As I learn more about Chinese history, I draw parallels that I think are being repeated in China today The early years of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) are instructive in that events themselves are different, of course, but the emotional make-up of a people and how they are motivated gives us a glimpse of how China is likely to chart its future, as it has its remarkable recent past.
Below are some of the key insights I mentioned:
● Reflecting on Zhu Yuanzhang’s dramatic life’s journey, I couldn’t help but notice similarities with modern-day business leaders in China, some of whom I know personally.
● The sheer speed of the ascendancy of China today has its corollary in the past, espcially in the rapidrise of the Ming dynasty.
● There is a cosmopolitan character in Chinese history that can be rebuilt today.
● Governance challenges, though present during the Ming Dynasty, did not impede progress—a parallel to the governance issues faced by modern China..
● The cultural aspiration for global respect, evident in the Ming Dynasty, persists in today’s China. However, this pursuit comes with its own set of challenges and sacrifices at a price, as I see it in the Belt and Road programme.
While acknowledging the differences between past and present realities, it’s fascinating to observe how historical insights enrich our understanding of contemporary China. You can choose to agree or disagree with me, I am curious to know your feedback, but thoughts like these gives me a framework for assessing how China will evolve.
