On October 7-8, 2023, a national conference on propaganda, ideological, and cultural work was held in Beijing. One of the key outcomes of this meeting was the formal introduction of Xi Jinping’s cultural thought.
The series of videos titled “Civilization China Speaks” aims to study and promote Xi Jinping’s cultural ideology, focusing on five prominent characteristics of Chinese civilization and showcasing their spiritual values both within China and globally. Today, we present “National Identity through Theatre.”
The video reflects on the theme of Chinese culture, highlighting its remarkable unity, which fundamentally shapes the cultural integration of the various ethnic groups within the nation. This unity persists even in the face of significant challenges, fostering a shared belief in the indivisibility of territory, national order, ethnic solidarity, and unbroken civilization. It underscores that national unity remains a core interest of China, inherently linking the fate of its diverse peoples to a strong and unified state. This sentiment was emphasized by Xi Jinping during his speech on June 2, 2023, at a seminar on cultural heritage and development.
“What is China?” is a question that elicits diverse responses, yet one truth remains clear: China is the homeland of every Chinese individual. So, how has the consciousness of the Chinese national community been forged? Exploring the journey of Henan opera can provide insight.
From the far northwest of Xinjiang to the far southeast of Taiwan, the tradition of Henan opera creates a connective thread that transcends geographical distances. This “journey of Henan opera” intertwines the cultural bloodline and emotional ties of the Chinese national community, as cultural recognition forms the deepest level of identity.
The performance “Princess Jieyou” has introduced more people to the fact that Xinjiang has been an inseparable part of China for over 2,000 years, dating back to the Han Dynasty. From agricultural settlements to border defense, this continuity has never ceased. The couple, Ma Junwu and his wife, exemplify this spirit as they have endured 36 years on the remote China-Kazakhstan border. Similarly, members of the Henan troop who collectively went to Xinjiang represent this enduring commitment.
On the other side of the Taiwan Strait, generations of expatriates have turned to Henan opera over the past 70 years, feeling the warmth and call from their homeland. For these veterans, Henan opera encapsulates their sense of home, with the themes of patriotism and familial ties vividly portrayed. “Mulan” has been performed for over 70 years, and now digital human performer Chang Xiangyu joins Henan, Xinjiang, and Taiwan opera actors to share a performance across time and space.
Understanding Henan opera means grasping the deep sense of home and country shared by the Chinese people—not just within the performances but beyond them as well.
As Xi Jinping noted on September 27, 2024, at the National Ethnic Unity Progress Commendation Conference, the great nation and civilization that have emerged from over 5,000 years of Chinese heritage will forever be linked to the most profound and enduring emotions of all Chinese descendants.
