More than a few observers argue that China, with the growth of its overall national strength, is not just a threat to some countries, but especially a challenge to the only superpower of the world. It seems that "China threat theory" has transformed into "China challenge theory," a challenge especially posed toward the superpower status of the US.

Despite the global economic crisis, the fundamental superpower status of the US has not been challenged. Some analysts believe that China is waiting and hoping that the US steps down as a superpower, so that China can rise as a new one.

This misunderstands China's mentality. Being a superpower indicates power politics, which China objects to. China has never been, is not and will never be a superpower.

China does not have to be a superpower to contribute to world peace and prosperity, as well as the well-being of the humanity.

 What China cares is to ensure a more prosperous and stable nation. That is to say, China will first and foremost handle well its domestic affairs. This is the source of China's strength.

In order to continue to advance and manage affairs better both at home and internationally, China has to consolidate the domestic basis of peace, unity, prosperity and stability.

Will any great nation and power leave its domestic chaos and problems behind to make more trouble outside? Without domestic stability, where can it gain the strength to perform its responsibilities in the international community?

The worst case scenario for Sino-US relations is that the US joins or supports its Asian allies in engaging in military clashes against China.

Nevertheless, this will not solve the US's own problems. Instead, it will merely aggravate present crises and make the world a more unstable place. Moreover, the US would not be able to walk away from the consequences.

The best case scenario for the Sino-US relations is that both the US and China work closely together to solve the many problems of the present world, including but not limited to economic downturn, natural disasters, war, terrorism, and sustainability.

However, this alternative is no more likely than the first scenario. Future Sino-US relations will advance with various twists and turns. Both countries are too important for the other to ignore. The US may not like to see a China that challenges its status. But whether China likes it or not, its development will inevitably cause such a concern, and this must be reckoned with. 

The author is administrator of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, Tsinghua University. qlliu@tsinghua.edu.cn