03.09.2026, Moscow.
Political scientist, philosopher, and the leader of the Essence of Time movement Sergey Kurginyan discussed a dangerous ideology China is adopting, the nuances of India-US relations, and the prospects for the relationship between China and Japan on August 21 during the Conversation with a Sage program on the Zvezda radio.
On the Conversation with a Sage program on the Zvezda radio, aired on August 21, 2026, host Anna Shafran and political scientist, theater director, and the leader of the Essence of Time movement Sergey Kurginyan discussed the potential consequences of the changing situation in the Asia-Pacific region and the unique characteristics of India, China, and Japan.
During the talk, the political scientist noted that in an era where “every man for himself,” Russia maintains good, though not entirely without certain issues, relations with China. The reason behind it is the fact that not only China but other nations worldwide are asserting that “national interests are what matters most right now.”
China, according to the analyst, handled communist ideology “very sensibly at a tactical level,” it ultimately found itself without an ideology at a strategic level; and “it did not abandon communist ideology, but it overcame it.” As communism has weakened in China, Chinese nationalism surged, a force that poses a danger to China itself.
“Chinese nationalism is a very dangerous thing. Very dangerous! China is composed of so many different ethnic groups, and there are many long-standing conflicts there. For instance, there is tension between the Han and Zhou; the Manchus and the rest of China; the Uyghur factor is not just a minor nuisance but a far more significant phenomenon; and we are going to witness a massive escalation of troubles of all kinds on this front,” noted Sergey Kurginyan.
According to the expert, the significance of relations within the Asia-Pacific region for Japan lies in the need to move beyond its past era of dominance. The Japanese were ruthless toward China and, possessing “the incredible military genius inherent to the Japanese people”, subdued the country, whereas the situation within China itself is more complex.
“China is a military power with a history marked by many heroic chapters; it represents the might of vast resources, controlled with precision, operating in unison like well-oiled military machines. Japan, on the other hand, embodies the samurai spirit, a blend of individualism and collectivism, coupled with a unique, profound affinity for war,” the political scientist noted.
Speaking about India, the leader of the Essence of Time movement highlighted the caution with which the country approaches its friendship with the United States. In his opinion, India has no desire for this friendship to play out like a scene in a theatre dressing room where one actress, having ousted her rival, asks: “Girls, whom should we deal with next?” India does not want to align itself against China. The philosopher’s opinion is based on conversations with politicians from both the Indian National Congress and the Janata Party.
“No one within the Indian elite wants to ally with the United States against China, yet everyone desires the friendship itself, as it serves as a source for getting new potential. This potential would enable India to achieve a breakthrough even more impressive than China’s, and India is indeed capable of such a leap,” the philosopher declared.
The political scientist likened India and China to a group of schoolgirls anticipating their education in fine, modern schools, noting “their sense of joy at their own progress, a kind of enthusiasm and pride of having emerged from colonial, or quasi-colonial, dependency.”
The analyst recalled the era when Chinese territories were a German colony, as well as the words of Kaiser Wilhelm II, who said ” may the name “German” in China be confirmed by you [German expeditionary corps] for a thousand years, so that no Chinese person will ever again dare to look askance at a German!”
“It’s astonishing to observe their inner sense of ecstatic self-respect after the era of colonial dependency and humiliation. You cannot help but feel an incredibly warm sentiment toward these countries,” Sergey Kurginyan concluded.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
