3. A correct understanding of global competition

A correct understanding of the international political situation will help us grasp the trend of international affairs. Although China suffered some diplomatic setbacks in 2010, it is important to keep a positive attitude. The following four points may contribute to improving China's diplomacy in the future.

Firstly, we should keep in mind that our diplomatic achievements outnumbered the difficulties we encountered. As mentioned above, the most important achievement this year was that we maintained a gradual readjustment of the RMB exchange rate, which in turn created favorable conditions for national economic and social development. The progress achieved in Cancun in cooperation with others laid the foundations of a positive environment for China's economic development over the next decade. These are the most important diplomatic achievements of 2010.

Secondly, many of the challenges we face are the result of unsolved problems left over from history. They will inevitably continue to emerge at different stages of our development. In the period when our country was taking shape, there were clear differences between the Western concept of sovereignty and the traditional Chinese concept of tianxia or "all under heaven". This has particular relevance to China's relations with its near neighbors. Sixty years after the founding of the People's Republic of China, we have still only settled our territorial disputes with half of our neighbors. With China's rapid development, disputes are likely to emerge one after another because of the unclear demarcation of maritime borders and rights.

Problems are not in themselves bad. The important thing is to have the ability to solve them. The principles of problem solving are mutual understanding, respect for history and international laws, and mutual respect for feelings. As long as these principles are followed, disputes can be addressed through consultations in a fair and just manner. As to whether bilateral disputes can only be resolved within a bilateral framework, this may not be the key issue.

Thirdly, some problems result from China's rapid development giving rise to complicated feelings among other parties, and may reflect the fact that China's way of handling certain issues leaves room for improvement. If we look at things from the perspectives of others it should not be so difficult to understand their feelings. Therefore, as China's power grows, we should be all the more prudent and modest, and work tirelessly to shape the image of China as a great, but benevolent country. Especially at a time when China itself is not free from domestic problems, how can we presume to set ourselves up as a model for others? What China needs most is to work hard, learn, keep its feet firmly on the ground, and to remain forever thankful to those who have helped it.

Finally, competition among states is quite normal. As long as it conforms to the UN Charter and contemporary international laws, it is justified. It should be agreed that while countries make mistakes from time to time, the majority of countries in the world are peace-loving. We should reduce our own errors on the one hand, and cooperate in building an international environment that prevents others from making mistakes. Even though United States and Japan and the United States and South Korea have stepped up security cooperation, it is nothing to be worried about as long as that cooperation remains within a framework of joint defense. The same approach would apply if at sometime in the future the United States, Japan and South Korea entered into a joint defense arrangement.

Of course, we cannot entirely rule out that, under certain special circumstances, such an alliance might constitute a threat to China's national security. This is a theoretical possibility – corresponding to some countries' fear that a rising China may abandon its commitment to peace. We can only overcoming such misgivings by sticking to long-term peaceful development. At the same time, China should also develop its own security capability, and cooperate with other countries to establish an advanced system for threat reduction at a regional and global level.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn For more information please visit http://www.h5a3.com/opinion/node_7082361.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn

(This article was translated by Luo Huaiyu.)