Defining and protecting Chinese culture is a hallmark of Xi Jinping’s political rhetoric. When extolling what is intrinsic, unique, and eternal about China, he favors genetic metaphors: “There is no gene for invading other nations or seeking global hegemony in the blood of the Chinese people.” In order to understand the impact of cultural nationalism on Chinese perceptions and strategies, the Kissinger Institute on China and the United States is launching a new online platform. Mapping China’s Cultural Genome will track Chinese discourse on civilization, values, soft power, and mutual cultural influence between the U.S. and China.

This discussion covered the political importance of cultural discourse throughout Chinese history and under Xi Jinping.

Moderator: Robert Daly, Director, Kissinger Institute on China and the United States.

Discussant: Yafeng Xia, Public Policy Fellow, History and Public Policy Program

This event was co-hosted by the National History Center.