Abstract The year of 1998 is one of troubles in cross-century
process with the two major world themes of peace and development withstanding so many severe tests. Economic globalization has ushered in a new period characterized by reflection, digestion and adjustment. New developments have emerged in multi-polarization process coupled with some complicated phenomena. The strategic partnerships toward the 21st century among big powers continue to be adjusted. It is very difficult to stabilize, consolidate and perfect various partnerships. In the years to come, the competition among big powers will be relatively fierce. While the US will intensify its sense of “sole superpower”, other major forces will rebound on an increasing scale. Regional crises will become frequent, at the same time, the capacity of mediating and controlling regional crises of the big powers tends to decrease. More conflicts will center on the political crumbling zone in southern Eurasia and produce
influence on the political pattern in relevant regions.
International disarmament and arms-control process encountered serious setbacks. The U.S. and Japan accelerated their pace in deploying TMD, attracting special attention from the international community. The nuclear tests in India and Pakistan challenged the nuclear non-
proliferation mechanism in the wake of the Cold War. The international mechanism of proliferation prevention was strengthened to some extent. China successfully underwent another severe test since 1989 with its capacity to control and influence world affairs increased dramatically, drawing worldwide attention and appreciation.