An Ancient Model for China’s New Power

Asia is changing politically and culturally as a result of China's rise, says this article in the International Herald Tribune. Harkening back to the days of the Ming and Qing dynasties, China's recent approach to its neighbors in the Asia-Pacific region emphasizes securing its immediate borders, placing itself as the 'heart' of the region, and giving more 'favors' than it receives. If anyone should doubt the validity of the comparison, says the author, one only need look at Beijing's economic overtures to southeast Asian countries, its calm acceptance of trade surpluses with Japan, and its efforts to make nice with India. However, the author notes, one distinction should be drawn between Beijing today and its imperial forebears – today's Chinese leaders are much more humble and "polished" than emperors of old. "The current Chinese slogan of 'more confidence, more cooperation'," the author concludes, "gives China a better chance of becoming the "central heart" of the region once again." – YaleGlobal