Chinese exceptionalism (Chinese:中国例外主义;pinyin:Zhōngguó lìwài zhǔyì) is the belief that China is either distinctive, unique, or exemplary compared to other nations. Clarissa Tan describedZhang Weiwei andEric X. Li as Chinese exceptionalists who argue that theChina model is the right path for China, acivilization state. According to Tan, this view has become increasingly popular.[1] TheChinese government has recruited Chinese exceptionalism into its notion of a "peaceful rise."[2] According to John M. Friend and Bradley A. Thayer, withinHan nationalist narrative,Han culture is considered to be the authentic character of theChinese nation; to deviate from the Han identity will only tarnish Chinese exceptionalism and impede China's rise.[3]
According to the abstract of a 2013 book chapter by Feng Zhang, "Although exceptionalism is an important dimension ofChina's foreign policy, it has not been a subject of serious scholarly research. This chapter examines the manifestations and sources of contemporary Chinese exceptionalism and explains its implications for foreign policy. Chinese exceptionalism is defined bygreat powerreformism, benevolentpacifism, and harmonious inclusionism. While resting on an importantfactual basis, it is constructed by mixing facts with myths through selective use of China's vasthistorical andcultural experiences. Exceptionalism does not determine policy, but by being an essential part of theworldview of theChinese government and many intellectuals, it can become an important source for policy ideas. It can also be viewed as anormative theory for China's foreign policy, as one among six major schools competing for ideational influence in China's foreign policy formation."[4]
In advocating for a form of Chinese exceptionalism for the country's development, Chinese leaderXi Jinping states, "China's unique cultural tradition, unique historic fate, and unique national conditions have determined that China must follow the road of development that fitsChinese characteristics."[5] In this view, because every country is exceptional in its own way, each should choose its own model, including the possibility of taking inspiration from the Chinese model as an alternative toliberal democracy.[5]
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