1. The Century of Humiliation
The “Century of Humiliation” refers to a period from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century, during which China faced invasions, unequal treaties, and loss of sovereignty at the hands of Western powers and Japan. This era began with the First Opium War (1839-1842) and concluded with the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. The memory of this period continues to fuel China’s desire to restore its national dignity and drive assertive diplomatic stances. For more on this pivotal period, refer to the BBC article on China’s Century of Humiliation (forbes.com).
