11: DRAGON’S BRAIN: DIFFERENTLY WIRED (PART 1: INFLUENCING FACTORS)

Introduction

World focus at the moment is centered on China due to two reasons. First, due to the origin of the pandemic and role of China in handling it initially. Second, due to its irrational and unexplained aggressive behavior in these difficult times.

Traits that come to mind whenever China is mentioned are:

• • Autocratic, Dictatorial, Tyrannical, Oppressive and Despotic.
  • Hypocritical, Deceitful, Untrustworthy and Untruthful.
  • Secretive, Ambiguous and Unpredictable
  • Unscrupulous, Unethical and Crafty
  • Aggressive, Belligerent and Intrusive.

Dragon has always been an enigma and a mystery –  a challenge for everyone to solve the riddle. In my opinion the Dragon’s Brain is DIFFERENTLY WIRED. Some of the factors which help in understanding the method in madness are as follows:

Influencing Factors

Historical Imprint. China is an ancient civilization with thousands of years of history. Some of the past events have made an everlasting impact on the Chinese psyche and thinking. Chinese people and decision makers often refer  back to their history and follow the writings of their ancient scholars and philosophers. Revival of ancient silk route and following the writings of Sun Tzu in letter and spirit are some such examples.

Regaining Lost Glory. From its history, the country derives the aspiration of regaining its lost glory. Various theories have been articulated on this subject.

• • Middle Kingdom Syndrome. Chinese feel that at one time they were the center of the world.

• • Cone Theory. In my opinion the Chinese see the world as a cone where they are located in the center and top of the cone.

• • Birth Right to be World Leaders. They feel they deserve to be the world leaders as it was in the past. They also consider themselves to be a superior race and regaining the top position is their birth right.

• • Preventing Reoccurrence of Century of Humiliation. Historically they feel humiliated about the century where they were displaced from top and had no say in world affairs. Their actions and decisions are influenced by this fact so as to prevent any  reoccurrence of such nature.

• • One Sun in the sky. They feel they should be the only superpower in the world. They are gradually and systematically working towards it in a time bound manner. At present bipolar world and unipolar Asia is acceptable to them.

Empire State Mentality. In some ways China’s thinking seems to be in a time wrap. They still aspire to be an empire, like it used to be in olden days. The guiding principle being that a “strong empire expands and a weaker empire shrinks”. With this in mind, they aspire for and try to get absolute power, more territory and deferential respect from others.

World through Chinese Prism. China classifies other countries of the world under two categories. Either you are an enemy or a subordinate. They have no friends but only interests. In the past they have fought wars with their so called two friends (Vietnam and Russia). In the present context their only close  friendship with Pakistan is more a marriage of convenience.

Engagements for Gains. Chinese engagements with other countries  are never for good will or out of love and friendship. There is always an ulterior motive and some gain to be derived. Their cheque book diplomacy, debt traps and hidden agendas in dealings are examples of this aspect.

Bilateral vis-à-vis Multilateral. China believes in one to one bilateral dealings rather than multilateral engagements. China feels that she can take advantage of individual weakness to impose her will by manipulation, diplomacy and other devious means.

Domestic Dynamics. China considers Democracy to be a constraint for both decision making and execution of decisions. Domestic functioning can be summarized as follows:

• • Leader is considered to be supreme followed by the CPC.

• • Defense Forces especially PLA are used to rule the country.

• • The party rules with an iron fist  in a velvet glove.

• • The People are constantly and extensively monitored.

• • Either one tows the line or gets eliminated, dissent if any is dealt with severely. Dissidents are eliminated under the guise of weeding out corruption.

• • Local populace is kept in an information bubble, isolated from world. There are two types of media one for domestic consumption and one for global consumption.

• • Demographic change is a common norm – Xinjiang, Tibet  and Mongolia are examples of this, while Hong Kong and Taiwan fear this happening in future.

World Diplomacy and Politics. Influence of domestic dynamics is visible even in the international dealings. Rivalries, conflicts, deceit, betrayals and shifting alliances are considered part of the game. It reminds one, of the serial “Game of Thrones”. It is considered as a zero sum game with guiding principles as survival of the fittest and your loss is my gain.

Click here to read Part 2: Strategic and Military Thoughts