The director of China's Institute of International Relations has reminded readers in Sunday's Global Times that the age-old notion of a "China threat," in which anachronistic images of conquest and warfare take center-stage, is a remnant of history that needs to be left behind.
Furthermore, Lu Jing, whose institute is based at the China Foreign Affairs University, refutes historical interpretations of China as a domineering force that had no consideration for neighbors or allies.
Lu's editorial was published in the wake of a seven-part documentary that was produced by the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), which aired the "Super China" series earlier this year.
According to the academic, the documentary series sparked discussions among the people of the Republic of Korea about the potential for a China-led global subjugation campaign. However, the director states that such a fear, which he terms the "'China threat' theory," has been a favored propaganda tactic that has been primarily used by Western nations--and also by some of China's neighboring counterparts--during the eastern Asian nation's rise to prominence in world affairs.
The academic then outlined a compelling perspective, in which he refers readers to China's behavior during "powerful times," whereby the nation was ". . . always favorable to others in economic ties, adhered to the principle of benevolence in political relations and was cautious about resorting to force."
He then described more recent events, whereby China has been a leading contributor to the anti-Ebola effort, it has engaged in discussions to bolster the infrastructure and economies of key partners, which includes neighboring countries, and has been an active participant in global climate change discussions.
There is already enough fear and anxiety in the world due to affairs that are centered well beyond China's borders, so falling prey to groundless notions seems very unnecessary.
As Lu concludes, China is solely concerned with the "diplomatic mindset it advocates" so that it can engage with the rest of the world in a diplomatic fashion.