Probleme der Nationalitätentheorie und des Nationsbegriffs in China

Abstract

The present discussion about nationality theory in China has several aspects. First, there is a debate about the so-called "relations among the nationalities in history". One of its main points is the question whether the national minorities in present-day China were always part of China, i.e. the Chinese people, or if they at some time in history established states independent of China. The raising of this question was taboo for more than two decades. Analyzing the history of a given nationality in China one had to maintain that it was always part of the Chinese "nationalities family" and since ancient times had had good relations with the Han majority. The question of eventual struggle for independence or de facto independence was not allowed to rise or such efforts were declared as plots of some "reactionaries" who wanted to "undermine national unity". Now there is a broad discussion about this question, with different opinions. This article tries to analyze the different positions. Secondly, there is in China a discussion about the term "minzu". "Nation", "nationality", "people", "peoples", "ethnic groups" and related terms are all called "minzu". That means there is only one term for ethnic groups in different historical periods and stages of social development. This article explains the different positions of Chinese social scientists. Thirdly, there is a discussion about the definition of the term "nation". As in the Soviet Union, so in China are Stalin’s criterions the basis of the Chinese conception of nation. Some scientists suggest modifying the definition of Stalin according to the concrete conditions in China. Fourthly, this article deals with the question of ethnic identification in China. Ethnic groups with about 800 000 people are waiting for recognition of their status as independent nationalities by the Chinese government. With examples from ethnic groups in Southwest China the article describes the problems of ethnic identification work. At the same time the results of this work show that in China Stalin's definition of nation is used relatively flexibly. But political factors can have priority, as, for example, when the nationality status of the Jews in China is not recognized because of foreign policy considerations.