Chris P.C. Chung “History of Histories, Discourse, China, and the South China Sea Dispute”

Summary

Chris Cheung's presentation explores China's U-shaped line claim in the South China Sea, focusing on historical and discursive perspectives. He argues that China's belief in territorial claims stems from a complex history of discourse and nationalism. The presentation highlights how historical sources have been interpreted and manipulated over time to assert claims over disputed islands. Cheung also emphasizes the role of national narratives, maps, and geographic conceptions in shaping China's political identity and actions regarding sovereignty in the South China Sea. The discussion touches on both elite and popular discourses in shaping public opinion and state policies.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker, Chris Cheung, discusses the historical and discursive aspects of China's U-shaped line claim in the South China Sea dispute.
• 🌊 The islands in dispute are considered intrinsic territory by China's government and populace, which is a narrative with a rich history.
• 🗺️ The concept of a 'geo body', a clearly bounded spatial political entity, was initially Western and adopted by China in the late 19th century.
• 📜 Chinese cartography and geography historically focused on natural features as boundaries, with the ocean serving as a clear boundary line.
• 🏝️ The South China Sea Islands were historically seen as dangerous and to be avoided, not as integral parts of China's territory.
• 🔍 The U-shaped line was initially an island attribution boundary, not a claim to comprehensive maritime rights.
• 📈 The U-shaped line's formation and usage were part of a nationalist discursive process, with historical summaries used to justify claims.
• 🌐 The People's Republic of China (PRC) maintained ambiguity about the specific waters and rights claimed within the U-shaped line after 1974.
• 👥 Discourses on the South China Sea are not static or monolithic; they involve multiple actors and can be dynamic, multi-sourced, and ambivalent.
• 🚨 The PRC's official stance on the U-shaped line has evolved, and popular discourses can sometimes conflict with state narratives, affecting policy and legitimacy.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Chris Cheung's research?

Chris Cheung's research primarily focuses on the historical sources, formation, usage, and meanings of China's U-shaped line claim in the South China Sea dispute, framed in terms of discourse and history.

Why does Cheung believe history is important in understanding the South China Sea dispute?

Cheung believes history is important because the dispute over the islands in China is fundamentally historical and nationalistic. Understanding the rich discursive history of these narratives is crucial to grasping the dispute's complexities.

What does Cheung mean by 'history of histories'?

By 'history of histories,' Cheung refers to the multiple layers of historical narratives that have been collected, constructed, and manipulated over time to serve present needs, creating a complex tapestry of discourses.

How does Cheung describe the concept of the 'geo body'?

The 'geo body' is a concept that envisions a clearly bounded spatial political entity, imagined through mediums like maps and gazetteers. It was initially a Western concept adopted by China in the late 19th century.

What role do maps and gazetteers play in shaping the geo body concept?

Maps and gazetteers play a crucial role in shaping the geo body concept by providing a visual representation of a nation's spatial boundaries and political claims.

How did Chinese cartography and geography change from the Imperial era to the modern era?

Chinese cartography and geography shifted from having vague frontiers and subject-based sovereignty to incorporating Western concepts of modernity, including Westphalian sovereignty, leading to clearer boundary lines and the adoption of the geo body concept.

What does Cheung argue about the U-shaped line's original purpose?

Cheung argues that the U-shaped line originally served as an island attribution boundary, claiming only islands and adjacent waters, consistent with contemporary international maritime law, rather than asserting a comprehensive maritime regime.

How has the interpretation of the U-shaped line changed over time?

The interpretation of the U-shaped line has evolved from being an island attribution boundary to potentially claiming exclusive economic and exploration rights within all waters based on historic domination, reflecting a shift in China's approach to maritime claims.

What does Cheung suggest about the role of popular discourses in shaping China's stance on the South China Sea?

Cheung suggests that popular discourses play a significant role in shaping China's stance, as they can be appropriated and molded by the public in ways that may not align with official state narratives, influencing state actions and rhetoric.

How does Cheung's research challenge the idea of a monolithic and static characterization of China's view on the South China Sea dispute?

Cheung's research challenges the idea by highlighting the dynamic, multi-sourced, and ambivalent nature of Chinese discourses on the dispute, showing that they are not static but are constantly evolving and contested.

What does Cheung's research indicate about the relationship between historical narratives and state actions in China?

Cheung's research indicates that historical narratives are not just passive records but actively influence state actions, rhetoric, and political identity in China, particularly in the context of the South China Sea dispute.