For some outsiders, China may be one of the most dubious
variables on the international chessboard.
Many seem to believe that China's ascent to greatness will
inevitably disturb, if not sabotage, the present world order.
Violence was part of the story about each of the world's current
powers, how could China be different?
The answer can be found in the report by General Secretary Hu
Jintao to the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of
China (CPC). Hu's report includes a special section on
international affairs, titled "Unswervingly Follow the Path of
Peaceful Development."
From Deng Xiaoping down, the recent national leaderships of
China have shared an optimistic view of the world. Hu's report
inherited that optimism and takes it a step forward, appealing for
concerted international efforts to build a "harmonious world"
featuring lasting peace and common prosperity.
The longing for harmony in state-to-state ties is based on the
perception that the fate of China is more and more closely bound
with that of the world.
Reform and opening-up has interwoven Chinese national interests
tightly with those of the outside world. The CPC's commitment to
continue pushing ahead with reform and opening, as is evident in
Hu's report, will only make the bond tighter.
Soon after he and his colleagues received the relay baton from
the country's third-generation leaders, Hu called on the nation to
"single-mindedly work for development, and be all attentive to
construction". We see the same proposal in Hu's report.
On numerous occasions, Hu and his comrades emphasized the
country needs a peaceful international environment to develop
itself. The rather pragmatic need determines China will not pursue
a confrontational approach abroad. If such logic appears more or
less opportunist, Hu promises that China will never seek hegemony,
or expansion.
Even on the matter of Taiwan, the most feared flashpoint in the
region, the CPC has shown impressive flexibility. Hu, in his report
on Monday, offered to sign a peace treaty with the island. On the
other side of the Taiwan Straits, Chen Shui-bian is bent on a
desperate stunt to inch toward de facto independence.
In spite of its preparations for the worst scenario, which is
not unlikely given Chen's capriciousness, the mainland authorities
are obviously not willing to let anything, the Taiwan question
included, distract its concentration on development.
Having been through the turmoil of domestic civil wars and
foreign aggressions, this nation knows the value of peace better
than many others.
(China Daily October 17, 2007)