The concept and balance of 文 and 武 is a civilizational debate. It’s hard to say which is ultimately more important because we don’t know where we stand on the long river of history. Just as there are 武 civilizations that died out because they lack 文 foundation, there are 文 civilizations that were destroyed because they lack 武. If China is ultimately destroyed because of nuclear war, does all that 文 matter? And I bet the Chinese that lived through the eight nations occupation or died during the japanese invasion would’ve preferred a bit more 武.
Today’s world is clearly one where might is right. Yet China is still practicing great forbearance and preaching harmonious rise. But the rulers of the global order don’t want you to be harmonious or rise. It was advantageous when China was weak, but now that it’s strong, inaction makes China look incompetent.
China’s unwillingness to exert its power is why no one fears China. They fear they can’t contain China’s rise, but nobody fears China initiating military action on them, like America would to their enemies. They know of economic consequences, but that amounts to losing money. It won’t affect the safety of their homeland. This why small countries jump out at every opportunity to antagonize China at America’s behest instead of remaining neutral. Why stores in neighbouring countries dare to put up “No Chinese” signs. Why even philippines with 6 warships dare to use fishing boats to play chicken with Chinese coast guards. Which country would try this with America?
I’m not advocating life or death warfare, but China needs to at least swing a punch to make others fear and respect you. Parading around some missiles doesn’t mean anything when everyone believes you’re too timid to use them.
