유교의 중화사상(中華思想)과 동아시아의 화해 협력

Abstract

This study analyzes the behavior of China in the international context of East Asia based on the in-depth understanding of Confucian Sino-centrism. The rise of China is a dream to be realized for Chinese while actually it is regarded as new threats for the neighboring countries. It is therefore no surprise that the neighboring countries that once subordinated themselves to China voluntarily feel threatened by the resurrection of China. The reason is that China is pursuing hegemony based on China`s stronger power rather than seeking culture and morality as they did in the past. The new hegemonic pattern seems not to contribute to the China’s profit, only to increase the tension among North East Asia. That’s because the neighboring countries are active in expanding military expenses with strengthening ties with the US. In this context, is it possible that China can rise gently without threatening the neighbors? There must be a way. It is that China will be born as a superpower with Confucian morality as the way the Confucian Sino-centrism is intended. When the neighboring countries are impressed by the way the China treats them with moral virtues, the leadership of China will be strengthened of itself. It is the most desirable way of realizing the dream of China.