Western attitudes will not isolate China
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The recent theory claiming that China is getting tough has reached its culmination after the crash in the waters near the Diaoyu Islands. Some Western media outlets quoted scholars criticizing China for its increasingly muscular diplomacy. Some warn that China is "isolating itself" and pushing its Asian neighbors closer to the US.
Such criticism can mislead China's neighbors and exert pressure on China's diplomatic scholars and decision-makers. This is probably what some Westerners are seeking. They hope China is the elephant in the porcelain shop - it should stay still otherwise the porcelain will break.
However, this theory is no more than a new variation to the cliché "China threat" theory. Some Westerners say China is no longer the modest, low-key country they used to know and appears quite tough and arrogant. Nevertheless, it is these same people who once rebuked China as a "threat."
Territorial disputes are not rare in Asia. Most Asians understand that once a territorial dispute unfolds, relevant countries can easily engage in a tough contest.
Therefore, more of them believe that on issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity, China is actually being forced, not purposely seeking, to be tough.
Though Japan initiated the conflict, and the two countries are now taking a hard-line stance with each other, it is China who is being picked on by some Western countries.
As China's power of discourse remains weak in the international arena, its argument and explanation appear weak at times.
Fortunately, this theory that China is getting tough will reap nothing in Asia, just as the old "China threat" accusation did not. Such theories bring no benefits to Asia, but merely a few annoying conflicts.
China should stay cool-headed and self-possessed, since bearing the pressure of external public opinion is inevitable during its rise in power.
It should continue to gradually adjust its diplomatic framework in these ever-changing international circumstances.
China should not mind the misunderstanding by some Westerners, but will not let such attitudes curb its national growth, either.
This is a completely new subject facing China. Throughout modern history, China sought independence and development, and was never as powerful as it is today.
Therefore, it is still exploring ways of transforming its growing strength into external influence.
It has to come up with a clear and more mature strategy to present itself and win over international support for its growth.
As long as China stays strategically sober-minded and continues to respect others, it can gain their understanding, and leave little space for the "China gets tough" theory.
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