By Yan Xuetong
The year 2006 marks the first time the Chinese government put
its harmonious world diplomacy into practice.
When the idea of a harmonious world diplomatic policy was first
put forward by President Hu Jintao last May, world opinion seemed to
have no clear idea of how the new Chinese diplomatic approach would
be implemented. Some people believed that "harmonious world" was
merely a diplomatic slogan which would not work in practice.
However, what China has done diplomatically in 2006 demonstrates
that this approach can work on condition that both China's national
interests and those of the international community are
recognized.
Since entering the 21st century, China's economic strength has
grown substantially. The country became the world's third largest
trader in 2000 and the No. 1 foreign exchange reserve holder in
2006. China has now become one of the two major dynamos powering
the world economy.
As a result of China's economic strength reaching the world's
top level, the country shouldered a larger share of economic
responsibilities in 2006.
For example, at the Beijing Summit of the China-Africa Cooperation
Forum held in November, the Chinese government pledged to provide
African countries with US$10 billion in aid over three years. Also,
China increased its aid to countries stricken by natural disasters,
including some developed nations.
At the same time, the first strategic economic dialogue was held
between China and the United States to prevent Sino-US economic
feuds from becoming politicized and to maintain the world economy's
steady development.
China's political influence, much smaller than the influence of
its economic power, is primarily focused on the areas on its
borders. Consequently, the political obligations assumed by the
Chinese government in 2006 are concentrated in these areas.
With regard to Central Asia, China hosted last year's summit of
the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and, together with other members, launched
the drafting of legal documents involving cooperation in various
fields within the SCO framework.
Where Southeast Asia is concerned, China hosted the China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian
Nations) summit to mark the 15th anniversary of the establishment
of a dialogue partnership between the two and put forward
initiatives for increased cooperation.
With regard to Northeast Asia, China has worked strenuously,
offering its good offices between the United States and North
Korea. Thanks largely to China's efforts, the six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear
crisis reconvened in December.
In South Asia, China and India reached numerous agreements on
strategic cooperation during President Hu Jintao's visit to India
last year.
The two countries agreed to hold bilateral dialogues between
their top leaders on a regular basis.
Chinese leaders also had talks with Japan's new Prime Minister
Shinzo Abe during Abe's China visit shortly after taking office in
September. The talks helped improve deteriorating Chinese-Japanese
ties and will be followed by Hu Jintao's visit to Japan this
year.
The influence of China's military power is far less than its
economic and political influence.
Owing to the fact that China's military strength is rather weak,
the country shoulders much smaller international security
responsibilities than economic and political obligations.
But this does not necessarily mean that China has no intention
of taking on more responsibilities for international security.
Last year, China sent additional troops to United Nations
peacekeeping missions. The country also staged anti-terror military
exercises with other SOC members and marine rescue drills with the
US and Indian navies. In addition, Chinese naval ships called at
the ports of a number of countries on goodwill missions. Military
exchange programs between China and other countries are also on the
rise.
With the growth of the country's military power, China is
expected to assume more international security
responsibilities.
As a result of China's shouldering ever larger obligations in
international economic, political and security affairs, more
countries will receive help from China. With these developments,
the country's international image can be expected to become
increasingly positive, enhancing its international status and
realizing its national interests.
The author is director of the Institute of International
Studies at Tsinghua University.
(China Daily January 19, 2007)
