The Resurgence of Chinese Exceptionalism Under Xi’s Leadership

Abstract

This article examines a historical process of Chinese exceptionalism throughout history. Shedding light on different forms of exceptionalism from imperial China till now, I argue that a new form of exceptionalism appeared under Xi’s administration. Recent studies about this concept seem to dismiss the identity factor and its relations with Chinese exceptionalism. Additionally, the literature on the resurgence of exceptionalism under Xi’s era has been less discussed. In order to address this gap, I identify the common features of Chinese exceptionalism and underline the continuities and changes it has during Chinese history to better explain its traces under Xi’s leadership. The article concludes that Chinese exceptionalism is a narrative that helps Chinese leaders, including Xi Jinping, to give credentials to their domestic and international politics. Furthermore, through my evaluation of the pertinent literature, I suggest that Xi’s exceptionalism is the combination of previous forms of exceptionalism in the past with a subtle difference that paves the way for China to be an active rising power.