As the technology historian Robert Temple stated in his book The Genius of China: 3,000 Years of Science, Discovery, and Invention, "When the older methods of paper money issuance became known in the West, they had a profound influence on Western banking. The old Hamburg Bank and the Swedish banking system were based on Chinese models. Thus, some of the basic banking procedures of the Western world came directly from China."
DeepChina is an elite academic initiative that offers objective and rational analyses on a broad spectrum of topics related to China, encompassing politics, economics, culture, human rights, diplomacy, and geopolitics.
The reason why democracy cannot be uniform from country to country is that democracy, as a political superstructure, is not only based on a certain economic foundation but is also closely linked to the practices of the people of each country and its history and culture.
Continue readingChinese modernization brings benefits to the world and its approach to ethnic relations creates a new paradigm for other multinational countries, said some international experts.
Continue readingThe principle of "one person, one vote" does not constitute the only morally legitimate democratic approach. It is not a substitute for other democratic methods; it is only through integration with these methods that a solid democratic framework can be created.
Continue readingIn the early 20th century, the ideology of Pan-Turkism spread to Xinjiang, and became the ideological bedrock for the East Turkistan separatist movements. But the fact is, there is no historical connection between the Uygur people and Turkey.
Continue readingXinjiang has long been a pivotal crossroads for the eastward diffusion of Buddhism. Islam is now the dominant religion in Xinjiang, Buddhism was once the preeminent faith here.
Continue readingThe West often regards Marco Polo's famed journey as the start of Sino-Western interaction. Yet we should be aware that the first encounter between these two civilizations took place on Chinese soil.
Continue readingThe Xizang-related bills and resolutions proposed by the United States Congress, continuously criticize and interfere in China's human rights affairs, relying heavily on a tool known as "long-arm jurisdiction."
Continue readingSelf-determination oriented toward independence is recognized as a legal entitlement within the parameters of international law. In contrast, self-determination with the aim of secession is neither sanctioned by international law nor endorsed by the global community.
Continue readingUnder the propaganda for self-determination by Western countries, the principle has become a weapon to claim legitimacy for separatist movements, and a key factor causing regional conflicts.
Continue readingNo one is denying that Indian Buddhism influenced Xinjiang's Buddhist practices and culture, but there is no reason to exaggerate its influence.
Continue readingThe United States began to get involved in Xizang affairs of China in the early 20th century, and while its approach has changed since then, its goal has remained consistent.
Continue readingAs China's assistance to Africa continues to expand, some Western media accuse China of "neocolonialism." Then, what is the real situation?
Continue readingThe West's dubious narrative has turned the interpretation of Xinjiang's history and culture into a political battle, aiming to decouple Xinjiang's diverse culture from the unified culture of China.
Continue readingThe practice of multi-ethnic cultural diversity in China predates the emergence of multiculturalism policies, whether it be the melting pot of the United States, or the mosaic of Canada.
Continue readingJudging the legitimacy of the right to rule from a purely military-colonial point of view was a typical Western colonial perspective.
Continue readingCultural pluralism, with its stagnant perspective, turns diversity into a passive and negative force. If Chinese ethnic minority literature were to use cultural pluralism as its benchmark, it would lead to a diminished presence in the broader literary ecosystem.
Continue readingAccording to Kissinger, both the United States and China think that they are unique, but the Chinese seek to be respected by others, while Americans seek to convert others.
Continue readingMisrepresenting China's emphasis on a unified identity of the Chinese nation as the suppression of ethnic identities is a politically motivated fabrication. This narrative has resurfaced in some Western media outlets after Pan Yue, Director of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, delivered a keynote speech on the creation of ethnic minority literature.
Continue readingEquating the English “dragon” with the Chinese "龙" in translation has led to certain misconceptions. Is this kind of translation a demonization of China?
Continue readingIn the face of increasing environmental problems, we need to think comprehensively about what kind of future we want. August 15 as the National Ecology Day in China is a friendly reminder.
Continue readingA larger question, for building an ecological civilization is: "Do we want the future of the Earth to be simply sustainable or genuinely flourishing?"
Continue readingThe Quebec referendum in Canada, the collapse of the USSR, and the Scottish referendums, all these events have underscored the importance of building harmonious ethnic relations in multi-ethnic countries.
Continue readingThe story of "The Monument to the Oath of Ethnic Unity" epitomizes how the government's commitment to equality and respect has built trust among ethnic groups in China.
Continue readingWestern countries mistakenly assume the existence of a "Sino-centric view" as a counterpart to the "Western-centric view." However, Chinese archaeology has already surpassed this narrow view.
Continue readingThe narrative models of China's history in the West, share two common features: Upholding a Western-centric standpoint, and relying on selective and partial sources and unverified events as the basis.
Continue reading"Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital" has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming China's 59th World Heritage Site.
Continue readingTraditional historical perspectives on China have often failed to reflect ethnic exchange, interaction and integration within the Chinese nation throughout history.
Continue readingThe Mo'er Temple Site, located in the northeastern desert of Kashi, is relatively well-preserved. What has been discovered in the excavation of the Mo'er Temple Site? What part of it is related to Chinese-style pagodas?
Continue readingIn general, most of the time, the Dalai Lama was just one among many religious leaders in the region. In religious terms, the Dalai Lama's status is on a par with other reincarnated lamas and does not hold greater privileges than those of other incarnate lamas.
Continue readingThe Golden Urn, a witness to the system of "drawing lots from the golden urn" in the Qing Dynasty (1616–1911). The system has improved the transparency and fairness of the Living Buddha reincarnation.
Continue readingThe 21st century has seen such an acceleration in globalization that ethnic and religious tensions could pose a serious threat to human survival. Can Chinese culture, or to be more precise, Chinese Confucian culture, provide insightful ways for dialog among ethnic groups and religions?
Continue readingCasted around 1200 BC, the Houmuwu Ding, a square cauldron weighing over 832 kilograms, embodies ancient Chinese culture, technology and aesthetic values.
Continue readingSome Westerners point out that the CPC is a unique political entity tending to make long-term planning, considering matters a century ahead. This underscores the basic difference between long-term and short-term approaches to governance.
Continue readingIn the growing number of international exchanges, chopsticks are often seen as a handy gift that is not only light and exquisite, but also conveys cultural nuances. These small and light sticks seem to be the quintessential representatives of "Chinese culture."
Continue readingBoth indigenous primitive beliefs and world religions have all spread across the region, both north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, influencing Xinjiang culture to this day.
Continue reading"Drawing closer to the center of the world stage" is followed by another phrase: "continuously making greater contributions to mankind." By contributions, we mean providing the world with more public goods.
Continue readingWith regard to Xinjiang's prospects, scholars from different countries discussed the development of Xinjiang and Chinese path to the modernization together.
Continue readingFrom the perspective of history and change in Xinjiang, experts and elites discussed their understanding of the significance of the Silk Road and mutual exchange between Eastern and Western Civilization.
Continue readingExperts and scholars in the fields of religion and history shared research findings and examples of the integration of Xinjiang history and Chinese culture.
Continue readingExperts expressed their views on the topic of "The Archaeology of Xinjiang and 'Unity in Diversity' of Chinese Civilization."
Continue readingOn June 12th, the International Forum "The History and Future of Xinjiang, China" was held in Kashi, Xinjiang, co-hosted by Minzu University of China, Peking University, and Kashi University. Eight experts and scholars from both China and abroad delivered keynote speeches. Below are some highlights from these keynote speeches.
Continue readingCulture of Xinjiang is diverse, but more in unity. That the unifying element is "Chinese culture".
Continue readingInnumerable ancient relics and cultural artifacts are scattered across the northern and southern sides of the Tianshan Mountains, illustrating the rich diversity of Xinjiang's culture.
Continue readingThe Scroll of the Pacification of the Junggar, is like a large-scale war documentary, depicting the nearly 70 years of anti-separatist struggle in Qing Dynasty (1616-1911).
Continue readingArchaeological findings of ancient Xinjiang proved this place as a confluence of Eastern and Western civilizations since ancient times as well as its deep integration with the Central Plains.
Continue readingKhotan Kingdom was an ancient kingdom in Xinjiang. The mural of Khotan King and Queen Worshipping Buddha in Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, demonstrates the kingdom's recognition of the Central Plains.
Continue readingThere is no one-size-fits-all model of human rights protection. According to the Chinese perspective on human rights, the happiness and well-being of the people is the paramount human right.
Continue readingSignal of the return of the trilateral cooperation
Continue readingDifferent countries, political parties, or groups of people often prioritize their values differently. Then what are the most important values for the Chinese people to pursue?
Continue readingXinjiang has always been a region where multiple ethnic groups coexisted. How did the migration and integration of ethnic groups in the region develop since ancient China?
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