BEIJING, March 30 — The “China threat” and “neo-colonialism” remain cemented in the minds of those who view China’s rapid development with doubt, misunderstanding or hostility, but these terms are really outdated, reports China’s Xinhua news agency.
Throughout history, the rise of a new major economy has always led to fierce competition for hegemony among major players. A fast-developing China, however, will not go down that old road. The dream it pursues is that of national rejuvenation, rather one featuring colonialism, militarism or hegemony.
In his first foreign trip as China’s president, Xi Jinping has elaborated upon China’s approaches to dealing with major powers, neighboring countries, its African partners as well as emerging markets, painting a picture unlike that of any major power in history. China’s relations with Russia, the country’s largest neighbor, are currently at a development peak, with bilateral strategic mutual trust at a similar apex.
As both Beijing and Moscow have clearly stated, they will not unite as a bloc to play an outdated power game of East vs West, nor will they turn into bitter foes, as they did during the Cold War. While respecting each other’s core interests in sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, the two strategic partners have also become opportunities for each other’s development and forged a model relationship between major powers.
In dealing with its long-standing African friends, China plans to intensify its brotherly relations with the “continent of hope and promise,” pledging continuous support for Africa’s efforts for stronger growth. While China’s presence in Africa has met with tension from those with a Western bias, China views Africa’s development as an opportunity. It has emphasised that Africa belongs to the African people and all countries should respect Africa’s dignity and independence while developing relations with Africa.
As the euro crisis continues and the West shows few signs of growth, emerging markets, especially the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), which account for 42 percent of the world’s population, are playing increasingly important roles in fueling global economic growth.
As a developing country, China puts cooperation with other BRICS countries as a priority on its diplomatic agenda and tries to make the group more institutionalised. The common goal of realising equality, inclusiveness and common development has sent the international community a message of unity, cooperation and win-win results. And in this new system of south-south cooperation, China’s rise does not have to come at the expense or the fall of any other nations.
China benefits from the road of peaceful development, so it will strive to associate its dream with the pursuit of a balanced world economy, a democratic international system and a just world order. Meanwhile, wisdom, sincerity, a strategic vision and dogged efforts are necessary in breaking the rules of a zero-sum game in China’s relations with
other economies. As the world looks to the future, the old ways of examining relations among major powers are best left in the past.
BERNAMA
