Paper short abstract:

This paper describes how the theory of “pattern of pluralistic unity of the Chinese nation”came into being and its basic content. By making comparative analysis with western nation-state theory, it points out not only an inclusive, realistic and scientific theory, but also rooms for further improvement.

Paper long abstract:

This paper describes how the nation-state theory of "pattern of pluralistic unity of the Chinese nation", put forward by Chinese scholar Professor Fei Xiaotong in the end of 1980s, came into being and its basic content. By making comparative analysis with western nation-state theory, it points out not only an inclusive, realistic and scientific theory, but also rooms for further improvement. With the rapid development after China's adoption of opening-up policy, it remains a challenge for Chinese national theory to be accepted in the world, for Chinese national concept to fall into international norms, and for academic research to maintain an appropriate level of openness and independence. In this sense, it's important and urgent to further enhance dialogues, exchanges and cooperation between China and international communities of ethnology and anthropology, and the whole humanities and social sciences as well.