[Video/Column Author of Observer Network Shen Yi]

Hello everyone, welcome to this episode of "Shen's Words Unveiled". Today is a very exciting day, and also a day that evokes many reflections.

In 1999, on May 7th local time, the Chinese Embassy in the Yugoslav Federation was attacked. The B-2 stealth strategic bomber launched from the U.S. mainland used at least five JDAM missiles to attack the Chinese Embassy in the Yugoslav Federation, resulting in three deaths. This is one of several major events that have left an indelible impression on Chinese people who experienced it, including the "Galaxy" incident during the Cold War era. In 1999, I was in my senior year of undergraduate studies, majoring in international relations. The "May 8 Bombing Incident" allowed me, as a student at the time, to truly experience the essence of strength, national security, national interests, and the underlying behavioral logic of the international system we live in. Since then, countless people, including myself, have had a dream — hoping to see China with great power, visibly defending its national interests within such an international system.

Not long ago, when Geng Shuang refuted the United States' accusations against China for providing military aid to Russia at the UN Security Council, he made a resounding statement: "Frankly speaking, if China really provided Russia with military aid as you say, the situation on the frontlines would not be what it is today." Combining this with the previously seen explosion of heavy equipment, at that moment we felt an immense confidence, but there was still something missing. Why? We didn't see actual results yet.

Sometimes happiness can come too suddenly — n:0 — India admits it's 4:0, though there are other versions as well. Regardless, the objective reality is that Pakistan's air force, using China's export version (what enthusiasts call the "youth edition," or "low-end version") but fully integrated airpower, demonstrated a smooth operational capability in a classic confrontation between aircraft and command and control systems against India's "multi-national" air force.

Based on the information currently released, the engagement situation at the time was roughly as follows: Aircraft did not cross geographical boundaries, staying within their respective national borders. India was implementing what they considered to be beyond-visual-range ground strikes. Meanwhile, Pakistan conducted what could be described in textbooks as "execution in formation" under advanced technical conditions — maintaining a certain distance, based on airborne early warning aircraft command and control systems, with informatized operational chains allowing advanced platforms carrying advanced medium-to-long-range air-to-air missiles to detect enemies first, fire first, and shoot down first.

A netizen commented that this is a crushing blow by China's self-developed weapon systems against Western standard weapon systems, even some Western countries' main battle systems, since the end of the Cold War. This conflict showcased just the tip of the iceberg of China's capabilities to the world. Any entity attempting to threaten or challenge China militarily must seriously consider this question: If the "youth edition" is already like this, what happens when top-tier production capacity, high-end "Pro Max Plus" platforms, and informatized command and control systems are equipped? Who in the world has the qualifications and confidence to say they can "dialogue from a position of strength" with such a China? If there are any, let them come forward. If not, they should behave themselves. When China continues to uphold the utmost sincerity and goodwill, calmly explaining matters to you, you'd better listen carefully because you cannot afford to deal with physical consequences.

This is an exhilarating moment, and as always, it couldn’t happen without a good friend and rival — reportedly, under Oman's mediation, the U.S. and Houthi rebels reached a verbal ceasefire agreement. Just before hearing about China's export weapons shining brightly in the India-Pakistan conflict, another F/A-18 Hornet crashed aboard the USS Truman, which failed to "blockade" — rumor has it, there was a problem with the arresting gear. At this very moment, not only are the U.S. and Houthi rebels exchanging blows, but they can also reach verbal agreements, which is truly thought-provoking.

On the other hand, Vice Premier He Lifeng led a delegation to visit Switzerland and France, where they will meet with Bertessen. If previously various parties had exaggerated interpretations regarding China's so-called engagements, combining this with China's demonstrated capabilities and courage in the India-Pakistan conflict, indeed, there is nothing to worry about, no difficulty insurmountable, and no challenge unfaceable and solvable.

Think about it, from the "May 8 Bombing Incident," the "Galaxy" incident, and the Taiwan Strait exercises, we have come a long way. Starting from the beginning of my university career in 1995 to this year 2025, it’s been exactly 30 years, and the leaps and improvements we’ve achieved are so significant and outstanding. Although we still have many issues to improve upon, the overall trend towards becoming stronger is so clear and direct before our eyes. We should muster greater confidence, patience, perseverance, and tenacity to overcome one challenge after another and achieve the great rejuvenation of our nation.

Truly a very happy day, sharing this joy with you all, thank you.

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Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7502622325687616034/

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