书城外语那些激励我前行的身影
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第11章 I Have a Dream (6)

To basically achieve modernization by the middle of this century,we must accomplish three major tasks:first,achieve industrialization,which Europe has long completed,while keeping abreast of the latest trends of the scientific and technological revolution;second,promote economic growth while ensuring social equity and justice;and third,pursue sustainable development at home while accepting our share of international responsibilities. The journey ahead will be long and arduous,but no amount of difficulty will stop the Chinese people from marching forward.Through persistent efforts,we will reach our goal.

My beloved motherland is a country that values her traditions while opening her arms to the outside world.

The traditional Chinese culture is rich,extensive and profound.Harmony,the supreme value cherished in ancient China,lies at the heart of the Chinese culture. The Book of History,an ancient classic in China for example,advocates amity among people and friendly exchanges among nations.

The Chinese cultural tradition values peace as the most precious. This has nurtured the broad mind of the Chinese nation. The Chinese nation is generous and tolerant,just as Mother Earth cares for all living things.She is in constant pursuit of justice,just as the eternal movement of the Universe.

In the 15th century,the famous Chinese navigator Zheng He led seven maritime expeditions to the Western Seas and reached over 30 countries. He took with him Chinese tea,silk and porcelain and helped local people fight pirates as he sailed along. He was truly a messenger of love and friendship.

The argument that a big power is bound to seek hegemony does not apply to China. Seeking hegemony goes against China’s cultural tradition as well as the will of the Chinese people. China’s development harms no one and threatens no one. We shall be a peace-loving country,a country that is eager to learn from and cooperate with others. We are committed to building a harmonious world.

Different countries and nations need to respect,tolerate and learn from each other’s culture. Today,300 million Chinese are learning English and over one million of our young people are studying abroad. The cultures and arts of various parts of the world are featured daily on China’s television,radio and print media. Had we not learned from others through exchanges and enriched ourselves by drawing on others’ experience,we would not have enjoyed today’s prosperity and progress.

In the 21st century,economic globalization and the information network have linked us all together. Different cultures live together and influence each other. No culture can flourish in isolation. How much a country or a nation contributes to the culture of humanity is increasingly determined by her ability to absorb foreign cultures and renew herself.That is why China will remain open and receptive,value her own traditions while drawing on others’ successful experience,and achieve economic prosperity and social progress in a civilized and harmonious way.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Britain is the last leg of my European trip. I have gained a deeper understanding of Europe through this visit. China-EU cooperation is now standing at a new historical starting point and I am all the more confident about the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. There are no outstanding issues left over from history or conflict of fundamental interests between the two sides. What we have is a solid foundation and a bright future for cooperation. As the first industrialized country,Britain has accumulated rich experience in economic development and environmental protection. We hope to learn from your experience and strengthen exchanges and cooperation with you.