Visits show faith in China

Winter used to be a low season for diplomacy. Yet, Beijing has witnessed the arrival of one distinguished foreign guest after another since November. While extending a warm welcome to our guests, we should also remain sober-minded, said an signed article in Monday’s People’s Daily Overseas Edition.

British Prime Minister David Cameron, US Vice-President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault visited Beijing this month. A fortnight earlier, Premier Li Keqiang and leaders of the European Union held the 16th China-EU summit in Beijing.

This is clear evidence that other countries are eager to deepen and expand their cooperation with China. A glimpse of the consensuses built and the cooperative agreements signed between Chinese leaders and their foreign counterparts shows these countries have different demands and pursue different agendas in promoting ties with Beijing.

For example, Biden’s visit may not have focused on details of bilateral cooperation in a specific area. But during his visit, the two sides issued a joint declaration on strengthening Sino-US economic ties, which provides a road map for the next stage of bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

Generally speaking, there is a foundation for China to build on its relations with these countries, but China also has disagreements in one way or another with them. There is a clear need for enhanced dialogues and communication so that differences and disputes do not disrupt the larger picture of the various ties.

Apart from wanting to strengthen ties, the desire to learn more about the reform plan agreed at the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, held last month, is also fueling the number of visits by foreign leaders. Undoubtedly, the new round of reform initiatives ushered in by the plenum will bring changes to both the form and the content of China’s interaction with the outside world.

Considering that Western countries’ policies toward China are both complicated and a support to their domestic politics, China should be enthusiastic and cool-headed about their approaches.

What we have seen in the diplomatic front so far this winter is proof that China’s development continues to benefit the whole world, and the world is confident of China’s future development.