New leaders to face foreign-policy issues(2)

The 18th Party Congress reaffirmed China's commitment to peaceful development, one of the most important guidelines for the country's foreign policy.

Li Haidong, a professor from the Institute of International Relations at China Foreign Affairs University, said harnessing the changing world situation, driven by the US strategy of its pivot to Asia, will be a major challenge for the new Chinese leadership.

"Since the outbreak of the 2008 global financial crisis, the US strategic focus has been shifting from anti-terrorism to seeking a new pivot," Li said. "Rebalancing in the Asia-Pacific region, as the outcome of this pursuit, resulted in a new round of policy adjustments of countries in the region.

"Against this backdrop, territorial disputes in the East and South China seas have been intensified to different degrees," Li added. "China needs to invest more in Sino-US ties and foster the strategic mutual trust."

When it comes to international issues, observers noted that China could, and should, play a role of more responsibility and engagement.

Godehardt said: "China's decision to stay neutral regarding many foreign-policy questions is actually one reason for misunderstandings that emerge between China and the US or China and Europe.

"Being neutral raises as many questions as any benevolent or bellicose political statement. In the case of China, it particularly leads to assumptions about whether the country actually wants to be a responsible power and what this would exactly mean," Godehardt added.

Wang Zaibang, vice-president of the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, echoed those views. He said that with its rising influence, China should now actively participate in international affairs, including regional disputes like the Syrian crisis, and unconventional threats like anti-piracy operations.

"As a responsible country, China should contribute its share of strength to facilitate the establishment of a more peaceful and secure international situation, and inject sufficient impetus to the development of other countries," Wang said.