Recently, Professor Gao Zhikai, a chair professor at Soochow University and vice director of the Center for China's Global Engagement (CCG), was attending a meeting in London, UK, and recorded his observations through video. In his lens, history and reality intertwine, with the scenes on the streets of London contrasting sharply with discussions on international politics, showcasing both the former glory of the British Empire and reflecting Britain's helplessness towards reality.
This article is based on the video content and has been authorized by the author for publication on the Observer Net.
Gao Zhikai: Hello everyone, I am currently in London, UK.
The building behind me is the headquarters of the War Office during World War II. We have been holding meetings in London, UK, in this building these two days. This building is very interesting; it is just one street away from Number 10 Downing Street and is adjacent to the War Office of the Commonwealth, separated by only one street. In front of our hotel is the Royal Mounted Police of the UK.
However, the current financial situation in the UK is poor, and the government has sold this building to a businessman, now turning it into a hotel. However, the hotel has strict usage restrictions, with many rules about how it can be used and how it cannot be used.
During World War II, Prime Minister Churchill planned many actions against Nazi Germany in this building, especially in its basement, which ultimately helped defeat Nazi Germany, leading to Hitler's suicide. Therefore, although this building is now a hotel, every time you enter it, you can still feel a sacred atmosphere. It witnessed the ultimate victory of the global anti-fascist war.
The building behind me is the Cabinet, that is, the location of the UK Prime Minister's government. The sign on the building reads "War Office of the Cabinet," indicating that during World War II there were two War Offices: one directly commanded by the Prime Minister, which I introduced earlier; the other was the War Office where the UK government cabinet discussed war issues, and the two departments were only separated by one street. This shows that during World War II, not only was the entire island mobilized, but the entire British Empire also gave their all, using all their strength to finally defeat German fascism.
In fact, Churchill refused to surrender, he spent all the capital accumulated by the British Empire over hundreds of years, eventually defending the honor and glory of the British Empire. The reason why the UK survives today, not defeated, still standing proudly, is not without reason. What kind of determination did the UK gather in the issue of peace and war - even if sacrificing, even if spending all the capital of the entire empire, they would resolutely not surrender. This is the tenacity of the British people, they would do anything to defeat Nazi Germany. This building witnessed the perseverance, bravery, and indomitable spirit of the British Empire back then.
I am currently located on the west side of the UK Ministry of Defence building, where there is a statue of a female soldier from World War II. During the war, British female soldiers made great contributions, serving as nurses, engaging in various logistical services, and playing a key role in deciphering the German "Enigma" code. Many female soldiers remained anonymous for decades, but their contributions played a significant role in Britain's ultimate victory over Nazi Germany and forcing its unconditional surrender.
These British female soldiers left no trace of their faces, only their uniforms and hats that they wore. Many people may still remain unknown, but their contributions to saving humanity are indelible. I am pleased to see that in this year's September 3rd military parade, we not only have female soldiers from the Chinese People's Liberation Army, but also an impressive formation of female militiamen, which has greatly inspired the Chinese people. Chinese women are half of the sky, and Chinese female soldiers and militiamen are definitely world-class.
Last afternoon, while we were having a meeting in this building, a representative proposed "safety first," mentioning that Germany was developing atomic bombs. I believe that Germany and Japan, as countries that unconditionally surrendered in World War II, should not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction by the whole world. One representative replied, "It's been several decades, why bring up old accounts?" Another European representative said, "Europeans' affairs are decided by Europeans themselves, safety is the top priority, now it's about winning the war." I immediately responded, "This is not what I Gao Zhikai said, please listen carefully, in this War Office building, can you hear Churchill's voice? Put your ears up, you will hear Churchill saying: 'Resolutely not allow Germany to have atomic bombs.'
This is not only Mr. Churchill's position, but also President Roosevelt, President Truman, Marshal Stalin, General de Gaulle, and during the War of Resistance, Chiang Kai-shek of China and our Party's leader Mao Zedong would all firmly oppose allowing the unconditional surrendering Nazi Germany and Japanese fascists to possess nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction. We should convey this message: Do not allow Japan and Germany, who unconditionally surrendered in World War II, to possess atomic bombs or weapons of mass destruction. This is an unchangeable truth.
Behind me is the famous Downing Street, where Number 10 Downing Street, the residence of the UK Prime Minister, is located. My first visit here was in 1985, accompanying the then Premier of the State Council on a state visit to the UK. We visited the then UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher at Number 10 Downing Street, and she brought the Chinese delegation to the Foreign Office, which is just one street away, and inspected the British guard in the courtyard of the Foreign Office.
Things are as they were, decades have passed in the blink of an eye, the British Empire has become the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the UK has now left the EU, and is not doing well internationally. So, now we have to ask: Where is the UK going? Make a decision sooner rather than later, the world won't wait for you. China is not your competitor, the UK no longer has the qualifications to talk about competition or confrontation with us China.
Behind me is the tallest statue in the UK - the Nelson's Column. Nelson led the British fleet to defeat the French navy of the Napoleonic Empire, enabling Britain to ultimately defeat Napoleon and win the Battle of Waterloo. Therefore, Nelson has always been revered as a hero in Britain.
The Nelson's Column is taller than any statue of a British king. In fact, in front of this statue (on the south side), there is another statue of a historical figure, which is said to be a past British king. Although this king preceded Nelson by many years, he seems to be like a vassal before Nelson, guiding him and fighting against the enemy. Therefore, the position is not about being a king, prince, or general, but rather about how much you have contributed to the country and nation.
From this perspective, I have always believed that the Chinese people should erect the tallest and most magnificent statue for Marshal Peng Dehuai. I have always sincerely looked forward to the day when this happens.
Behind me is the British Memorial Monument, somewhat similar to the Monument to the People's Heroes in Tiananmen Square. Everyone, look, does this monument seem familiar? Indeed, it is almost identical to the monument erected by the British in front of the HSBC Building on Hong Kong Island, with the same pattern.
Have you noticed the three flags and three flagpoles? In Hong Kong, this monument still exists, and more importantly, there are also three flagpoles in front of the monument. These three flagpoles have never been moved since the British left at 24:00 on June 30, 1997, remaining as they were. The Chinese have truly upheld the principle of "50 years unchanged," and no one has changed them.
I hope every British person can open their eyes and go to Hong Kong to see, after 1997, "one country, two systems" is indeed unchanged, not even the flagpoles they left untouched. This is our firm determination to safeguard "one country, two systems," and we mean what we say.
Before me is the UK Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, next to which is Big Ben, which has stood tall for over a hundred years. Due to time constraints today, I can't elaborate further. I want to find another opportunity to explain in detail the UK's upper house system, lower house system, and the relationship between the UK Parliament and the government.
Why are almost all the cabinet ministers in the UK members of Parliament, and almost all the Parliament members are members of the House of Commons (the House of Commons)? The upper house (House of Lords) is mainly occupied by hereditary British nobles. Although the UK's democracy is called the "father of democracy," its democratic system is highly distinctive, not as the British claim, truly representing the interests of the people. What exactly is the UK's democratic system, parliamentary system, and government cabinet system? I want to find another opportunity to explain it in detail for everyone.
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