The loneliness of a rising power

• Source: Global Times
• [03:54 December 31 2009]
• Comments

Its emissions-cutting target, a result of exhaustive consultation between the central government and the respective ministries, and complained about by local authorities, was easily brushed aside during the Copenhagen conference.

And, lest we forget, the military parade on the occasion of China's 60th National Day – an event that gladdened the hearts of the whole country – was seen as muscle flexing.

When A(H1N1) virus sweeps the world, the country haunted by its memory of SARs six years ago finds that the strengthened preventive measures are mocked as an overreaction and painted as discriminatory.

The list goes on.

That is the harsh reality facing China today. No matter how hard it tries to rise to the occasion, meet demands here and expectations there, it always comes up against an unsatisfied demand, a festering grievance in some part of the world.

As 2009 fades to make way for 2010, China should brace itself for its destined role in the new brave world.

It should exude a new confidence rooted in the conviction that "The best is yet to come."