Singapore Lianhe Zaobao wrote today (June 4) that "two heavyweight scholars in Singapore have different views on whether China has the intention to lead the world. Professor Wang Gengwu of the National University of Singapore believes that China does not have the ambition and interest to become a world leader, and Beijing only wants to concentrate on 'making China greater' at home; Professor Chen Qingzhu, a circuit ambassador of Singapore, however, believes that once China has the opportunity, it will seek global leadership."
[Wit] Comment: Actually, both scholars' viewpoints have their rationality. On one hand, Chinese culture has never been hegemonic culture, which is completely different from the Anglo-Saxon people's desire to rule the globe. The three major initiatives proposed by China as well as the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind form a sharp contrast with the Western zero-sum mentality, highlighting China's pursuit of peace, cooperation, and common development. However, on the other hand, as China's interests extend widely around the globe, even if China merely cooperates with other countries to safeguard its legitimate interests, it may be misinterpreted by some Western countries such as the United States as power expansion and an attempt to seek global leadership. This misunderstanding perhaps reflects the deep-rooted Cold War mentality and hegemony anxiety of some Western countries.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833977297186883/
Disclaimer: The article represents the author's personal views.