IT COULD ALSO BE CHINA

 

Attack on Titan, to me, or at least for many, is the best anime to come out this year, and maybe the last decade. It is because of two things, relativity and realism. It has the corruptions of government, horrors of war, conspiracy theories. And now they are resembling history, particularly that of Nazi Germany, and that Germany that come before it, that was screwed in World War 1.

Opening scenes of season 4, looks like just the trench warfare in the fields of France in World War 1. And to quote them: Do you remember this war we’ve been in for four years?  World War 1 started in 1914 and  ended in 1918. That's four years. Am I the only one reading between the lines like this. Of course not.

But if you saw the title, it says, it could also be China. On what sense, that it can also be China?  I am not saying; Hajime Isayama thought that it could also be China. I can never read minds. But how did you saw the German comparison? It’s on a lot of websites, that is saying that it is. What I am though, is I really love comparing things, where I saw resemblance. And I can also see resemblance of China, on Attack on Titan. Especially with the Marley Empire.

Marley is a great empire, and mainland superpower in their world. China is the mainland superpower in Asia, since 2000 years ago. It has declined, but came back as a superpower. That even the United States, thinks twice of confronting it militarily.

Marley also was persecuted, and belittled by a larger Empire, Eldia. In which they undermine it, and ultimately defeated. Making the Eldians to retreat to Paradis Island. Now in the history of China, there could be two comparisons for Eldia. And I dont think the first one was in Hajime Isayama’s mind. Because first and foremost, he is a Japanese. Or maybe because he is a Japanese, it has crossed his mind. But we can never be really sure.

Japan tried to really conquer China since the Ming Dynasty, through Joseon, now the Korean Peninsula. They succeeded for a while in the 1930’s. but because they acquired emnity with the western powers, especially the United States. China along with allies, defeated Japan. Like the Eldians, the Japanese commited atrocities, wherever they land. Most infamous of them, was the Nanking Massacre. They are also records that they commited heinous experiments, againts Chinese people. A lot of atrocities, was not forgiven by the Chinese up to these day.

Japan knowing the might of the Chinese Army, wants also to re-arm. Change the constitution, that limits or prohibits them for having an army, as a punishment for being defeated in World War 2.

Another country that might fit the gloves of being Eldia, in relation to China, is Taiwan. Before World War 2, the world recognized Chiang Kai Shek, as the leader of the Republic of China, of which the whole mainland was under his authority. But when he lost the Chinese Civil War against the Communist. He retreated to the island of Taiwan, in 1949. Both of the two countries claim authority over the entire mainland. Although the Peoples Republic of China, is the one that sits on the throne in Beijing.

And unlike in Japan, China might risk war, to retake Taiwan. The only thing that might hinder them was the protection given to Taiwan, by the United States.

China dont recognized Taiwan, even as a country. Although many countries doesnt recognized them as well. Maybe even their ally the United States, I am not really sure. Even a slight mention of it, will be met by protest, or diplomatic protest, by the Chinese citizens or government.

In the Kpop scene. Tzuyu, a Taiwanese member, of the kpop group TWICE, was scene holding a flag of Taiwan in one of their music videos. Chinese netizens protested heavily, making JYP to force Tzuyu to issue an apology to China. Which is rather unfair to the Kpop singer.

Another thing is an episode of Running Man, where they played a monopoly liked game, in which capital cities of the world was mentioned. And because Taipei was mentioned, along with Beijing, they protested. In which for an outsider, is too petty. Have you seen a Taiwanese person, who cries foul, everytime Beijing is mention as a capital of China. No. Maybe the Taiwanese people, should protest everytime there is a mention. But maybe the Taiwanese people, doesn't want to look petty in the eyes of the world.

There is still alot of resemblance, between China and Marley Empire. Some of the manga readers might have know some of it already. No wonder Attack on Titan, was banned in China. They are afraid, their people, might have this interpretation. Which is not very far fetch, because I have this comparison, and maybe interpretaion.