In view of likely challenges in 2017, Xinhua interviewed international relations experts from universities and think tanks. Three principles should be observed, proposes Wang Yizhou 王逸舟 Peking University School of International Studies deputy dean
- strategic prudence
- crisis management and control
- timely correction of mistaken practices
China has become relatively powerful in the past 25 years, says Wang, while the USA has grown weaker. At this moment of transitioning, he concludes, China should concentrate on avoiding major strategic mistakes.
Sino-US confrontation may escalate on two fronts, forecasts Teng Jianquan 滕建群 CIIS USA Research Centre director
- trade, especially finance
- security, especially in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait and Korean Peninsula.
US power comes to some extent from Wall Street banks, says Teng. China, however, has also started to operate banks to amend the old financial institutions, he says, and Sino-US competition in the financial sphere is increasing.
For Japan, argues Zhang Huanli 张焕利 Xinhua World Affairs Research Centre research fellow, confronting China has become a national policy and strategic pivot. Aware of the Abe administration's hostile attitude, China should make sound judgements, advises Zhang, and corresponding plans to avoid harm to its rights and interests.