Its pillars private, voluntary associations, decentralization of the state, and delegation of political power to independent bodies must be nurtured patiently and from below.

Avoiding coercion, premature elections, and hypocritical rhetoric does not rule out a patient policy of economic assistance, quiet diplomacy, and multilateral efforts to support the development of civil society, the rule of law, and support for well managed elections.

Avoiding coercion, premature elections, and hypocritical rhetoric should not preclude a patient policy that relies on economic assistance, behind the scenes diplomacy, and multilateral approaches to aid the development of civil society, the rule of law, and well managed elections.

Above all, with the exception of the Taiwan issue, China is a satisfied status quo power when it comes to the evolution of the international system a patient actor that finds it perfectly legitimate to behave and to be seen as the world s number two power.