Politics of Memory in Contemporary Russian-Chinese Relations

 
PIIS013038640018570-5-1
DOI10.31857/S013038640018570-5
Publication type Article
Status Approved
Authors
Affiliation: National Research University "Higher School of Economics"
Address: Russian Federation, Moscow
Abstract

In the twenty-first century, China is increasingly using historical memory as an instrument of international relations. The aim of contemporary Chinese historical narratives is to consolidate the nation. At the heart of these narratives is the triumphalism associated with victory in the Second World War and the achievements of Imperial China. Narratives about the traumatic “century of humiliation” began to fade into the background. The contemporary strategy of the PRC is to reinforce its image as a great power and demonstrate its historical right to be a regional and global leader. This policy also affects Sino-Russian relations.

Contemporary relations between Russia and China are fairly positive, and historical grievances against each other do not seem to present a noticeable problem. However, some historically rooted contradictions between the two countries still remain. Beijing's historical claims to the Russian Far East are a potential national security threat to Russia. Although the issue has been officially settled, China continues to appeal to the historical trauma associated with the loss of these territories. Through education and museums, the Chinese Communist Party promotes the image of Russia as an aggressive occupier among the people of China. This situation calls for an indepth reflection on contemporary memory politics in China and the development of new approaches to Russian politics of memory.

Keywordspolitics of memory, historical memory, Russian-Chinese relations, Russia, China, triumphalism, “century of humiliation”, Russian Far East
Received11.02.2022
Number of characters29269
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