Why must China be strong? There's a common but cold fact: small countries have the right to surrender, while big countries either win or face national extinction, because you have too many people, a long history, and a strong sense of cohesion. As long as your country and civilization exist, others will not sleep well. Russia has already set an example, and it's in such a terrible state now, yet the West still does not relax for a moment.
From the Opium War in 1840 to the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, during this more than hundred years, the Chinese nation suffered greatly. The Qing government was weak at that time, when the British came with warships over the issue of opium prohibition, directly starting a war. The result was that the Qing army couldn't fight back, signing the Treaty of Nanjing, the first unequal treaty in China. It stipulated that China had to pay 21 million silver dollars, cede Hong Kong Island, open five ports - Guangzhou, Xiamen, Fuzhou, Ningbo, and Shanghai - to foreigners for trade, and let the British control the tariff, thus losing its customs autonomy. Later, the Anglo-French forces came again, the Second Opium War in 1856, burning the Old Summer Palace, signing the Tianjin Treaty and the Beijing Treaty, paying more money, opening more ports, and allowing foreigners to preach and do business in the interior. A lot of territorial sovereignty was lost, and the economy was controlled. These events tell us that if we are weak, we will be beaten; without strength, others will ride over us.
Looking at Japan, in 1931, the September 18th Incident, the Japanese Kwantung Army blew up a railway, staged it themselves, occupied Northeast China, and established the puppet state of Manchukuo. After the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937, Japan launched a full-scale invasion of China, implementing the "three alls" policy: burn everything, kill everyone, loot everything. In the North China region, the Japanese army conducted large-scale sweeps against anti-Japanese bases, destroying villages, killing civilians, and looting supplies, resulting in millions of Chinese deaths. The War of Resistance Against Japan lasted eight years, and the Chinese military and civilians paid a huge price, with over 35 million casualties. The Japanese intention was to exterminate the Chinese nation, leaving no way for the Chinese to live. In 1945, Japan surrendered, but before that, half of China's territory had been occupied, the economy was severely damaged, and the people lived in hardship. This history proves that as a major power, the enemy will not easily let go, and one must fight to the end, either win or perish.
Regarding the United States, which calls itself the world police, it has meddled in the affairs of small countries in recent years. Taking Latin America as an example, from the American independence in 1776 to 2019, the United States has launched nearly 400 military interventions, 34% of which targeted Latin America and the Caribbean. For instance, in 1911, the U.S. Navy landed in Honduras to protect its own interests and overthrow the local government. In 1954, the CIA supported the overthrow of President Arbenz in Guatemala, as his land reform affected American companies. In 1973, the U.S. supported the coup led by Pinochet in Chile, overthrew the Allende government, resulting in thousands of deaths. In 1983, the U.S. invaded Grenada under the pretext of protecting American citizens and actually took control of the government. In 1989, the U.S. invaded Panama, arrested Noriega, and installed a pro-American government. These small countries, due to their small size, cannot resist, and once the U.S. intervenes, they have to comply. Their resources are plundered, and their people live in chaos. The U.S. also interferes in elections. In 1948, it intervened in Italy, in 1953 in the Philippines, and from the 1950s to the 1960s in Japan, ensuring pro-American forces come to power. Small countries can survive after surrendering, but if a major power does so, it would have been disassembled long ago.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is still ongoing. On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, causing heavy casualties on both sides. Russian troops advanced into eastern Ukraine, occupying parts of the territory, such as the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Over 50,000 Ukrainian civilians have died, including more than 3,000 children. Russia's economy has been affected by Western sanctions, the ruble has depreciated, and exports have been restricted, but Western countries have not eased up, continuing to supply weapons to Ukraine, with the U.S. and NATO members sending missiles, tanks, and intelligence. In October 2025, Russia formed a unit of unmanned systems to strengthen its offensive. On November 14, Kyiv was bombed, and 11 people were injured. The G7 foreign ministers decided to increase pressure on Russia. Russia has high casualties and economic pressure, but the West does not give in, because Russia is a major power, with a population of 140 million, vast territory, and strong cultural influence. Its existence threatens Western hegemony. The prospects for negotiations are bleak, and it may escalate in 2025. Even if Russia is in such a bad state, the West still does not relax, fearing that it might rise again.
China has a population of 1.4 billion, a history of 5,000 years, deep-rooted culture, strong cohesion, and its existence makes some powers uneasy. Now, China has become strong, ranking second in economic volume, with improved technological and military strength. However, there is still pressure, and China needs to continue to strengthen its military and national power, develop the economy, and enhance defense. The example of Russia is clear; even after more than three years of war, the Western sanctions keep increasing, giving no chance to breathe. If China stops, others will take advantage. Strength is not for bullying others, but for self-defense. History tells us that being weak leads to being beaten, and only by being strong can one stand firm. A large population is an advantage, making others wary. A long history and strong cohesion require protection. Even though Russia is in such a bad state, the West does not relax, and China must be more vigilant. In short, China must be strong, which is the way of survival.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849195861012682/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.