The Main Goals of China`s Politics of Memory
The Main Goals of China`s Politics of Memory

Author(s): Marcin Przychodniak
Subject(s): Political history, Government/Political systems, Interwar Period (1920 - 1939), WW II and following years (1940 - 1949), Politics of History/Memory
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: People’s Republic of China; politics of memory; Japanese occupation (1931-1945); liberation from occupation; nationalist sentiment;
Summary/Abstract: China`s politics of memory focuses on the period of Japanese occupation between 1931 and 1945. The Chinese authorities describe it as a cumulative moment of “national humiliation” which started with, among other things, divisions of spheres of interest between the colonial powers in the 19th and 20th centuries. The merits of the Chinese Communist Party in the process of liberation from Japanese occupation are exaggerated in order to build up a belief within Chinese society that the party is also able to restore China to its rightful place on global stage. China`s authorities also strengthen nationalist sentiment in society in order to reinforce support for their assertive foreign policy.

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