Commentary: Washington needs to play more constructive global role

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Washington's newly-unveiled national security strategy looks rather out of season in an age that calls for the spirit of cooperation and multilateralism.

The document, introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, is expected to guide America's future policies with the aim to defend the quad-core security interests.

The new policy playbook is an unmistakable message of the Trump administration to put "America First," and to maintain Washington's "unmatched" advantages and influence over the rest of the world through its strength.

Regrettably, Washington is using "yesterday's formula" to address today's questions. It is sending a wrong message that encourages others to place self-interests ahead of collective stakes at a time when cooperation on a global scale is very much in need.

What's more worrying is that the strategy has called some of Washington's key global partners, including China and Russia, "rival" and "revisionist" powers, and accused them of trying to alter the U.S.-favored status quo.

That would only widen the gap of distrust between them, and set up more hurdles when they have to work together on some of the most pressing global problems like combating terrorism.

Across the world, though global economic recovery is picking up, it still faces uncertain prospects for long-term growth and a rising tide of protectionist moves. Global confidence in a strong future growth has yet to find a solid foundation.

Also, such non-conventional challenges as climate change are risking the very survival of the human race, and are appealing responsible and joint efforts from countries around the world.

On these matters of global concerns, the United States, the world's sole superpower, has in the document either vowed to defend its own national interests via unilateral actions, or shed little light in the document on its commitment to playing a constructive role.

Already, Washington's unilateral approach, such as backing away from key international treaties like the Paris climate change accord and announcing Jerusalem as capital of Israel, has begun to trigger criticism and introduce chaos in many parts of the globe.

The White House' s foreign policy prioritizes America First over international rules, competition over cooperation, hard power over soft charms and domestic ballots over the world' s cheers in almost all areas.

The policy makers in Washington needs to know that in this age of global interdependence, the fate all members of the international community have been bonded together and the attempt to preserve one' s own national interests without being mindful of other parties is not only impossible but also could boomerang.

Washington has always been fond of telling others to honor their responsibilities. Now is the time for the country to have a fresh mindset that fits this new era and commit itself to a more constructive engagement with the world. Enditem