The Chinese President, Xi Jinping, is calling for China to be “self-sufficient” in strategically important areas. There is talk also of an outright decoupling of the economic relationship of the US and China. At the same time, China is seeking to enhance its status as a global power. It is clear that different and opposing forces are at work.
China has a long history of isolationism. And with the current rise of nationalistic sentiment in China, these isolationist tendencies are once again becoming visible. They have manifested themselves in China’s way of handling the Covid pandemic. The protective barrier between the country and the outside world that has been in place now for more than two years may eventually come down but the mentality it has created may linger on.
We also hear now increasingly loud voices calling for the reduction of teaching English in China’s schools. Deng Xiaoping’s opening of China included the promotion of instruction in the English language. It was understood that proficiency in English was essential for connecting China to the world. Now there are calls to reduce the influence of Western thought, to promote Chinese culture, and cut back on the hours students spend on learning a foreign language.
It would be impossible for China to withdraw entirely from the rest of the world and its leaders are not likely to pursue such a policy, but we can be sure that the balance between engagement and isolation will remain a live issue in its politics.