In the South China Sea, territorial disputes have long existed between China and the five ASEAN member countries. And recently, some of the disputes have become more acute.

Some of the neighboring countries, such as Myanmar, have suffered internal strife, which has inevitably affected their relations with China.

China-India relations have been overshadowed by a border standoff between the two countries' militaries in the first half of this year. Pakistan's stability has been undermined due to its long-term involvement in the United States' anti-terrorism strategy. If the U.S. withdraws its troops from Afghanistan next year, the situation in Afghanistan will come under question.

Moreover, North Korea's persistence in nuclear and missile development has become a clear and real danger to the Korean Peninsula. Among China's neighboring countries, 11 countries have been affected by such situations.

The outbreak of so many situations at one time in the region is unusual. There are several factors behind the conflicts: disputes over rights and interests left over from history, tougher resource competition between China and neighboring countries, angst about China's rise along China's periphery, and the U.S. rebalancing towards the Asia-Pacific region.

The Chinese leadership has been calm in responding to the situation. As an emerging great power, China is working hard to seek win-win cooperation and has made a positive contribution to provide public goods in its surrounding area. The close interaction with neighboring countries since China's new leadership took their posts has reflected China's new ideas in its diplomacy with neighboring countries.

The top-level design means that China should have clear development objectives. President Xi proposed working with China's neighbors to establish a Silk Road Economic Belt and a maritime Silk Road for the 21st century. This is undoubtedly a grand, forward-looking strategy of great geopolitical significance. After this strategy has been established, resources should be allocated to back it up.

To consolidate the foundation means that China should foster a harmonious, secure and prosperous neighboring environment. Xi has vowed to build community of common destiny with ASEAN, which is a positive step to integrate interests between China and its neighbors. Needless to say, a stronger China will present development opportunities to its neighbors. However, even as China follows the road of peaceful development, there are still countries that are suspicious of its intentions.

In this regard, while striving for national reinvigoration, China's leaders must carefully handle the adjustments in its relations with neighboring countries. A favorable peripheral environment will help China to achieve even greater successes.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.shenbo75.com/opinion/shendingli.htm

This article was translated by Li Huiru. Its original unabridged version was published in Chinese.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.