Foreign Perspective

More proactive diplomacy

By Jing Men (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-25 16:38

Communiqueshows government making greater efforts to overcome 'foreseeable and unforeseeable risks and challenges'

The eagerly anticipated Fifth Plenary Session of the 17th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) concluded on Oct 18. Apart from addressing some major domestic issues, the Communiqu sent a clear message to China watchers that its diplomacy is changing from a reactive approach to a proactive approach.

Chinese foreign policy is an extension of its domestic policy. Depending on the definition of its core national interests and the changing external and internal environment, Beijing adjusts its foreign policy regularly.

In the pre-reform era, the leadership of the PRC focused on breaking the containment by the United States and obtaining international recognition and legitimacy. Before 1971, the PRC was marginalized in international relations due to the obstructive role played by the US. In other words, China was excluded from the US-dominated international stage.

Between 1971 and 2001, Beijing first secured its place in the United Nations, the most important international governmental organization, and then access to the World Trade Organization, the most important international trade body.

Those 30 years, mostly in the reform era, are seen as a learning process as Beijing adapted its policy and behavior to conform to internationally accepted rules and norms.

A review of Chinese foreign policy during the past six decades reveals a change as China became increasingly more proactive, rather than reactive, in its diplomacy.

To be reactive in diplomatic relations is to be passive. The Cold War environment and the competition between the US and the Soviet Union did not leave much space for Beijing to initiate its own diplomatic actions. Beijing was frequently obliged to react to the threat posed by one or other of the two superpowers and only in the 1980s could China start to systematically develop its independent foreign policy.

The real opportunity came after the disintegration of the Soviet Union - the collapse of bipolarity brought dramatic change to the international political structure - the Chinese leadership seized the opportunity and started to promote a multi-polar world in which China played an important role. This strategic vision ushered in a new era of Chinese diplomacy.

The adjustment of Chinese foreign policy as a consequence demonstrates China's active participation in international affairs and the transition from rule taking to rule making.

These changes are not only reflected in Beijing's diplomatic practice. Noticeably, for the first time in such an important document, the Communiqu of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 17th CPC Central Committee highlights this proactive spirit.

By emphasizing the necessity of strengthening "the awareness of opportunities and potential risks", actively adjusting "to the changes of environment", and effectively solving "various problems", the Chinese government is attempting to be better prepared for both "foreseeable and unforeseeable risks and challenges" in the world.

Such a statement has the following implications: First, Beijing has accumulated rich practical experience and it is now time to act based on what it has learnt over the years. Second, the years of policy practice have given Beijing self-confidence. It believes that only by being more proactive can it be more successful in dealing with challenges. Third, the emphasis on the readiness to adapt to changes and to solve problems indicates the willingness of Beijing to behave as a responsible power.

Needless to say, it is easier to deal with foreseeable risks and challenges than unforeseeable ones. Nevertheless, unforeseeable problems can be triggered by foreseeable ones, and thus, in order to nip in the bud all possible problems, better preparation is necessary.

For example, the 1998 Asian financial crisis and the 2008 world financial crisis were both unforeseeable. However, if appropriate measures had been taken in the financial field and good coordination had been achieved among all the players involved, these crises might have been avoidable.

In the contemporary era, globalization has tremendously increased the interconnectedness between states. Countries have realized, more than ever, that what happens somewhere else may affect them. China, as an important player in world affairs, has no doubts about its responsibility to work together with other countries to maintain healthy international financial order, uphold sustainable economic growth and protect the environment.

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In East Asia, good regional relations are crucial for China to focus on its domestic reform and development. From the perspective of economic cooperation and trade relations, China has been very successful, as it has become the largest trading partner of Japan, South Korea and established a free trade area with ASEAN.

Yet, from the security perspective, the territorial disputes in both the East China Sea and the South China Sea between China and its neighbors may trigger problems if they are not handled with caution.

Inside China, domestic challenges may also have external repercussions. Natural disasters, disease epidemics, energy shortages, and the fight against terrorism, for example, will all be watched closely by the world.

All in all, to be able to have an upper hand in dealing with all kinds of challenges, China needs to give full play to its wisdom developed from the knowledge and experience acquired in the past years of policy practice. Furthermore, China needs to possess a long-term vision.

The road taken by China, which features Chinese characteristics, is a unique one. It not only takes into consideration Chinese national interests, but also international responsibility so as to be a reliable stakeholder. In such a way, China's rise will follow a peaceful trajectory and contribute to world stability and development.

The author is the InBev-Baillet Latour Chair of EU-China Relations at the College of Europe.