A Chinese perspective on filling the big ‘blue hole’

Abstract

Although maritime history studies in China is still a subject to be strengthened, it is promoted by both the consciousness of academe and the need for national strategy. Traditionally, Chinese history study focuses on events in continental and agricultural civilization while the local historical records have shown an active interaction between ordinary people’s living and the maritime environment for centuries. Chinese maritime historical study needs to build a framework that discerns the different perceptions between the central government and the local marine societies towards the blue hole. It also should be integrated into the whole story of Chinese historical narrative.