Much distress regenerates a nation(convey)

monica

Much distress regenerates a nation

The year 2008 is an eventful year; or so to speak, a year full of troubles.

The year started with a terribly heavy snowstorm hitting many provinces in China. With heavy snow and icy rain falling since January, 2008 brought traffic to a standstill at peak season, when millions of Chinese were on their way home to celebrate Spring Festival. However, the snow and ice did not chill people's warm hearts to help each other. The country got over "cold injuries" in a very short time with relief efforts across China.

On March 14, serious riots involving smashing, looting, arson and beatings erupted in Lhasa, posing a menace to the country's unity and social stability. Nevertheless, no provocative attempt can shake the Chinese people's resolutions to safeguard the country's unification; defend social stability; carry forward the unity of all ethnicities in China; and strive to protect the dignities of law. The riots were rapidly quelled with massive support from the general public. The din has diminished and Snow Mountain remains unstained, holy and pure.

When the Olympic flame kicked off its global tour, a handful of "Tibetan independence" activists went out of their way to harass or even disrupt the torch relay. Some Western media running counter to journalism ethics derived pleasure from the poor show made by these separatists; and risked their credibility as public media fabricating stories and manipulating their audience. But their vile activities were finally foiled by patriotic overseas Chinese and the forces of justice in the international community.

Monday's 8.0-magnitude earthquake centered on Wenchuan County jolted Sichuan Province; and the tremors were even felt "across the whole continent of Asia." President Hu Jintao summoned the Politburo Standing Committee overnight issuing instructions for an emergency rescue response, and stressing that “disaster is the order, and time means life and death." Premier Wen Jiabao, acting as the Commander-in-chief over rescue operations, immediately set out for a tour of the disaster-hit province after the quake occurred; made his way overnight to the worst-hit areas; and risked his life heading for the epicenter by helicopter, where all the roads were damaged and threatened by constant aftershocks. More than 10,000 military officers and soldiers, paramilitary troopers, police and armed police forces marched into the disaster-stricken areas. The air force set a new record in its history by delivering 11,420 troopers within a single day. Paratroopers airdropped into the hardest-hit areas for further rescue. Since landing, landslides and pouring rain have frustrated their rescue efforts. But they never gave up the life-saving missions even if there was only a glimmer of hope.

In the face of disaster, Chinese people united as one to fight against hardships. The mass of ordinary citizens at home, the overseas Chinese, and compatriots from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao voluntarily reached into their pockets to make donations. In many cities of China, people waiting to donate blood stood in long queues; and Beijing reported its blood bank was up to saturation.

The Wenchuan quake has been the forefront of media attention these days. Many foreign media highly touted China's prompt response to the disaster and the rapid deployment of military troops in the disaster-hit areas. The A.P. was cited as saying that in the run-up to the August Olympics, China is well-prepared to tackle breaking events. Some other media shifted their focus to the more tear-jerking stories. Premier Wen Jiabao shed tears at the sight of two school children trapped beneath debris; and he constantly comforted and encouraged them during the rescue process. His tears, his deeds and his words in the rescue mission have been covered extensively by media at home and abroad. The aging Chinese Premier has won popularity and respect worldwide in his manner of always keeping sincere and dear to the people. Mainichi Daily News, a Japanese newspaper, carried a touching story with the title: Female teacher died for sheltering young children.

Misfortunes and calamities could descend upon people any time; and confronting this, people go through a harsh test of will power and perseverance. Likewise, a nation which has survived the tests of unity, leadership and administration will be regenerated and stronger than ever before. In history, the social progress made by any nation could be hampered by sudden challenges.

Disaster after disaster will, as it were, present to China and the Chinese people a test embracing both opportunities and challenges. It is fully convincing that China, after struggling out of disaster and distress, will emerge as a stronger, more mature giant in Asia; and will inevitably advance in its future development.

By People's Daily Online

bonderic

多災多難的2008。
我們要自強。