China's strong economic performance has drawn widespread acclaim, yet that has come at a price.
The nation has been misconstrued, and often been unfairly criticized by the international community, even though it has been quick to acknowledge China's contribution to shoring up the global economy.
Whenever foreign politicians and media organizations voice disapproval about, for instance, China's exchange rate, investment environment and its climate change commitment, it only deepens misunderstanding and fans anti-China sentiment.
Quite often, these criticisms are based on scanty knowledge of the issues the country espouses.
It seems many outsiders do need a new pair of glasses to view China in a balanced and fair manner.
China's rapid economic growth, stable banking system, high consumer savings rates and colossal government reserves mean the country has stood out in the gloomy aftermath following the global economic downturn, which the developed world is still struggling to combat.
True, much of this growth has been propelled by the 4-trillion-yuan ($586 billion) stimulus package the Chinese government unveiled in November 2008.
The thriving and prosperous atmosphere in Chinese metros such as Beijing and Shanghai, however, do not represent the whole picture.
The Chinese economy and society still face many formidable tasks and challenges.
Development is unbalanced, with the disparity between the rich and the poor widening; exports still rely highly on labor-intensive products; and, the mode of growth has yet to be adjusted to focus on advances in science and technology and the quality of its labor force.
If we compare China with other big powers, it is quite evident that the country still has a long way to go before it can wield hard and soft power like how the United States or Japan does.
It is therefore paramount that the world corrects its perception of China.
Any attempt to inflate China's clout will only serve to mislead public opinion and sow the seed of suspicion or enmity.
(China Daily 06/14/2010 page4)