Chinese history provides multiple examples of political uncertainty and social change shaping a mindset that prioritizes stability:
- The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) caused widespread chaos, violence, and social upheaval as factions struggled for power. This decade of turmoil weakened governance structures and deeply disrupted society, illustrating the dangers of instability and the high costs it brings to the population and economy. Following this, there was a strong political and social effort to restore order and prevent such chaos from repeating, reflecting a cultural preference for stability and harmony over radical change.
- The early 20th century was marked by the Warlord Era and Chinese Civil War, periods of fragmented control, continuous conflict between the Nationalists and Communists, and foreign influence undermining sovereignty. These events fostered deep caution toward risky political moves, encouraging leadership to seek social cohesion and controlled reform rather than unpredictable upheaval.
- Ongoing challenges in regions like Xinjiang, where separatist unrest led to large-scale security campaigns, also underscore the Chinese priority on maintaining political stability and social order in the face of diverse internal pressures.
These historical experiences have cultivated a collective responsibility mentality that values cautious, stability-focused decision-making to avoid the severe disruption of past political and social instability