Public outrage no recourse to US criticisms

• Source: Global Times
• [23:10 March 28 2010]
• Comments

Now the US is starting to exaggerate China's national power.

Looking at its history with the Soviet Union, it is clear that this is not a con-spiracy, but a natural reaction the US has to rising powers.

In his State of the Union address, Obama did not indulge in China-bashing, but simply warned that the US needs to accelerate the domestic reforms and promote economic transition so as to avoid the fate of declining into second-rate country.

By contrast, the Chinese media is focused on how to arouse the public outrage to counter the US fears of a rising China.

But this is counterproductive. A Chinese saying goes, "It is better to start weaving your fishing nets than merely covet the fish in the water."

We should take measures to transform the economic development mode and accelerate democratic and legal reforms to enhance international competitiveness.

Only in this way, can we build a sound infrastructure to eventually ensure our place as a first-rate power.

The author is the dean of the School of International Studies, Peking University. forum@globaltimes. com.cn