The World Spirit of China (Collected International Commentaries by Xu Fuguan)

Author: Compiler: Yao Dali
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: This collection of current affairs commentary is selected from the writings of Mr. Xu Fuguan during the last three decades of his life (1950s to 1970s), published in Hong Kong and Taiwan newspapers and magazines. Xu Fuguan, grounded in an idealist perspective on international politics, transcends the temporal limitations of Neo-Confucianism during the Song and Ming dynasties. Xu Fuguan's perspective revolves around the successful reconstruction of three important institutional systems in contemporary China: a free-market economy, democratic politics, and socialist systems that use government intervention to adjust the distribution of wealth and other life resources under a free economy. Drawing on traditional Chinese resources, Xu Fuguan develops the necessary local resources for institutional development.
With the principle of conscience as his guide, Xu Fuguan critically examines and even satirizes the domestic and foreign policies, major events, social and cultural phenomena, and even individual political activists of many countries, representing his personal stance. Xu Fuguan's essays on international politics are close to the thoughts and understanding of ordinary people, yet they lead readers beyond common sense without violating rationality, with profound wisdom rooted in simplicity. His keen insights, vivid and fluent writing, and sharp observations transcend time and space. Decades later, these impromptu and reflective international commentaries still allow people today to strongly sense the thoughts of a wise man who remained undeterred by disappointment, along with the insights, concerns, and vitality they contain, deeply moving readers. For most Chinese readers, reading Xu Fuguan's essays on international politics is a unique way of "rediscovering the past to gain new understanding." Those who lived through the historical period when Xu Fuguan's international commentaries first appeared will surely be moved by his pen as they revisit the many familiar or unfamiliar events of the past. For example, we have all heard of Cambodia's "Red Khmer," but few know about their "startling experiment in Cambodia." The Japanese extremist group "United Red Army," which revered violent revolution, was never reported in China. The "United Red Army" incident once again shows how far left-wing extremists can descend into cruelty and inhumanity.
Another example is after the death of the "revisionist leader" Khrushchev, China published only a short notice titled "Khrushchev is Dead." The notice, with just a few words, seemed to watch the man "body and name perish" with a cold eye. Reading Xu Fuguan's final assessment of Khrushchev can provoke deep reflection.