BEIJING -- After a 8.1-magnitude earthquake jolted Nepal and killed more than 3,000 people, a 62-member Chinese search and rescue team was among the first international aid to arrive.
China also promised 20 million yuan (3.2 million U.S. dollars) in humanitarian aid to Nepal while several government departments began coordinating help for the Himalayan country.
Many people interpret China's quick action as a result of China's proximity to Nepal, which lies on the other side of the Himalayas. They say China is concerned about its large number of tourists there.
True. As more Chinese go abroad, it is more common to see Chinese citizens in major international incidents. In the case of war-torn Yemen, the Chinese Navy helped evacuate 629 Chinese nationals and 279 foreign citizens in March.
China is also committed to assuming a larger role in building "a community of common destiny" and helping neighboring countries fight natural calamities. In its relations with neighboring countries, China pursues the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness.
The country's vision is not confined to economic cooperation efforts like the China-proposed "Belt and Road Initiative," which will combine China's modernization with neighboring countries' infrastructure building.
As a country regularly haunted by natural disasters, China's relief efforts mainly centered on domestic affairs in the past. In recent years, China's rapid economic growth has enabled it to contribute more to overseas disaster relief. So far, the second largest economy has shown itself as a capable, responsible power.
In 2013, China donated one million U.S. dollars to Cambodian flood victims. In 2014, China agreed to provide 50 million yuan to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to support its disaster response capabilities.
China also made great contributions to the fight against Ebola in west Africa.
As Chinese President Xi Jinpingsaid when addressing Indonesian lawmakers in 2013, China is fully committed to the path of peaceful development and a stronger China will present development opportunities, rather than posing a threat.
In the case of Nepal earthquake, we see a larger role from China.
