Alexander Lomanov, researcher of the Institute of Far Eastern Studies, Russian Academy of sciences [China.org.cn]

The Chinese Dream in Global Cross-Cultural Perspective

Alexander Lomanov

Russian Academy of sciences

Institute of Far Eastern Studies

Idea of the Chinese Dream brings a new dimension into China's interactions with the world. As China gets more and more integrated into the global community, the Chinese Dream becomes closely intertwined with dreams of other nations. Differentiation of levels and directions of their comparisons with the Chinese Dream could help to clarify its meaning in cross-cultural perspective.

At the global level the Chinese Dream is related to the "World Dream" that is synonymous to common aspirations of the whole mankind like peace, prosperity, human happiness and so on. China's recent efforts to formulate and systematize basic views of values helped to establish the ground for dialogue between the Chinese Dream and the "World Dream".

Many Chinese experts and academics are comparing the Chinese Dream with the American Dream. During his visit to the US in June, 2013 Chinese leader Xi Jinping said the Chinese Dream "communicates with beautiful dreams of each nation of the world, including the American Dream". The Chinese Dream will not attempt to snub the dreams of others. On the contrary, it will flourish due to China's ability to embrace the achievements of foreign cultures. So there is an ample space for the Dialogue of Dreams.

When we look into the future of the Chinese Dream, we are tempted to look beyond the timeline of "two hundred-year goals" that extend into the middle of this century. On the other side, the Chinese Dream goes back deep into the history and cultural tradition of China. Communications between the Chinese Dream and dreams of different nations will require a significant effort in promotion of cross-cultural contacts.

Qi Weiping, doctorial tutor and dean of the Politics Department at East China Normal University is at the Dialogue. [China.org.cn]

Primary Elements of the Chinese Dream: National Rejuvenation and Modernization

By Qi Weiping

Tenured Professor, Doctorial Tutor and Dean of the Politics Department at East China Normal University

National rejuvenation and socialist modernization serve as the two primary elements of the Chinese Dream. These two elements, from a historical perspective, evidence the nation's struggle to achieve a renaissance after it experienced prosperity and then a fall. From the First Opium War (British invasion of China) in 1840 to the founding of the PRC in 1949, national independence and unity have been a consistent wish of the Chinese people.

Since 1949, national prosperity, public well-being and social stability have been desires of contemporary Chinese people. These wishes embody the Chinese Dream with respect to national rejuvenation and socialist modernization. It took a century to stand back up after a historical tumble, and it will take another 100 years to achieve lasting prosperity and strength. The Chinese Dream against the backdrop of two centuries of wishing composes the modern drive of the nation. From a global context, the Chinese Dream represents the diversity of the world civilization. Capitalism uncovered the road to modernization, but the next road has yet to be discovered. China's national rejuvenation is closely connected to modernization. The Chinese people can build a modern country through creative exploration of the socialist path. Historical and global contexts illuminate the duality of the Chinese Dream.

Firstly, a nation that experienced prosperity before decline can rise once again. Secondly, modernization can be realized through socialism. The realization of the Chinese Dream is a journey through successive efforts and overcoming adversity to realize national rejuvenation and socialist modernization. Amidst varying global trends and China's rapid social development, the realization of the Chinese Dream will certainly encounter numerous problems that developed countries did not face. Overcoming these hardships and achieving the Chinese Dream will require the wisdom and capability of the Chinese people.