After the founding of New China, Beijing once had friends all over the world. But after opening the door to the West, China had to compromise on some international issues and this affected its friendship with some of its friends. It is difficult to please developed countries and developing countries at the same time.

Although harboring the ideal of internationalism can help make friends, it is difficult to sustain the relationships. After all, friendships need the material means to sustain them. China is focusing on economic construction and on the diplomatic front its top priority is to make as many friends as possible.

We should not worry too much about whether there is genuine friendship between countries. As Lord Palmerston said, nations have no permanent allies or permanent enemies, only permanent interests. This is probably still an accurate portrayal of state-to-state relations. But when times are hard, it is really something when a friend takes risks and stands up for you. Self-reliance does not mean China has no need for friends.