U.S. film director Oliver Stone has raised strong doubts about the "China Threat" theory propagated by Western media and politicians,Sina.com reported on Feb. 25.

U.S. film director Oliver Stone [File photo]

He questioned the idea that China was an expansionist-minded country eager to establish an overseas empire, similar to Western countries in former times.

The director was full of praise about the open-mindedness of the Chinese people, saying that this trait was increasing, due to the large number of trips Chinese are making abroad.

Like China, he said, America is a large country. However, its people are not great travelers. "Seventy-five percent of its people have probably never been overseas. Many don't have passports. So if you live only in one place, you just love what lies before you."

"Just like you love China, we love our homeland. It's like loving your mother. It's hard to see your mother's negative aspects. So you have to keep that in mind that if you don't travel, you don't really have a chance to understand any of the contrasts."

The constant repetition of the idea that "America is great" on television and in advertising ensures that this dominant cultural precept has almost become part of the national DNA, he said.

He argued, however, that this is dangerous and is the reason for many conflicts and misjudgments.

"The best thing is to travel and it's so good to see the Chinese now traveling in enormous numbers around the world. I'm sure that Chinese are seeing things that make them think that, ‘We can do things better than that!'."

The director said he found the Chinese people very open-minded, and they have proved over the years to be excellent immigrants.

"Wherever they go, in Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa and the United States, they have had tremendous influence because of their work ethic, their clean habits and their desire to work hard to achieve success."

He cited the contribution Chinese workers have made to the United States since the 19th century."

"In so many ways, Asians have contributed to the American economy and that's why I don't understand this intention that has been created in the media, and by the government that China has to be watched, that China is a potential threat, an economic rival as well as potential military rival.

"It's a very dangerous point of view."

Stone said that this is why it is vital for Americans to understand that "Chinese history teaches us time again that China really has no desire to go overseas to set up an empire or establish military bases.

"They have sent people to work. But they aren't like the United States, Britain and the Roman Empire in wanting to establish an overseas empire."

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