I am just GUESSING, NOT ADVOCATING
I have avoid addressing this topic for the obvious reasons that it´s highly sensitive and explosive. But having written about One Country, Two Systems 30 years ago...
Preprint The Politics of Representing Hong Kong 1997 as Colony, Terri...
what I would say should be treated as simply a time capsule for thinking about this mega-issue 30 years (i.e. 2053, when One Country, Two Systems have already expired in HK) from now...
Since there´s so much at stake for EVERY SIDES, my own perspectiveS are highly tinged by being IndoChinese (where Former South Vietnam does not exist within the Communists´conquest of US Imperialism), plus a decade in HK (1994 to 2003), and now having lived in Germany for many years (where Former Eastern Germany exists within the Triumph of the West).
I have tried to address an inter-related issue here obliquely in a way that confounds ResearchGate´s algorithms and other search engines. This entry is purely for HUMAN EYES:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_Technological_Disruptions_are_disrupting_Public_Universities_How_Why_Chinese_Metaphysics_of_the_Relational_Selves_counter_such_Disruptions
My own SPECulation is buried here:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-us-china-furores-over-taiwan-ultimately-platform-stack-le-phung/
Mirror Mirror on the Wall, What Would It Take for China to Take Back Taiwan?
- The PRC would need to go beyond it´s CCP versus KMT Origin Story based on THE LONG MARCH.
- The TAIWAN QUESTION requires a Meta-Narrative that goes beyond the conquest of the PRC over the ROC.
- The TAIWAN QUESTION is really a residue from the COLD WAR, much in the same way that Germany, Vietnam, and Korea were/ are broken into two systems.
- Such a New Meta-Narrative would need to start with Zhou En Lai...
- But better yet, is to overcome the REVULSION/ SELF-HATRED for anything imperial and revisit the narrative(s) of the Middle Kingdom...
What are the REPUBLIC NARRATIVES, be that THE PEOPLE´s REPUBLIC or REPUBLIC of CHINA?
The concept of a "republic" generally refers to a form of government in which the country is considered a "public matter," and political power is derived from the people or their elected representatives. In the context of ancient China, the term "republic" may not be the most accurate descriptor, as the political structures of ancient China were more diverse and often centered around monarchies, dynasties, and imperial rule.
However, if we broaden the scope to include later periods in Chinese history, particularly the 20th century, the idea of a republic becomes more relevant. The Republic of China (ROC) was established in 1912, following the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty and the end of imperial rule. The ROC marked a transition from dynastic monarchy to a more republican form of government. Sun Yat-sen, a key figure in the Xinhai Revolution, played a significant role in advocating for the establishment of a republic in China.
The meta-narrative of the Chinese Republic, particularly during its early years, could include:
It's important to note that the history of the Republic of China is complex and includes periods of war, foreign invasions, and internal conflicts, leading eventually to the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The narrative of the Chinese Republic is multifaceted and reflects the challenges and aspirations of a nation in transition from traditional to modern forms of governance.
What are the IMPERIAL NARRATIVES of the MIDDLE KINGDOM?
The term "Middle Kingdom" is often used to refer to ancient China, specifically during the period of the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE). However, it's crucial to note that the concept of a "meta-narrative" is a modern analytical framework, and applying it to ancient cultures requires some abstraction.
In the context of ancient China, the idea of a meta-narrative could be approached through the lens of historical and philosophical texts, such as the "Mandate of Heaven." The Mandate of Heaven was a political and religious concept used to legitimize the rule of the kings or emperors in ancient China. According to this idea, a ruler was granted the right to rule by divine approval, but this mandate could be withdrawn if the ruler failed to govern justly and in the best interests of the people.
Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism are three major philosophical traditions that shaped the meta-narrative of ancient China:
The meta-narrative of the Middle Kingdom, therefore, could be seen as a complex interplay between these philosophical traditions, the dynamic relationship between rulers and the divine, and the ongoing quest for a balanced and just society.
It's important to approach these concepts with an understanding of the nuances and diversity of thought within ancient Chinese philosophy and not oversimplify the rich tapestry of ideas present in the historical and philosophical texts of the time.
What are MY LINEAGES/ ALLIGANCES?
I AM BOTH MICHAEL HALLIDAY & PIERRE RYCKMANS
Sydney University was their battle ground in terms of how Chinese should be taught. Halliday decamped to Macquarie University but his disciplines REMAINED in Sydney University.
What did Pierre Ryckmans think of June Fourth? Banal. I thought he was callous at the time. But now, I realised he was expressing a world weariness.
I now regret I didnot interview Michael Halliday on the matter.
Image Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/MarxistCulture/comments/191pbjn/zhou_enlai_as_representative_of_the_communist/
The PRC's unification project may depend on a new meta-narrative because it can help shape a shared understanding and vision for the country's future. As for the CCP, they might have different narratives for Hong Kong and Taiwan, considering their unique situations.
Why the PRC's Unification Project Depends on a New Meta-Narrative?
The People's Republic of China (PRC) has long envisioned a unified China under its control. This includes the Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of Hong Kong and Macau, and ultimately, Taiwan. However, achieving this goal presents several challenges, and one of the key hurdles lies in the realm of narrative.
The Need for a New Meta-Narrative:
The existing narrative underpinning Chinese unification is built on historical claims and national pride. It emphasizes the "One China" principle and the historical unity of China under various dynasties. While this narrative has been effective in mobilizing support domestically, it faces several limitations:
Limited Appeal to Younger Generations: Younger generations in China and Taiwan have grown up with different experiences and perspectives. The historical narrative may resonate less with them, creating a gap between the narrative and their lived experiences.
Insufficient Explanation for Post-Unification Scenarios: The current narrative primarily focuses on the act of unification itself, offering little detail about how a unified China would function. This lack of clarity creates uncertainty and potentially fuels anxieties about the future.
Challenges in Integrating Divergent Societies: Hong Kong and Taiwan have developed unique political and cultural identities separate from mainland China. The current narrative does not adequately address how these differences will be reconciled in a unified China.
Therefore, the PRC needs a new meta-narrative that can overcome these limitations and provide a compelling vision for a unified China that appeals to all stakeholders.
Does the CCP have a Post-(for HK) and Pre-(for Taiwan) Meta-Narrative for Country?
The CCP has taken some steps towards developing a new meta-narrative for unification. Some key elements include:
Shared Prosperity: The emphasis on achieving shared prosperity and economic development across all regions of China. This aims to address concerns about economic marginalization and inequality, particularly in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
National Rejuvenation: The narrative of China's national rejuvenation and rise as a global power. This aims to instill a sense of pride and national identity that transcends regional differences.
"One Country, Two Systems" with "Taiwan Characteristics": The existing "One Country, Two Systems" framework is being adapted to accommodate Taiwan's unique circumstances. This offers a degree of autonomy while maintaining nominal Chinese sovereignty.
However, these elements are still under development and face challenges such as:
Lack of Concrete Implementation Plans: The details of how these elements will be implemented remain unclear, leaving room for skepticism and uncertainty.
Limited Public Participation: The development of the meta-narrative has been largely top-down, with limited public input from diverse voices. This can lead to a narrative that feels imposed and fails to capture the aspirations of different groups.
Addressing Historical Grievances: The meta-narrative needs to acknowledge and address historical grievances held by some communities in Hong Kong and Taiwan. This is crucial for building trust and reconciliation.
Overall, while the CCP is making efforts to develop a new meta-narrative for unification, it is still a work in progress. The success of this narrative hinges on its ability to address the concerns and aspirations of all stakeholders, offer a clear vision for a unified China, and provide concrete plans for implementation.
Shehu Lawal Dauda well said.
National Rejuvination sounds abit like all the other topdown programmes like the Great Leap Forward (disasterous) and the Cultural Revolution (even more disastrous). And let´s not forget about Let 1000 Blossums Bloom.
As Pierre Ryckmans would say: SAME STORY, DIFFERENT CHARACTERS.
Least we forget, the CCP has a great deal of its origin tied to French Marxism, take Deng Xiao Ping for example, architect of One Country, Two Systems. For that matter, you could include Ho Chi Minh.
The French, unlike the Brits, expended huge amount of resources to rule over its colonies. The Brits, co-opted the "natives" and built institutions that were relatively easier (in contrast to French colonies) to govern.
Since writing my thesis on One Country, Two Systems 30 years ago, the narratives being contested are the same: Territory versus City-State.
If I were to hedge my bet, the CCP has to drop its Territory Narrative if it wants to co-opt their "outlying territories". At some stage in China´s history, mosques, palaces, and temples were being built, which suggests some form of peaceful cohabitation. Perhaps their best chance at unifying troublesome territories is a federal model.
Right now, the CCP may have the power, but it lacks legitimate influence. It´s Govt 101, to say that exercising power instead of influence is much more labour intensive exercise.
One Belt One Road is an attempt to build a new global narrative and international influence. But it´s a narrative much of the Western world refuse to buy.
I admit, I am Ryckmans' student. And Ryckman has studied mostly in Taiwan and Hongkong whilst China went about destroying its classical heritage. Now the Classics have seen a resurgence in China, but I can´t help but think how could they study the Classics in Simplified Chinese?
From the Beatles, Revolution:
Take two Okay
You say you want a revolution Well, you know We all want to change the world You tell me that it's evolution Well, you know We all want to change the world
But when you talk about destruction Don't you know that you can count me out (in)
Don't you know it's gonna be All right? Don't you know it's gonna be (all right) Don't you know it's gonna be (all right)
You say you got a real solution Well, you know We'd all love to see the plan You ask me for a contribution Well, you know We're all doing what we can
But if you want money for people with minds that hate All I can tell you is brother you have to wait
Don't you know it's gonna be (all right) Don't you know it's gonna be (all right) Don't you know it's gonna be (all right)
You say you'll change the constitution Well, you know We'd all love to change your head You tell me it's the institution Well, you know You better free your mind instead
But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow
Don't you know it's gonna be (all right) Don't you know it's gonna be (all right) Don't you know it's gonna be (all right)
All, all, all, all, all, all, all, all, all, all, all right All right, all right, all right, all right, all right
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