China should not practise duplicitous policy

AN increasingly self-confident China is now seeking to reshape the world through playing leadership roles in international organisations, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum next week in Beijing. This is a rare opportunity, since Apec members take turns hosting the annual meetings, with China last playing host in 2001.

The Chinese government is taking steps to ensure that Beijing, which has been choking under thick layers of smog, will enjoy acceptable quality air during the week-long meeting by shutting down factories and cutting the number of cars on the road.

More importantly, China is acting to ensure political tranquillity with its neighbours. The last thing it wants is a flare-up over disputed territory with countries such as Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, India and others.