China’s diplomacy is based on reason

China and Sao Tome and Principe resumed diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level on December 26, 2016 after a suspension of nearly 20 years. And several days ago, the African nation also cut “diplomatic ties” with Taiwan. The resumption of diplomatic ties or cutting of diplomatic ties is up to the sole discretion of China and Sao Tome and Principe themselves. The West should not take it for granted that China used economic means to achieve diplomatic purposes.

The West, out of envy and jealousy, ignores the fact that China always bases its diplomacy on reason.

China’s territorial integrity is protected by international law and international rules. Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations prohibits arbitrary infringement upon the territorial integrity or political independence of any member state or state. In October 1971, the 26^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, confirming that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing China. Sao Tome and Principe made the right choice in cutting “diplomatic ties” with Taiwan and recognizing the one-China principle. In today’s world, all countries must treat each other equally. Every country has the right to choose its own path of development and values.

In addition, the West must accept the obvious fact that China’s appeal and influence are on a constant rise. China’s development has drawn worldwide attention in recent years. More and more countries regard China as representing an opportunity for development rather than as a challenge. They try to jump onto the Chinese express train to economic development instead of becoming hostile towards China. After weighing the advantages and disadvantages, many countries have naturally made wise choices. China is unwilling, and does not need, to force other countries to cooperate.

China attaches high importance to the nation’s core interests and major concerns, so we will remain proactive but non-aggressive in our diplomacy. The recent good-will interaction between China and Sao Tome and Principe proves the old saying that “a just cause enjoys abundant support, while an unjust cause finds little support”.

 (The author is Deputy Director of the Department of International and Strategic Studies, China Institute of International Studies. The article was first published by People’s Daily overseas edition and is abridged for use here.)

Chinas diplomacy is based on reason

China and Sao Tome and Principe resumed diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level on December 26, 2016 after a suspension of nearly 20 years. And several days ago, the African nation also cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The resumption of diplomatic ties or cutting of diplomatic ties is up to the sole discretion of China and Sao Tome and Principe themselves. The West should not take it for granted that China used economic means to achieve diplomatic purposes. The West, out of envy and jealousy, ignores the fact that China always bases its diplomacy on reason. Chinas territorial integrity is protected by international law and international rules. Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations prohibits arbitrary infringement upon the territorial integrity or political independence of any member state or state. In October 1971, the 26th Session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, confirming that the government of the Peoples Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing China. Sao Tome and Principe made the right choice in cutting diplomatic ties with Taiwan and recognizing the one-China principle. In todays world, all countries must treat each other equally. Every country has the right to choose its own path of development and values. In addition, the West must accept the obvious fact that Chinas appeal and influence are on a constant rise. Chinas development has drawn worldwide attention in recent years. More and more countries regard China as representing an opportunity for development rather than as a challenge. They try to jump onto the Chinese express train to economic development instead of becoming hostile towards China. After weighing the advantages and disadvantages, many countries have naturally made wise choices. China is unwilling, and does not need, to force other countries to cooperate. China attaches high importance to the nations core interests and major concerns, so we will remain proactive but non-aggressive in our diplomacy. The recent good-will interaction between China and Sao Tome and Principe proves the old saying that a just cause enjoys abundant support, while an unjust cause finds little support. (The author is Deputy Director of the Department of International and Strategic Studies, China Institute of International Studies. The article was first published by Peoples Daily overseas edition and is abridged for use here.)