Clinton Urges China To Prove Its Rise Is In The World’s Interest

Last Updated: 9, March 2012

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United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has urged China to take on greater responsibility on the global stage, saying that China’s exceptional rise to prominence requires increased participation and engagement in world affairs.

Speaking in Washington, Clinton also said that China can no longer expect to be a ‘selective stakeholder’ and still earn the full respect of other countries.

At the same time, Clinton said China’s growth means it cannot expect to ‘have it both ways’ by asking to be treated as a rising power in some ways and as a developing nation with fewer responsibilities in others.

Clinton said:

[quote] The world is looking for China to play a role that is commensurate with its new standing and that means it can no longer be a selective stakeholder. It is understandable that the international community wants some confidence that a country’s growing power will be used for the benefit of all. [/quote]

The two nations have disagreed openly on several fronts. On the economic front, Washington has reiterated on numerous occasions that China is intentionally undervaluing its currency, giving Chinese exporters an unfair advantage.

However, Clinton rejected claims that the United States is trying to contain China rise, but instead called for greater cooperation between the two countries.

Clinton commented:

[quote] There is no contradiction between a rising China and the interests of the US. A rising China is good for America and a thriving America is good for China. [/quote]

Reaffirming the United States’ position of ‘peaceful engagement’ with China, Clinton expressed hopes of a ‘positive, cooperative, and comprehensive relationship with China’.

According to Clinton, the two economies as well as their security are ‘tightly intertwined’, while both countries are facing ‘shared threats’ like nuclear proliferation, piracy and climate change – pressing issues that require Sino-American cooperation.

Clinton’s comments were made at a symposium held at the US Institute of Peace to mark the 40^th anniversary of former US President Richard Nixon’s visit to China.

Chinese Ambassador to the United States Zhang Yesui said, as reported by the China Daily:

[quote] There is every reason to believe that if we manage our differences well, China and the United States can establish a new model of relationship under which two big countries can coexist peacefully and develop together. [/quote]

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