“China still needs the policy of hiding its light of sword in the dark to grow power,” Wang Jisi, President of the International Studies Institute of Beijing University said. His opinion is different from some in China, who argues that it is time for China to actively intervene in the international issues to raise its voices. Wang said he does not agree with the opinion that the U.S. power has dwindled.

Q: Some in Korea are concerned about anti-Korea sentiment in China.

A: In comparison to the Chinese people’s feelings toward Japan and the United States, the sentiment against Korea is extremely small. The emotional issue probably came from the situation that the illusion has vanished as the two countries’ contacts have grown. Media should act responsibly in reporting about such sentiment. It must not become a government-to-government issue.

Q: China and South Korea recently upgraded their relationship from “cooperative partnership” to “strategic partnership.” What is the difference between the two?

A: Henry Kissinger once said when a relationship is hard to describe with a particular adjective, “strategic” is often used. (laughter) The term, “strategic” means that the two countries have a long-term view on their tie.

Q: During his visit to Korea, Chinese President Hu Jintao agreed to conduct a high-ranking strategic dialogue between the two countries. What will be the agenda?

A: The talks will address long-term issues such as energy, climate change and reform of international organizations. The power shift in the world, particularly how emerging nations will influence the balance of the global power structure, will be discussed.

Q: The U.S. presidential election has become a hot topic. How does Democratic candidate Barack Obama and Republican candidate John McCain differ in their policies toward China?

A: Both have said China is an important nation. And yet, both raised an issue with China. The Democrats raise issues with China’s trade and human rights. The Republicans are more concerned about China’s military power. They just emphasize different aspects. What really matters is how they will react after becoming the president.

Q: Competition and cooperation will cross over in the U.S.-China relations in the future.

A: In the past, the two countries cooperated in economic issues, while confronted each other in the Taiwan issue. Today, they cooperate and compete at the same time in almost all fields. (Laughter) President George W. Bush calls the relationship complex. I want to call it “mature.” A married couple’s relationship is complex and mature.

Q: What is the main reason behind the recent improvement in China-Japan relations?

A: It is the reaction to the incredibly worsened relationship over the past years. What worries me is that the China’s economy will soon outstrip that of Japan in a few years. I wonder if Japan can handle this. In the future, Japan’s importance for China will be reduced. The two countries also need strategic dialogues.

By You Sang-chul, director of the JoongAng China Institute