China is using ancient maps and historical presence to assert its claim over contested waters, disregarding modern international law. This strategy aims to delegitimize arbitration processes by framing sovereignty as predetermined historically. Beijing has been reshaping historical narratives to align the past with its current political and strategic goals, presenting its territorial claims as a natural extension of its civilization. This approach is evident in the South China Sea and Taiwan issues, where China portrays its actions as the recovery of ancient rights rather than modern power expansion.
China’s historical revisionism is seen as a strategic tool to reinforce power through controlling memory. By simplifying complex political realities into narratives of national restoration, Beijing mobilizes nationalism and limits diplomatic flexibility. This approach not only influences domestic sentiment but also constrains leadership choices by framing compromise as a historical betrayal. The use of history as a state policy instrument is viewed as a strategic warning, emphasizing the disciplined control of memory to strengthen power.
