Western world should recognize, practice values of ‘Hehe’

Jerry Grey

The concept of “Hehe” in Chinese culture, with the first “He” embodying harmony, peace and balance and the second representing convergence, unity and cooperation, is central to both the individual and collective mind-set in China. Rooted in thousands of years of philosophy, the idea of “Hehe” serves as a guiding principle for living in harmony with others, nature and oneself. In a broader context, the concept of “Hehe” has significant relevance to the world today, as addressing the global challenges we face in various areas requires the principles that “Hehe” emphasizes. Viewed through a contemporary lens, “Hehe” is a timeless and universal concept that can guide China and the world toward a more harmonious, peaceful and balanced future. The Global Times gathers opinions from experts and scholars around the world to explore the global significance of “Hehe” culture from various perspectives. This is the eighth piece of the series.

“Hehe” consists of two Chinese characters that relate to a concept that has profound importance in Chinese culture. Daily interactions with Chinese people have subconscious but obvious links to a traditional past embracing many aspects of inherent Chinese tradition including the concepts of peace and harmony; unity and cooperation. The philosophy of living in harmony with each other, with nature, and with our world, has thousands of years of history, but is as important today as it was in bygone years.

One great example witnessed recently is China’s opening up to people-to-people exchanges. These exchanges serve as a living testament to the principles of peace, harmony and mutual understanding embedded in Chinese culture. By fostering dialogues and creating shared experiences, they not only break down stereotypes but also build bridges of trust and friendship. Such interactions allow the world to see a China rooted in its traditions, yet open and welcoming, countering the often biased narratives found in Western media.

For instance, China has implemented a series of visa-free policies that highlight its commitment to openness and cooperation. Visitors from 38 countries can now enter China without a visa for up to 30 days, offering business people, students and families an unprecedented opportunity to experience the country’s culture firsthand.

Additionally, citizens of 54 countries can enjoy visa-free transit for up to 10 days, enabling them to connect with China’s historical, cultural and natural richness. These policies are not merely administrative gestures – they embody the spirit of “Hehe” by inviting the global community to share, learn and grow together in harmony.

China is defined by Dutch social psychologist Geert Hofstede in his cultural dimensions theory as a collectivist nation, one that thrives on groups working together to achieve goals that are beneficial to all, be they in family groups, workplaces or as a nation. It’s something we Westerners often struggle to understand; our individualism leads us to wonder: “What’s in it for me?” The same research shows that most Western nations, which thrive on individualism, will seek instant gratification. We Westerners are likely to desire to achieve our goals as quickly as possible, while the Chinese might wait years, even a generation, to achieve the same result.

Because of these fundamental differences, most Western experts get China so badly wrong. When certain events occur, we’ll react in a certain way. Therefore, we think that others, in the same circumstances, will do the same as we would. That’s why the experts get China so wrong.

The “Hehe” concept is a great example of our differences. Think about this for a moment: When was the last time China invaded and occupied a foreign land? The answer is, it never has. When was the last time China even threatened to invade a foreign land? The answer is, once again, it never has. Despite what many so-called Western experts suggest, there has never been a single event where China has threatened military action against another country. At the same time, think about all the major conflicts the US has been involved in, just in our lifetimes.

The concept of “Hehe” is at the heart of Chinese culture, with the second “he” symbolizing cooperation and collective effort. This cooperative spirit has been a driving force behind China’s growth and is visible in the country’s efforts to build partnerships globally.

When we look at the growth of China since 1949, a time when China was among the poorest nations on earth, there has been exponential economic growth, as well as a significant and constant rise in both the standard of living and life expectancy. China now holds the world’s largest middle-income earning group and has lifted the entire nation out of absolute poverty through a concerted poverty alleviation program. This was one nation striving toward a common goal, and after it achieved this goal, went on to do better.

Look also at China’s green transition, it has now become the leading manufacturer and installer of wind, solar and many other green energy solutions, transforming from a country that was demonstrably polluted. This serves as an example of a nation working toward a common goal, and equally important, it demonstrates a commitment to harmony with nature.

The “Hehe” concept doesn’t stop at home. Through its Belt and Road Initiative, China has extended this concept to many other regions, particularly those that have been known for poverty, strife and hardship for hundreds of years. It was recently estimated by the World Bank that 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa live without electricity. China’s energy programs with partners in Africa could be helpful. Many of the countries, once colonies, where China now constructs hydroelectric power and installs solar, wind or even wave power, are still mired in poverty – something China has significant experience with.

Harmony has another way of manifesting itself. China does not approach these countries with the intent to colonize or impose conditions for change. Instead, China goes to these countries with prospects of cooperation and agreements to work together to harness resources, build infrastructure, improve health and education, all leading to the betterment of the region and the people who live there. Rather than imposing its ideology, China treats these countries as individual sovereign nations, collaborating with them and their neighbors to build infrastructure that benefits all.

We can ask African nations whether they agree, and according to the Africa Policy Institute, the answer will be a resounding yes. The headline of their December 2024 report states, “China-Africa Development Drives Sustainable Growth.” This sentiment is echoed in much of the rest of the developing world.

China’s Hehe culture offers a unique perspective on the country. It represents a positive, well-established, historical and traditional approach to dealing with neighbors, friends, families, the economy, the environment and even adversaries. Rooted in ideals of harmony, peace, co-existence and balance, it emphasizes cooperation rather than confrontation. This is one of China’s greatest strengths and if those “experts” in the Western world could not only realize this but attempt to practice it, the world would be a better place.

The writer is a British Australian freelance writer who has studied cross-cultural change management in China and has lived in China