A Fortune-Telling Visit
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Chinese President Xi Jinping (1st R) attends a banquet held by British Queen Elizabeth II (2nd R) at the Buckingham Palace in London Oct. 20, 2015. [Photo: Xinhua/Ju Peng]

By Lin Shaowen

President Xi Jinping's State-visit to the United Kingdom has not only been talk of the town in China, it is also a worldwide question, in terms of what this high-profile tour may mean for future international relations and China's global behavior. Comments and reactions widely differ, ranging from applause, suspicion to criticism of London Kowtowing to the Chinese Yuan. While leaders of the two countries are upbeat about the many "firsts" in Anglo-Chinese ties, some others question whether the visit signals a possible realignment of major powers, or a new pattern of China rising and Britain accommodating.

Regardless of the answer, one thing is certain and this visit does forecast something – how a rising China may behave globally and how others may and should cope with this non-western giant governed under a very different political system. China and Britain have been adversaries and allies. They fought each other in wars, and have been at odds on the subjects of Tibet, Hong Kong and many other issues. So there are plenty of reasons for dislike. But there are other examples of the two demonstrating fondness for each other. Britain is the first western country to have established diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China. Furthermore, the two sides resolved the historical question of Hong Kong via diplomatic means.

Such mixed feelings will continue, as the conflicting chemistry still exists. But the recently-concluded State-visit, with the signing of multi-billion pounds deals, proves that relations are now more mature and forward-looking as both sides are working for long-term mutual benefits. But what about history? President Xi quoted William Shakespeare in an effort to approach the question of historical issues between the UK and China, stating, "What's past is prologue." As both sides promise to usher in a golden era, they naturally readjust policies toward one another and reposition themselves in global diplomacy.

Hence the deals – leading to real benefits of the two peoples – high-speed railways, clean energy and job creation for Britain. For China, the benefits include investment opportunities; RMB internationalization in a more strengthened financial centre, the City of London; more Chinese tourists for Britain and easier and greater access to British high education for the Chinese. Britain also has the chance for more investment opportunities in Asia and Eurasian infrastructure building and standard management and financial expertise as required by China; plus advanced sci-tech exchanges, entertainment and even sports exchanges. All of those outlined above will generate more jobs and help both nations and its peoples make money; concrete examples of mutually-beneficial opportunities.

Forget the fact that Britain was the first world power to have inflicted war on China; it was also the first power to diplomatically recognize the People's Republic. Britain built China's first rail-line more than a century ago; it is time for China to build a high-speed railway for Britain. In the case of Hong Kong, yes it used to be a hotbed of wrangling; but it has since become a "bridge of cooperation" to some extent. All such changes are driven by national interests. Policies will change with the times and in this era of globalization; "win-win" is the only real goal, not a zero-sum game.

Recent events clearly indicate how a rising China will behave and deal with other countries; namely through seeking common development and shared interests with all nations, including those that have experienced problems with China in the past, so long as the two sides do not attempt to reopen old wounds and damage one another's core national interests.

There is no problem with the world's existing international mechanisms. China has joined many of them; except for some where doors are deliberately shut. As a member country that benefits from those organizations, politically, economically and culturally, it observes the rules but only argues for a fair say and fair share for all. When China initiates supplementary institutions, fair-play and inclusiveness continue to be the catchphrases, for it welcomes joint-stakeholders to co-play on an equal footing and share the rewards.

Indeed, this has been a fortune-telling visit that indicates how a rising China will act and how it expects others to co-star under global rules jointly enacted and amended.

Accommodation? That's mutual.

Author： 　　　Source：xinhua　　　 Editor：Yang Fan