China must forge partnerships with strategic pivots, or nations with which it has stable relations, to extend its influence.

Feng Zhaokui discusses the broader points of a 2011 whitepaper on “China’s Peaceful Development” – specifically the need to make address regional “hotspot” issues like the Diaoyu islands conflict with Japan. By solving the issues outlined, Feng argues regional stability alongside economic prosperity is possible.

"Is China going to compete for world power?" Most people in China, if asked such a question, would show little interest in seeing the country fighting for world power with the U.S., and still less in becoming another U.S.

Following Xi Jinping’s first state visit to India, Fu Xiaoqiang examines the Sino-Indian relationship and discusses how China can work with India to improve bilateral relations and ensure peaceful coexistence.

Haiyang Shiyou 981 (HYSY 981) is a state-of-the-art, semi-submersible oil platform – the first of its kind for the China National Offshore Oil Corporation. Zheng Wang and Andrew Ludwig explore the HYSY 981 and discuss whether it will enhance political cooperation or fuel greater tensions in the South China Sea.

Is China disposing of its hard-line policies towards regional neighbors and embracing a more conciliatory approach? Recent diplomatic gestures and the upgrading of relations with Vietnam and South Korea suggest Beijing is undertaking a new charm offensive in the Asia Pacific.

Analyzing the recent travels of Chinese President Xi Jingping, Chen Xiangyang examines the “new normal” of periphery diplomacy in China’s foreign policy and explains how it will continue to strengthen relations with regional nations.

China’s rising power and capabilities make PRC actions in the South China Sea more consequential and unsettling than those of others, so they deserve particular attention but need to be evaluated in the broader context of the motives and actions of others as well.

On the chessboard of the South China Sea, spectators have turned into players and the game is expanding, writes Zhai Kun.

Can a market-based plan for energy infrastructure provide peace and prosperity in the South China Sea? Stewart Taggart, a former financial journalist, examines recent tensions and describes how creating Joint Development Areas could boost cooperation and mutual trust.