China, for around 150 years, felt subjugated by Western powers.
Result: China wanted to assert its own identity, independent of the West.
Key Point: China's historical experiences shaped its reluctance to conform to international norms led by the West.
Example: The West championed human rights and environmental protection in the late 20th century. But China argued that during colonial times, Western nations didn't consider these values when they invaded countries, including China.
Deng's Stance
The West once exploited resources and violated rights to become prosperous.
Deng felt they were now preventing others from taking a similar path to wealth.
Result: China, under Deng, viewed global issues through a unique lens due to its historical grievances.
Deng Xiaoping's Impact on China’s International Standing 🌍
Before Deng: China was more isolated in international affairs.
Deng's Vision
"Open China": Deng wanted China to not just observe but participate in global affairs.
Economic Expansion: He believed that China's growth depended on global commercial relations.
The Tiananmen Incident:
Happened in 1989.
Global Perspective: It highlighted China's oppressive communist regime.
Despite worldwide criticism, it didn't permanently harm China's global business relations.
Real-world Example: After Tiananmen, there was a general expectation that countries might cut off trade with China. But the reality was different.
USA’s policy: "engagement without endorsement".
Meaning: Trade and do business with China but continue criticizing its human rights violations.
Reason: The West, especially the US, prioritized economic interests over political disagreements.
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History HL
Chapter 10 - China & The Wider World 1978-97 (China 1839-1997)
Understanding China's Distrust of the West: A Historical Perspective
China, for around 150 years, felt subjugated by Western powers.
Result: China wanted to assert its own identity, independent of the West.
Key Point: China's historical experiences shaped its reluctance to conform to international norms led by the West.
Example: The West championed human rights and environmental protection in the late 20th century. But China argued that during colonial times, Western nations didn't consider these values when they invaded countries, including China.
Deng's Stance
The West once exploited resources and violated rights to become prosperous.
Deng felt they were now preventing others from taking a similar path to wealth.
Result: China, under Deng, viewed global issues through a unique lens due to its historical grievances.
Deng Xiaoping's Impact on China’s International Standing 🌍
Before Deng: China was more isolated in international affairs.
Deng's Vision
"Open China": Deng wanted China to not just observe but participate in global affairs.
Economic Expansion: He believed that China's growth depended on global commercial relations.
The Tiananmen Incident:
Happened in 1989.
Global Perspective: It highlighted China's oppressive communist regime.
Despite worldwide criticism, it didn't permanently harm China's global business relations.
Real-world Example: After Tiananmen, there was a general expectation that countries might cut off trade with China. But the reality was different.
USA’s policy: "engagement without endorsement".
Meaning: Trade and do business with China but continue criticizing its human rights violations.
Reason: The West, especially the US, prioritized economic interests over political disagreements.
Unlock the Full Content!
Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of History HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟