In what has become a tradition for new Chinese presidents seeking to confirm their peaceful intentions, Xi Jinping has put forward yet another ostensibly original security concept. Describing the approach as 'common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable', Xi has called on countries other than China to align their diverse security interests within a common project; avoid monopolising security affairs; work towards security without exclusive alliances; and tackle the full range of traditional and non-traditional threats.1 In line with the new security concept of former President Jiang Zemin, and the idea of peaceful development espoused by his successor Hu Jintao, Beijing now cultivates the image of China as a status quo power that is restrained in its use of military force, willing to accept international norms and prepared to actively participate in international organisations. It also supports the notion of China as a constructive power that is inclined to cooperate and strike a compromise.
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