Is China behaving arrogantly?
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We live in an interconnected, interdependent world in which countries depend on each other for their development and prosperity. The U.S. losing its "super-dominant" situation just means that other countries around the world are beginning to develop. But the U.S. does not see it like that. They want to maintain their political and economic advantages by relying on military might. But this approach will mean more trouble and risk for the whole world.
A display of military power on China's doorstep is not the way to build "comprehensive, positive and constructive relations." Neither the U.S. nor anyone else will profit from antagonism in the Asia-Pacific region.
Sino-US links have moved far beyond the bilateral level to a multi-level and complex relationship. But the U.S. wants it both ways; asking China to "cooperate" in solving the global crisis on one hand, while labeling it "arrogant" on the other. The U.S. asks China to participate in maintaining regional security, while continuing to threaten China's core interests. In short, the U.S. government's diplomatic policy towards China is contradictory and confused.
To put relations back on the right track, the U.S. should modify its strategic thinking and act less suspiciously; it should avoid "zero-sum" thinking and emphasize cooperation. That is the way to keep Sino-US relations stable and healthy, and build a peaceful and prosperous world.
The author is former head of the Strategy Institute of China's National Defense University.
(This post was first published in Chinese and translated by Lin Liyao)
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