The just concluded 2016 Munich Security Conference further deepened people's concerns over an increasing disorder in international situation. Although a war among major powers is unlikely to happen, the possibility of an escalation of conflicts cannot be excluded. Scholars expert in national security are pessimistic about the prospects of the Syria and Ukraine crises. They also harbor deep misgivings about the struggle for power vacuum in Afghanistan, Mali, Libya and Yemen, among varied non-state actors that are fueled by extremist ideology and conflicts between religious sects and ethnic groups.

The establishment and operation of the AIIB can strengthen China’s influence in global economic governance, and China will further take part in setting the international economic and financial rules, creating a better environment for its economic development.

If Washington embraces cooperation instead of pursuing rivalry, all partners can harvest good results, and the US can still be a powerful partner. Why not do so?

Britain knows that in order to propel its economy, China and other Asian economies are indispensable partners. While stronger China-UK ties signal a changing international landscape and the diminishing predominance of the United States, they also open a path for Washington and other Western capitals to boost ties with China.

Accelerated interaction between China and the UK, one a big emerging country the other a seasoned world power, will present another case of successful big-country cooperation. Bilateral cooperation could not exist unless it is win-win, an example for a changing world order.

The move by China to create the AIIB doesn’t imply intention to control the bank; instead it is an attempt to enhance its “soft power,” while avoiding typical international norms of competing for hegemony. Europe’s participation has rendered the AIIB international credibility; yet China is wary that the new institution is already over-politicized even before its official launch and operation.

In October 2013, during a visit to Indonesia, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the launching of the New 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, just one month after announcing the New Silk Road Economic Belt, while on a visit to Kazakhstan. These two initiatives, followed in 2014 by the plan to put together the BRICS New Development Bank and China’s establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank that Fall, constitute a new paradigm for mankind.

Europe’s right-wing protest seeks independence domestically, distance from the US, rapprochement with Russia and new balance with China.

Cyber-Realpolitik is behind China’s push for closer ties with the European Union on cybersecurity.