HONG KONG -- Virtuous China-US competition can contribute to world peace and development by promoting infrastructure, vaccines, and a better environment, the South China Morning Post reported on Tuesday citing a Chinese expert.

The article, entitled "Can China and the US Pursue virtuous competition, rather than vicious rivalry, to avoid Cold War 2.0?" was written by Xu Xiaobing, director of the Center of International Law Practice at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

"Vicious competition will only lead to entrenched distrust and division, unwarranted charges and sanctions, irrational political and ideological attacks," the article said.

China, which has suffered in the past from the actions of Western imperialists, does not have the traditions of aggression and bully, it said.

Instead, it learned from historical lessons and is now better equipped to defend its own sovereignty, security and development interests, it added.