China’s Strategies for Governing Others

The history of China is characterised by the integration of diverse non-Han groups under the Huaxia umbrella, accompanied by a gradual process of Sinicization. The development of writing systems and the adoption of a sedentary lifestyle led to the formation of a distinctive civilisation within the Huaxia community. During the Chunqiu (Spring and Autumn) period, this community established the intellectual and philosophical foundations of the Chinese polity. Subsequent to the Zhanguo (Warring States) period, these foundations facilitated the establishment of a centralized and unified Qin dynasty along the Yellow River. Successive Chinese states governing multi-ethnic populations across the fertile regions between the Yellow River and the Yangtze River developed governance strategies that, while varying in form, exhibited long-term institutional continuity. As demonstrated by historical sources, these strategies were also applied effectively in China’s relations with surrounding societies and neighbouring states. Furthermore, when the People’s Republic of China was established, largely within the territorial framework of the Manchu-led Qing Empire, it inherited and adapted long-standing administrative traditions and historical memory to govern non-Han populations incorporated during the Qing expansion. This chapter examines the governance strategies historically employed by China in managing non-Chinese peoples within and beyond its borders. The aim is to provide a clearer understanding of the Chinese-style autonomous region system implemented in the People’s Republic of China and of China’s relations with its neighboring countries.