China has become concerned about the well being of Chinese people living in other countries. China has historically regarded all Han as citizens of the Chinese Empire no matter where they live. The People's Republic of China now recognizes international rules of citizenship in other countries but still allows any overseas Chinese who wishes to return to China to do so. This is a major concern in Southeast Asia, where the Chinese are a significant minority in a number of countries. They are often the wealthiest segment of society and therefore the targets for envy, jealousy, or persecution during economic downturns.
China's relations with Indonesia have been particularly sensitive. When Suharto replaced Sukarno as leader of Indonesia in 1968, widespread attacks on Chinese citizens led to as many as 500,000 deaths. Nevertheless, the Chinese minority has continued to be resented as one of the wealthiest groups in Indonesia. Chinese minorities in Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam have also been the subject of discrimination, and future disputes are possible.
After Suharto's downfall in 1998, Indonesian president Megawati Sukarnoputri attempted to improve relations with China. The new Indonesian president recognized the growing economic importance of China and hoped to supply liquid natural gas to the industries of southern China.
In the past, China has had an insular attitude that has kept its government from intervening on behalf of overseas Han. As
China's power grows, many Asians are concerned that China will begin trying to protect other Chinese. China's dramatic economic growth may threaten these countries as well, but the underlying fear is of Chinese improved military and naval strength.
China's growing navy raises concerns among its neighbors even if they do not share a land border with China. A navy clearly opens the possibility of reaching other Asian neighbors previously beyond the reach of China's military forces. There are many unresolved issues of the ownership of islands, the surrounding seabed, and the continental shelf underneath the waters adjoining China.
World History
