In a world that moves ahead by leaps and bounds each day, forecast is never as cliff-hanging as fact.

At any time last year, no one would make such wild guesses that the Middle East peace process, the Syria crisis and Iran's nuclear issue could all waddle their ways close to the negotiating table; whilst months ago, one would think it contrived that a superpower could be stripped naked for its habitual spying practices by the bare hands of a grassroots young man who is just a bit respectful of privacy.

Changes make the world as it is. They are also the answer to how countries should face chances and challenges alike.

China is fully aware of the changes at every corner of the globe, and has taken a new set of diplomatic approaches accentuating the need to forge better ties with neighbors, set up a new pattern of relationships between major countries, and build a community of common destiny, in an effort to contribute to peace and common prosperity.

In such an interdependent yet polarized world, countries should avoid imposing their wills onto others and should give up the delirium of ruling the entire world on its own.

During his recent visit to Central Asia, Chinese President Xi Jinping made it clear that China does not seek dominance nor build its sphere of influence in the region, showcasing Beijing's consideration of the well-being of its neighbors in the global village, as well as its commitment to common development.

The new idea in China's foreign policy is only the tip of the iceberg of Beijing's aspiration for changes.

The just concluded Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China stressed profound and widely anticipated economic reforms, including enhancing the role of the market in the allocation of resources.

The communique of the session changes the market's role in allocation of resources from "basic" to "decisive," which, analysts believe, will help China shift from an investment-led economic model to one that is driven more by efficiency, and adde impetus to China's long-term growth.

China will continue to be a key player in the world arena, but whether it can be a successful example remains to be decided by the result of its reforms, or the changes it is willing to continue making along its course of development.

It is also the case for any other country that is eager to achieve progress in conformity with the tide of times and is ready to be an iconoclast.