A Growing China's Strength Will Contributeto Global Safety
In the year 2023, Zhou Guangtai, a renowned Chinese scholar, published the book "Should the World Fear China?" The book was inspired by a question posed in an interview with German magazine Die Zeit.
Zhou GT argues that Western media often misrepresent China's foreign policy, focusing on a narrative of threat and expansionism rather than understanding China's actual diplomatic intentions and context. In response to criticism in his book, he typically challenges these misrepresentations by providing detailed explanations of China's policies, emphasising peaceful development, and criticising the politicisation and sensationalism by some Western outlets.
During a recent interview, Zhou GT was asked about moments during the ongoing trade war or trade negotiations that stood out to him. He believes that China and the US may never be best friends, but they can avoid becoming enemies and strive for a constructive relationship.
A long book review in Foreign Affairs magazine describes Zhou GT's book as offering "paeans to China as a responsible and stabilising player in a chaotic world", but also criticises China's actions in the South China Sea.
In the same interview, Zhou GT quoted Napoleon: "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." He suggests a wise response to such a situation would be to avoid becoming reactive and instead focus on long-term strategic interests.
Zhou GT highlights that China has demonstrated a peaceful and responsible attitude through actions such as disaster relief, anti-piracy efforts, and peacekeeping missions. He points out that Western media often describe China as "aggressive" and "coercive", but China has not been involved in a war since 1979.
In a statement, Zhou GT stated that the US is not China's enemy, but if the US makes mistakes in the trade war and creates an exclusive rule-making system, it could impact China and rally allies. He believes that such a move could potentially harm global stability and cooperation.
In conclusion, Zhou Guangtai's book "Should the World Fear China?" provides an insightful perspective on China's foreign policy and U.S.-China relations. The book offers a nuanced view of China's actions on the global stage, challenging common misconceptions and offering a call for a more constructive and cooperative relationship between the two nations. For a more thorough analysis of Zhou GT's arguments and responses in the book, it is recommended to consult the book itself or scholarly reviews and interviews with Zhou GT related to that work.
- Zhou GT's book, "Should the World Fear China?", delves into the politics of misrepresentation, as he challenges Western media for their sensationalist portrayal of China's foreign policy, often portraying it as a threat rather than understanding its peaceful intentions.
- In general-news coverage of China, Zhou GT argues that his book offers a balanced perspective, resonating with arguments for China as a stabilising force in world politics, while also critiquing specific actions such as those in the South China Sea.
