Discussion: Middle Kingdom
The term "middle kingdom" is the translation of the Chinese word Zh& 333;ngguó which literally means "middle kingdom" or "central country." As with most countries, the Chinese tendency was to view themselves as superior to and more advanced than their neighbors. They believed they had been specially chosen to enjoy dominion over neighboring lands. The term Middle Kingdom itself dates from between 1000 to 600 B.C. We see a resurgence in this concept of being the central country in China today. Their strong position economically, their growing military strength and their antagonism toward Taiwan are all viewed with some apprehension by their immediate neighbors and by the world at large.