When the going gets tough, the tough get going in China

• Source: Global Times
• [22:19 February 19 2010]
• Comments

Seeing any external criticism as a blatant attempt to subvert or even overthrow China's political system is a sign of adolescent insecurity and lack of confidence.

Transparency, open-mindedness, rational, clear elucidation of each and every difference in circumstances and policies and ability to describe national missions and core interests in universal language and concepts are required in maintaining a healthy and productive relationship with the West.

In this light, "demanding" China to cut its carbon emission is not an evil plot to derail China's economic growth; "requesting" China to engage in the war against terrorism and reconstruction in Afghanistan is not a sinister move to drag China into a quagmire; and "asking" China to vote in support of UN sanctions against Iran and North Korea is a call for China to be more responsible as a permanent member of the UN security Council, not an unreasonable arrangement to embarrass China; "questioning" China needs to recognize that the rest of the world is calling on it to be a mature power, not seeking to humiliate it again.

The author is director of the China Program at the Carter Center in Atlanta of the US. yawei.liu@emory.edu