The patterns of this age-old scourge are familiar, featuring national narratives based on a supposed record of victimization. In China’s case, the narrative revolves around “the century of shame,” when China was too weak to defend itself against encroachments on its sovereignty, and the idea that it should never have to succumb again.
如今，东亚地区——尤其是中国——正沉浸在民族主义的海洋之中。人们对这种古老的诉苦行为模式是毫不陌生的，其实就是基于一个想定的受害经历来进行国家叙事。具体就中国来说，该叙事围绕着“一个世纪的屈辱史”——当年的中国是如此积弱，甚至无力阻止自身主权惨遭侵犯——因此我们的国家再也不能向别人卑躬屈膝了。