No hidden schemes in Chinese dream

• Source: Global Times
• [20:58 July 18 2010]
• Comments

Leaders in a formal group portrait in Toronto during the G20 on June 27, 2010 Photo:CFP

Editor's Note:

The international order is undergoing profound changes and shifts of power. In this rapidly changing world, China is facing more unprecedented diplomatic challenges. What are the focuses of China's foreign policy in the current world's situation, and how should it deal with what it believes to be the misconceptions of the West? Global Times (GT) reporter Wang Wen talked to Le Yucheng (Le), Director- General of the Policy Planning Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, on these issues.

GT: What have been the main changes in the international situation in the first half of 2010?

Le: Two points stand out. Development issues have become more prominent and more closely tied to diplomacy. After the financial crisis, economic factors have become more important in international relations, intertwined with political, security and foreign factors.

Competition and cooperation between major powers also have increased. All the major countries are adjusting domestic and foreign policies, trying to gain a more favorable position in future international competition. The US released the National Security Strategy report, which proposed revitalizing their economy. Trade frictions among the major powers have increased.

There has been global cooperation on handling major issues such as the European sovereign debt crisis and the Iranian nuclear issue, and mutual relationships have become more active and practical. In general, cooperation will continue to be the main feature among the big powers.

GT: China was not labelled as a currency manipulator, as feared, by recent US Treasury reports. Does this mean that Sino-US relations are improving?

Le: There are differences between China and the US on some issues. However, these differences should be handled in a rational and calm way to avoid frequent disruption of bilateral relations.

As the largest developing country and the largest developed country, China, the US, and the world will all benefit from the stable development of bilateral relations. We hope the US can focus on the overall situation of bilateral relations, keep to their commitments, respect China's core interests and do more to promote the steady development of Sino-US relations.