The central thesis of this book posits that China's ascent on the global stage is characterized by a 'peaceful rise,' diverging from historical patterns of aggressive expansion. Zheng Bijian, a prominent Chinese intellectual, outlines his theory for China's development, emphasizing internal efforts and the cultivation of a globally advantageous environment rather than territorial conquest or confrontation with other nations. The speeches collected here span from 1997 to 2005, reflecting a critical period of China's economic and political evolution and its increasing engagement with the international community.

The collection presents Zheng Bijian's influential theory of China's 'peaceful rise,' a concept that has shaped international discourse on China's global role. The speeches offer direct insight into the thinking of a leading Chinese strategist during a pivotal decade of the country's economic expansion and increasing international engagement. The framework emphasizes internal development and cooperative international relations as the cornerstones of China's ascent. This perspective is crucial for understanding contemporary geopolitical dynamics and China's stated intentions on the world stage.