Here’s something trivial to start with: Yesterday morning, I saw two young men who looked like Mormon missionaries out sharing the Gospel. 'What fine young men!' I thought. But then I wondered—would I have thought differently if they weren’t dressed in such church-like attire? I can’t believe how easily I’m swayed by appearances!
On September 15, a friend recommended The Next 100 Years: A Forecast for the 21st Century by George Friedman (2009).
In the book, Friedman states, “The problem for China is political. China is held together by money, not ideology. When there is an economic downturn and the money stops rolling in, not only will the banking system spasm, but the entire fabric of Chinese society will shudder. Loyalty in China is either bought or coerced. Without available money, only coercion remains. Business slowdowns can generally lead to instability because they lead to business failure and unemployment. In a country where poverty is endemic and unemployment widespread, the added pressure of an economic downturn will result in political instability." p. 96
Friedman’s assumption that China’s national unity is held together only by money, neglecting deeper cultural, historical, and ideological factors, misses a critical aspect of Chinese society.
First, patriotism in China runs deep, rooted in thousands of years of history, cultural pride, and a shared heritage. This deep-seated patriotism inspired millions to fight foreign invasions, from the Japanese occupation to overcoming imperialist pressures and achieving independence. Today, 中国梦 (Zhōngguó Mèng) "Chinese Dream," represents a collective aspiration to restore China's historical greatness. Even in times of economic hardship, many Chinese remain loyal to this ideal of national rejuvenation.
Second, Confucian values that emphasize social harmony and collective well-being are integral to Chinese society. While economic success is valued, social stability and national unity are more treasured. These cultural values have long played a role in holding China together, well before its economic rise in recent decades. In fact, the opposite is often true: the tougher the economic times, the more united people become.
Third, China has historically demonstrated remarkable resilience. Throughout its long history, China has faced repeated foreign invasions, economic crises, and internal strife, yet has managed to remain unified. This unity has not always been grounded in economic prosperity but rather in the strength of a central authority that upheld social order and a shared sense of destiny. The cyclical pattern of dynastic rise, fall, and renewal was driven by cultural cohesion and moral legitimacy. In contrast, Europe has achieved much, yet it has failed to do one thing that China has done: unite the continent under a single authority.
Fourth, social bonds in China, especially those centered around family and community, often transcend economic interests. For instance, my sister in China never worries about her son’s unemployment, because losing a job in China doesn't lead to the same kind of destitution like becoming homeless as it might in the U.S. Strong family support networks often buffer individuals from economic hardship and help maintain social order.
Lastly, the belief that money alone holds China together underestimates the role of ideological and political foundations in the country’s governance. The legitimacy of the Chinese government rests on its ability to maintain stability, address corruption, manage crises, and restore China's historical position of global leadership. The education of overcoming the "Century of Humiliation" at the hand of foreign powers and reclaiming China’s rightful place in the world fosters a sense of national pride that transcends economics.
In conclusion, while economic factors are significant, they are far from the only glue holding China together. The nation's deep-rooted patriotism, cultural traditions, historical resilience, and ideological foundations are essential in maintaining national unity, as they have been for over 2000 years. To reduce China's unity and strength to mere financial stability grossly overlooks the powerful forces of collective identity and national pride that have sustained the country for thousands of years.