A recent research stay at Shanghai Institutes for International Studies in China has sparked a thought-provoking reflection on the differences between Western and Chinese values. The discussion centered around an interview with Franco-Chinese individual André Cheng, who highlighted the distinct approaches to understanding the world. While the West emphasizes the opposition between good and evil, China adopts a more harmonious view, where yin and yang coexist and complement each other.
This fundamental difference in perspective shapes the way each side views the world and what makes a country strong. Cheng noted that two of the oldest institutions still in existence today are the Chinese bureaucracy and the Vatican. Despite their differences, both have similar selection processes for their leaders. The election of the Pope and the selection of the Chinese Communist Party's secretary general share commonalities. Cheng finds it intriguing that the West advocates for democracy as a means to achieve stability and regime longevity.
However, history suggests otherwise. The Vatican and China demonstrate that stability and endurance can be achieved through different means. The Catholic Church, with its centuries-long history, is not particularly democratic, yet it has endured. China's communist regime, which has been in power for decades, also defies the notion that democracy is a prerequisite for stability. In China, unity is seen as the key to a country's strength and durability.
In contrast, the West prioritizes freedom and democracy. The European Union, comprising 27 countries with a combined area of 4.2 million square kilometers, emphasizes values such as human dignity, liberty, equality, and human rights. China, on the other hand, is a single entity with a vast territory of over 9.6 million square kilometers. Its core values are unity and stability, as enshrined in its Constitution.
The Chinese Constitution, amended in 2018, includes Article 24, which stipulates that the state must defend socialist values and promote civic virtues such as patriotism, love for the people, work, science, and socialism. Some Western observers have criticized the division of Europe into multiple ideological and political factions, while China presents a unified front that has endured for centuries.
The West and China have different approaches to international relations. While the West prioritizes political and expressive freedoms, China emphasizes the freedom to live, work, and eat. China's foreign policy is guided by five principles: mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality, and peaceful coexistence.
China's unique approach to international relations is rooted in its millennia-old culture. With a history dating back to 221 BC, China has experienced periods of humiliation but has emerged as a major player on the global stage. Under President Xi Jinping's leadership, China has proposed initiatives for global development, security, and civilization, aiming to build a shared future for all.
Key points
- The fundamental difference in values between the West and China shapes their approaches to governance and international relations.
- China's emphasis on unity and stability has contributed to its enduring presence on the global stage.
- The West and China's distinct values and approaches offer alternative perspectives on governance and international relations.
