In comments directed at Asean , a top Communist Party The official emphasized that Beijing does not aim to be a regional dominant power, while pledging to enhance its energy collaboration with the Southeast Asian group.
"In a nation such as China, where 'harmonious coexistence' is part of its fundamental nature, it would be very challenging to experience a 'genetic change' and transform into a military-dominated power that oppresses smaller and weaker countries," stated Sun Haiyan, vice director of the Party's International Department.
Sun, responsible for bilateral diplomatic relations, was making remarks at the Greater Bay Area -The ASEAN summit took place in Shenzhen, located in Guangdong Province in southern China, on Wednesday.
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The gathering was hosted by the South China Morning Post.
She mentioned that the nation's past has shaped its cultural characteristics, which, similar to genetic material, "are transmitted across generations to a significant extent."
For instance, certain nations around the globe have experienced conflict throughout their histories, making it challenging for them to sustain peace over an extended period.
Sun emphasized that applying the logic which suggests a major power naturally becomes a hegemon to China was an error. He served as the ambassador to Singapore, a member of ASEAN, from 2022 to 2023.
Since the early 2000s, Beijing has promoted its growth as a model of "peaceful development," often referring to itself as a distinct global power that has not started any conflicts or established a restrictive military partnership after World War II.
In recent times, China has introduced alternative diplomatic expressions, including its vision of establishing a "community with a shared future for humanity," and has presented itself as a supporter of the current global system, launching various programs covering areas like development, safety, and effective administration.
Nevertheless, resistance from current dominant powers and outside entities with their own interests hindered these ideas from achieving broad support, leading to doubt and criticism, Sun noted, implying criticism of the United States.
Several entities are capitalizing on the trend to shift domestic issues toward developing nations, including soaring inflation, rising joblessness, challenges in daily life, ethnic tensions, and various management-related concerns, addressing inner troubles through external means to evade responsibility for their neglect.
Furthermore, actions taken by some politicians merely highlighted their hidden belief in China's dedication to peaceful intentions, as they would not risk provoking an actual dominant power in such a way, she mentioned, refraining from specifying any individuals.
During the gathering, SCMP publisher Tammy Tam mentioned that Hong Kong has had deep-rooted connections with ASEAN, highlighting that the city's development of its initial five-year plan is especially significant at this time.
During another conversation on Wednesday, Sun discussed the energy security issues faced by both China and the ASEAN countries.
The consequences of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran have unsettled worldwide energy markets, causing an increase in the costs of gasoline and related items like fertilizer.
Southeast Asia ranks among the areas most severely affected by the energy shortage because of its significant dependence on oil and gas supplies coming from the Persian Gulf. Authorities have implemented severe actions to address this issue, such as reduced working weeks, telecommuting policies, financial support, and limits on prices.
If you observe globally, our area offers the finest circumstances, the greatest benefits, and stands the highest chance of pioneering solutions to this [energy] challenge... since we are ready," Sun stated, pointing to China's extensively varied energy industry and its renewable energy offerings, which she referred to as "of the top quality and most cost-effective.
Sun stated that Beijing was eager to exchange its knowledge and technological expertise with ASEAN nations, enabling them to work together on energy security.
The energy shortage couldn't be solved by one nation alone and needed to be tackled via collaborative efforts between countries in the area, she mentioned.
In March, as the conflict in Iran started, China committed to collaborating with South East Asian countries on energy security , indicating that the nation would keep exporting fertilizer to global markets amid growing worries about its limitations on oil shipments.
Nations in Southeast Asia, such as Singapore, have acknowledged Beijing as an important force in the area's affairs. ambitious green transition with Chinese companies securing significant agreements for energy infrastructure initiatives in the area.
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