Unease at dragon stamp just hot air

The controversy over China Post's stamp marking the Year of the Dragon shows the sensitivities that have arisen over China's rise. Even though the philatelic offering bears a classic depiction of the mythical creature, there is criticism among some that it is a message about the government's true intentions. Such people see the beast in a threatening, attacking pose, making plain what they perceive to be Beijing's attitude towards its neighbours and rivals. But to those who know and understand Chinese culture, there is nothing untoward about the image.

Postal officials and the artist, Chen Shaohua, who designed the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games emblem, are baffled by the fuss. Their explanation is that the dragon's stance portrays China's new-found confidence. What would seem to be at play is misunderstanding. To many in the West, the dragon is a fearsome, malicious beast that breathes fire and has evil intent to kill and maim. For Chinese, it is nothing of the sort.

The dragon has a long and deep-rooted history in Chinese culture. It is legend that Chinese are descended from the creature, and emperors used golden insignias of it to represent their imperial power. Authorities discourage superstition, but it nonetheless remains the most auspicious of symbols. It is consequently held in high esteem for its dignity and power for good, and the source of well-being for a community.

China's growing might naturally makes it more confident and assertive on the world stage. That makes for a delicate balancing act for the Foreign Ministry, promising a peaceful rise and seeking to ensure that concerns are allayed. There will no doubt be tensions and times when cool heads are needed. That is no different in a dragon year than in any other. But a postage stamp bearing a traditional image is simply another way of marking the Lunar New Year. There is no need to seek deep meaning in its depiction of a dragon.