Excellent essay. I make a similar point in a recent book, arguing that China's position as the "solid center" of East Asia, based on central presence, more than half of the region's population, and production of trade goods such as tea, silk, and "china," can be contrasted to the "liquid centers" of the West, the Mediterranean and later the Atlantic around and through which circulated competitive and expansionist empires. China wanted a quiet perimeter; the West pursued profitable frontiers.
My apologies, I missed that. I clicked the "Shan Weijian" link thinking it would go to his Substack, but instead it unexpectedly goes to the SCMP profile.
Excellent essay. I make a similar point in a recent book, arguing that China's position as the "solid center" of East Asia, based on central presence, more than half of the region's population, and production of trade goods such as tea, silk, and "china," can be contrasted to the "liquid centers" of the West, the Mediterranean and later the Atlantic around and through which circulated competitive and expansionist empires. China wanted a quiet perimeter; the West pursued profitable frontiers.
Thank you for sharing. May I ask if you were aware Dr Shan has joined Substack? https://open.substack.com/pub/weijianshan/p/shatter-the-mirror
Yes, and his account on Substack is in the byline of this post
My apologies, I missed that. I clicked the "Shan Weijian" link thinking it would go to his Substack, but instead it unexpectedly goes to the SCMP profile.
No worries. Just click his name on the byline and it will work. Thanks for the note!
I loved Out of the Gobi. This article makes a lot of sense.
Thank you. Clarity overcomes bullshit, hopefully every time.