That some Western countries' conflicts with China are increasing is a worrying trend, but all sides should be cautious enough to not fall into the Cold War trap. After the end of the Cold War, the West became more open toward China and its economy, and China adhered to socialism with Chinese characteristics to make unprecedented economic achievements. Now, China is shifting from quantity to quality growth.

China has also made big contributions to global governance, which have further increased in the past years thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative. The initiative is not only fueling economic growth in all the involved countries but also improving local people's well-being. But the West may not appreciate such public products provided by China.

The world is paying greater attention to China because its increasing cooperation with other countries is yielding more and more mutual benefits. So Beijing should use its economic advantage to take steps that would help other countries to better understand China.

Also, China should be careful about how it presents itself to the outside world. For example, it should let the world know its development model is not a nationalistic concept aimed at just boosting its economy－the model suits its national conditions but it has also been learning from the good experiences and good practices of other countries. More important, as an important member of the international society, China will remain committed to developing with other countries through cooperation.

The author is a senior research fellow and director of Belt & Road Research Center at the Charhar Institute, and Jean Monnet chair professor at and director of the Institute of International Affairs, Renmin University of China.

Source: China Daily, Jan 13, 2018