This is the Year of the Dragon. At the beginning of the year, the Chinese government announced that “dragon” is to be translated as long (龍), in a move meant to erase the supposed negative connotations of dragons.
In many Western cultures, dragons are often seen as wicked or demonic.
This is not just a mere linguistic adjustment. It is symbolic, representing a change in China’s current political culture.
Under the overbearing leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平), the Chinese government has been undergoing a cultural policy of “de-Westernization.”
Although this change in semantics is just one of many examples, it has garnered a lot of attention from the global community.
Xi is pushing forward with the economic policy of “building a nest to attract a phoenix and emptying the cage to switch out the birds.”
This is his attempt at reducing global downturns and economic reliance on Western nations. However, the result leaves much to be desired.
Xi’s ethno-nationalistic policy of “de-Westernization” has brought about changes such as banning foreign names and restricting foreign holidays and celebrations.
These measures are meant to isolate it, gradually sealing the country off from the international community.
China is not stopping at “de-Westernization” either. Changes are also happening in its religious policies.
It has moved away from its previous stance of relative tolerance of “sinicized religion,” and now leans toward “secularization” under communistic atheism.
This has led to the suppression of religious groups — such as Buddhists, Catholics, Protestants and Muslims — and have drawn domestic and foreign attention.
These policy changes could lead to conflict between China and religious countries.
Taiwan has also been affected by China’s cultural policies, especially the younger generation.
Although the government has been promoting its “Bilingual by 2030” policy, which aims to increase the country’s international integration, it is difficult for Taiwanese to avoid China’s infiltration through media such as Douyin and Xiaohongshu.
Taiwan must be more vigilant. It must avoid being entangled in Beijing’s fabricated “Chinese culture” trap.
President-elect William Lai’s (賴清德) proposed NT$10 billion (US$316.69 million) “foreign study dream fund” is a step in the right direction. However, rules must be in place to make sure it will not be monopolized by a select few.
China’s cultural policies have domestic and international effects.
Taiwan must continue to be vigilant, hold on to its own cultural values and avoid being manipulated by Chinese political forces.
The international community must also pay attention to China’s suppression of cultures and religions, as well as its infringement on human rights.
We must protect the diversity of human cultures and religious freedom.
Gong Lin-dong is a research fellow who focuses on the Chinese Communist Party.
Translated by Tim Smith
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