The pace of China's development is unstoppable, and its commitment to the path of peaceful development is unswerving. China's development is not a th… - Wei Fenghe

Firstly, which should we choose: peace and development or conflict and confrontation? Peace and development remain the call of our times and a trend of history. However, global and regional hotspots flare up one after another and the risk of conflict and war persists. We see regional wars and conflicts, the spread of terrorism, the chaos in the Middle East and the refugee crisis in Europe. What is the reason for them? Who is behind all these and what is the root cause? These are the questions to be reflected on. Some deliberately create division and hostility, provoke confrontation, meddle with regional affairs, interfere in the internal affairs of others and frequently resort to arms. Whose interests on earth do they serve and whose do they harm?

Thirdly, which should we choose: win–win cooperation or a zero-sum game? Win–win cooperation makes the pie bigger and brings more benefits to all. However, a zero-sum game makes no winner and harms the interests of both sides.

Facing a complex and volatile international security situation, the Chinese government and armed forces stay committed to regional and world prosperity and stability. Those who are familiar with China’s modern history must know that the country was once poor and weak and went through enormous misery. The Chinese people know very well the value of peace and the cruelty and destructiveness of war. Over the years some have been recklessly hyping up, exaggerating and dramatising the China threat theory, partly due to the lack of understanding of China’s history, culture and policies, but more likely due to misunderstanding, prejudice or even a hidden agenda of their own.