Time can create miracles. Just one century ago, China was the largest undeveloped country in the world. Now, it has regained its place as a major power. How China can grow into its new role and become a responsible power in this new era is a question scholars are currently grappling with.

Wang Yizhou, professor and Vice Dean of the School of International Studies, Peking University (COURTESY OF WANG YIZHOU)

"Creative involvement" is Professor Wang Yizhou's solution. Wang, Vice Dean of the School of International Studies of Peking University, studies the origins, phases and possible direction of China's global role in the 21st century. He suggests that China extends its traditional policy of non-intervention as global conditions change, and aim to provide more strategic assistance and public goods with higher efficiency, and in accordance with its abilities.

An innovative practice

Wang recently published a book titled Creative Involvement: the Evolution of China's Global Role, the second of a series, focusing on the question of how China will learn from other countries' experience to help itself grow from a marginalized nation to a responsible global power. "China is the most populous country in the world, with a long history and civilization that contains immeasurable creativity and innovation. If more people engage in studying China's new global role, there will be more benefits for the Chinese people, as well as the international society," wrote Wang in the introduction to his book. It addresses three major topics: changes in China's diplomacy since 1919; its assistance to Africa as a big power; and Europe's experience as a global leader. Wang believes that China should draw lessons from its efforts to provide assistance to Africa, timely extend its non-intervention theory, and engage in a more creative involvement in term of international affairs.

"Diplomacy always serves national interests. As China's interests have expanded along with its development, the country has inevitably grown to be a relevant player in various regions. Professor Wang Yizhou has suggested an effective method for implementing China's diplomatic practice," said Professor Wang Fan, Assistant President of China Foreign Affairs University, at a seminar hosted by the Chahar Institute, a non-governmental think tank for diplomacy and international relations.

Wang Fan said Professor Wang Yizhou covered China's explorations in the diplomatic field in recent years, including good-neighborly relations, Six-Party talks and strategic dialogues. The United States basically dominates current international relation theories, which have greatly influenced Chinese researchers and scholars, but "Europe remains at the frontier of international relations by playing a role as economic trailblazer, modern civilization champion and international policy maker," said Professor Wang Yizhou in his book, pointing out that while the EU is expected to develop more theories through innovation, China is sure to solidify its own approach to global issues.

Wang Fan added that Professor Wang Yizhou has also summarized China's achievements and challenges in Africa, which is considered an experimental ground for China's new global role, mainly due to the country's lasting assistance during past decades.