Proactive diplomacy connects the world

President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang have been in office for more than one year. While maintaining the stability and continuity of foreign policy, Xi has put forward a series of new concepts, which may be termed the "Xi Jinping Doctrine" of Chinese diplomacy. These are designed to explain the new leadership's view on the relationship between China and the world and to lay out new approaches toward major issues or difficulties in that relationship.

The doctrine contains six main points. The first is to establish a sense of identity with the world in a "community of common destiny". No matter how high China rises and no matter what system or development mode it adopts, it is always part of that community rather than being detached from the rest of the world.

The second is to express a world dream with a "Chinese Dream". The ideal of a "harmonious world" of the previous leadership might be too high to reach. And the new leadership has chosen a more simple, direct, popular and clear way to talk to the world: you have your African Dream, American Dream, European Union Dream, Latin American Dream, etc, and I have my Chinese Dream. We hope that all our dreams will come true, so we can all enjoy peace, development and prosperity.

The third is to ensure peace and development with bottom-line thinking. Peace and development are not achieved without conditions and Chinese core interests of security, development and sovereignty brook no violation.

The fourth is to improve China's image from that of valuing profits more than justice with a right approach to morality and interests. Without moral guidance, how can China talk about the morality of a big developing country?

The fifth is to manage relations with the United States to create a new type of major-country relationship, with the lowest objective being no confrontation or conflict, the medium objective mutual respect and the highest objective win-win cooperation. All three objectives can be pursued in parallel.

The sixth is to dispel the misgivings of neighboring countries with the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. China will practice these principles and hope other countries will do so to make them a common philosophy in this region.

These six concepts are important components of the top-level design for China's diplomacy. In his visits to Central Asia and Southeast Asia, Xi envisioned a Silk Road Economic Belt and Maritime Silk Road of the 21st century. Premier Li has also proposed various economic corridors, free trade areas and connectivity projects. These are considered the mega-strategy of Xi and Li. In implementation, as Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, "the most distinctive feature of China's diplomacy is being very proactive".

This proactiveness is demonstrated in three aspects. First, attention has been given to the coordination and alignment between the central government, different ministries and local authorities along with the establishment of the National Security Commission. Second, various means were used in a comprehensive and integrated way. For example, the "five connections" for the Silk Road Economic Belt policy exchange, road network, trade talks, currency circulation and people's friendship which involve political, trade, financial, legal and non-governmental approaches. Third, strength and gentleness have been combined on major hot-spot issues and questions related to China's rights and interests.

China has adopted an attitude of not evading questions, welcoming political negotiation, acting in accordance with international and regional rules while making necessary military preparations and taking necessary measures for effective control.

With their special experiences, the new leadership has a very strong sense of mission, a focus on efficiency and hard work, no shortage of risk awareness, and little fear of dangers or difficulties. It tends to act proactively and seek steady diplomatic progress through a louder Chinese voice and rational use of Chinese power, in order to effectively safeguard Chinese interests and maximize the Chinese contribution to world affairs.

However, attention should be given to possible reactions. In the post-Cold War and post-financial crisis era the world's complexity and uncertainty are beyond imagination. Countries have their own interests and considerations and so will have their own paces and rhythms rather than dancing with China. For example, some countries may, for the time being, find it difficult to understand the new concepts, initiatives or actions of China; some may misunderstand or even resist them; and some may even deliberately distort or disrupt them.

As the proverb says: more haste, less speed. It is extremely difficult for the new leaders to make correct situational judgments and balance the timing, strength and rhythm of decision-making and implementation in a dynamic and smart way. Diplomacy is an art of experience and skills are gained through long-term practice. There is much to expect in this regard.

The author is director of the Institute of World Political Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. www.chinausfocus.com

(China Daily 05/06/2014 page8)