This study aimed to review the early 20th century discussions among Chinese social elites on the definition of the“Chinese nation"and how a corresponding national identity can be constructed.These discussions gr...This study aimed to review the early 20th century discussions among Chinese social elites on the definition of the“Chinese nation"and how a corresponding national identity can be constructed.These discussions gradually formed the basis of society's notions on the Chinese nation and the Chinese identity.It can be concluded that the discussions were of great significance because of three reasons.First,they contributed to the formation of a social consensus that the Chinese nation is a national entity,existing as a being in itself.Second,they further clarified that the Chinese nation is the highest-level identity of all the Chinese people.Lastly,they provided a clear direction for the establishment of a national value—"plurality and unity"—which was advocated by the Communist Party of China(CPC).展开更多
文摘This study aimed to review the early 20th century discussions among Chinese social elites on the definition of the“Chinese nation"and how a corresponding national identity can be constructed.These discussions gradually formed the basis of society's notions on the Chinese nation and the Chinese identity.It can be concluded that the discussions were of great significance because of three reasons.First,they contributed to the formation of a social consensus that the Chinese nation is a national entity,existing as a being in itself.Second,they further clarified that the Chinese nation is the highest-level identity of all the Chinese people.Lastly,they provided a clear direction for the establishment of a national value—"plurality and unity"—which was advocated by the Communist Party of China(CPC).
