China's assertiveness just signals its will to play constructive role in world affairs without compromising its core interests
China's growing role on the world stage, coupled with its economic boom, has of late given rise to some criticism that the nation is breaking away from its past, low-profile approach to foreign policy.
Some critics in the West say China is becoming more assertive or "aggressive". Some even believe the nation is adopting a "tougher" line, or an "arrogant" approach in the foreign relations sphere.
This uncharitable view has gained ground in the West, but is clearly a misunderstanding of China's development orientation and foreign policy.
The critics' argument has led other observers to deduce, falsely, that China will turn uncooperative, or even adopt a revisionist, anti-West attitude while dealing with important global or bilateral issues.
This is, however, baseless.
China's assertiveness reflects only confidence in its position in the international community and is based on a more rational perception of its place in the world.
It is also quite a normal response for a country trying to persist with its "peaceful rise" precept. This gesture must not be construed as arrogance.
For Western analysts, China's assertiveness stems from its growing economic clout.
The fact is, at a deeper level, this confidence comes from the Communist Party of China's effective governance. Diplomacy is but a continuation of its commitment to international relations.
In recent years, the successful handling of a string of events or disasters has increased national pride and the government's political grip. These include the Beijing Olympics in 2008, the 60th anniversary of the founding of New China, the efficient response to, and rapid reconstruction effort after, the 2008 Wenchuan and this year's Yushu earthquakes.
China's sure-footedness in foreign policy stems from a fundamental desire to strengthen cooperation with all countries, especially developing ones, and use multilateral diplomacy to solve all crises.
As the world's largest developing country, China deeply cherishes its friendship and close cooperation with other developing nations, as they have had similar historical experiences and share a common development agenda.
Based on the principle of equality and mutual benefit, China seeks to cement cooperation with, and is willing to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of, developing countries.
This policy has won for China trust and respect from others, and should not be viewed as efforts by the nation to become a "self-proclaimed" leader of developing countries.
China's cooperative partnership with these developing nations has led to many breakthroughs.
The nation has very mature diplomatic relations with developing countries, and that is a key factor in China's assertiveness, as is seen, for instance, with the China-Africa Cooperative Forum.
Therefore, to fully understand China's diplomatic approach and its characteristics, the following points need to be carefully analyzed.
First, China is certainly integrating itself with the international community gradually, and its perception of its role in world affairs is becoming more and more comprehensive.
China's basic analysis that peace and development are the main themes of the times, and that economic globalization and political multiplication are the main features of today's international system, are important guideposts in its development strategy.
Based on this fundamental understanding, China has unswervingly kept to the path of peaceful development.
Some observers may cast doubts over China's commitment to peace, but a comprehensive and careful observation of China's approach will still those suspicions.
Second, China has always stuck to the path of peaceful development and has clearly articulated its wish to work with the international community to establish lasting peace and prosperity in a harmonious world.
Of course, this does not mean China will compromise on its core interests and fundamental concerns.
In the complicated and volatile international situation existing currently, China faces many bottlenecks in pursuing a peaceful development path, as well as firmly safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
That may be the reason why some critics have labeled China's diplomacy "aggressive".
Lastly, China's diplomatic assertiveness only signifies that Beijing is willing to take on greater global responsibilities to match its position on the world stage, and truly play a constructive role in global affairs.
Whether it is assisting impoverished countries, perfecting the global economic order, or coping with climate change issues, China has made significant efforts that deserve praise.
China's assertiveness is only a signal that it will not bend under external pressure and blindly follow a path that undermines its national strength and development agenda.
The author is a researcher with the School of International Studies, the Renmin University of China.
(China Daily 06/07/2010 page8)