S to a weaker, insecure position and inevitably altering the international system status quo. Even though the U.S continues to have a disbelieving sentiment towards China's growth, the chances of China and the U.S engaging into conflict are in neither of the states' best interests for various reasons (Wang and Zhao, 2006, p.121).
Firstly, China, being overwhelmed by domestic issues (such as resource shortages, worsening environmental conditions, social conflicts/stability and poverty, among others), respects the United States' position as one of the main super powers in the international schema and has no desire, whatsoever, to seek hegemony (i.e. become the ultimate super power) or to dominate world affairs (Hu, 2005, p.6). On the contrary, China will continue to "integrate itself into the international economic system and acquire world resources by peaceful means" (Yue, 2008) that is, through fair trade and investment. Moreover, China will create more opportunities through the enlarging of its domestic market instead of posing a 'threat ' to the international community (Yue, 2008). In short, China "is endeavoring to realize a 'peaceful rise ' on these entire bases" (Yue, 2008). In addition, the U.S market is crucial to China's development (and vice-versa); therefore, China could not afford losing its access to U.S resources. Even though China has been strongly integrated into the U.S-dominated international system and following U.S-established rules and regulations (in the practice of fair trade), the rise of China continues to be seen a threat to American policy-makers (Yue, 2008). In spite of all the evidence provided, the U.S responses state a hopeful view on the 'peaceful rise ' of China, but continue to express unconvinced attitudes towards the situation; therefore, whether China pursues its rise in a peaceful way or not, it will continue to be regarded as a threat to the U.