Unable to better China in positive competition and with military options unfeasible, the US can only fall back on the ‘moral high ground’. But in its hasty Afghan retreat to focus on China, the US risks losing even this.
Asian societies differ from the West in their commitment to academic excellence, social solidarity and state-society synergy. A meritocratic system informed by Confucianism and Legalism is effective at regulating political order, economic affairs and interstate relations.
China should welcome foreigners, including Western journalists, to live and work in the country. International media reports that provide a diverse view of China will be better received abroad than Chinese government statements.
It would be a mistake for the United States to think it can separate the Chinese government from the Chinese people, or the party and the Chinese people. If the US truly wants the Chinese people to succeed, it should stop undermining the Chinese government as only it can help them be successful.
Peace makes development possible and decent lives help peace endure. China, having forged its own path, makes it clear in its new white paper that, unlike the US, it champions globalisation, peace and better lives for everyone.
China only wants its territorial rights and to ensure higher living standards for its people – and the idea that the US ‘rules’ the world is a myth that needs to be debunked.
This year's National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference meetings are important in the sense that a new government will be "sworn in". The new premier will take up his position, together with a whole new cabinet - following the forming of a new Central Committee, ministers are expected to be reappointed as well, with a five-year term ahead.
