A small number of Western media have played up a claim that major risks from China in the future will stem from regional security matters rather than economic issues.

That is nothing but a groundless statement.

Among those making the claim is the Eurasia Group, a leading global political risk research and consulting firm. The firm has listed China as being among the top 10 risks for 2012.

The "China risks" claim is simply groundless and untenable. That's because a peaceful and prosperous China will not pose any threat to world peace and stability. Rather, it can bring about more development opportunities.

During the past year, despite facing stiff headwinds from a sluggish world economy and a festering eurozone debt crisis, China has continued to push forward economic and trade cooperation with its neighbors, adding a bright spot to the bleak growth picture.

The robust regional cooperation between China and its neighbors serves as an outstanding example of regional economic integration and also functions as a buffer against global economic risks.

On top of that, China has remained committed to the path of peaceful development and a win-win strategy of opening up while pursuing its own development.

A good-neighbor policy has always dominated China's efforts in its handling of relations with neighboring countries in order to build a harmonious Asia and a harmonious world at large.

Actions speak louder than words. China has strictly abided by its peaceful development policy.

China and Russia in June established a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. One month later, China and the 10 ASEAN members reached further agreement on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

China-Japan relations were strengthened as the two countries marked the 40th anniversary of their normalization of diplomatic ties last year. China also suggested to mark the 2011-2012 as "the Year of Good Neighborly Relations" of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

As for its cooperation with ASEAN, China, together with Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, launched a joint patrol along the Mekong river in December to secure international shipping channels.

The facts above well demonstrate that China, far from being a threat, serves as an indispensable force in promoting regional development and stability. Thus, it is groundless and ridiculous to associate China with regional and global risks.

What will be the risks? According to a report from the Geneva-based World Economic Forum, the world will face more economic, political and social turbulence in the future. The biggest risk, the WEF said, will stem from protracted fiscal imbalances and huge income gaps between the rich and the poor.

The report pointed out that financial turmoil, together with energy, food and water resource crises, may lead to the recurrence of nationalism, populism and protectionism. That in turn could pose a threat to global stability and development.

As the global economic situation becomes more complicated, all countries should seek strengthened coordination and cooperation to tide over the current crisis.

Finger-pointing, groundless accusations and confrontations are detrimental to international cooperation.

Those groundless labels attached to China will bring no good to global cooperation and development, but instead harm regional security.