Since embracing open markets the People’s Republic of China has emerged as a major global player. China is one of the fastest growing economies and has lifted many out of abject poverty through its economic miracle. China’s economic success comes with newfound confidence and assertiveness to engage the world and extend its influence far and wide. Already we have seen how crucial China has played in helping the US with the six-party talks with North Korea on the nuclear issue. And the hosting of the 2008 Olympics will essentially mark China’s coming out party, declaring to the world of its arrival as a world power.

China’s newfound confidence and assertiveness have not always been welcomed by its neighbors or members of the international community. Japan, among others, is wary of China’s increased military spending and feels it must work harder to act as a counterweight even with no military of its own to match China’s. Taiwan still lives under the constant threat of being attacked for voicing its aspiration for independence. More recently, Tibetans living in the Chinese occupied territory of Tibet erupted in protest against years of living under harsh Chinese rule. The Chinese authority responded with swift, brutal crackdown against the protesters.

There is another problem the emerging power of the Far East has to contend with. Recent news reports tell of how Laotians in Vientiane feel besieged by all the Chinese investments in their country and the proposed construction of a Chinatown in the suburbs of Vientiane. Similarly, many people in African countries resent Chinese businesses and investments in their own country despite their own government welcoming them in. These Africans see the Chinese as foreign invaders siphoning their resources with no interest in developing their local communities.

Rightly or wrongly the perception of the Chinese as foreign invaders only interested in extracting needed natural resources from the host country is a pervasive and persistent one. It is well known that China has many business partners but few friends because of its singular focus on relationships based on trade and investment. While philanthropic giving by China has increased over the years, such giving has done little to change people’s perception.

By one stroke, China can turn public opinion around by better handling of the recent Tibet protests. If the Chinese would cease the harsh rhetoric, meet with the Dalai Lama and work in good faith toward a solution on Tibet, it would go a long way to change world opinion of China. This move by the Chinese would reiterate respect for human dignity and cultural/religious autonomy even if political autonomy or independence is not in the offing. This act would be a good step toward ultimately transforming Chinese diplomacy from focusing on mutual economic gain to also focusing on shared values and common ideals of the global community.