Demystifying China's Diplomatic History: Exploring Joe Solis-Mullen's 'A Few Thousand Years of Chinese Foreign Policy (In a Nutshell)'
As our friend Joseph Solis-Mullen expertly outlined in his article, "A Few Thousand Years of Chinese Foreign Policy (In a Nutshell)" , understanding China's foreign policy through a historical lens is crucial in our globalized world. His detailed examination of China's past offers vital clues to its present strategies and potential future direction.
Contrary to popular belief, Joe clarifies that "China and its nominally communist leadership have for decades acted in a way that is strictly nationalist ideologically." This insight challenges the narrative of China as a secretive global dominator and paints a picture of a nation more focused on managing its intricate local strategic environment and internal security.
Diving into the depths of history, Joe describes that "China" has historically been more of a cultural entity than a specific geographical one. This cultural entity, intertwined with Confucianism and a system of meritocratic bureaucracy, formed the foundation of the traditional Chinese state.
When faced with threats, China often resorted to a strategy Joe refers to as "using barbarians to check barbarians." The fascinating outcome was a cultural amalgamation where invaders were often assimilated into Chinese society.
Joe highlights the historical inward focus of China's foreign policy, with the nation traditionally eschewing aggressive trade expansion or territorial conquests. "Its attention focused inward, with external trade largely eschewed, and advances in military and naval affairs either unpursued or abandoned," he explains.
The "Century of Humiliation," marking the 20th century, was a tumultuous period for China. It was filled with revolution, war, and internal conflict, culminating in the rise of the Chinese Communist Party under Mao Zedong's leadership and the restoration of China's autonomy.
In today's context, Joe observes, "Xi rouses the population with nationalist talk, not Marxist or Maoist talking points. National pride aside, he and his cronies are interested in enriching themselves and being in power." His interpretation underscores the nationalist rhetoric shaping China's modern foreign policy, rather than a communist agenda.
So, what do these historical insights mean for China's current and future relations with the world? As Joe's insightful article suggests, understanding China's diplomatic history provides a key to deciphering its present and predicting its potential future.
"If FDR could cut deals with Stalin, and Nixon could sit down with Mao, Joe Biden or Donald Trump should be able to get along with the likes of Xi (or Putin for that matter), lest a clash of civilizations end civilization entirely," Joe wisely concludes.
