By Qin Xiaoying
China is experiencing the "third wave" of its embrace of the
world. It is a drive for a progressive society, and its basic
principle is the building of a sustainable, harmonious society in
accordance with the world at large.
A recent survey by the Modernization Institute under the Chinese Academy
of Sciences shows that by mid-century China will encounter 10
big opportunities and challenges. It is of interest that these "big
10" reflect mostly the needs of the Chinese public, especially
urban residents, for higher quality of life, or in other words, the
changes in their perception of what constitutes "happiness."
?
Decreasing is their dependence on basic necessities, as represented
by the Engel index, and on the increase is their expectation for
more services such as information, medical care, education and
welfare.
Of particular interest is the fact that the "big 10" includes "a
peaceful international environment" and "development based on
co-ordination between man and nature." Even though it is not the
first time that the latter has made the list, its inclusion in the
public's anticipation for future "happiness" suggests an awakening
on a new level.
More amazing is the former, which spells out a clear yearning
for peace in the larger world and indicates that Chinese people are
increasingly aware of their own closeness with the outside world.
We are no longer the isolated people of the "Middle Kingdom," but a
member of the global community with heavy responsibilities.
China's fast economic growth and the vast improvement in living
standards in the past 30 years have brought about a better
appreciation not only for domestic social stability but also amity
in the regional and global environment. This is the fundamental
message of the survey.
In other words, Chinese people's understanding of the
prerequisites for happiness reveals a clear realization of the
challenges and opportunities that lie in store. This must be
comforting for those who worry about China's development and its
possible negative impact on the world.
This survey has assured us that China is, in its own way,
joining the new humanist movement that has been sweeping the world.
This infusion has, for China and the whole world, a significance
and impact that go beyond China's accession to the World Trade
Organization (WTO).
It is intangible, pervasive and profound, unmatched by any
"tangible" feats such as membership in an official or non-official
international organization.
If we view China's opening up policy in the 1980s as the "first
wave" of China's embrace of the world, its admission to WTO and its
subsequent policy of encouraging business to go outside as the
"second wave," today's acceptance of the principle of building a
new harmonious society could be seen as the "third wave."
What does such a drive mean? It is part of the worldwide social
movement that addresses issues in the time of economic
globalization. It has set its goal of establishing harmony between
man and man, man and society, and man and nature; it is built on
the foundation of traditional humanitarianism and the principles of
justice and fairness. It is comprehensive yet flexible,
encompassing environmentalism of the 1970s-1980s, South-South and
South-North dialogue of the same period, research into sustainable
growth in the early 1990s, and feminism and peace movements of
today.
?
Such a drive for building a new society emerged in post-World War
II Europe and has been propelled and led by social democrats who
governed Western European countries and represented the interests
of the white collar and middle classes.
The main principles of the social movement for building a new
and progressive society have been generally accepted in Europe and
America and accepted by the mainstream of international
opinion.
Such a wide base of support has enabled the increasing
popularity in developed nations of ideas such as emphasis on peace,
ecology, women's issues and equality, ideas that are actually put
into practice. It is no longer idle theorizing in elements of Green
parties or the women's movement.
Neither is it a passing fad to measure a country's
sustainability of development and people's levels of happiness.
Instead it is a reflection of the reality that confirms what people
can see and feel. For example, more and more women are assuming
positions of leadership in many nations, no doubt pointing to a new
trend.
In China, the shock waves of the movement are also evident, such
as our attention to sustainable growth, human needs, disadvantaged
social groups, social harmony, justice and fairness, ecological
protection, prevention of family violence, women's rights, and
world peace. These are some of the pursuits of the Chinese
people.
One may call this a type of "new deal," which may be
inadvertently or intentionally attuned to world trends. However,
one can be sure that it is the unchanging intention of true
socialists to pursue social justice and world peace.
Because of this, Chinese people are making strides into the
world and are embracing it with open arms.
The author is a research fellow with China Foundation for
International and Strategic Studies.
(China Daily February 22, 2006)
