China’s greatest 20th century writer Lu Xun observed, “Throughout the ages, the Chinese have only two ways at looking at foreigners, up to them as superior beings or down on them as wild animals. They have never been able to treat them as friends, to consider as people like themselves.”
This unique sense of disconnection dates back centuries, for unquestionably for 4,000 years, the Chinese empire was the highest form of civilization.
They call their country Zhoung Guo, which reflects antiquity and pride that they feel about themselves. It means Central Kingdom, the seat of civilization, the middle of the known world; outside it, only barbarians.
The Chinese Emperor was the Son of Heaven, mediator of Heaven and Earth. China invented paper, gunpowder, and the compass, among other basic tools, its poetry and art were priceless and immortal, surviving for centuries up to the present, unrivalled and unsurpassed in its beauty like a precious Ming vase.
The pride in all these is not easily understood by outsiders; China is a synthesis of people, territory, language, history, art, and philosophy — more like a religion than simply another nationality.
Because of the sheer number and waves of migration all over the world, in whatever big city, there is an identifiable Chinese enclave known as “Chinatown”. It is not surprising that anywhere — whether in San Francisco, New York, Paris, London, Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro — there are residents of Chinese ancestry who always identify and pride themselves in being Chinese. Boundaries do not count when it comes to their sense of being “Chinese”, and they all do look and act “Chinese”.
More so in the Philippines, somehow, when one looks back on our own family history, I am sure most Filipinos have one branch with a Chinese genealogy. They may have Filipino names even, but they look Chinese by accident, by voluntary affiliation, intermarriage, or illegitimate connections, whatever, there is a Chinese blood somewhere.
Now, can China really be attacking a nation full of Chinese mestizos and avid consumer of Chinese goods, fake or genuine?
Our Chinese forefathers should be proud of us. Our national hero Jose Rizal is of Chinese ancestry; the Seven Dragons-taipans controlling the business enterprises are Chinese; even our President Benigno Cojuangco Aquino III is Chinese.
I have to admit I am of Chinese descent, and consciously or unconsciously as any other inheritance, one that underlies Chinese character everywhere is the traditional Confucian Code of Conduct.
It provides public identity, the mask that enables the Chinese with the world, with least friction.
For the sage Confucius, who lived 26 centuries ago, rectitude lay in the observance of certain rules of decorum which translates to various rites and etiquette.
In Confucius’ time, it is believed that the improper conduct by man could throw the world of nature out of joint.
The influence of the rites, the emphasis in doing things according to the correct form, had persisted even during the communist period.
To an outsider, the Chinese fondness for ritual sometimes turns into a pattern of make-believe, in which words and actions imitate the correct gestures while downplaying inner feelings, displaying extreme sensitivity about personal dignity.
Whenever confronted with controversy with possible lose of face, behavior must be redirected to avert any loss of face.
Because it is so easy to wound the Chinese sense of dignity, and difficult for wounds to heal, people go to great lengths to avoid loss of face.
This sensitivity has created a special reflex in the Chinese an instinct to avoid any situation where one might risk his dignity.
Of the 36 ways of handling a situation, running away is the best, goes an old adage.
So will China declare war over Scarborough Shoal?
Maybe yes, maybe no. But I agree with P-Noy: the United States had made its point clear on taking the diplomatic option.
There is a balance of two most powerful nations seeking balance in the world order.
For me, Filipinos really would mind if our Chinese cousins will invade our shores! Come on, we eat Chinese food everyday!
Locally, we have a vibrant Chinese community here, and for myself, we maintain our family Chinese roots when we send our children to Holy Cross High School, go to Mary Immaculate Church Parish for Catholics, or the Dumaguete Christian Church for the Protestants; and we do celebrate Chinese New Year, August Moon, we also have a Buddhist Temple, and a Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce. These are evidences of our affirmation as contributing members of the community. Well and good.
However, put it in the back of your mind. Prof. John Fairbanks, Chinese history scholar, said: “China had more than a billion people all over the globe, an ancient history, and therefore, a country to be taken seriously.”
It is predicted that China will be the world’s number one Superpower by 2025.
(Let me express my gratitude to the Dumaguete Christian Church led by Eddie Uy for all the support during our time of great spiritual and physical need during our recovery from medical ailments. We truly appreciate your loving concern.)
