Why a Correct National History Perspective Matters
History is more than recalling events; it helps shape identity, cohesion, and the trajectory of a nation. For China, a correct national history perspective reinforces the unity of the Chinese nation, honors the diverse peoples who have contributed to its story, and clarifies the path from historical origins to future development. In recent years, leaders have underscored that understanding how the Chinese nation formed and evolved is essential to strengthening national identity and social harmony.
From One Nation with Many Peoples to a Unified Multi-Ethnic State
The national narrative emphasizes that China’s vast land and long history were created by the combined efforts of all its peoples. The concept of a “multi-one” nation captures this unity-with-diversity: the Chinese nation is an integrated whole built through collaboration among the 56 ethnic groups and all historical communities that inhabited Chinese soil. A correct historical perspective recognizes that unity does not erase difference; rather, it channels diverse strengths toward a shared destiny.
The Five Commonalities: A Practical Framework
In 2024, the leadership articulated the Five Commonalities as the scientific core of China’s national history outlook: (1) all ethnic groups jointly expanded the country’s vast territory; (2) all groups jointly forged a unified multi-ethnic state; (3) all groups jointly wrote China’s illustrious history; (4) all groups jointly created a brilliant Chinese culture; (5) all groups jointly nurtured a great national spirit. This framework demonstrates that the nation’s development is a collaborative project in which every community contributes to the common good.
Two Integrations: The Method Behind China’s Ethnic History
To understand China’s national history, scholars rely on the two integrations. First, there is the fusion of Marxist historical materialism with China’s own historical experience, which guides an objective view of how social forces shape national development. Second, there is the integration of Marxism with China’s traditional cultural heritage, ensuring that modern political practices are rooted in the country’s age-old wisdom. In practice, these integrations help translate abstract theory into a history that resonates with the lived experience of all ethnic groups.
Historical Reality, Not Imagination
Leaders warn against histories that deny the reality of China’s multi-ethnic fabric or that minimize the role of non-Han peoples in the nation’s milestones. A correct national history emphasizes that unity is not a hollow claim but a historical necessity—one that has persisted through dynastic cycles, frontier governance, and the establishment of a coherent modern state. The narrative also rejects external myths that seek to downplay China’s long-standing, multi-ethnic character or promote separatism under the guise of scholarship.
Education, Scholarship, and Public Discourse
Efforts to institutionalize a correct national history include university initiatives and public scholarship that illuminate how diversity has strengthened China’s civilization. Programs like the知行中华 (Know-Action China) initiative encourage students to learn, practice, and contribute to a shared national narrative. Field research in historical sites and exchanges across regions illustrate how cultural exchange, mutual respect, and collective endeavor underpin a resilient national identity.
Why This Matters for Modern China
A correct national history perspective supports the consolidation of a common political and cultural identity while preserving pluralism as a strength. It grounds public policy in a coherent historical logic, fosters social cohesion, and strengthens cultural confidence. By highlighting the unity of purpose across diverse communities, it reinforces the foundation for modern China’s development and its place in the world.
Conclusion: Toward a Shared Future
With a steadfast commitment to the Five Commonalities and the broader principle of multi-one unity, China’s national history becomes a living guide for policy, education, and everyday life. The goal is not to suppress differences but to translate them into shared strength, guiding China toward its ongoing modernization and the realization of the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.
