China's development path is a peaceful, open and inclusive one, which will help other countries develop as well

The future path of China's diplomacy has always been a question of intense international concern. The year 2014 was China's "year of major-country diplomacy," which was not only indicated by the country's hosting of grand diplomatic events such as the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, but also by the current international situation and the country's diplomatic thinking and strategy.

The core of China's diplomacy is peaceful development, which is to seek development on the basis of maintaining peace, and seek peace on the basis of development. It has two key aspects.

The first is to promote a stable and healthy new type of major-country relations with developed countries. In history, emerging powers often challenged established powers, while established powers usually feared the rise of emerging powers, which led to innumerous wars and conflicts. To avoid wars and conflicts and maintain world peace, we must look for a new road. Hence it is important for China to seek for a new type of major-country relations.

The second is to strengthen cooperation with developing countries. China has suggested the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Most of the countries along the Belt and Road are still developing and need to improve infrastructure and develop their economies. China's initiatives will bring mutually beneficial results.

China's development path is a peaceful, open and inclusive one, and it is to helpother developing countries develop as well. This embodies the spirit of the times. China has explicitly expressed that it welcomes other countries to take a ride on its express train of development or just make a hitchhike. Historical experiences have repeatedly shown that opening up is extremely important, and is the most crucial factor contributing to the success of some great powers.

Against the backdrop of today's economic globalization, a country's competitiveness lies in its openness rather than nationalism. The more open a country is, the more it can benefit from international flow and efficient allocation of resources. Some western countries that were once open practice trade protectionism today.

China has ushered in a new era of diplomacy. Chinese leaders have seized opportunities in the era and created opportunities, which is necessary for China's sustainable development.

(The author is the director of the East Asia Institute of the National University of Singapore)