China Stands Up: The PRC and the International System

In 1949 Mao Zedong made the historic proclamation that "the Chinese people have stood up". This statement was significant, undoubtedly reflecting the changing nature not only of China’s self-perception, but also of its relationship with the rest of the world. In terms of reducing the imperialist presence of the West and Japan within China, and reasserting China’s territorial integrity and legal sovereignty to the outside world, Mao and China can indeed be seen to have successfully ‘stood up...