Reintegrating China into the Global Community: A Historical Perspective

Abstract

China maintains the most enduring and uninterrupted cultural tradition and civilizational system among major ancient civilizations (Fairbank, 2011). As a unified multi-ethnic nation since ancient times, its vast territory has been jointly developed by all ethnicities, its history collectively authored, its culture co-created, and its national spirit mutually cultivated (Shambaugh, 2013). This shared heritage has forged an inseparable community of the Chinese Nation, bound by commonalities that serve as a crucial catalyst for fostering communal consciousness among its members. Conducting rigorous research into Chinese history, particularly regarding the formative processes of the Chinese Nation, requires adherence to the correct historical perspective (Fairbank, 2011). However, under the influence of Western cultural hegemony, exogenous historiographies and theories such as the “New Qing History”—presented under the guise of theoretical or discursive innovation—systematically deconstruct China’s historical narratives and its national discourse (Wang, 2025). These perspectives often attack or undermine a correct understanding of Chinese history, creating challenges to comprehending ethnic relations and the construction of the Chinese national community. Through critical analysis of the “New Qing History” and similar paradigms, the historical and logical flaws of these approaches are revealed, emphasizing the importance of upholding an accurate perspective of the Chinese Nation (Shambaugh, 2013).This article also examines the historical process through which China reintegrated into the global community after a prolonged period of isolation and marginalization (Wang, 2025). Early reintegration efforts focused primarily on economic opening and institutional participation, allowing China to adapt to global systems while rebuilding its national strength. Contemporary engagement increasingly emphasizes governance reform and norm-shaping, reflecting a proactive role in global affairs. Initiatives such as the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) exemplify China’s strategic approach to global integration, balancing international cooperation with national sovereignty and global responsibility (Fairbank, 2011; Shambaugh, 2013). Rooted in historical experience, pragmatic leadership, and strategic adaptation, China’s pathway demonstrates a distinctive model of engagement in the international system.