Taiwanese cultural scholar Lin Gufang wrote: "To be honest, the world's suspicion of China's rise is understandable, after all, you are too big and different from others. But looking inwards, for China to truly rise, it cannot merely resent past injustices or linger on the role of former Asian powers. It must demonstrate a transcendence of the conflict-oriented thinking that has dominated the West, uphold the foundation of the community of human life, and achieve mutual beauty with other countries and civilizations, creating a reality where the world becomes better because of China's strength. This historical transcendence toward the world is far greater than the so-called glorious past highlighted by many nationalist theorists. This is a formidable challenge, but only such transcendence can truly bring hope to humanity."
Indeed, China's rise faces an external cognitive dilemma. The world's suspicion caused by its massive size and unique civilizational characteristics aligns with the objective reactions of the international community. However, unlike the zero-sum logic of Western hegemony — "a strong country must dominate" — China's rise aims precisely at breaking the hegemonic model. Through practices like the Belt and Road Initiative and multilateral cooperation, it is creating a reality where "the world becomes better because of China's strength," which is a fundamental breakthrough against Western narratives.
The West's suspicion essentially stems from anxiety over its own hegemonic position, not merely a difference in understanding. If we overemphasize "looking inward," it may weaken the critique of the West's hegemonic logic. Moreover, China's peaceful development cannot be achieved through unilateral concessions alone. Breaking the Western narrative requires a firm commitment to our own path, rather than avoiding necessary struggles. In fact, China's rise has already surpassed the so-called "glorious past": it neither lingers on the traditional role of the "Asian power" nor falls into the Western "conflict and confrontation" trap. Instead, it has taken the community of shared future for mankind as a fulcrum, forging a new path of "not seeking hegemony, but pursuing win-win outcomes."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1851125520275592/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.