Sinica Podcast What Does China Want? The Authors of a New Paper Challenge the DC Consensus
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Sep 2, 2025 Join experts Dave Kang, an authority in International Relations, Jackie Wong, who specializes in East Asian studies, and Zenobia Chan, a political scholar from Georgetown, as they dissect their controversial paper on China's global ambitions. They challenge the popular belief that China seeks hegemony, arguing instead that its focus is on regime stability. The trio employs innovative methodologies to decode Chinese political rhetoric, critiques U.S. misconceptions about Beijing’s intentions, and delves into the intricate dynamics of China's Belt and Road Initiative.
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Rhetoric Is Institutionalized And Predictive
- The CCP embeds claims like 'never seek hegemony' into national education, indicating intent to inculcate those beliefs.
- The authors find authoritative rhetoric predicts subsequent government actions.
Hegemony Carries Different Cultural Valence
- Chinese 'hegemon' (baxian) carries pejorative meanings of bullying, unlike neutral Western usage.
- Translation and cultural valence shape how China perceives and reacts to hegemonic language.
Territorial Claims Are Historically Deep
- China's territorial claims are rooted in trans‑dynastic historical logic, not just modern communist expansionism.
- These claims persist even where the territory's material value is minimal, reflecting national identity.
