Chinese senior official: China not interested in 'competition of systems'

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China's success serves as one of the alternative options to those proposed by the West, "yet China is not interested in the so-called 'competition of systems'," writes Chinese senior official and veteran diplomat Fu Ying.

Fu, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress, China’s legislative body, made the statement in a signed article to the special edition of German Times for the Munich Security Conference being held from Friday to Sunday.

In the article, Fu said that China has no intention to export its political system and ideology.

The security challenges in today's world are globalized and should be addressed in a global cooperative way, she wrote.

Build community with shared future of mankind

The US-led Western world has been attempting to Westernize the world by exporting its own values and models, according to the Chinese diplomat. Those attempts have not only failed to address old problems but have also created new ones, she said.

Fu Ying (chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of China's National People's Congress, fourth from the left), takes part in a panel discussion during the Munich Security Conference (MSC), February 17, 2018. /Photo via MSC website

China, as part of the world, will only develop well in a peaceful international environment, she stated, adding that China reiterated that peace and development remain the call of our day, while admitting that the world faces growing uncertainties and destabilizing factors.

China's diplomatic goals in the new era include promoting the creation of a new type of international relations, with more prominence given to lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity and a call for the building of a community with a shared future of mankind, Fu continued.

"These are not only our expectations for the world's future, but also a necessity for our domestic development," she wrote.

China not to export development model

But as China becomes stronger, questions and worries outside of China emerged.

What does it mean when China vows to "move closer to center stage"? Does it mean China is prepared to replace the United States and playing a "leading role"? When China offers "Chinese wisdom and a Chinese approach," is that tantamount to China exporting its development model?

Fu answered to these worries by saying, "We wish to play a role in world affairs and make an even greater contribution to mankind. But it must be done within our means and in a manner consistent with our values."

She emphasized that China has only offered a new option to countries that seek rapid development while retaining their independence, "but this does not mean that China's model and ideology are to be exported."

Fu Ying speaks during the panel discussion about nuclear security at the Munich Security Conference, Germany, February 17, 2018. /CGTN Screenshot

Basic common principles on security needed

Regarding the security interests of countries, there are differences between the United States plus its alliance and the countries not belonging to any alliance, she said, adding, "It is therefore important that all countries work together to set out some basic common principles."

Fu said, what China is advocating is in response to "the call of the times."

If China and the United States, also Europe, Russia and others as well, can begin exploring the basic principles of major dispute resolution, this will not only help maintain overall stability in relations between the major powers, but will also facilitate the resolution of hotspot regional issues, according to Fu.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency