Communication Between Cultures

Chinese History

Over the past three decades China has achieved extraordinary economic growth and

experienced considerable social change. China now occupies a prominent position in

the world economy and the ability to influence markets globally. In October 2014,

the International Monetary Fund reported that China had surpassed the United

States to become the world’s largest economy when adjusted for purchasing power.^47

Concurrent with economic growth, Beijing has significantly increased its military

capabilities, creating regional tensions and causing concern among many Western

nations. Economic and politico-military advances have also given China increased

influence in regional and international forums. These developments alone suggest

the importance of understanding China and the Chinese. But beyond the economic

and political factors, an additional compelling reason is that China is home to almost

20 percent of the world’s population—over 1 billion—and globalization has greatly

increased the requirement for interaction with Chinese diplomats, government offi-

cials, business leaders, and sojourners.

Any understanding of China and the Chinese peoples requires an appreciation

of the country’s history. China’s lengthy legacy of achievements and experiences

forms an important part of how the

more than 1.35 billion contemporary

Chinese perceive and experience the

world. One reason for this importance is

because historical memory plays an inte-

gral role in modern Chinese worldview

and“determines most of its approaches

to the present.”^48

As befitting a nation with the longest record of civilization, China has an

extensive account of its past. Archaeological data suggest that the prehistoric origins

An appreciation and
understanding of
China’s long history is
essential to
understanding
Chinese culture.

REMEMBER THIS

The history of China offers a vivid illustration of how historical

memory can become a source of cultural identity, nationalistic

sentiments, and a prominent aspect of political policy.

Courtesy of Edwin McDaniel

172 CHAPTER 5•Cultural History: Precursor to the Present and Future

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