‘The Conflict in Gaza Reveals the True Face of Western Civilization’

Professor Guo Changgang, Director of the History Institute, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences and Director of the Center for Turkish Studies at Shanghai University, spoke to Harici. He stated that the tragedy in Gaza has enabled people to see the ‘double standards of the West’, predicting that this will ‘assist the global community in seeking a new and better order’.

Professor Guo Changgang is a Member of Advisory Board of Community of Global Studies; Vice Chair, Shanghai Association of World History, and the member of the 13th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Professor Guo’s research interest includes Classic Studies, Global Studies, Ethnic and Religious Diversity in the Context of Globalization. His current research area is Turkish Studies.

During the 1st Türkiye-China Academic Cooperation Forum held by the Institute Social and Shanghai University on November 23-24, Professor Guo Changgang responded to Harici’s questions, discussing the Israel-Palestine conflict, China-U.S. relations, and China-Türkiye relations.

“Aiding the Global Community in Seeking a Better Order”

Historians today observe that the images from Gaza are among the harshest seen since World War II. Not only Muslim countries but nations from Asia to Africa and Latin America have expressed their reactions. Even Western populations are protesting in the streets against their governments’ support for Israel. Despite this human tragedy, we see that the U.S. and its Western allies have not stepped back from supporting Israel. Do you think this goes beyond Gaza, representing a conflict between Western and non-Western civilizations? How do you assess the global consequences of this conflict?

Western countries have always seen themselves as the center of democracy, freedom, and human rights standards. In my opinion, the conflict in Gaza helps the world to realize the true face of Western countries, their culture, and their nature. It also helps the world to recognize the double standards of Western society and countries. Therefore, I believe it will assist the entire world in searching for a better global order.

Perhaps, misled by Western countries, we would have believed that they were the real leaders in democracy, human rights, etc. However, the conflict in Gaza is helping people understand who Western countries really are. They see the double standards. Therefore, I think this will help the global community in seeking a better order.

But how will this work in practice?

This is a complex issue. If all other countries stand with Gaza and join the conflict, it could truly start a Third World War. Therefore, at least the tragedy in Gaza might help people realize the truth about Western countries. I hope the global society could learn a lesson from this tragedy, and then have a clearer perception of co-existence of civilizations.

“Visits by Arab Leaders to China Indicate an Era of Transformation”

During their tour to support the resolution in Palestine, the foreign ministers of Arab and Muslim countries chose China as their first stop. Why do you think this is? How do you assess China’s influence in the Middle East in this context?

China’s position on the Palestinian Israeli issue is well-known. Today we talk about an ‘era of transformation’. Like the metaphor you mentioned that the world “is bigger than five.” The world is more than just the West.

China, Türkiye, as well as the global South, now have a more significant role in the global community. The announcement by China, or other countries like Türkiye, to support the people of Palestine helps demonstrate that the rest of the world plays a larger role in the global community and represents the real will of the global community.

“The so-called Uyghur Issue is the Major Barrier to the Development of Bilateral Relations”

As someone familiar with Türkiye, how do you assess the relations between China and Türkiye? Despite the willingness of both countries, relations have not yet reached the desired level. What do you think are the main barriers to bilateral relations, and how can they be overcome?

Yes, we all expect better or closer relations between China and Türkiye. But as you mentioned, there are some barriers or issues that seem to prevent a closer and better relationship between the two countries.

The main barrier is the so-called “Uyghur issue” or “Xinjiang Issue”. For this “issue”, I want to make four points: Firstly, there is absolutely no “Uyghur Issue” or “Xinjiang Issue” at all. It is a subject fabricated by the Western countries. Secondly, the position of the Chinese government and people on this “issue” is very clear, and the Türkiye government and President Erdogan have repeatedly reiterated its consensus with China on this issue. I really don’t understand why the Turkish society and some of the opposition parties still make it an “issue” from time to time. This will only result in the lack of mutual understanding. Thirdly, just like we should separate PKK from Kurdish people, we should also separate the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and the extremists from the Chinese Uyghur people. I won’t suppose you’d like us Chinese people to call PKK as a “Kurdish issue”. Finally, if you Turkish people believe there is a certain cultural connection with the Chinese Uyghur people, then it should also be regarded as a bridge of friendship between the people of China and Türkiye, rather than a spark of friction.

All in all, we should respect history, and should also respect international law. As academicians, we must work together for better mutual understanding.

“I am not Optimistic About the Future of China-U.S. Relations”

What are your expectations for the future of relations between China and the U.S. after the leaders’ summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden in San Francisco? Are you optimistic?

Actually, I am not optimistic about the relations. The U.S. always defines bilateral relations as competition. I am a historian, and I know that competing with other civilizations, other countries, is in the nature of Western culture. This is inherited from the Hellenistic culture.

By contrast, the nature of Chinese tradition and culture is to pursue the harmony of peaceful co-existence.