The rise of ‘Republican fever’ in the PRC and the implications for CCP legitimacy

Abstract

This article examines the upsurge in Chinese public support for the legacy of the Republican era, a phenomenon known as ‘Republican fever’. The fever has arisen following the formal relaxation of restrictions on discussing the Republican period. The rationale for doing so is linked to political expediency and in particular to the CCP’s quest for nationalist legitimacy. By acknowledging the positive aspects of the Republican era as part of a placatory policy on reunification with Taiwan, the CCP is trying to present itself as a key partner in a united patriotic front with the Kuomintang. But things have not turned out as planned. As Republican fever has spread across a diverse section of Chinese society, so too has criticism of the CCP’s record in power. In light of this, we argue that instead of fortifying the Party’s nationalist legitimacy, the CCP has unwittingly started a process which appears to be eroding that legitimacy.