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Foregn Policy Must Protect Needs
During the 21st century, China's foreign policy must accommodate three basic needs of the country: development, sovereignty and responsibility.
That is to say it must help create a stable external environment conducive to the country's economic development; it must help protect China's sovereignty against aggression and accelerate the nation's reunification process; and it must also help China fulfil its responsibility as a country that is ready to play a constructive role in international affairs, not only in the Asia-Pacific region, but in the world at large.
In a relatively long period of time, peace and development will remain the trend guiding international relations. Instead of foreign invasions, whether China can maintain its stable, orderly and healthy economic development will have a direct bearing on its national security. Thus, the priority of China's foreign policy must be put on creating a sound international environment, such as establishing good neighbourly relations with surrounding countries. This will be conducive to China's reform, development and stability.
Safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity has always been a strategic concern for China's politicians, diplomats and military experts. NATO's war against Yugoslavia in Kosovo last year, as well as the recent tensions across the Taiwan Straits, both suggest the urgency for China to annotate its need for sovereignty.
It is worth noting that the traditional concept for sovereignty is facing unprecedented challenges from the globalization of economy and science and technology. Some Western countries have even put forward the theory "human rights over sovereignty.''
We believe that sovereignty will remain a cornerstone underpinning today's international relations. Yet safeguarding national sovereignty does not exclude respecting human rights. The two are complimentary to each other, not contradictory.
China's need for responsibility arose in recent years. As the country's national strength improves and international standing rises, the need will consequently affect China's strategies in foreign affairs, economic development and national security.
At present, the major content of such a need could be interpreted this way: As a responsible regional power, China should strive to maintain economic security and military stability in the Asia-Pacific region, reduce conflicts and their potentials as well as strengthen mutual understanding and co-operation in the region.
Attention should be given to the fact that as China's economy develops and national strength improves, what role China is to play in world affairs will come under increasingly strict international scrutiny. Frictions and the "China threat'' theory are bound to emerge. Thus, it is all the more important for China to define the need for responsibility as part of its calculated long-term strategy.
China has a long history and unique culture. It is a developing country with one-fifth of the world's population. It is an emerging world power with nuclear weapons and long-range missiles. It is also a permanent member of the UN Security Council. These are the elements that determine the basic interests and needs of China's foreign policy.
When China becomes a moderately developed country, its foreign policy and outlook on world will undergo great changes. The country should well prepare itself for all possibilities.
For examples, what restrictions will China face from the external environment and international norms as its economy keeps developing and its demand in resources and technology increasing? What are the difficulties in handling relations with neighbouring countries as China grows stronger? What responsibilities and obligations is China ready to take, or reject, from the international community? What is China's attitude towards the reform of the United Nations? Will China respond to the call for establishing a security mechanism in the Asia-Pacific region? Answers to these questions are yet to be worked out.
As time passes, China will encounter new problems with its foreign policy. Instead of pragmatism and passive reaction, the country will need foresight, sagacity and a global strategy. China should be a major force behind the world's progress and should take more responsibilities for a better future of mankind.
In a new international order, the authority of the United Nations must be restored. China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, should do its part in this regard. It should put forward its constructive proposals and actively participate in all activities under the UN framework.
The international financial system, with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank at its core, must be reformed to reflect the actual economic situation in the majority of countries. It has become universal knowledge that economic development is the only cure to the problems plaguing many countries in ecologic system, natural resource, drug, debt, population and food. All kinds of reform, whether it is in international norms or economic relations, must serve to facilitate the development of all nations.
China should strike a balance between its responsibilities and obligations to the international community. It should strengthen its consciousness of a world power. In its foreign policy, China should put stresses on its relations with three categories: the world powers such as the United States, Russia and Japan; the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and North East Asian countries; and finally, the Chinese compatriots in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao and overseas.
China will make greater contributions to world peace and development so long as its three basic needs are well fulfiled.
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