A Specific Dream in a Diversified World

By+GUSTAAF+GEERAERTS

TO outside observers， it is apparent that the Chinese Dream has three implications. First， China aspires to build a thriving， affluent society； second， a stronger China insists on following its own path of development while getting ready to strengthen cooperation with other nations； and third， it cherishes peaceful development and a congenial world order where the characteristics of each country are respected and common prosperity is possible.

Realizing the Chinese Dream was explicitly laid down as a national goal at the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee. Owing to its policies of reform and opening-up， China has become one of the worlds most successful economies. Following its constant integration into the global economy and the international community， China is becoming a major global player. China needs the world and vice versa. Its further growth and greater prosperity hinge on both regional and global stability.

China is distinguished from other countries in terms of culture， history， economic and political systems and development level. Its ideology and social institution are perceived to rival the hegemony of Western powers. China doesnt embrace Western systems or the American Dream， but this doesnt mean it intends to supersede the existing world governance system or the U.S. The Chinese Dream is meant to build an international order based on equality and mutual trust among all countries on the planet， to realize common security， to sustain cultural diversity and to promote common prosperity and win-win cooperation. At present， Chinas priority is placed on domestic development ahead of gradually promoting its philosophical concepts worldwide. This is a practical approach.