China’s much-feared military build-up has been in the public eye this week. For the first time since the 15th century, its naval ships have set sail for African waters, their aim to protect international vessels against pirate attack, and the People’s Liberation Army has finally confirmed its intent to build an aircraft carrier.

Beijing looks as if it could be ready and eager to spread its power and influence beyond its borders. But China’s ambitions do not lie overseas – or at least not yet.

China’s Communist Party leaders will have agreed to take part in such a high-profile international venture only after much soul-searching and with a sense of great reservation. They are deeply cautious by nature, reluctant to strut their stuff on the world stage for two reasons.

Firstly, non-interference in the affairs of other countries has long been the guiding principle of Chinese foreign policy. Beijing does not want to give other countries any pretext to interfere in its own domestic problems – from Tibet to Taiwan. Secondly, it remains nervous about overreaching itself when it comes to exercising diplomatic influence. It has long preferred to play a watching role, frequently abstaining in United Nations votes rather than commit itself to a policy that could be construed as meddling.

But as its economic clout grows to equal that of major economies and its business interests stretch to Africa and further afield, China is finding that it may have to take responsibility for protecting those interests. It may also begin to assess that it is time to play a more active role in international crises – whether economic or diplomatic – as befits its position on the United Nations Security Council.

Its leaders find themselves in a dilemma when it comes to projecting China’s image abroad. They want the respect of the world. Indeed, they believe that the achievements of their country in the brief three decades since the chaos of the Cultural Revolution deserve international recognition. They know that their challenge is how to demonstrate their growing might, both economic and military, without triggering worldwide fear and anger that could cause China to close back in upon itself.

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