Shi Yinhong

How to boost China's peaceful rise

By Shi Yinhong (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-05-18 07:50

The rise of China has been a popular topic of discussion for the past few years, especially after the global financial crisis struck in late 2007. The main reason for this may be America's waning hegemony contrasted by China's fast recovery from the crisis. But many domestic problems still obstruct China's development because of which the country will remain far weaker than the United States and hence cannot challenge American hegemony for a long time to come.

Increasing frictions between the US and China, however, suggest the international order is indeed changing. If a new power develops much faster than the others, it obviously sends alarm signals, especially to established hegemonic powers. If the rising power maintains friendly relations with most of the rest of the powers, the political environment will be favorable. Or else, other powers may ally to contain the rise of the new power by setting hurdles in its path. Therefore, a rising power should communicate with other countries, be involved in the global issues and take part or play the leading role in resolving important issues.

To rise peacefully, China must have a constructive attitude toward all countries, no matter large or small, rich or poor. Without hurting its fundamental interests, China should listen to, and coordinate and cooperate with other countries.

The "peaceful rise" advocated by China will not and should not change. But it should not be the equivalent of mindless concession. China should never give in while defending its core interests. Only when it comes to non-core interests should it make some compromise in order to ease the pressure on other big powers.

Moreover, to maintain lasting peace, China should be capable of fighting a war. It should fight one only if it is absolutely necessary, though. It has to expedite the building of its military for peaceful purposes and to defend its national and territorial interests, because history shows that the will and determination of all rising powers' have been tested at some point of time.

Few countries have as many neighbors as China, some of which are big powers and hence Beijing must handle relations with them carefully. China is involved in most of the security issues in East Asia, where international relations and power balances are fickle. Therefore, skilled management of the complicated relations is vital for China's peaceful rise.

The country needs basic and sustainable platforms for its rise. Some of the platforms are geopolitical and geo-strategic, while others are beyond that level. The most significant platform is that of Sino-US relations, for which it has to develop and maintain diplomatic and economic ties as long as possible. The most important strategy for China during its peaceful rise has been its relations with the US. Good or not so good, relations with the US have an important meaning for China. As long as China does not have to sacrifice its most fundamental interests, it should try to coordinate with the US in order to preempt the creation of hurdles in its path.

China has to extend the space of its security and development. This is where the second platform, which consists of regional cooperation and integration in Asia, is important. China should play a leading role in regional multilateral security and economic institutions. To do that, it must think big, have the distant future in mind and be resolute in its practices.