China has made it clear to the world that its first aircraft carrier, a refitted Soviet-era vessel, is for scientific research and training. Despite this, the maiden run of the carrier has flustered the United States, which already has 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in service.

Having an aircraft carrier will not change China's defensive defense policy. China is fully aware of its international responsibility toward world peace and stability, a fact the US State Department has challenged while demanding that Beijing explain why it has built an aircraft carrier.

This is unbecoming of the US, whose politicians and their partisan politics over the government debt crisis have pushed the world into an economic and social turmoil. By targeting China for having an aircraft carrier, which still has not been fully commissioned, the US is trying to shift the focus away from the mess it has created.

The difference in attitude between China and the US is reflected in how their leaders fulfill their responsibilities and handle important issues. A weapon in the possession of a traditionally peace-loving country is more likely to promote regional stability, whereas misuse of financial power and leadership by a superpower can debilitate international trade, currencies and financial markets.

The world is paying the price for the shortsighted policies and divisive politics of a country that claims world leadership and assumes the role of international police. This is not the first time partisan politics in the US has dealt a severe blow to the rest of the world. Just three years ago, the economic downturn that its subprime mortgage crisis led to devastated economies across the world.

The current US debt crisis further highlights the flaws in its two political parties' approach, which have put their partisan interests above national and international stakes.

With party interests ruling supreme, the political battle in US Congress is akin to a civil war. It is of little concern to Democrats and Republicans that their petty quarrels and haggling have consequences far beyond the borders of the country. Is this how a responsible superpower should act?

For American voters, choosing between the fighting Democrats and Republicans now is like choosing between the devil and deep blue sea. They have lost their voice in the cacophony of the fighting between the two parties.

Thus the biggest problem facing the world now is not an aircraft carrier, which is just making a test run, but how to manage the waywardness of a country that still wields monumental power and influence. It is the United States that should be made to fulfill its responsibility by not leaving the rest of the world holding its breath for the next disaster its partisan politicians are about to cause.

(China Daily 08/13/2011 page5)