Convergence of interests

Turbulence and geopolitical conflicts of various forms still exist, but China should neither panic nor ignore them. Notwithstanding the changes in the global landscape, international relations will still be determined by sovereign states for the foreseeable future. Respecting sovereign rights and territorial integrity are still indispensable and basic principles of international relations.

International relations are complex and many different factors are at play. However, major countries have only three options before them. The first is to adopt a Cold War mentality and to engage in Cold War strategies. The second is to engage in local hot wars as another world war is not possible. The third is to build communities of interests for common development. History has shown us that the first two options should be rejected.

As globalization deepens, countries around the world are facing common and completely new challenges. It would be dangerous if any country responded to these global challenges in the first half of 21st century with the old mindset and old strategies employed before 1970s.

China is in favor of the third option, which is to pursue a path of peaceful development in the context of economic globalization and to enlarge its convergence of interests and build communities of interests with all countries and regions.

In short, our goal is to integrate the interests of the Chinese people with the common interests of the rest of the world, expand the convergence of interests with other countries and build communities of interests with other countries, so China and the rest of the world can realize peaceful development.

The author is a former vice-president of the Party School and director of the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy. This article is based on his keynote speech at the Fifth World Forum of China Studies on May 23 in Shanghai.

(China Daily 04/01/2013 page8)