A group of Chinese scholars met on Saturday to exchanged views on China's future development strategies.

    Presenting the seminar are several college professors, as well as senior researchers from the Chinese Academy of Science. Together they form the editorial committee of the book series Great Power Strategies that is co-created by Beijing Mediatime Books and People's Daily Press.

    During the seminar, the experts compared notes on whether China is a great power and the strategies for China to be a great power.

    Most of those scholars agreed that China, willingly or unwillingly, is already seen as a great power, taking into consideration its economy, population, and growing influence in the international society.

    Li Shaojun, researcher of Institute of World Economy and Politics, Chinese Academy of Science, said, "China is undoubtedly a great power, and the next thing for China now is to consider its foreign strategies."

    He contends that China should develop its military power in view of its actual need, should actively participate in formulating international systems and building a fine, disarming image with a good will.

    Zhang Yuyan, researcher of the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, Chinese Academy of Science, placed the priority of China's development at maintaining the current momentum of economic growth, which he deemed an essential way to be a great power.

    "Political civilization and legal regulation are of great importance as well," emphasised He Zengke, who is from the Central Compilation and Translation Bureau.

    Shi Yinhong, a professor of international politics from the Renmin University of China, stressed the significance of creativity in terms of China's social, economic and political development. He added that the fundamental strategy of China's rising so far has been a peaceful development, in which nonviolence and a minimum of damage are embraced.

    Qiao Liang, a Major General in the Air Force of People's Liberation Army who is renowned internationally for his co-written book Unrestricted Warfare, said China's development is bound with that of the U.S., and that is the reason the former should spare no effort in saving the latter out of the mire of the ongoing financial crisis.