Myth of the Ocean: Tradition and Transformation of Chinese Oceanic Views

Author: Huang Shunli
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-12-01
Features: Since ancient times, the practical activities of the Chinese ancestors targeting the ocean have been an important factor in the social and human development of Chinese society. It reflects the traditional marine humanistic spirit of China. Due to the long-term implementation of the basic policy of "focusing on agriculture" in the feudal society, the ancient Chinese marine perspective gradually formed three major characteristics: limited openness, marginal subordination, and territorial defense. After the Ming and Qing dynasties, the folk marine economy in the southeastern coastal areas rapidly rose, bringing profound changes in marine concepts. However, the strict maritime prohibition policies of the feudal rulers in the Ming and Qing dynasties suppressed the momentum of the folk marine socio-economic growth and distorted the normal development of marine concepts. The failure of the Opium War awakened the awareness of the advanced Chinese people from the opposite side, brought a strong impact on the traditional marine perspective, and initiated the transformation process from tradition to modernity. However, due to the deep influence of traditional consciousness, the Chinese people in the late Qing Dynasty always seemed confused in their understanding of the ocean, and their steps toward the ocean remained heavy and staggering. Seriously examining the tortuous process of China's modernization from the perspective of ideological and conceptual transformation, summarizing historical experience and lessons, helps to enhance the national marine awareness and face the challenges of the coming marine century.