Fanning the Flames of Popular Nationalism: The Debate in China over the Burning of the Old Summer Palace

A growing debate in China over the legacy of the Old Summer Palace, destroyed by British and French troops in 1860, reveals deep divisions in national narratives. While the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has amplified this traumatic event to bolster nationalist legitimacy, linking it to the 'Century of Humiliation,' online critics challenge its official version, accusing it of bias and excessive resource allocation. This study highlights how the CCP's historical framing serves as a tool for political legitimization but also sparks dissent, with some citizens arguing that China remains subordinate to foreign powers despite decades under CCP rule.

Weatherley, R. D., & Rosen, A. (2013). Fanning the Flames of Popular Nationalism: The Debate in China over the Burning of the Old Summer Palace. Asian Perspective, 37(1), 53–76. https://doi.org/10.1353/apr.2013.0004