With deep understanding of the interest and danger, and exchanges between the two sides, cross-straits relations tend to improve. But the danger is still there since the new leader in Taiwan seems to challenge the "one China principle." Resolving the Taiwan issue requires wisdom, patience, and confidence. But, the general trend should lead to reconciliation between the two sides of the strait, rather than indefinite separation.
Peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region certainly needs China's active participation in a constructive role. Growing strength and influence will also mean greater responsibility for China. In fact, as a responsible power China should approach issues more from a global and regional interest and perspective. There will be a wide range of issues requiting China's responsible work. As a responsible power in the Asia-Pacific region, China must work toward regional stability, minimize or reduce conflicts, and strengthen mutual confidence and cooperation.
China's participation and constructive role will be two-fold: first, to work for the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflicts by working with other parties, and supporting cooperation in place of confrontation; and second, to prevent outside powers from interfering in the internal affairs which could worsen a situation and heighten tension and conflicts.
China has long paid special attention to developing bilateral relations. The favorable secure environment that China enjoys today is largely due to its continuous efforts in developing and improving bilateral relations with other countries. However, maintaining regional peace and stability depends on various factors: political, military, and economic.
China will continue, of course, to maintain stable bilateral relationships with other countries and to avoid confrontation or conflict. It is important to strengthen the existing partnerships (with others) and cooperate in targeting against nobody. Bilateral conflicts can often lead to conflicts in a wider area. As long as bilateral relations remain stable, regional stability is on safe ground. At the same time, China should support the development of institutions for multilateral dialogue and cooperation. A regional security network, such as a regional multifaceted preventive system based on cooperative consultation needs to be strengthened.
In the Asia-Pacific region, bilateral relations are no longer sufficient to deal with various security issues. There is an increasing need for more regional multilateral cooperation on many issues.9 Multilateral cooperation can contribute significantly in several aspects: a) building a secure network, building transparency and mutual confidence; b) restraining the role of a single power or a few powers; and c) resolving issues which threaten regional stability and development through joint efforts. Therefore, multilateral cooperation is destined to play a more significant role, institutionally or functionally.
Of course, multilateral security cooperation is a relatively new idea in East Asia. This is also true for China. Multilateral security cooperation should be active through different channels: governmental or non-governmental channels, official or nonofficial. Some people in China used to worry that China's participation in multilateral security cooperation would limit its maneuvering space, the result however is just the opposite. China in fact, has gained initiatives through its participation.
