China's modern history is a magnificent history of rejuvenation. From the smoke of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to the spring breeze of reform and opening up, this country that has endured hardships has always regarded "peace and development" as its constant pursuit. In 1999, the United States' serial plot on the Kosovo issue not only ignited the powder keg in Europe, but even extended the flame to distant China, when a US missile accidentally hit the Chinese Embassy in Yugoslavia on May 8 of that year, causing the heroic death of three Chinese journalists. Why does the United States repeatedly provoke wars, and why China chooses patience instead of direct counterattack, is it just because "weak countries have no diplomacy"?
Walking through the long tunnel of history, we will find that we faced various challenges at the beginning of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The environment at home and abroad is complex and volatile, but China's leadership has always adhered to one principle – peace and development. This is not only a commitment to the people at home, but also a responsible attitude towards the international community. Premier Zhou Enlai and a group of other outstanding diplomats have used their wisdom and resilience to win China's right to speak in the world one after another.
Let's go back to the 70s of the 20th century, when the world landscape was changing dramatically. China's re-entry to the United Nations marked the initial establishment of its international status. Peace is not all smooth sailing. Especially in the context of the Cold War, behind every international conflict, there is a complex entanglement of international political and economic interests.
Entering the 90s, the situation in the world seems to be more volatile. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States became the undisputed superpower of the world. While the world is looking forward to peaceful development, the United States does not seem to be willing to slow down the pace of its global strategy. In the 1991 Gulf War, the United States demonstrated its military power and at the same time brought huge economic benefits to its military-industrial complex. This war is not only a demonstration of technology, but also a competition for global strategic resources.
In 1999, the outbreak of the Kosovo crisis once again showed the world the military might of the United States. Not only that, but the United States also took advantage of this opportunity to influence the international currency market through military operations, especially the exchange rate war between the euro and the dollar. This series of actions undoubtedly shows the determination of the United States to maintain its global hegemony at all costs.
The bombing on May 8, 1999, was a heart-wrenching moment for all Chinese. U.S. missiles accidentally hit the Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia, causing innocent casualties. This act has not only aroused great indignation among the Chinese people, but also made the international community question the unilateralist behavior of the United States. In the face of such a tragedy, what countermeasures has the Chinese Government adopted? While strongly condemning the United States, China has chosen to resolve the issue through diplomatic means, which shows the international image of the Chinese Government as steady and restrained, and at the same time embodies the diplomatic philosophy that "a weak country has no diplomacy, and a strong country has no explanation."
But why didn't China choose to fight back directly at that time? We must understand that China's core strategy has always been peaceful development, which is the fundamental principle that determines the behavior of the state. At the end of the last century, there was still a big gap between China's national strength and that of the United States at that time. Under such circumstances, a direct military counterattack will not only be difficult to achieve effective military objectives, but may also bring greater security risks and international pressure to the country.
China's choice is, in fact, a more far-reaching strategic consideration. Enhance its international standing by strengthening diplomatic alliances with other countries, and at the same time leverage the strength of the international community to counter unilateralism and hegemonic behavior. This strategy, while seemingly passive in the short term, is a wise choice to safeguard national interests in the long run.
Looking back at the development process of modern China, it is not difficult to find that the people of Chinese have gone through countless hardships, but each time they have been able to persevere, find a way forward from the suffering. From the smoke of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression to the spring breeze and rain of reform and opening up, the Chinese people have never given up their pursuit of peace and their desire for development. And all these efforts are aimed at realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Today, China has demonstrated its growing national power and international influence on the world stage. Through its all-round diplomatic layout and active participation in global governance, China is proving to the world that a strong China can become an important force for global peace and development. And all of this stems from a consistent belief in peace and development.
Looking back at history, we will find that at those critical historical moments, China chose the path that best served its long-term national interests. In the face of the embassy bombing in 1999, although China strongly condemned it, it demonstrated its image as a responsible major country through diplomatic means and international cooperation. This peace-based strategic choice not only protects the fundamental interests of the country and its people, but also creates a stable and peaceful international environment for China's rise. Today's China is the result of these historical choices, an increasingly important player on the world stage.