New Prime Minister Seeks to Reassure World on China’s Rise

BEIJING â€" Does China have a growing image problem in the world

Some say yes, pointing to fears it may threaten global peace as it spars with neighbors over contested territories or allegedly is the source of large-scale cyberattacks on other nations. Another big issue: fear of environmental disaster as its large population and high-speed economic growth pollute at a pace that has, arguably, already overwhelmed the ecological balance at home and may damage the global environmental balance, too.

Li Keqiang, the country’s new prime minister, appeared to address these fears on Sunday at his first news conference since being appointed head of the government two days ago. Fittingly, if unfortunately, it was a severely polluted day, with smog carpeting the capital.

In Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, time was up at the end of the long, 107-minute news conference in which he spoke about a range of issues inluding the need to deepen reform, the economy and urbanization.

The moderator had called an end to questions. (The New York Times wasn’t invited to attend, so I watched on state TV, which broadcast the whole event.) Many overseas reporters hadn’t had a chance to ask a question Mr. Li noted, adding, “I’d like to say a few more sentences.”

“Recently I’ve been looking a lot at reports on issues to do with China, of course most have been on the issues that international public opinion is paying attention to,” he said.

There were basically two: “One is worries whether China’s economy can develop sustainably,” in a nod to environmental concerns.

“And another one is worries whether China’s development will rely on force and hegemony,” in a nod to concerns China is becoming increasingly aggressive.

“I think that both these problems can be dispelled,” he said (here I am translating from a Chinese transcript of his remarks.)

“China has the conditions to preserve sustainable and healthy development and to continue to promote social progress,” said Mr. Li, a lively speaker who gestures with his hands when he talks and connects well with his audience, less stiff than other senior leaders.

“China has 1.3 billion people. To realize modernization we still have a very long road to walk. We need a lasting environment of international peace,” he said.

“Even if China develops to being formidable, we will not pursue hegemony,” he promised, using political jargon to mean tyrannical or bullying, “because we have been deeply affected by agonizing experiences in China’s recent and contemporary history. Do not impose on others what we do not desire ourselves. Do not do to others. This is an article of faith for Chinese people.”

But the special address to for overseas journalists and, apparently, the world at large, contained a warning too.

“Here I want to emphasize, walking the path of peaceful development is China’s firm and unshakable decision,” he said. “Protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity is also China’s unwavering determination. These two principles are not mutually exclusive, and are in line with protecting regional stability and principles of peace and order.”

Then, smiling broadly, he rose. His first news conference as prime minister was over.

Early signs are Mr. Li may prove a popular figure. He studied both law and the economy, is viewed as having risen on talent, not family connections, and as being pro-reform. Here are two representative comments from Sina Weibo, the country’s largest microblog:

“Li Keqiang doesn’t have an outstanding birth background but he was promoted by his ability. In a country like China, Li Keqiang’s promotion can be considered progress,” said a person with the name Pang Zai.

“Li Keqiang is very strong in both academics! and poli! tics. We need this kind of talent,” said Fengkuang Akira.