Over the previous years, a small number of people in the world have been bent on fabricating and spreading the so-called "China Threat" of various versions. In order to neutralize this influence, China has, in recent years, put forward a policy particularly in relation to its surrounding countries on the basis of sticking to its traditional policy of building friendly relations with its neighboring countries---to wit, building "friendly relationships and partnerships with its neighbors" and a "friendly, prosperous and stable neighborhood". It's not difficult to see that such a policy not only is the embodiment of the option of China's moral principle and value but also endows a more practical common interest factor. Therefore, this policy has won more and more extensive recognition and support.

The international opinion speaks highly of China's approach of reaching its grand goal not by resorting to military might, but through diplomatic and economic measures. The international opinion has noticed that China's integration into the world economy not only upgrades its international status, but also provides a new channel to exert its influence.

The people have also not failed to notice that in Asia, the areas used to be frequently haunted by international wars and civil wars in the past two centuries have ushered in an unprecedented stage with stable, safe and constant economic grow and constant upgrading of the living standard of the people. The role that China has played is not to be overlooked.

In last October, China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) signed a joint declaration on building a strategic partnership toward peace and prosperity. China is the first non-ASEAN country to accede to the TAC, the Treaty on Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

China, Russia and Central Asian countries have unfolded an all-round cooperation within the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organization. In January this year, the Secretariat of Shanghai Cooperation Organization is founded in Beijing, symbolizing that the development of this organization has entered a new period.

The China-India relations have improved significantly. Last year, China and India signed a declaration on bilateral relations and all-round cooperation. The foreign media claims that this is a "milestone type of declaration". In last November, Chinese and Indian navies conducted a joint military exercise for the first time. According to official quarters from India: the China-India relations have become quite mature and the influence of this relation is worldwide.

In Northeast Asia, China tries to continue its friendly relations with DPRK and has decided to adopt a more positive approach to strengthen its cooperation with Japan, ROK and the U.S. on solving the DPRK nuclear issue.

Some American scholars are of the view that China's strategic leading role in Asia has been established. China's cooperation with other countries is in the long-term interests of China. To the Western world, this is likewise a good thing.

Source: PLA Daily