Last year was important to both China and the world at large. Overshadowed by a lingering global economic slump, the chills of the European debt crisis were still broadly felt, putting a damper on growth in economies around the world. Despite signs of recovery in the U.S., Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned last November that the rally remained “disappointingly slow” and the imminent fiscal cliff could send U.S. economy back into recession. Though China maintained a high growth rate in comparison with other major economies, it was at its lowest over the past decade.
　　Several countries held national elections last year, including Russia, France, Mexico, the U.S, South Korea and Japan. China also underwent a power transition. The country’s new leadership was elected at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Changes of leadership will have far-reaching effects on the domestic affairs of these countries, and also influence international relations and strategies.
　　Amid a complicated and shifting international situation, China has retained social stability and relatively brisk economic growth. Its independent and peaceful foreign policies contributed to the creation of a peaceful environment conducive to domestic economic development, and bolstered its international status.
　　In a recent interview with Global Times, a German scholar of Asian studies predicted that after creating the “China Era” in the past decade, the East Asian power will remain a leading engine of world economic growth in the coming 10 years. While Europe is mired in the debt crisis, and the U.S. is yet to reverse its decline, China is the only major economy to keep a growth rate above seven percent. Its significance to the world is oft repeated by media all over the world. Though some statements are overblown, it is a generally accepted fact that China and the rest of the world are increasingly inseparable, both conomically and politically.
　　As China rises peacefully, its overall strength and international clout expands, causing some countries to take measures to contain China and guard against its supposed threat.
　　Among various expressions of concern is that of the Voice of Russia, which published on November 26 “Pitfalls and China’s Benchmark.” This report identified two pitfalls on China’s road to becoming a powerful nation: the “island” trap and the“nationalist sentiment” trap. The former concerns territorial disputes with neighboring countries like Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines, which have repercussions on the regional situation. The latter could endanger China’s efforts to rejuvenate the country and push forward reforms. 　　The new Chinese leadership has a levelheaded approach to these “traps,” and is fully aware of the importance of a stable and peaceful international environment for the country’s development. Their understanding of the matter does not contradict the stance wherein China will “make no concession” on issues concerning sovereignty and territorial rights. Seeking harmony in diversity is one of the cardinal principles guiding China’s foreign policies that can be put into practice. There are many examples of its successful application throughout history.
　　When it was disclosed that the Red Dawn remake had switched its villains from Chinese to North Koreans, the film’s American producers received a hail of criticism from the domestic media, accusing them of bowing to Beijing without a single critical word from the Chinese government. It is nevertheless understandable that American filmmakers should take care not to hurt Chinese feelings, as the country is the film industry’s most lucrative market.
　　It is believed that foreign businesses and governments alike will weigh up various factors in China when making decisions so as to protect their own interests. China is not looking for reasons to make a fuss. What it needs to do is focus on domestic growth and realize the “China dream” of national rejuvenation.