OPINION> Alexis Hooi
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OPINION> Alexis Hooi
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Tapping the world for cultural resurgence
By Alexis Hooi (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-09-11 07:45
"I set no value on objects strange or ingenious Our Celestial Empire possesses all things. There is no need to import the manufactures of outside barbarians in exchange for our own produce Tremblingly obey and show no negligence!" Thus went Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) in denying the British Empire's request to open up trade during the end of the 18th century. It would have been hard to argue with such a decree, considering that it came from the most powerful monarch of that time. But many know now that the Qing emperor's indifference to a rising global power was a clear reflection of Imperial China's inadequate appreciation of the advances abroad - in spheres ranging from politics and economics to science and technology - that led it closer to its demise in the next hundred years. Who would have thought then that this ancient civilization would once again take center stage in the 21st century? Whether it is about regaining its place as the world's largest economy or re-exerting its influence as one of mankind's major cultures, current conversation shows that China's development is firmly drawing in the rest of the world more than ever before. Which means that any cultural resurgence from this impact will also involve the Chinese diaspora across the globe. As New China gears up to celebrate its 60th anniversary, conservative estimates show that there are 40 million overseas Chinese in the world. Most of these live in Asia, but there are sizable numbers of people of Chinese descent in the West and other countries who have grown from the generations of immigrants and who are making a difference in their communities. The sense of identity and heritage that members of the Chinese diaspora have with their ancestral land are set to get stronger with a progressing China. As one of the diaspora, I also feel the bonds of tradition and custom whenever I meet the people and visit the places of this country. These shared experiences continue to fuel my excitement with China's future and how it will affect my own. Many have rightly pointed out that the diverse groups of overseas Chinese are first and foremost assimilated members of their respective countries and regions, with any involvement with China so far being largely confined to economic activity. But looking at the outpouring of emotional support for major events such as the Beijing Olympics and the May 12 quake in Sichuan province last year, overseas Chinese communities are also demonstrating that their affinity with the country is increasingly going beyond the usual economic help and investment provided in the past few centuries. Similarly, how China engages the Chinese diaspora will grow in tandem with the country's importance and influence on the international stage. Such a relationship will have to avoid fanning any fears of Chinese chauvinism. It will have to focus instead on tapping the unique skill sets and experiences of the various overseas Chinese communities, as well as helping its members understand their cultural heritage together with the rest of the world. In that regard, the needs of the Chinese diaspora and the part its members can play in any cultural resurgence of China are poised to form a considerable role in the country's next chapter - far exceeding what a cloistered emperor would have ever imagined. E-mail: alexishooi@chinadaily.com.cn |
