China needs cool minds in heated disputes

Global Times, September 19, 2010

Seldom in the past decade, unlike today, has China been surrounded by all-around conflicts and disagreements with major powers and neighboring countries on issues such as currency, maritime rights and territorial disputes.

China has been trying hard to create a favorable development environment by sticking to a peaceful diplomatic agenda. It has been trying to avoid the conflicts and collisions that come with being a rising power.

However, as China's economy continues to grow, suspicion and wariness against it has risen to unprecedented levels. The clashes seemingly cannot be avoided.

The increase in the number of international conflicts does not mean that China's foreign relationships have worsened as a whole, nor does it suggest that China's rise is destined to a poor result.

On the contrary, China has long shrugged off diplomatic isolation. Increasing trade volume and the frequency of high-level official visits indicate a closer integration between China and the international community.

But it is also a reality that there are concerted efforts in the developed world to cause stress and anxious moments over China's growth. The label of the world's No.2 economy has attracted too much attention - much of it negative - over China.

The change in international structure brought by China's rise has pushed powers, including the US and Japan and China's neighboring countries as well, running against China's rise for their own maximum benefit.

China needs fine-tuned resolutions to solve those long-term issues. Time is with China in that it can afford to show patience to crack the hard nuts in the long run. In the process of China's rise, many of the "China threats" advocates' claims may also disappear.

China should also be equipped with diversified diplomatic tools, involving the government, society and individuals to tackle the risk brought on by China's rise. The government should also create conditions to release the power of its public diplomacy.

In the future, China can expect further challenges and provocations from various players around the world, and as a result more clashes will follow.

China will not actively seek confrontation, but it will also not be afraid of conflicts thrust upon it.

Editor's Pick >>

.