Nationalism and National Identity in Contemporary China: Assessing the Debate

Abstract

Nationalism is still one of the most important currents in contemporary political thinking in China. It is mostly perceived in the West as ideological patriotism, anti-Westernism, and cultural traditionalism, the quest for a strong state and the uncompromising protection of China’s national interests. Consequently, Chinese nationalism is said to be realist, undemocratic, xenophobic, and 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, and cultural essentialism, instead striving for a more democratic redefinition of the relationship between the state and the people. Supported by developments in the coastal provinces and especially in Taiwan, this type of thinking might gradually give ground to a new consensus on the disjuncture of state and nation, thereby bringing about not only federalism and more democratic reforms of the PRC’s political system, but also recognition of Taiwan’s political sovereignty.