Keywords: zhǔquán, 主权, Chinese sovereignty, what is zhuquan, sovereignty in Chinese, China sovereignty issues, Taiwan sovereignty, South China Sea sovereignty, national sovereignty China, Chinese political terms, territorial integrity China.
Summary: 主权 (zhǔquán) is the formal Chinese word for “sovereignty,” representing a state's supreme authority and independence. It's a cornerstone of modern Chinese political language, frequently used in official statements regarding national territory, security, and international relations. Understanding 主权 is essential for grasping China's stance on critical issues like Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea, as it is deeply connected to national dignity and historical identity.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): zhǔ quán
Part of Speech: Noun
HSK Level: HSK 6
Concise Definition: The supreme and independent authority of a state over its own territory and affairs.
In a Nutshell: Think of 主权 (zhǔquán) as a country's right to be its own boss, completely free from outside control. It’s the ultimate power a nation has over its land, laws, and government. In China, this isn't just an abstract political term; it's a word loaded with historical weight and national pride, often used to declare that China will not be pushed around by other countries. It is almost exclusively used in formal, serious contexts.
Character Breakdown
主 (zhǔ): This character originally depicted a lamp with a flame, symbolizing the central, most important light. It means “master,” “owner,” “host,” or “main.” Think of the person who is in charge.
权 (quán): This character signifies “power,” “authority,” or “right.” It's the ability to command or make decisions.
The two characters combine literally to mean “the master's power” or “the authority to be the main one.” This perfectly captures the essence of sovereignty: the ultimate, governing authority.
Cultural Context and Significance
The “Century of Humiliation” (百年国耻 - bǎinián guóchǐ): The concept of 主权 is profoundly important in modern China due to its history. From the mid-19th to mid-20th century, China suffered a series of military defeats, unequal treaties, and foreign invasions that stripped away its territory and autonomy. This period is known as the “Century of Humiliation.” Consequently, reclaiming and fiercely protecting national 主权 is seen as a central mission of the modern Chinese state and a way of restoring national dignity. It is not just a political concept, but an emotional one tied to national rejuvenation.
Comparison to Western “Sovereignty”: While the basic definition is the same, the application and emotional weight differ. In many Western political discussions, sovereignty can be a more flexible concept. For example, countries in the European Union voluntarily “pool” or delegate some of their sovereignty to a supranational body for a common purpose. In mainstream Chinese discourse, however, 主权 is almost always presented as absolute, indivisible, and non-negotiable. The idea of ceding any amount of sovereignty is viewed with extreme suspicion due to historical trauma. It is the bedrock of the principle of “non-interference in internal affairs.”
Practical Usage in Modern China
Formal and Official Contexts: You will almost never hear 主权 (zhǔquán) in casual conversation. Its use is reserved for serious, formal situations:
Government Statements: Official protests against another country's actions.
News Broadcasts: Especially on state-run media like CCTV's nightly news (新闻联播 - Xīnwén Liánbō).
International Law & Politics: Academic papers, diplomatic negotiations, and speeches at the United Nations.
Key Political Issues: The term is most frequently invoked when discussing China's “core interests,” particularly territorial claims:
Taiwan: The assertion that Taiwan is a province of China is framed as an issue of national 主权 and territorial integrity.
South China Sea (南海 - Nán Hǎi): China's claims over the islands and waters are defended as an exercise of its historical 主权.
Hong Kong & Macau: The principle of “One Country, Two Systems” is framed within the context of China having ultimate 主权 over the regions.
Connotation: The connotation is always serious, firm, and non-negotiable. It's a word used to draw a line in the sand.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
中国政府多次重申，台湾问题是中国的内政，关系到中国的主权和领土完整。
Pinyin: Zhōngguó zhèngfǔ duōcì chóngshēn, Táiwān wèntí shì Zhōngguó de nèizhèng, guānxì dào Zhōngguó de zhǔquán hé lǐngtǔ wánzhěng.
English: The Chinese government has repeatedly reiterated that the Taiwan issue is China's internal affair, concerning China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Analysis: This is a classic, standard phrase used in official Chinese diplomacy. It links 主权 directly with `领土完整` (territorial integrity).
Example 2:
任何国家都无权干涉别国的主权事务。
Pinyin: Rènhé guójiā dōu wúquán gānshè biéguó de zhǔquán shìwù.
English: No country has the right to interfere in the sovereign affairs of another country.
Analysis: This sentence expresses the core principle of non-interference, which is central to China's foreign policy and its interpretation of 主权.
Example 3:
我们必须坚决捍卫国家的主权。
Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū jiānjué hànwèi guójiā de zhǔquán.
English: We must resolutely defend our national sovereignty.
Analysis: `捍卫` (hànwèi - to defend) is a very common verb paired with 主权. The tone is strong and determined.
English: Becoming a sovereign nation has long been their goal.
Analysis: Here, 主权 is used as an adjective to describe a type of country (`主权国家` - sovereign state).
Example 6:
两国就岛屿的主权归属问题进行了谈判。
Pinyin: Liǎng guó jiù dǎoyǔ de zhǔquán guīshǔ wèntí jìnxíng le tánpàn.
English: The two countries held negotiations regarding the issue of the islands' sovereignty attribution.
Analysis: `主权归属` (zhǔquán guīshǔ) means “sovereignty ownership” or “who sovereignty belongs to.” This is common in discussions of territorial disputes.
Example 7:
随着全球化的发展，传统的主权概念正面临新的挑战。
Pinyin: Suízhe quánqiúhuà de fāzhǎn, chuántǒng de zhǔquán gàiniàn zhèng miànlín xīn de tiǎozhàn.
English: With the development of globalization, the traditional concept of sovereignty is facing new challenges.
Analysis: This shows a more academic or theoretical use of the term, acknowledging that the concept itself can be discussed and debated.
Example 8:
中国提出了“网络主权”的概念，强调国家有权管理本国的互联网。
Pinyin: Zhōngguó tíchū le “wǎngluò zhǔquán” de gàiniàn, qiángdiào guójiā yǒuquán guǎnlǐ běnguó de hùliánwǎng.
English: China has proposed the concept of “cyber sovereignty,” emphasizing a state's right to manage its own internet.
Analysis: This demonstrates how the core concept of 主权 is being adapted to modern domains like the internet.
Example 9:
这份不平等条约严重损害了清朝的主权。
Pinyin: Zhè fèn bù píngděng tiáoyuē yánzhòng sǔnhài le Qīngcháo de zhǔquán.
English: This unequal treaty seriously damaged the Qing Dynasty's sovereignty.
Analysis: This places the term in a historical context, directly referencing the “Century of Humiliation.”
Example 10:
尊重各国主权是和平共处的基本原则。
Pinyin: Zūnzhòng gèguó zhǔquán shì hépíng gòngchǔ de jīběn yuánzé.
English: Respecting the sovereignty of all countries is a basic principle of peaceful coexistence.
Analysis: This is a high-level diplomatic phrase, often used in international forums to outline a vision for global relations.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using it Casually.
Incorrect: `在我家，我有选择看什么电视的主权。` (In my house, I have sovereignty over what TV to watch.)
Reason: This is a common mistake for English speakers who might equate “sovereignty” with “ultimate say.” 主权 is strictly for nations and states, not personal matters.
Correct: `在我家，我看什么电视我说了算。` (Wǒ shuō le suàn - I have the final say.) or `我有权选择看什么电视。` (using `权利 quánlì - right`).
False Friend: 主权 (zhǔquán) vs. 权利 (quánlì)
主权 (zhǔquán): Sovereignty. Belongs to a state. It is the ultimate political authority.
权利 (quánlì): Right(s). Belongs to an individual, group, or legal entity. It is a legal or moral entitlement.
Example: A country has 主权 (sovereignty) over its territory. A citizen has the 权利 (right) to vote. Confusing these two is a major error.
Related Terms and Concepts
`领土完整 (lǐngtǔ wánzhěng)` - Territorial integrity. The idea that a country's borders should not be changed by force. Almost always mentioned alongside 主权.
`独立 (dúlì)` - Independence. A state of being free from the control of others, which is a core component of 主权.
`干涉内政 (gānshè nèizhèng)` - To interfere in internal affairs. The primary action that is seen as a violation of a country's 主权.
`权利 (quánlì)` - Rights. The “false friend” mentioned above; refers to personal or legal rights, not state authority.
`主权国家 (zhǔquán guójiā)` - Sovereign state. A formal term for a country that possesses sovereignty.
`国家安全 (guójiā ānquán)` - National security. Protecting 主权 is a key goal of ensuring national security.
`核心利益 (héxīn lìyì)` - Core interests. A term in Chinese foreign policy for issues that are non-negotiable, with 主权 being the most important one.
`百年国耻 (bǎinián guóchǐ)` - Century of Humiliation. The crucial historical backdrop that gives the term 主权 its deep emotional and political power in China.
`网络主权 (wǎngluò zhǔquán)` - Cyber sovereignty. A modern, 21st-century application of the concept to the digital realm.