CHINA AT 60 REMAINS A WORK IN PROGRESS

       With China's increasing role in international affairs, the world expects responsibility and fair play in return For the past three decades, China has progressed with a shinkansen [bullet train] speed in all areas. No wonder the leaders of the Communist Party are commemorating this week, their 60th anniversary, with great pride and much fanfare. Any symbol - succinct or subtle - that shows China's success and ever-growing power will be on full display for all to see. For the time being, it is their call. The whole world is watching, some perhaps with envy. After all, China has survived against all odds and overcome many prejudices. The recent economic downturn has been another illustration that China can weather the storms much better than the majority of developed and developing countries. Beijing has already recovered from the economic quagmire much faster due to its effective and timely stimulus packages. The latest positive figures show that the country continues to enjoy 8 per cent annual growth while the rest of world is struggling. No more belittling of the middle kingdom. Make no mistake, China's economic health is essential for the world's recovery.
       Since the "four modernisations" were put in place in the 1980s, China has transformed continuously. Nobody would have believed that such a transformation could be so rapid. Comparing China then and now, it is two different worlds. But China today is still a work in progress. The Chinese leaders understand the kind of problems their country is facing. When they were young cadres, they were worried about their adherence to Mao Zedong's ideology and to consolidating the party's power, as well as increasing the membership of the rank and file. Now, the Communist Party has a different set of priorities. Modernisation over the past three decades has brought unprecedented development and prosperity to the country and has lifted the standard of living of the Chinese people in general.
       At the same time, this has brought new dilemmas that the current Chinese leaders have to deal with. These issues are not restricted to the economic arena, but to politics and society as well. Due to the growing interdependence between China and the rest of the world, they have become multi-dimensional, involving both domestic and external factors. Indeed, they are so intertwined that solutions to many problems must be holistic and comprehensive.
       But the Chinese leaders have yet to share this perspective. Certainly, they are overwhelmingly mindful of the national interest. But they have to realise that the so-called Chinese interests very much belong to the world too: The common campaigns on climate change and counter-terrorism, to name only two.
       In the coming years, economic progress will not be the barometer of China's greatness and growing influence. It will have to do with its increased international role and responsibility, and the quality of life of the Chinese people. This year China has paid more attention to the United Nations. For decades, Beijing had been recalcitrant in acting and supporting international resolutions that would affect even its own national interests. China is now more open, and is willing to share international burdens and take a longer view on issues such as climate change, renewable energy and global security. A more international-minded and UN-focused China will be a benefit to the world. As one of the five permanent member of the UN Security Council, its power of veto can either help or hinder joint international efforts.
       China's expanding diplomatic role derives from confidence and trust within the region. In the past two decades, relations with countries in Southeast Asia, under the Asean umbrella, have been excellent. China has made an effort to build up relations to showcase its friendships with smaller countries. In economic terms, China has become an indispensable partner. Asean's overall economic condition and development is also dependent on trade and investment relations with China. The Asean-China free trade agreement will help accelerate economic growth.
       As far as the region is concerned, with a stronger, more-engaged China, there will be greater expectations, especially regarding its role in facilitating dialogue and resolving regional issues. Beijing can no longer turn a blind eye to the situation in Burma - which of late has affected the Burmese-China border region as well - nor can it prevaricate or push its weight around on disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea. These issues are linked to regional peace and stability. China's positive contributions in these areas will go a long way to augment its aura of increasing prestige. That will fit in with China's over-arching mantra of creating a "harmonious society" - especially when that society means a global society.