China has been reiterating its resolution to adhere to the path of peaceful development and win-win, open diplomacy in recent years, pushing back against groundless claims of a "China threat." However, the framework of peaceful development is not omnipotent and win-win strategies cannot solve all international issues. Refusing to consider zero-sum issues, or dealing with international affairs by using one fixed mindset, cannot lead to balanced diplomacy.

In fact, zero-sum thinking is closer to the true nature of modern diplomacy. Modern diplomacy is derived from the political strife between the secular power and the Pope's theocracy in medieval Europe. Without zero-sum conflicts, there wouldn't be progress.

In other words, it is hard to understand the birth and evolution of modern diplomacy without thinking in zero-sum terms, and it is also impossible to grasp the essence of modern diplomacy, such as the policy of "an eye for an eye."

Although globalization is a reality of the modern world, zero-sum games are not declining; on the contrary, they are gaining momentum along with more international exchanges taking place. Zero-sum thinking is becoming even more applicable than before. China is no exception from this tendency. Thus, even if a nation is carrying forward a peaceful development philosophy, this does not mean it can ignore or even abandon zero-sum thinking.

However, it should be noted that zero-sum thinking is different from the Cold War mentality. That outdated philosophy, bred by the tit-for-tat ideological confrontation between the US and former Soviet Union, goes against the trend of the times and needs to be abandoned.

The Cold War mentality, the "flower of evil," is the extreme result of zero-sum thinking, but rejecting the Cold War mentality does not mean abandoning zero-sum thinking.

Putting an emphasis on zero-sum thinking actually complies with the objective law of international affairs, which can be categorized into three aspects. First, there are non-zero-sum games, such as international trade and economic cooperation, on the basis of economic structural complementarities. Second, there are zero-sum games, such as those involving resources and territorial disputes. Third is the combination of non-zero-sum games and zero-sum games, such as international negotiations over climate change. Thus, zero-sum games are showing their regular presence in international affairs. Competition and confrontation are basic forms of international relations, so adopting zero-sum thinking to deal with these issues is a logical step.

Zero-sum thinking will be conducive to China projecting a distinctive image on the international community and enhancing its influence and leadership in regional and global affairs.

This philosophy can enable a nation to keep pace as a proactive stakeholder in international issues, and also maintain its decisiveness in making important strategic choices.

If China wants to take more international responsibilities and play a role of leadership, zero-sum thinking will surely make a difference. Although not as typical, going for more soft power and a bigger say is also a kind of zero-sum game.

Zero-sum thinking is not an outdated philosophy, but a normal way of thinking which has taken root in international relations.

Chinese diplomacy should be fully aware that only by integrating win-win strategies with zero-sum thinking, can China meet the challenges imposed by the complicated international environment in a calm manner, especially when the relationship between China and the US is inclining toward being more competitive than cooperative.

The world cannot be thought of as a utopia, and ignorance of zero-sum games will cost China significantly. Using necessary zero-sum thinking will give China more confidence in dealing with international issues.

The author is a professor at the School of Government, Beijing Normal University. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn