What does three PMs visit to China tell the world?

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What does three PMs visit to China tell the world?

(People's Daily Online) 14:18, October 25, 2013

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Edited and translated by Liang Jun

At the invitation of Chinese premier Li Keqiang, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and Mongolian Prime Minister Norov Altanhuyag began their official visit to China on October 22. It is a rare event in Chinese diplomacy that three foreign leaders, all from countries sharing land borders with China, begin their visits to China on the same day.

The three countries share a long borderline with China. Economic issues will top the agenda during these visits. Although their simultaneous visits to China are part of a coordinated effort, there are also inevitable coincidences.

First, the visit of the three indicates a continuation and acceleration of China's diplomatic strategy.

Recently, issues with China and its bordering states have become more complex. The new leadership is focused on opening up new prospects for China's diplomacy with surrounding countries. It will continue to take "neighboring countries come first" as the guiding principle of its peripheral diplomacy, pursuing the foreign policy of developing good-neighborly relationships and partnerships with neighboring countries, and following a policy of "bring harmony, security and prosperity to neighbors".

In terms of diplomatic priorities, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang both chose neighboring countries for their maiden oversea trips after taking office. In addition, Xi completed China's diplomatic schedule for 2013 as he wrapped up his Southeast Asia tour this month.

It is the first time that a new Chinese premier has met his Russian counterpart immediately after assuming office; it is also the first time since 1954 that there have been exchange visits between the Chinese Premier and the Indian Prime Minister within one year; in addition, it is Mongolian Prime Minister Norov Altanhuyag's maiden visit to China after coming to power. The visit of the three PMs to China will have a major impact on mutual strategic partnerships.

Second, it indicates that China's bright economic prospects are attractive to its external partners. China's rapid economic development has laid a solid foundation for economic ties with its neighbors - China has now become the largest trading partner of almost all its neighboring countries, including Russia, India and Mongolia. The long-term economic development strategy between China and its neighbors is consistent, and economic and trade relations are complementary, not competitive.

During their foreign trips, Chinese leaders put forward proposals such as the "Silk Road Economic Belt" and the "Marine Silk Road", which will bring enormous business opportunities to the countries concerned.

Bilateral ties between China and the three countries are at a new starting point. The PMs' visit will further tap the potential for bilateral cooperation, focusing first on promoting pragmatic cooperation in trade, investment, energy and other areas therefore pushing more comprehensive bilateral cooperation to a new level.

Third, it conforms to the modern trend of 'mutual benefit'. Historically, China has had grievances with Russia, Indian and Mongolia, but today they will focus on the present and look to the future.

Needless to say each country's diplomatic policy is determined in accordance with its own national interests, and there will be some trade-offs between the partners.

Russia is sincere in developing its strategic partnership with China; its differences lie in the trade and economic areas as well as geopolitical issues in Central Asia.

India values the characteristics it shares with China as a developing country and an emerging power, but it is concerned about border issues, its trade deficit with China, and China-Pakistan ties.

Mongolia lies between China and Russia. It gives priority to the development of bilateral ties with the two countries, and at the same time, it hopes that diplomatic relations with "the third neighbor" will lend additional strategic space and be of benefit to its economic interests.

Generally, China and the other three countries have chosen to seek common ground while reserving their position on any differences. The consensus on all sides favors enhancing strategic mutual trust and strengthening pragmatic cooperation.

China's simultaneous welcome to the three PMs is a microcosm of big nation diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, and also a positive sign for future developments.

The author is Hua Yiwen, expert on global issues.

Read the Chinese version: 三国总理齐访华说明什么(望海楼)