China, a free-rider?

US President Barak Obama has repeatedly accused China of taking a 30-year free ride – but the accusation is groundless. Why do we say this?

First, China is conducting win-win exchanges with other counties.

In the age of globalization, all countries are dependent on each other for goods and services, says Zhang Jiadong, professor of Fudan University. "If we regard this kind of dependence as free-riding, then every country is a 'free rider'."

He adds that the accusation stems from the US hegemony mindset. First, the US firmly believes that it is the guardian of world order. Second, the US holds that its actions - including the war in Afghanistan and Iraq - show selfless internationalism. If a country refuses to join the US war cause, it will be described by the US as a "free-rider".

"There is no doubt that the western countries, headed by the US, have made their contribution to international society. But so has China," says Jin Canrong, professor of People's University of China. The US asserts that China has grabbed African resources. But African countries themselves refute such assertions by arguing that China's investment has brought them benefits.

"Taking a free ride is not the same as deriving a benefit." In fact, China's rise is also a boon to western countries. There was once a well-established textile industry in South Carolina of the US, which perished in 2007. The industry has boomed again since 2013 when a Chinese company invested 218 million US dollars in setting up a textile factory there.

China's rapid development has been of great benefit.

"The IMF (International Monetary Fund) recently estimated that China is now contributing 30 percent of world economic growth, and that in 5 years China will be importing products worth 10 trillion US dollars and have foreign investments worth over 500 billion US dollars," says Jin Canrong.

Thanks to China's cheap products and a wealth of capital, the US deficit has not caused serious inflation or social crisis. China has offered 89.3 billion yuan aid to 121 countries including 30 Asian countries and 51 African countries. It has also provided regional organizations such as African Union with assistance.

China is also bringing benefits to other countries by exporting high-speed rail technology, helping to construct infrastructure, and initiating the 21st century Maritime Silk Road and the Economic Belt. China has also done its bit to deal with issues such as terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and the nuclear issues on the Korean peninsula.

How does China handle the "Chinese Responsibility Theory"?

The "Chinese Responsibility Theory" is not new. No matter how much responsibility China has taken on in international affairs, there is always a group of people accusing China of not doing enough. Zhang Jiadong claims that China has shouldered the same responsibilities as the US.

Jin Canrong points out that China is still a developing country with a per capita GDP 6800 dollars below the world average. China should act according to its capabilities in making its contribution to the world.

In contrast with the complaints from Obama, Chinese president Xi Jinping has delivered the message to the international community that China is willing to share its opportunities and development.