China setting another example

Sometimes in our personal lives we face situations where we are pushed to the limit, where we feel and believe that we are being punished for no reason at all or that there is no hope. Sometimes, countries or peoples also can be placed in similar predicaments.

In such situations we have two choices or options. One is just to believe and convince ourselves that this is our destiny and that we just have to admit the situation and cannot do anything about it except waiting to see what happens next. The other is to face the situation, gain strength and overcome it with all our efforts and resources, and sometimes even with the help that we can receive from family and friends.

I think that China is now facing something like this. Several things have happened that could make the Chinese people think that this is only a matter of destiny and they should accept it as it is. Instead, what we have seen is a country that has gathered all its strength and resources and has reacted in a spectacular way.

When you see the immediate response, the volunteers, the emergency groups, the military, the government officials, the citizens in general, the amount of effort, materials and equipment that have been mobilized to handle the situation generated by the earthquake in Sichuan, is just admirable, not only in quantity but also in quality. In this effort it is also important to praise the international help and the help of the foreigners living in China, like a friend helping another friend in need.

Recently I wrote a note to this newspaper about the Olympics and the way China is overcoming some external attempts to negatively influence the international public opinion regarding this forthcoming event.

At the end of my note I wrote, "The final result of this event will make China an example for many countries, also for some of the most developed ones in the world."

Also, at this moment we can apply the same thinking. Unfortunately this is a natural disaster that has caused a lot of personal and material damage and tragedy, but it has definitely become a new opportunity for China to set an example for the world.

Juan Santamaria, a Venezuelan living in Beijing

via e-mail

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(China Daily 06/03/2008 page9)