Han chauvinism

This article is about ethnocentric attitudes among ethnic Han within China. For a nationalistic attitude among ethnic Han Chinese, see Han nationalism. For the diplomatic system and the ideology that emphasized China's centrality in the world, see Sinocentrism. For a form of nationalism that asserts that all Chinese people, including ethnic minorities, are a nation, see Chinese nationalism.

Han chauvinism is the belief that Han Chinese culture and way of life are superior to others. It is officially opposed by the government of the People's Republic of China, which believes that it poses a threat to the unity and stability of the country.^[1][2]

Han chauvinism
Traditional Chinese	大漢族主義
Simplified Chinese	大汉族主义
Literal meaning	Great Han-ism
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Dà Hànzú zhǔyì Bopomofo ㄉㄚˋ ㄏㄢˋㄗㄨˊ ㄓㄨˇㄧˋ Wade–Giles Ta4 han4-tsu2 chu3-i4
Alternative Chinese name
Traditional Chinese	大漢民族主義
Simplified Chinese	大汉民族主义
Literal meaning	Great Han nationalism
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Dà Hàn mínzú zhǔyì Bopomofo ㄉㄚˋ ㄏㄢˋ ㄇㄧㄣˊ ㄗㄨˊ ㄓㄨˇㄧˋ Wade–Giles Ta4 han4 min2-tsu2 chu3-i4

History

Mao Zedong first criticized Han chauvinism in 1938 and these criticisms continued throughout his rule.^[3] For example, Mao's 1956 speech On the Ten Major Relationships emphasizes the need to oppose Han chauvinism.^[4]

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP)'s notions of China as a multicultural state have been subjected to criticism by the western media.^[5] Many policies have been made to give privileges to minority ethnicities, leading to legal inequality.^[6][7]

CCP former leader Deng Xiaoping also criticized Han chauvinism.^[3]

The current CCP general secretary Xi Jinping has officially criticized Han chauvinism.^[8] However, the Chinese Dream, a core concept of Xi is believed by some to have Han-centric dimensions.^[9][10][11]

In ethnic relations

Further information: Racism in China

Although the current Chinese government has largely attempted to promote the idea of a multiethnic nationalism instead of a singular ethnic nationalism, individuals have pointed about the lack of an agreed-upon definition of Chinese nationalism may have impacted on China's political decision with regard to other non-Han people and non-Chinese nations.^{[12][13][1][14][needs update]}

Tibetans

Further information: Sinicization of Tibet

Since the annexation of Tibet by the People's Republic of China, controversy has existed because of the view that Tibet was historically a feudal region that practiced serfdom until communist influence in the region liberated the Tibetans.^{[15][16][17][18]} Some academics have described relations with Tibetans as a form of Han settler colonialism.^[19][20][21]

Xinjiang

Further information: Xinjiang conflict

Since 1758, the region of Xinjiang has issues with government policy, which further extend to ethnic relations.^[22] Han and Hui people often live closer to Uyghurs, and stereotypes were developed.^[23]

Mongols

Further information: 2020 Inner Mongolia protests

Mongols have been perceived to be better integrated into society than Uyghurs and Tibetans.^[24] However, there were ethnic tensions and stereotypes.^[25][26]

Relationship to Chinese nationalism

Han nationalism and Chinese nationalism (as well as Han Chinese chauvinism or Chinese chauvinism) are different in terms of ideology, with the latter frequently focusing on a more multiethnic form of nationalism.^[27] There were a significant and large group of proponents of a multiethnic form of Chinese nationalism along with other scholars as well.^[28][29]

The multifaceted image of Han Chinese nationalism further developed during the buildup to modern Chinese statehood.^{[30][31][32][33]} Han Chinese nationalism also played a part in World War II, when the Second Sino-Japanese War occurred, where the Han Chinese people frequently suffered, and fought, against the Japanese.^[34][35]

See also

• China portal

• Anti-Han sentiment
• Chauvinism
• Sinicization
• Hua–Yi distinction
• Sinocentrism