Chen,
A great article. Thanks.
I visited the Museum of Revolutionary History in Beijing and was also struck at how the exhibits, to this day, were still mostly centered on the theme of agression by foreign powers, and the underlying message that National pride had to be restored .
Many in the West no longer understand or remember the colonial past of the countries we come from, and how it affected China.
Also, many are unaware of Beijing's extensive efforts to use history to shape its domestic and international policy, although the Chinese embassy bombing episode will help people become aware.
I think Beijing overplayed its hand during this incident, and I'm kind of glad they did, as it will force Western politicians to confront the reality that China's Communist leadership has not changed all that much since Tiananmen. |
