Introduction
The purpose of this essay is to discuss what the “peaceful rise” means to the Chinese, and why it is the best course of action for China. This essay begins by addressing the historical and traditional concepts that have influenced China’s “peaceful rise.” Next, the essay discusses why a “peaceful rise” is currently the most prudent path for China. Finally, this essay briefly looks at the argument of whether or not China’s rise is peaceful, and its implications. This essay will show that China’s rise, whether peaceful or not, will play a predominant role in international affairs.
The “Peaceful Rise” Concept
Generally, the Chinese have been very proud of their early achievements in human history. For instance, some of China’s current leaders have turned to Zheng He’s naval voyages to demonstrate China’s historical greatness and peaceful nature. Zheng embarked on several naval voyages beyond the Indian Ocean well before other famous European sailors. China’s leaders stress Zheng’s …show more content…
Confucian values have served as moral guidelines for social and political order in China because they are based on the ideal behaviors of how individuals should relate to society and others. Adding to this explanation, Yan writes that “the core of Confucianism is ‘benevolence,’ [and] this concept encourages Chinese rulers to adopt benevolent governance rather than hegemonic governance.” Equally, the traditional political order based on the Mandate of Heaven has greatly influenced the concept of the “peaceful rise.” This political order claims that the state holds supernatural, divine authority to rule. Because the state holds divine authority, the state also ensures morality and harmony within society. Xiaoming Huang points out that even though the Mandate of Heaven has its origins in China, this ancient tradition is no longer looked at to legitimize
The purpose of this essay is to discuss what the “peaceful rise” means to the Chinese, and why it is the best course of action for China. This essay begins by addressing the historical and traditional concepts that have influenced China’s “peaceful rise.” Next, the essay discusses why a “peaceful rise” is currently the most prudent path for China. Finally, this essay briefly looks at the argument of whether or not China’s rise is peaceful, and its implications. This essay will show that China’s rise, whether peaceful or not, will play a predominant role in international affairs.
The “Peaceful Rise” Concept
Generally, the Chinese have been very proud of their early achievements in human history. For instance, some of China’s current leaders have turned to Zheng He’s naval voyages to demonstrate China’s historical greatness and peaceful nature. Zheng embarked on several naval voyages beyond the Indian Ocean well before other famous European sailors. China’s leaders stress Zheng’s …show more content…
Confucian values have served as moral guidelines for social and political order in China because they are based on the ideal behaviors of how individuals should relate to society and others. Adding to this explanation, Yan writes that “the core of Confucianism is ‘benevolence,’ [and] this concept encourages Chinese rulers to adopt benevolent governance rather than hegemonic governance.” Equally, the traditional political order based on the Mandate of Heaven has greatly influenced the concept of the “peaceful rise.” This political order claims that the state holds supernatural, divine authority to rule. Because the state holds divine authority, the state also ensures morality and harmony within society. Xiaoming Huang points out that even though the Mandate of Heaven has its origins in China, this ancient tradition is no longer looked at to legitimize