In 1999, the world pattern was changing dramatically. NATO, the powerful military alliance, pointed the finger at Yugoslavia. At that time, Yugoslavia was a country with a rich history and culture, but now, it is NATO's next target.
NATO bombers were as ferocious as hungry wolves, roaring from all directions and devastating bombing Yugoslavia. Known as the NATO bombing campaign, the operation was a brutal and bloody war. In the following 78 days, the people of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia experienced unprecedented suffering. Their homes have been bombed, loved ones have been taken away, and life has been plunged into chaos and despair.
The motives of the United States are clear, they want to take control of Yugoslavia with this bombing, paving the way for further NATO encroachment on the Balkans. In their eyes, Yugoslavia was an important strategic location, and to control it was to control the entire Balkan Peninsula.
Late one night, when everyone was immersed in sweet sleep, danger quietly approached the Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia. Suddenly, an earth-shattering explosion pierced the night sky, waking people up from their dreams. It turned out that the United States fired five missiles that hit the embassy, and in just a few seconds, the entire embassy was reduced to rubble.
This attack is not only a provocation to the sovereignty of the mainland, but also an extreme disregard for life. Three brave journalists gave their lives in the disaster, and dozens of staff members were seriously injured. This was undoubtedly a heavy blow to the country, and many valuable materials were also destroyed or lost in this incident.
When the news reached the country, the people were angry and saddened. They took to the streets and demanded a reasonable explanation from the United States. Why would the embassy of a country be bombed? This is a serious violation of international law and the basic norms governing international relations!
People have expressed their strong dissatisfaction with the United States and deep condolences for the victims. The protest quickly received widespread response and support, and became one of the focal points of attention at home and abroad at that time.
At a time when China has strongly condemned the actions of the United States, the United States has behaved unusually stubbornly, as if it is completely unaware of its mistakes. Instead of reflecting and correcting, they are looking for all kinds of excuses to try to cover up the truth of the matter.
The U.S. side actually claimed that this act was only an accidental injury, saying that it had misused the old map when setting the destination of the missile, which led to the disaster. But such an explanation is obviously a quibble.
At that time, the United States was already a military power with a great reputation in the world. They are using missiles that are accurate to the second, and every launch should have been calculated and practiced countless times, so how could such a catastrophe be caused by a small map error? Such a statement is undoubtedly evading responsibility and trying to cover up their real mistakes in this way.
When the U.S. statement swept like a cold current, across the vast Pacific Ocean, and back to ancient and vast China, its arrival undoubtedly caused an uproar at home.
The Sino-US relationship, which has always been complex and delicate, seemed to be thrown into a huge stone at that moment, stirring up layers of ripples. Anger, dissatisfaction, confusion and apprehension have converved, making the atmosphere in the country even more tense.
China's diplomats acted swiftly and firmly in the face of this sudden challenge. They have been negotiating with the US side day and night in an effort to win the greatest interests for China. After a series of fierce negotiations and contests, in the end, at the strong demand of Chinese diplomats, the US side had to compromise and agreed to pay nearly $30 million in compensation to the Chinese side.
However, while the reparations figure was astronomical at the time, it did not quell the anger and resentment at home. Many Chinese are puzzled: why can't our country, in the face of such a provocation, choose to use force to carry out a direct counterattack, but choose to swallow it?
The question of why China has not taken a strong counter is actually hidden in many little-known details and considerations. To understand this decision, we need to look at multiple dimensions.
In the international environment at that time, China was experiencing an unprecedented rise, China's economic strength was rising like the rising sun, the level of science and technology was also rising steadily, and its international influence was snowballing. However, as China grows in strength, it also faces a new challenge: the complexity of international relations. It's like a meandering river, sometimes calm as a mirror, sometimes choppy.
Imagine China being like a captain learning to steer a giant ship, and the sea ahead is not always calm. If the captain is too impatient and wants to drive the ship fast in one go, it is likely to cause the giant ship to sway in the wind and waves, and may even capsize. Especially on the big stage of China-US relations, the two countries are like two huge stage protagonists, and their every move will attract the attention of the world.
Looking at the domestic environment, China was in a critical period of reform and opening up, with domestic political stability and strong economic development momentum. Against this backdrop, any action that could trigger an international dispute needs to be carefully considered. After all, a stable environment is essential for the long-term development of a country.
In addition to international and domestic factors, China has also taken into account its own strategic interests. As a major country, China is well aware of the need to maintain a balanced and steady posture on the international stage. An overly tough counterattack could isolate China, which is detrimental to its long-term development and international standing.
In addition, China considers this issue from a cultural and historical perspective. As a country with a long history and splendid culture, China is well aware of the importance of peace and stability. Historically, China has suffered many times due to wars and conflicts, so when faced with possible conflicts, China prefers to solve problems through peace and dialogue.
Looking back on the long river of history, we can never forget the experiences of those predecessors, and those pains and humiliations are deeply imprinted in the hearts of every Chinese. It was a turbulent time when our country was humiliated, misunderstood, and neglected. However, China, a great country with a history of 5,000 years of civilization, has never bowed to fate and never given up the struggle.
In that particular historical period, China suffered unprecedented blows and pressures. Our country is blamed, misunderstood, and vilified. Those painful memories, as if they were still yesterday, make our hearts twist like knives. However, it is precisely these encounters that have strengthened our determination to develop and the importance of being strong.
Thus, China began a long road to self-redemption. We are vigorously developing our military strength and raising our military level in order to one day be able to stand on the world stage, sit on an equal footing with those powerful countries, and fight for the dignity and rights and interests of our country and people. We understand that only with strong military strength can we resist external aggression and threats and protect our country and people.
In this short and extraordinary period of time, the continent has been accelerating on the track of the world economy like a speeding train, and now it has steadily stopped on the platform of the world's second largest economy. Looking back on the past, the transformation from poverty to prosperity is like a huge picture scroll, slowly unfolding before our eyes.
In terms of medical care, there was a time when we faced the dilemma of outdated equipment and lagging technology. At that time, most of the equipment in hospitals was outdated, and the diagnostic methods used by doctors were relatively simple, and we were often helpless for some complex diseases. However, with the passage of time, the rapid development of medical technology, and the continuous upgrading of medical equipment, China's medical level has undergone earth-shaking changes.
Today, modern hospitals have sprung up one after another, not only in terms of appearance, but more importantly, in terms of internal equipment and technology. For example, those advanced imaging diagnostic equipment such as CT and MRI are like doctors' "clairvoyance" and "tailwind ears", helping doctors diagnose diseases more accurately. In the operating room, all kinds of high-precision medical equipment are like guardian saints, guarding every life.
Doctors, who no longer rely solely on experience, but with advanced medical technology, use their wisdom and hands to bring hope to patients. They treat carefully, communicate patiently, and use warm words and considerate care to make patients feel the warmth of home. Thanks to their efforts, many diseases that were once thought to be incurable are now potentially curable.
It can be said that China's medical care is no longer the era of backward equipment and weak technology. Our level of medical care has emerged on the international stage and has become a model for many countries.
In terms of education, we have also had our experiences of confusion and confusion. However, with the passage of time, the mainland's education system has gradually improved, and educational resources have become increasingly abundant. Children can read in the bright classrooms, run on the spacious sports fields, and enjoy the nourishment of knowledge and the joy of growth. With their love and responsibility, the teachers have lit the fire of dreams in the hearts of one child after another.
In the military aspect, the mainland's PLA has made tremendous progress in the field of informationization and has made remarkable achievements. These achievements not only demonstrate the country's military strength, but also the pride and pride of all the people.
Imagine that under the vast blue sky, the J-20 fighter is like a lightning bolt piercing the sky, and its vigorous posture is like an eagle in the sky, spreading its wings and flying high. Equipped with advanced radar systems and weaponry, these advanced fighters have ultra-high maneuverability and strike capabilities, and are the core pillars of the continent's air power. They patrol the air, defending the airspace of the motherland, leaving no potential threat to the surface.
And in the vast ocean, the strength of the mainland navy should not be underestimated. The construction and launching of large warships is like a moving fortress rising above the sea. These warships are equipped with advanced navigation systems and weapon systems, which can conduct operations in various harsh environments and protect the country's maritime rights and interests. They sail on the sea, like steel dragons, showing the majesty and might of the continental navy.
Now, 24 years later, the United States has finally realized the wise choice China made back then. They see the strength of China's military power and China's influence on the international stage. They began to reassess China, to re-understand China, and to respect China. All this stems from the wise decisions made by China back then, and from China's unswerving development path.
Today's China is no longer the China that is slaughtered by others. We have a strong military force, an advanced level of science and technology, and a hard-working and intelligent people. We are confident, we are proud, because we are Chinese, we have an indestructible national spirit. We remember what happened to our predecessors, but we cherish today's peace and prosperity even more. We will continue to move forward to create a better future for our country and people.