth.