We have been engaged in an increasing number of heated discussions on China's role as a global power, but the prevailing view holds that China is still a partial power. Some Western scholars commented that China cannot think globally while it goes global. Such words keep reminding us that the ancient civilization is far from being embraced as a global power.

Another question is the willingness of the outside world to accommodate a China that has been playing an increasingly prominent role in global affairs.

In the past few years, many foreign affairs institutions have been desperately urging profound changes to China's diplomatic strategies engendered by its rapid rise. But the urgent predicaments facing Chinese foreign affairs call for practical solutions. Consequently, we should maintain strategic restraint while being self-confident in the pursuit of a creative involvement in global affairs.

At this critical juncture, we should make more efforts in enhancing strategic planning and conducting high-quality research on how global trends will affect and define China's international strategies. Forward-looking thinking on security challenges is very much needed. Study on the synergy between the new orientation of Chinese diplomacy and its domestic development is also particularly needed.

How to convert power resources into real power in global affairs is a huge test for the Chinese government at present. For example, we help build hospitals in Africa, but the doctors working there are from Europe. China has long been characterized by its remarkable economic growth and now it is high time to translate such power resources into extensive and enduring influence.

In this course, civil power should be unleashed. China can learn from the US in empowering the public and the private sector to aid in the foreign policy goals.

Proceeding with strategic transformation in China's diplomacy, we should adopt a new worldview in compliance with modern development, a more appropriate positioning of the country, a more accurate definition of national interests, a more attractive expression of our values, a more effective allocation of resources, and a more balanced use of different policy means.

Central planning in the top policymaking body and better policy coordination efforts among diverse governmental agencies are also essential for a successful grand diplomacy by China in the next decades.

Given the complexity of foreign affairs in the contemporary world, Chinese policy planners and diplomats must renew their skills and abandon old-fashioned ways of thinking when figuring out ways to tacklechallenges and deal with their foreign counterparts.

Instead, they need to grasp and make better use of the competitive interdependence that has become an overarching feature in contemporary international relations. In the meantime, making changes to the national security mind-set is a vital prerequisite for practical actions. We need to take a more comprehensive and balanced view of the world and act in compliance with the common rules of the international community.

On some occasions, China has the potential to act as one of the rule-makers, taking joint efforts with other stakeholders to strengthen global governance. Positive changes in China's own worldview are bound to help solicit positive changes in the global perceptions of China. It is a new course of mutual accommodation and China should have the confidence to take the lead.

There still exist a myriad of thorny challenges on how to make smart involvements in international and regional hot spots, how to cope with the anxiety about and the resistance against China's involvements by related nations and how to protect China's own interests while contributing to public goods.

Uncertainties are increasing and the world is becoming more and more connected. But one of the certainties is the risky but worthwhile expansion of China's role in global affairs.

The bottom line is, for a China that is determined to transform into a global power from a mere participant, strategic resilience when confronted with an increasingly complex world is a must.

The author is a research fellow with the Charhar Institute and an adjunct fellow with the Center for International and Strategic Studies, Peking University.opinion@globaltimes.com.cn