How to boost China's peaceful rise
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China has to extend the space of its security and development. This is where the second platform, which consists of regional cooperation and integration in Asia, is important. China should play a leading role in regional multilateral security and economic institutions. To do that, it must think big, have the distant future in mind and be resolute in its practices.
China's third platform constitutes of the different international organizations, which are not only increasing in number, but also in importance. By being part of these organizations, China can help make international rules, which would suit its interests as well that of the rest of world. To participate in the functioning of such organizations, China needs to hone its diplomatic skills. At the Copenhagen climate change conference in December, China was accused of "being arrogant", because it did not handle the situation with diplomatic finesse.
The fourth platform relates to China's international economic strategy. It has to be different from specific economic foreign policies. As a crucial part of the country's grand strategy, various economic activities abroad should be integrated and implemented in a self-conscious way. China's booming international economic activities since the early 1990s is an outstanding example of what this platform can achieve.
Considering the balance of power on the international stage, China should at least consolidate its "special relation" with Russia. If possible, it should develop "special relations" with its neighbors that lie in key geographical areas and wield considerable power.
It's true that the future trajectory of China's peaceful rise will be determined largely by conditions in Asia and the world beyond. But it is also true that China's strategy and policies will create an impact on Asia and the rest of the world. On one hand, China can and should make great innovations during its peaceful rise. On the other, the process will not be "unusual" compared with the experiences of other great powers' in modern times.
The author is a professor at the School of International Studies, Renmin University of China.
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