US President Barack Obama, left, chats with Chinese President Xi Jinping as they walk from the West Wing of the White House to a private dinner across the street at Blair House, in Washington, September 24, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Thea Wooten

It is hard to escape the fact that China has been hitting the headlines in the US media lately. Between Xi Jinping's visit to the US and China's economic changes, it's time to take notice of China's ever increasing role in the world today. China's place in the global community cannot be overstated as it represents one fifth of all humanity. People often accuse China of being militarily aggressive towards other countries, but the truth is that the future of humanity depends on China.

China's role in BRICS has shown their willingness to help bring about positive economic development for countries in Africa and Latin America, while the foreign policies of developed countries, such as the United States, have been subject to much criticism throughout the world for decades now.

Because the US sees China as an international competitor and not a good-faith partner in helping bring about economic development to poorer nations, false reports about China's role in the world are carried in American and Western media. One common example is how the US will attack China for their alleged human rights issues, yet don't attempt to present a balanced picture of China. One sometimes get the impression that these reports also have the purpose of deflecting legitimate criticism of human rights issues caused by the United States government. American entertainment television often portrays China in a negative light, most often basing itself in stereotypical anti communist tropes.

I hope to one day get the opportunity to see China for myself. I would like to be able to see not only the historic parts of China, but to have the ability to engage with Chinese people about their country. As an American citizen, I disagree with the US government's involvement in other countries and attacking peaceful nations, but I support China's efforts to build up countries economically around the world and create diplomatic relations with their leaders for a better, peaceful future.