Chinese Nationalism and Sino–Japanese Relations

Abstract

Contemporary Chinese nationalism has its roots in the country's nation‐building and identity‐forming movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that sought to establish China's place in the community of nations. Today, nationalism in China can be characterized as falling into two major categories. On the one hand, there is nationalism embedded in patriotism with great pride in China's civilization, major achievements, and confidence in the country's future in embracing and meeting the challenges of globalization. On the other hand, there is the sentimental nationalism that reacts to what is perceived as injustice and insult done to China and has a strong victim mentality. The domestic discourse of nationalism can be influenced by government propaganda, intellectual debates, populous display of emotion and repulsion, or a mixture of all three. As China continues to grow in economic power and political influence, how nationalism is handled can have a significant impact on relations with its neighbors and beyond.