Conclusion: How Close is China to National Rejuvenation?

Abstract

The contours of the China Dream are not that hard to define. The Dream sets objectives and means for China’s revival and provides an interim assessment of where China is in its search for rejuvenation. As to the objectives of the Dream, these are cased within a grand historical narrative. Weida fuxing (great rejuvenation) points to the glory of China’s past but also provides a narrative of how this glory was lost or stolen between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The Dream points to China’s trajectory from an undesired and unchosen history in the era of loss to a desired and chosen future that has become possible with the successes of the current Republic. The Dream is therefore about accomplishments gained and accomplishments still to be achieved. As to the means, Xi’s choice of three is notable. In his 38 character statement he defines the essential components of China’s revival:

实现中国梦必须走中国道路

实现中国梦必须弘扬中国精神

实现中国梦必须凝聚中国力量

To realize the China Dream we must keep to the Chinese way

To realize the China Dream we must advance the Chinese spirit

To realize the China Dream we must consolidate Chinese power¹