In Culture and Global Politics, Does China’s Dominance Overshadow Alternative Perspectives From East Asia?

Mahnoor Khan, MINT 2nd Year (CEAS)

Due to its size and economic might, China exerts significant influence in shaping our perceptions about the diverse East and Southeast Asian region, often overshadowing alternative views from other countries in the neighborhood.

Few countries wield as much influence over East Asia today as China does. It is now a global actor whose interests span the globe. These interests range from economic to political to geostrategic. China has launched ambitious infrastructure projects like the Belt and Road Initiative, and is focused on strengthening its military capabilities, establishing diplomatic alliances, and asserting its various territorial claims. Simultaneously, initiatives such as Confucius Institutes promote Chinese culture, arts, and language abroad, enhancing China’s soft power worldwide. Consequently, China’s cultural and political dominance, fueled by its economic rise, plays no small part in shaping how East Asian culture is perceived and presented internationally. However, this dominance has a tendency to marginalize the diverse cultural identities of other East Asian countries, which causes controversy and highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to cultural representation.

An example that illustrates how non-Chinese communities can feel marginalized by the Sino-fication of traditions that are shared across East and Southeast Asia can be seen through the experience of a Taiwanese student who shared her perspective with me for this article. During a layover in Dubai as she traveled back to Geneva from Taiwan for Lunar New Year, she encountered decorations at Dubai Airport adorned with banners wishing travelers a happy ‘Chinese New Year.’ However, the New Year Festival, which is celebrated not just in China but also in many other East Asian countries including Taiwan, South Korea, and Vietnam, is commonly referred to as ‘Lunar New Year’ by them. The insistence to identify new year festival as an exclusively ‘Chinese’ event when it is celebrated by 2 billion people, not all of whom are Chinese citizens, is objectionable for several reasons, not least because naming it as such is a misrepresentation of the diverse cultural and national identities of the people who celebrate the festival. The East Asian region is not a homogeneous entity but rather, if it is to be accurately and fairly represented, should be understood as a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, traditions, languages, and belief systems. While there are genuine human and cultural ties between China and SouthEast Asia, the exclusive labeling of the Lunar New Year as a ‘Chinese’ event overlooks the significant contributions and cultural diversity of other East Asian countries. It undermines the richness and diversity in traditions and identities present in the region, perpetuating a narrow and inaccurate portrayal of East Asian culture and heritage.

In the case of Taiwan, while many Taiwanese people trace their ancestry back to migrants who arrived in Taiwan from China generations ago, over time, Taiwan has developed its own unique and vibrant culture and society. While it undoubtedly shares cultural ties with China, Taiwan boasts its own distinct national identity, which is globally recognized.

China has often positioned itself as the gateway to East Asia, projecting its image as a prominent representative of the region to the global community. While it strives to promote regional stability, economic development, and cultural exchange, its assumed role has faced challenges from neighboring countries. Japan now surpasses China in funding the transportation sector in Southeast Asia, and South Korea’s aid to the communications sector matches China’s. This highlights the shifting dynamics where China’s traditional dominance as the region’s primary benefactor is being challenged by other influential East Asian economies. Additionally, the growing global popularity of Japanese and South Korean arts and pop culture further diminishes China’s once unrivaled influence as the preeminent representative of East Asia.

For a global powerhouse like China, acknowledging and embracing the diverse cultures and distinct national identities of East Asian countries would be a more prudent approach. In the years following the Tiananmen massacre in 1989, China’s neighbors in the region played a significant role in mitigating the political isolation imposed against it by the west. Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu of Japan was the first world leader to visit China after June 1989, visiting in 1991, and Taiwanese businessmen shifted the manufacturing of textiles, footwear, and luggage to the Chinese mainland. For a large country like China which faces challenges in courting the western world for its ambitious strategic and diplomatic maneuvers, it would be extremely judicious for it to recognize the importance of fostering strong regional partnerships and embracing the diversity that characterizes East Asia.

By acknowledging the diverse perspectives and interests within East Asia and being mindful of its own position of power, China can cultivate a more gracious and magnanimous approach towards its regional partners. Rather than assuming a position of sole representation for East Asia on the global stage, China should embrace a more inclusive and collaborative approach, recognizing the richness and diversity of the region’s cultures, histories, and aspirations. In doing so, China can strengthen its relationships with its neighbors and contribute to a more harmonious and prosperous East Asian community on the international stage.