By Qin Xiaoying

China is experiencing the "third wave" of its embrace of the world. It is a drive for a progressive society, and its basic principle is the building of a sustainable, harmonious society in accordance with the world at large.

A recent survey by the Modernization Institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences shows that by mid-century China will encounter 10 big opportunities and challenges. It is of interest that these "big 10" reflect mostly the needs of the Chinese public, especially urban residents, for higher quality of life, or in other words, the changes in their perception of what constitutes "happiness."
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Decreasing is their dependence on basic necessities, as represented by the Engel index, and on the increase is their expectation for more services such as information, medical care, education and welfare.

Of particular interest is the fact that the "big 10" includes "a peaceful international environment" and "development based on co-ordination between man and nature." Even though it is not the first time that the latter has made the list, its inclusion in the public's anticipation for future "happiness" suggests an awakening on a new level.

More amazing is the former, which spells out a clear yearning for peace in the larger world and indicates that Chinese people are increasingly aware of their own closeness with the outside world. We are no longer the isolated people of the "Middle Kingdom," but a member of the global community with heavy responsibilities.

China's fast economic growth and the vast improvement in living standards in the past 30 years have brought about a better appreciation not only for domestic social stability but also amity in the regional and global environment. This is the fundamental message of the survey.

In other words, Chinese people's understanding of the prerequisites for happiness reveals a clear realization of the challenges and opportunities that lie in store. This must be comforting for those who worry about China's development and its possible negative impact on the world.

This survey has assured us that China is, in its own way, joining the new humanist movement that has been sweeping the world. This infusion has, for China and the whole world, a significance and impact that go beyond China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

It is intangible, pervasive and profound, unmatched by any "tangible" feats such as membership in an official or non-official international organization.

If we view China's opening up policy in the 1980s as the "first wave" of China's embrace of the world, its admission to WTO and its subsequent policy of encouraging business to go outside as the "second wave," today's acceptance of the principle of building a new harmonious society could be seen as the "third wave."

What does such a drive mean? It is part of the worldwide social movement that addresses issues in the time of economic globalization. It has set its goal of establishing harmony between man and man, man and society, and man and nature; it is built on the foundation of traditional humanitarianism and the principles of justice and fairness. It is comprehensive yet flexible, encompassing environmentalism of the 1970s-1980s, South-South and South-North dialogue of the same period, research into sustainable growth in the early 1990s, and feminism and peace movements of today.
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Such a drive for building a new society emerged in post-World War II Europe and has been propelled and led by social democrats who governed Western European countries and represented the interests of the white collar and middle classes.

The main principles of the social movement for building a new and progressive society have been generally accepted in Europe and America and accepted by the mainstream of international opinion.

Such a wide base of support has enabled the increasing popularity in developed nations of ideas such as emphasis on peace, ecology, women's issues and equality, ideas that are actually put into practice. It is no longer idle theorizing in elements of Green parties or the women's movement.

Neither is it a passing fad to measure a country's sustainability of development and people's levels of happiness. Instead it is a reflection of the reality that confirms what people can see and feel. For example, more and more women are assuming positions of leadership in many nations, no doubt pointing to a new trend.

In China, the shock waves of the movement are also evident, such as our attention to sustainable growth, human needs, disadvantaged social groups, social harmony, justice and fairness, ecological protection, prevention of family violence, women's rights, and world peace. These are some of the pursuits of the Chinese people.

One may call this a type of "new deal," which may be inadvertently or intentionally attuned to world trends. However, one can be sure that it is the unchanging intention of true socialists to pursue social justice and world peace.

Because of this, Chinese people are making strides into the world and are embracing it with open arms.

The author is a research fellow with China Foundation for International and Strategic Studies.

(China Daily February 22, 2006)