Core Viewpoint - The victory of the Chinese People's Anti-Japanese War is recognized as the first complete victory in modern times against foreign invasion, laying a crucial foundation for the reconstruction of the post-war international order. Understanding and evaluating the significance of China's resistance requires a macro perspective within global history [1]. Group 1: Historical Context - The Anti-Japanese War lasted from the "September 18 Incident" in 1931 to Japan's surrender in 1945, marking a 14-year struggle that was not only a fight for the survival of the Chinese nation but also an integral part of the global anti-fascist war [6]. - China was the first country to suffer from fascist invasion and also the one that resisted the longest, significantly impacting the overall situation of World War II by tying down Japanese military forces [6][7]. Group 2: Philosophical Insights - The war highlighted a contrast between Japan's "exclusive nationalism" and China's "coexistence nationalism," with the latter being inclusive and constructive, emphasizing mutual respect among cultures [7]. - The traditional Chinese view of "Tianxia" (All Under Heaven) differs fundamentally from the Western nation-state system, promoting a moral approach to governance rather than one based solely on power [7][8]. Group 3: Modern Implications - The lessons from the Anti-Japanese War suggest that peace must be built on fairness and justice, achieved through civilizational dialogue rather than competition among sovereign states [10]. - The "Belt and Road Initiative" is seen as a modern embodiment of the "Wangdao" spirit, advocating cooperation over confrontation and win-win outcomes instead of zero-sum games [10][11]. Group 4: Future Directions - The "Wangdao" spirit should play a larger role in future global development, requiring creative transformation and innovative development of traditional Chinese thought to address contemporary challenges [17]. - Emphasizing the importance of moral leadership over military might, the article advocates for a collaborative approach to international relations, promoting dialogue and mutual learning among different civilizations [11][18].

Core Viewpoint - The interview discusses the understanding of Chinese-style modernization and its implications for Latin American countries, emphasizing the differences in perspectives between China and Western nations regarding modernization challenges [1][2]. Group 1: Modernization Challenges - Labor structure changes and environmental constraints are significant challenges faced by developing countries, including China, during their modernization processes [2]. - There are conceptual differences between China and Western countries in addressing these challenges, largely due to the historical context of international frameworks established post-World War II, which did not fully consider China's interests and values [2][5]. Group 2: Global Order and Influence - The global order that has dominated international relations for the past 80 years is undergoing transformation, with emerging markets and developing countries, led by China, advocating for a new cooperation paradigm centered on equality and multilateralism [5]. - The clash between Western nations resisting change to maintain their privileges and the push from developing countries for a more equitable global order will reshape the global landscape, though the outcomes remain uncertain [5]. Group 3: Latin America's Perspective - Latin American countries view China's development achievements as impressive and worthy of emulation, but they recognize that China's modernization experience cannot be directly transplanted due to differing political systems and cultural foundations [7][9]. - The historical destruction of indigenous civilizations in Latin America and the subsequent imposition of foreign cultures have led to ongoing debates among Latin Americans about their identity and governance [7]. Group 4: Understanding Chinese-style Modernization - To better understand Chinese-style modernization, it is essential to grasp the internal logic of Chinese social order, which differs from Western philosophical foundations [9]. - The "Tianxia" (天下) worldview, originating from China, reflects a social order logic that lacks a counterpart in Western philosophical traditions, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of China's unique approach to modernization [9]. Group 5: Expectations for the Conference - The upcoming Second World Sinology Conference in Shanghai is anticipated to facilitate discussions among scholars on China's development, international relations, and global Sinology research, which will benefit academic research in the field [10].

Academic Context and Research Approach - The author supplements the historical methodology of the "Historical Materialism School" by emphasizing the importance of utilizing existing historical materials to construct new theories, even in the absence of new archaeological findings [4] - The author reflects on the question of why China exists and maintains a vast territory, influenced by the recent discourse on "China's resurgence" [5] - The author acknowledges the impact of the study of ancient Chinese autocratic regimes from a socio-economic perspective, while also recognizing the significance of analyzing historical perspectives on the concept of "state" [5][6] Key Concepts in the Book - The author argues that the early concept of "Tian" (heaven) and "Tianxia" (under heaven) differs significantly from later Confucian interpretations, suggesting a more religiously colored understanding in early contexts [8] - The author critiques mainstream historical interpretations that overlook the religious dimensions of ancient Chinese culture, emphasizing the need to recognize the state's engagement with religion through rituals like the "sacrificial rites" [7][9] - The book reinterprets key historical texts to clarify the evolution of the concept of "Tian" from the Shang to the Zhou dynasty, highlighting the transition from ancestor worship to a more universal deity [9][10] Evolution of State Religion - The author discusses the multi-faceted development of religious beliefs during the Warring States period, suggesting that the emergence of polytheistic practices was influenced by Hellenistic theology [11] - The author posits that the Qin dynasty's adoption of the title "Emperor" reflects a direct manifestation of state religion, contrasting it with the unchanging nature of the Zhou's supreme deity [11] - The author concludes that the formation of state sacrificial rites during the Han dynasty marks a significant point in the evolution of ancient Chinese religious thought, which continued to adapt in response to changing political landscapes [12] Dialogue and Discussion - The discussions following the presentations highlight the need for a nuanced understanding of the concept of "Tian" and its relationship with religion, emphasizing the historical context in which these ideas developed [13] - The dialogue also explores the impact of cultural exchanges on the evolution of ancient Chinese civilization, suggesting that cultural changes are often influenced by external factors [14] - The discussions further address specific issues raised in the book, including the monopolization of religious practices by political authorities and its implications for the understanding of state religion [15]