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Never Forget National Humiliation: A Journey Through Sino-Japanese Relations

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Never Forget National Humiliation Book Cover Never Forget National Humiliation: Historical Memory In Chinese Politics And Foreign Relations (Contemporary Asia In The World)

Never Forget National Humiliation: Historical Memory in Chinese Politics and Foreign Relations (Contemporary Asia in the World)

by Zheng Wang

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12672 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	312 pages

National humiliation is a profound and enduring theme in Chinese history, and its impact on Sino-Japanese relations cannot be overstated. The infamous "Century of Humiliation," which began with the Opium Wars in the 1840s and culminated in the Japanese invasion of China in 1937, left an indelible mark on the Chinese psyche. The legacy of this period continues to shape Chinese foreign policy and its attitudes towards Japan.

In his new book, "Never Forget National Humiliation," historian Rana Mitter explores the origins and evolution of this complex and multifaceted issue. He argues that the concept of national humiliation is not unique to China but is rather a common phenomenon in post-colonial societies. By examining the experiences of other countries that have suffered similar traumas, Mitter sheds new light on the Chinese case and offers a deeper understanding of its implications for the present day.

The Origins of National Humiliation

The concept of national humiliation emerged in China during the late Qing dynasty, a period of great political and economic upheaval. The Opium Wars, which were fought between China and Great Britain over the British desire to sell opium in China, resulted in a series of humiliating defeats for the Qing government. These defeats exposed China's military weakness and led to the loss of Hong Kong and other territories.

The weakness of the Qing dynasty made China vulnerable to further foreign aggression. In 1894, Japan launched a war against China over control of Korea. The war ended with a humiliating defeat for China, which was forced to cede Taiwan and other territories to Japan. This defeat further weakened the Qing government and led to a period of political instability and foreign intervention.

The Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1931 and the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937 marked the beginning of a new phase of national humiliation for China. The Japanese occupation of China was a brutal and oppressive period, during which millions of Chinese were killed or displaced. The war ended with the defeat of Japan in 1945, but the legacy of the Japanese occupation continued to haunt Sino-Japanese relations.

The Legacy of National Humiliation

The legacy of national humiliation is still felt in China today. The Chinese government and people have never forgotten the suffering that they endured during the Century of Humiliation. This memory has shaped Chinese foreign policy and its attitudes towards Japan.

China has taken steps to strengthen its military and economy in Free Download to prevent another national humiliation from occurring. The Chinese government has also pursued a policy of "peaceful rise," which aims to achieve China's goals without resorting to war. However, China's rise has caused concern among some of its neighbors, who fear that China may become too powerful and assertive.

The legacy of national humiliation also affects Sino-Japanese relations. The Japanese government has apologized for its wartime actions, but many Chinese people still feel that Japan has not done enough to atone for its past crimes. This issue continues to be a source of tension between the two countries.

National humiliation is a complex and multifaceted issue that has had a profound impact on Chinese history and Sino-Japanese relations. The memory of past humiliations continues to shape Chinese foreign policy and its attitudes towards Japan.

Never Forget National Humiliation: Historical Memory in Chinese Politics and Foreign Relations (Contemporary Asia in the World)

by Zheng Wang

4.5 out of 5