Editor’s note: China should be a major country featuring benevolence and wisdom in the new era. How can China tackle problems of domestic affairs and diplomatic dilemmas in the great times? How can we carry out construction of benevolent society and pursue wise diplomacy? On the evening of May 15th, RDCY invited Wang Yizhou, Professor of Peking University, to make an in-depth analysis for us.

China is undergoing a game-change from independence to prosperity and strength

In 1950s, China set independence as its key mission, strived to get rid of humiliation and encourage liberation of Asia, Africa and Latin America. China embraced reform and opening-up policy in 1978. The past four decades were featured with focus on its own development and emphasis on economic progress.

Deng Xiaoping attached his importance to scientific evolution after the end of the Second World War, laid stress on people’s livelihoods, consumption and economic development. After the 11th central meeting of CPC, there existed a major shift in China’s policy. The shift was of great significance and considered to be a milestone in the history of China, east Asia and even beyond.

Diplomatic transformation has scored many achievements as China established diplomatic relations with Israel, the South Korea and America. China also improved its relationship with its neighbour Japan dramatically.

Then China also brought its relation with Russia to a normal track of development. US-China relation enjoyed a period of peaceful interaction. China improved its relation with many neighbouring nations in this time.

Many enterprises became modernized. The successful launch of the Olympic games bolstered confidence of Chinese people of all ethnic groups. Compared with a weak nation 40 years ago, China now evolves into an economic powerhouse.

In line with its economic development, many changes happened in China’s discourses, diplomatic objectives, functions, institutions. There are three points to be discussed: First, No one denies that the resurrection of membership of WTO is a precious chance for China to make economic progress as its diplomatic focus.

Second, the cultural landmark is also prominent. Several years ago, China exceeded Japan in GDP and was only next to America. China’s military expenses took replace the second position of Russia. Therefore, our confidence to the large extent, originates from fast growth in that period.

The third mark reflects in political and physical changes. The 18th meeting of the central CPC is very vital as many leaders were elected, marking the new political group arise in the international stage. They bear the mind that pursues benefits for people around the world, make contributions to realizing a community of shared interests for mankind.

Opportunities are mixed with challenges

It remains a mammoth task to eradicate poverty and corruption, which is beyond our imagination. We should nail down existing purposes and realize chances and bumps.

On diplomacy front, the Belt and road Initiative and investment of China has gone out. A better way of securing China’s lawful rights and interests in the new era is worth our attention. It’s not hard for us to see that China is struggling to shift from mapping out blue prints to deal with problems. Green finance and sustainable development testify to China’s new thoughts applied to combat challenges.

China’s key task is to build benevolent society

The building of great rejuvenation of China doesn’t rely on the success of geopolitical maneuvering against America and negotiating capability but domestic affairs. From my perspective, China doesn’t reach the level of benevolent society in many aspects. There is still much room for improvements.

How to establish wise diplomacy and benevolent society

From the economic perspective, as economic developer and promoter, China has many areas where we fall behind others. Personally, I think, our focus should be put on all countries irrespective of their sizes, strengths and prosperity.

Wise diplomacy leaves us many problems meriting our attention. In essence, it stems from benevolent society. China’s international status should keep alignment with progress at home.

Some foreign friends think that China is more formidable than mild. We should note that and remind ourselves not to be complacent. Nowadays, China has reached a crossroads and we should consider our own weaknesses and shortcomings. That requires think tanks, scholars and particularly the young to conscientiously follow and keep humble and prudent forever.