Hegemony theory never fit for China
The frequent visits by Chinese leaders to neighboring countries and the joyous gathering of Asian Games participants in Guangzhou are just the two latest examples of a growing sense of unity and common prosperity in the region. However, some Western commentators have as always tried to interpret the positive developments in Asia in another way.
It may not be wrong for the West to seek greater market access and maintain security alliances in Asia, but its goal should not be achieved at the cost of China's relations with her neighbors. An article in The New York Times tried to flame up territorial disputes in Asia, claiming that it was "China's assertive posture" on these issues that pushed her neighbors toward the embrace of Washington.
The allegations are new, but the logic is centuries-old. They dated back to the time of the rise of colonial powers. The Social Darwin theory, deeply rooted in the Western view of world politics and still held by many there, believes every rising power will eventually pursue regional and world hegemony. However, that is just something the West drew from its own experience and is irrelevant to China's case.