-- By Xiao Hong

On October 1, at the grand ceremony in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic, Comrade Jiang Zemin on the rostrum of Tian'anmen solemnly declared that: "The Chinese people will become stronger than ever in the forest of nations of the world". This is a solemn statement to show that the New China has by its great success stepped over the first milestone. In another 50 years, i.e., by the 2nd 50th anniversary of New China, in the place of the first milestone there will arise a new milestone as the 2nd: "Socialist Modernization Has Been Basically Realized" in the country.

The future course of advance will be more beautiful. But new twists and turns may be met as are in other historical periods of development in China. Difficulties are also unpredictable but an old Chinese saying is that "past experiences make us wiser for they will help us to cope with all possible eventualities". Meanwhile, a Western saying claims, "People will become more knowledgeable from reading history". So the following four "musts" should always be the reminders of us to help us look over the past roads we have taken or into the future:

First, we must always bear in mind the present historical stage of development we are now in. We have won great successes but we still have a long way to go as we are in a historical period of the primary stage of socialism. An arduous course must be taken about which we must be clear-headed. It is true we have by many of our product items (in terms of their output) led the others abroad but we still stay with only a per-capita GDP about one 55th of the richest and most developed of the world. When speaking about the developed quality of our economy especially our new hi-tech level there still leaves a big gap to be filled in. We should be honest to say our country is a developing one, a country at the primary stage of development of socialism, and that we are still at a time we have to make strenuous effort and work hard. This is a sensible and clear-headed attitude we must adopt. Nothing can be done when high ideals are excluded. Divorcing from reality likewise involves impermissible risks.

Second, we must not forget historical lessons. People are mostly finding rejoice in the fact that we have found the correct road of development for this country. It is true this is the fundamental guarantee to the flourishing and a rising economy of China. When looking into the coming 50 years we may hope for all radical disturbances and reversals to be averted. Disturbances and setbacks may be wanted by a few but will not be supported by the greatest majority. This is natural all attempts to that end by a small few will be rejected by the greatest number clear-headed. The Chinese people are an integral whole and are now becoming mature. What is more important, China has been ready now with a whole set of basic theories, basic guidelines, policies and mechanisms facilitating reform, development and social stability to put a check to all attempt at creating disturbances and setbacks in China. This is the hope for new advances going to be made by China.

Third, we must always keep a watchful eye on the present-day international environment. In contrast with the 50s, we have already had a much-improved international environment. Also, we will never forget all the underlining causes bringing us harm. Hegemonism and power politics are not something out of the whimsical thinking of a certain politician but depend on the nature of social systems in different countries and the interests of their ruling groups. Their tactics may be in constant change but not the set goal of their strategy worked out. During a fairly long period, we must keep in mind all possible weal and woe to be brought upon us and warn us that "The Chinese nation is at a most critical moment". This is to say we have got ourselves fully mentally prepared for the advent of all possible storms to be met in our way of advance.

Four, we must face heated competitions in economic development and development of science and technology in various countries throughout the world. In the coming 50 years, an information digital time is to be fully developed. Though the last few years have seen in news media such sayings as "developments in leaps" and "advance by big margin" yet construction is a process of accumulation and a course of gradual development. What is more important, when we carry out construction and go in for pursuits of development the others are also undertaking construction and are having advances made. In the course of the like competitions we should seize on every possible chance. We should say it is by no means easy to take the commanding height of these.

By looking into the future is liberally to mean a big stride involved, a stride to step onto a new height in the way things are to be developed to an all time high. On the one hand, we must get ourselves fully prepared for any challenge or hegemonism met and "encirclement" from power politics. It goes without saying great difficulties along with fierce competition and stupendous fight still lie ahead. All things about the future depend on our economic strength, our national defense might to be built and the cohesive force of our nation to be strengthened. The past 50 years' storm and stress have led us to many understandings into the objective courses of law. As an integral whole, we Chinese people have and are becoming more mature and have become more firm to stand on our own feet. This is the supporting point that has enabled us to make a positive estimation of the coming 50 years of our development. This will lend us greater confidence in gaining a fine prospect in all its brilliance by the Chinese nation in the future.