Edited and Translated by Yao Chun, People's Daily Online
The current situation in Asian-Pacific region has entered a high-risk period. In Northeast Asia, the Korean Peninsula is on the verge of breaking out a fight. In East China Sea, Japan continuously makes provocations on the Diaoyu Islands Issue encroaching China’s sovereignty. In South China Sea, the U.S. and the Philippines conducted a joint military drill in early April. Shortly after that, the Philippines arrested 12 Chinese fishermen on the high seas and claimed they would sue and sentence them.
On a macro level the high-risk period of Asia-Pacific region is caused by the chronic tangle of historical factors and geopolitics. Specifically it is related to the U.S. strategy of rebalancing Asia- Pacific region. In fact, after more than 50 years’ rapid development, this region still seems fragile and helpless facing internal conflicts and external interference.
Some people have the pessimistic view that war will break out in Asia-Pacific region in the beginning of 21th century, citing that the two world wars broke out in the course of Europe’s development. Apparently this comparison seems reasonable, but we should remember that there is a great difference in the cultural tradition and political pattern between Asia and Europe.
Deeply influenced by China’s Confucian and Taoist culture as well as the Buddhist traditional, the Asian culture advocates peace and harmony, which is different from Europe’s competitive and aggressive culture.
Besides, there is no core power in Europe, All the countries including Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Russia showed no weakness and often provoked conflicts and wars. But in Asia there are China, India and other traditional powers. So long as these countries can stick to self-renewal, the regional disturbance and external interference can be overcome.
Facing the high-risk period of Asian-Pacific region, China must keep calm amid change and synthesize soft and hard tactics. China should understand the U.S.’s conspiracy of conniving sub-conflict but not wanting a real conflict to ensure its political and economic benefits, and boldly mediates related issues with the United States and Russia. China needs to rebalance the U.S. strategy in Asia-Pacific region, suppress those aggressive countries in order to maintain the sustainable development of Asia.
Read the Chinese version: 稳坐钓鱼船 任凭风浪起, source: People's Daily Overseas Edition, author: Wei Da
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