There is a unique emphasis in Chinese writings on morality and justice in warfare. As early as the 5th century B.C., Chinese military strategists stipulated that wars must have a just cause, the enemy should be notified of pending attacks, and innocents should be protected. The concepts of defence and justness in China’s national security can be traced back to the famous writings of Sun Tzu and other military theorists. Their ideas are reflected in the language the government uses to describe its new security concept. “Active defence,” “peaceful development,” “win-win,” and “mutual security through cooperation” all reflect its long-standing culture of nonaggression, benevolence, and peace.
Realistic view prevails that China would unavoidably follow the same historical track of Germany in its rise. The history of Germany's rise would not be repeated itself in China. Such a historical comparison itself is defective as China has its own unique experience of development.
Most Asian countries can accept China's development, can coexist peacefully with China and can benefit from China's development. Japan though economically benefited, psychologically regards China as a threat. Prof. Joseph Nye said that “As long as China's development is peaceful development, the development will not be achieved at the cost of neighbouring countries or the U.S. Other countries around the world can benefit themselves from China's economic growth.”
Rise of China will be unlike that of any other country in history. China will be able to develop without resorting to violence or conflict for two reasons. First, it does not seek hegemony like other rising powers, or to challenge the current international system. Second, China’s rise can occur peacefully because of the globalized economy and China’s importance within it.
China’s new security concept has evolved in response to its increasingly complex, interconnected security environment. The U.S is a prevalent force in China’s security considerations. China is more concerned on threat of economic and diplomatic containment more than the military containment. China threat theory affects America’s China policy, blending of containment and engagement, having more weight on containment. The inclusion of Taiwan is the most disturbing aspect of the expanded U.S.-Japan alliance from the perspective of China.
Rise of China as a new big power will produce fears and suspicions among the major powers. China must be prudent in avoiding the hyperbole of such worries. It is very important to emphasize China's peaceful development, and that's why it is very important to vigorously develop China's soft power to draw other countries.
China's economic growth has become a main factor in the global economy and China has helped in bringing about global political stability. Only ill motivated forces purposely incite the "China threat theory" aiming to contain China's development and the growth of its international influence. China's peaceful foreign policy, efforts to strengthen the authoritativeness of the U.N, contribution to fair and multi-polarized international order, observing the principles of peaceful coexistence and the norms of international law -- all these prove that China adopt a realistic and responsible attitude to China's development and its global role. At the UN, Chinese leaders once promised to the world that "China will never seek hegemony".
|
