Saudi Arabia is expected to circulate a draft resolution backing an Arab peace plan for Syria among UN General Assembly members on Friday. The Western media have highlighted Saudi Arabia's move to prove that the vetoing of a UN Security Council draft resolution by China and Russia on Feb 4 was "against the will of the Arab people".

The reason Western countries are hell-bent on magnifying the "humanitarian crisis" caused by the veto by China and Russia is obvious: they want to serve their self interests in the Middle East while blatantly ignoring the chaos their efforts at the UN could have created in the region and the suffering it would have resulted in for the people there.

Interestingly, the veto has sparked a debate in China too. While many praise China's move saying it did the right thing by confronting the US-led West, some say China should not have followed Russia, for it would damage China-US ties. Still others claim that the veto would hurt China's friendship with Arab countries.

All said and done, the veto was a praiseworthy move reflecting China's rise as a responsible power. It also showed that China would stick to the principle of "independent and peaceful diplomacy", advocated by China's late leader Deng Xiaoping, under all circumstances.

The world is entering an unstable era. Given China's rapid economic development and opening-up over the past three decades and the fast-paced globalization of recent times, its interests are likely to be hurt by the chaos in many countries and regions. The recent abductions of Chinese workers in Egypt and Sudan are just one example of this. Therefore, China has to increasingly project its influence on a broader range of issues to protect its short- and long-term interests.

There are many historical examples that tell us that a fast-rising power is bound to face many challenges and pressures. It is especially true of China, because its rise has coincided with a world full of contradictions and unrests.

There are certain principles that China, as a major power, has to follow to better defend its interests. First, it has to maintain its independence in international affairs, which means it should not follow other's examples, or form alliances or make decisions under pressure from outside.

China has always attached the greatest importance to Sino-US ties. But that does not necessarily mean China should maintain Sino-US ties at the cost of sacrificing its relations with other countries or violating its avowed diplomatic principles. Only if China thinks and acts independently can it win the respect of all its partners, including the United States.

In defending its interests, China should abide by international laws to rally more support. Especially in UN Security Council debates, China should take the lead in preventing unauthorized military interventions in other countries, for it is a violation of international laws. Insisting and acting on the principle of not-interference in the internal affairs of others could "isolate" China from some countries in the short term, but in the long run it would benefit China as an overall "brand".

Second, it is equally important for China to let the world know about its determination. In particular, when it comes to matters concerning its core interests, China must try all means to thwart hostile international forces from interfering in its national affairs. That will be good for both sides because it would put an end to any illusory desire. China is not a naysayer, but it should veto any UN resolution that could harm its interests and global standing.

Of course, diplomatic skills are needed to say "no". In today's West-dominated world, many countries are suffering the consequences of the West's actions but cannot speak out, for fear of being made to suffer further. The best way for China to find allies is to support friendly countries that need its help.

And third, China has to act timely to prevent its security from elapsing into a crisis. That would require it to mediate between opposing parties in a conflict to prevent it from intensifying.

Besides, China need involve itself in a regional or international conflict before it goes out of control. But while doing so it should work to get the support of all sides as far as possible.

China was (and is) right to focus on its domestic economic development.

But after getting involved in many international matters, China shouldn't be reduced to the status of just an audience. There is no need for China to fight shy of defending its values, principles and interests in regional and international affairs.

China may lack the influence to set global agenda, but it can no longer be ignored in the discussions on such agenda.

In the final analysis, it is important for China to not only develop its economy, but also take more measures to safeguard its interests and project its international influence.

The author is a rear admiral and former director of the Institute for Strategic Studies at the People's Liberation Army National Defense University.

(China Daily 02/17/2012 page9)