Instead of assuming a new national paradigm based on the reality of their accomplishments (national unity, robust international trade, and growing global influence), China’s leaders cling to the old paradigm of their country as victim, the “sick man of Asia” being “cut up like a melon” by predatory imperial and colonial powers like Japan. That bitter memory of oppression and exploitation lingers in the minds of too many Chinese like the afterimage of a bright light long after it has been turned off.
中国已经取得了种种成绩：国家统一，国际贸易蓬勃发展、全球影响日益增强。但中国领导人却未能基于这一现实，确立一种新的国家范式，而是抱住中国的旧有形象不放，依然把中国当成受害者、当成是被日本这样掠夺成性的帝国主义、殖民主义国家瓜分的“东亚病夫”。那些被压迫、被剥削的惨痛回忆在很多中国人的头脑之中挥之不去，就像强烈的灯光关掉以后留下的影像久久不散一样。