China, ‘Global Challenges’ and the Complexities of International Cooperation

Several fundamental factors have led to China’s remarkable and significant progress in addressing much debated ‘global challenges’ and joining international community cooperation. Today, China is moving towards increasing universalism and reducing the overall significance of its particular concerns. With regard to the major global challenges the world faces – in the fields of economy, security, the environment, natural resources and public health – China’s stance is increasingly positive, with policies autonomously determined. Particularly remarkable are its responses to nuclear nonproliferation, transnational terrorism and climate change. It is right for China to refuse some quite unreasonable demands and pressure from the west; it is also right for it to play an increasing role in the international community, bearing its share of and responsibility for common global enterprises, as long as this is commensurate with its capabilities.