The subtle art of resolving conflict in China

The article “En Chine, le conflit ne se résout pas d’abord avec la parole” by Beno?t Vermander S.J., published in the French newspaper La Croix on August 26, 2021, offers a rather interesting lens through which to examine how conflict resolution unfolds in China.

Vermander highlights a critical cultural distinction: in contrast to Western traditions that often prioritize verbal negotiation, Chinese conflict resolution tends to emphasize nonverbal, indirect approaches that are deeply rooted in the Chinese historical and cultural framework.

Beno?t Vermander, a French Jesuit priest and sinologist, currently teaching at Fudan University in Shanghai, is a renowned expert in Chinese religions and intercultural studies. He served as director of the Ricci Institute in Taipei from 1996 to 2009. His work bridges Chinese and Western cultures, focusing on Chinese religions, Christianity in China, and environmental issues in Asia. He has authored several influential books on China's cultural and religious landscape.

This modest essay attempts to explores the key aspects of conflict resolution in China, drawing from my own experience as well as Vermander’s insights to demonstrate how China’s unique approach reflects its Confucian heritage, social dynamics, and political systems.

In his article Beno?t Vermander introduces the concept of hejie (和解), a term that signifies a process of reconciliation aimed at restoring harmony rather than seeking truth or achieving justice. Rooted in Confucian principles, hejie prioritizes the repair of relationships and the preservation of social order. In this context, conflict is not seen as a problem to be solved through debate or confrontation but as a disturbance to be smoothed out through cooperative and symbolic gestures.

In this framework, the ideal resolution often mirrors the proverb “上善若水” (shàng shàn ruò shuǐ), meaning “The highest good is like water.” This phrase, drawn from the Tao Te Ching, suggests that the best way to resolve conflict is to adapt like water, which benefits all things without contention.

Vermander draws attention to the deeper symbolism of water in Chinese philosophy, particularly in Taoism, where water serves as a metaphor for adaptability, patience, and persistence. The concept of “水往低处流” (shuǐ wǎng dī chù liú), meaning “Water flows to the lower places,” reflects an understanding that conflict is best resolved by addressing underlying tensions and letting grievances dissipate naturally rather than forcing a solution.

In this sense, the Chinese approach to conflict often avoids direct confrontation. Instead, it seeks to diffuse tensions through patience, mediation, and symbolic gestures that, like water, flow around obstacles and erode them over time. For example, a carefully timed apology or a conciliatory gesture such as a shared meal may serve as a subtle but effective way to mend relationships.

China’s hierarchical social structure further reinforces the principles of hejie and water-like adaptability. Historically, Chinese society has operated within clearly defined power dynamics, whether in family units, workplaces, or government structures. Vermander highlights another key Chinese saying: “天降祥和” (tiān jiàng xiáng hé), meaning “Good fortune descends from above.” This encapsulates the idea that authority figures - elders, managers, or government officials - are seen as responsible for mediating conflicts and maintaining harmony.

In Confucian thought, hierarchy is not just a social structure but a moral framework. Authority figures are expected to act with fairness and benevolence, embodying the values of harmony and stability. Their decisions are less about enforcing rules and more about guiding conflicting parties toward reconciliation while preserving the social fabric.

A key observation by Vermander is the use of ritual and symbolism in resolving conflicts. Chinese culture has a long history of employing symbolic acts to restore harmony. The proverb “化干戈为玉帛” (huà gān gē wéi yù bó), meaning “Turn weapons into jade and silk,” captures this ethos, emphasizing transformation and reconciliation over confrontation.

In practical terms, this may involve symbolic gestures like offering tea as a sign of apology, making a modest gift, or performing a shared ritual that reaffirms mutual respect. Such actions allow conflicting parties to save face while moving forward, reflecting the Confucian ideal of social cohesion over individual assertion.

In modern China, the state’s approach to conflict mirrors these cultural principles. Vermander highlights how the government prioritizes social stability, often using mediation committees, local administrative offices, and Party officials to intervene discreetly in disputes. This aligns with the philosophy of “以柔克刚” (yǐ róu kè gāng), meaning “Overcoming the hard with the soft.” The government’s strategies aim to prevent escalation by addressing conflicts in a controlled and non-confrontational manner, though this approach sometimes suppresses grievances rather than resolving them substantively.

The Chinese emphasis on indirect, nonverbal methods of conflict resolution stands in stark contrast to Western traditions, where open dialogue and legal frameworks are often prioritized. In many Western cultures, conflicts are seen as opportunities for progress, with an emphasis on transparency and direct communication. In China, however, the preference for subtlety and symbolic gestures reflects a deeper cultural commitment to harmony and the avoidance of unnecessary confrontation.

As Beno?t Vermander aptly explains, conflict resolution in China is not primarily about words but about actions, symbols, and relationships. The principles of hejie, the metaphor of water, and key proverbs such as “The highest good is like water” encapsulate a broader cultural philosophy that prioritizes harmony and stability over confrontation and debate.

Understanding these cultural nuances is essential for anyone engaging with Chinese society, whether in diplomacy, business, or personal relationships. By appreciating the indirect and symbolic nature of conflict resolution in China, one can navigate disputes more effectively while fostering mutual respect and understanding. As Vermander’s reflections remind us, in China, the path to reconciliation often flows like water - quiet, adaptable, and profoundly enduring.

Claude Jaeck

The Bangkok Observer

source:

https://www.la-croix.com/En-Chine-conflit-resout-pas-dabord-parole-2021-08-26-1201172406