近代中国经历了一段积贫积弱、任人宰割的历史。落后就要挨打，这是中国人民从屡遭外来侵略的悲惨经历中得出的刻骨铭心的教训。一个国家只有首先自强，才能在世界上自立一百多年来，中国人民为实现中华民族伟大复兴的目标进行了不懈努力。

　　China experienced a period of enduring impoverishment and long-standing debility in its modern history and was for a time at the mercy of other countries. Lagging behind leaves one vulnerable to attacks, which is the never-forgotten lesson the Chinese people have learnt from their tragic experience of repeated foreign invasions. A country has to strengthen itself before it can be sure of its place in the world. For over a hundred years, the Chinese people have made unremitting efforts toward the goal of rejuvenating the nation.

　　中华人民共和国成立后，中国人民自力更生、改革开放、与时俱进，在社会主义建设中取得了举世瞩目的伟大成就。当前，中国人民坚定不移地抓住发展这个第一要务，正满怀信 心地为全面建设小康社会、实现现代化而团结奋斗。

　　Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese people, through self- reliance, have carried out the national program of reform and opening up and, by keeping pace with the times, have made great achievements in building socialism that have caught the attention of the world. At present, the Chinese people stay focused on the primary task of development, working together with full confidence to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects and striving to achieve modernization.