In a rare essay, published by the Chinese Foreign ministry, Dai Bingguo, China’s State Councillor, said: “The notion that China wants to replace the United States and dominate the world is a myth”.

“China’s so-called strategic intent is not as complicated and abysmal as some people have imagined – as if we have some secret agenda and ambitions,” said the 69-year-old Mr Dai.

Instead, he repeated that China was intent on “peaceful development” and co-operation with other countries.