China is embarking on a comprehensive cultural transformation aimed at redefining its national identity and reducing Western influence, as detailed in a recent Asia Times article. This initiative, distinct from the tumultuous Cultural Revolution of the 1960s, is a strategic effort to consolidate cultural unity and bolster national confidence.

Central to this movement is the establishment of a new academic discipline designed to counter Western biases in ethnic studies. Pan Yue, director of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, emphasizes the importance of museums and educational institutions in challenging historical narratives that create divisions between China's Central Plains and border regions, or between Han and non-Han cultures. This approach seeks to foster a cohesive national identity by integrating diverse ethnic histories into a unified cultural framework.

The initiative also addresses the historical adoption of Western academic categories—such as philosophy, religion, and economics—into Chinese thought, a process that began in the early 20th century through Japanese translations. Scholars like Ge Zhaoguang argue that this realignment led to a dual existence between Western and traditional Chinese worldviews, neither of which was fully assimilated. The current cultural strategy aims to reconcile this by reasserting traditional Chinese perspectives and values.

Unlike Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution, which sought to eradicate traditional culture, the current movement endeavors to preserve and reinterpret China's rich heritage. By promoting cultural confidence and unity, China aims to fortify its societal foundations and present a cohesive identity on the global stage.

This cultural renaissance reflects China's broader objective to become a cultural powerhouse by 2035, integrating traditional values with modern innovation to enhance its global influence and internal cohesion.