The Silk Road Journal by Mahika Ming

The human civilization revolving around China is more than 12,000 years old according to scientifically proven archaeological evidence. Rice cultivation, paper, magnets, the umbrella, the compass and gunpowder are few of the most important contributions made by the Chinese civilization to mankind. The ancient chronicles of Sri Lanka refers to China as “Maha Cheenaya” while the western civilizations always referred to the Chinese empire as “Great China”. China was ruled by monarchs and emperors representing various dynasties for thousands of years. Of all dynasties the Ming dynasty is noted for the launch of the Maritime Silk Road under the command of Admiral Zheng He. During the Ming dynasty China’s global presence increased and the Chinese navy became the world’s most powerful navy about a century before the Portuguese, Dutch and British took control of international waters.

Somehow the Chinese imperial rulers failed to address the needs of the masses widening the social gaps and the poor becoming poorer. This in fact paved way to the building of the modern super power friend we have today. Most are aware of the formation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 1921, the long march and the revolution which established the Peoples Republic of China in 1949 (PRC). The situation which prevailed prior to the 1949 revolution is also an important lesson to any community living in chaotic social situations with rulers robbing public funds and corrupt officials supporting such with no respect for rule of law.

The Qing dynasty was ruling Great China from 1644 AD till 1911. In October 1911 the pressure of the poor came out starting the Xinhai revolution over throwing the Qing dynasty and ending absolute monarchy that ruled Great China for thousands of years. Although it didn’t actually address the root causes to eradicate poverty, Xinhai revolution is seen by many as the first step towards modern China. A commemorative meeting was held at the Great Hall in Beijing to mark the 110th anniversary of the Xinhai revolution few days ago where Chinese Leader Xi Jinping was the Chief Guest. The CPC took the Xinhai reforms further and established the PRC. The PRC under CPC developed the Country under One Law creating a super power in 70 years. During the fight against COVID – 19 it was quite visible when the USA experienced difficulties in implementing safety regulations etc. due to clashes between the federal and state laws. The Xinhai revolution, its causes, outcomes and the long term achievements are good lessons for rulers and countries who attempt to rule One Country with One Law.

The writer is an analyst with interests in the financial and sustainable development sectors with postgraduate exposure in the Far East (mahika.ming@gmail.com).