The ‘rise of China’ discourse articulates the transformation of China’s internal structure and growth of its comprehensive national strength. From a Chinese perspective, the ‘rise of China’ and ‘peaceful development’ are concurrent themes that express and blend with the twin trends of globalisation and multipolarisation. This article argues that by adhering to the processes of ‘multilateralism’ and promoting ‘commercial diplomacy’, China has consciously made efforts to improve its international image.