Since security on the periphery is vital to a country's overall security,China's considerations of its peripheral areas have remained among the four pillars of its diplomacy,the others being big power,developing country,and multilateralism.With the establishment of the P.R.C.and the Cold War,past relations with neighboring countries were stormy,with policies toward some involving confrontation,even armed clashes.The Cold War's end and China's growing comprehensive power have affected security in peripheral areas and the power structure in neighboring countries,increasing the pressure for timely adjustment and reform of diplomatic strategy.Efforts were discernable during the CPC Central Committee symposium to consider further overall arrangements and to raise the profile of diplomacy in peripheral areas as well as to strengthen relations with most neighboring countries.Nearly all Asian countries have established various partnerships with China,and the interests of China and its neighbors are being balanced in depth and scope.<作者简介一>=the Center for Collaborative Innovation on Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights.