China’s rise has given life to assumptions about the intentions of China’s influence. Wu Zurong dispels the notion of a Chinese “secret strategy” to replace the United States as the global superpower, and describes the complex historical relationship between China and the U.S. which has largely been based on cooperation.

Cui Liru describes a transforming international picture of national power relations, one that is moving toward a multipolar world of influence. In order to avoid the possibilities or true confrontation, China must more clearly realize what it wants to achieve in the world, and also needs to imagine what a peaceful coexistence with the U.S. would look like.

Internal causes in China are the basis of changes and developments in Asia, while external causes, such as relations with the other parts of the world, are secondary, and become operative through internal causes in Asia. Through this logic, Wu Zurong argues that the U.S. should consider its own development path before concerning itself with lost influence in Asia.

Intensification of Russia-U.S. tensions since 2003 has an objective impact on America’s strategic shift east and delays the beginning of a comprehensive strategic game between China and U.S. over economic and political competition in the Pacific.

There are several scenarios for military regional order in the Pacific, but “collective security” would be the most desirable strategic choice for regional countries. Existing organizations and communications platforms, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, provide a good foundation for this military order and continued economic integration in the Pacific.

A major trend accompanying the multi-polarization of the international political economy is the eastward shift of the world’s economic and political gravity center, from the two sides of the Atlantic to the Asia-Pacific, writes Cui Liru.