In a powerful speech at the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, President Xi Jinping quoted a profound couplet: “Stay true to the path, but strive with effort halfway; the summit isn’t far, so don’t shy away from hard work.” This couplet, engraved at the Mid-Mountain Pavilion on Mount Heng, resonates deeply, encouraging us to push forward.
The Mid-Mountain Pavilion is strategically located at the halfway point of the climb to the summit, providing hikers a moment to rest and reflect on the wisdom of the couplet, revitalizing their determination to continue upward. Climbing a mountain mirrors the journey of entrepreneurship: though the road may be long, progress will come with effort; while challenges may seem daunting, action leads to success. Party members and officials must maintain steadfast beliefs, embody a spirit of hard work, and strive to be relentless climbers and fighters.
To build resolve, we must commit to our paths. The journey to the summit values adherence to the correct way and understanding. Ultimately, climbing is also a process of “correcting one’s heart” and “gaining insight.” With each ascent and overcoming of obstacles, our perspective broadens, clarity increases, and our steps become more assured.
Since the dawn of the new era, our party has united the people in navigating economic stability, poverty alleviation, pandemic control, and disaster response. Faced with unprecedented changes in a century, we have overcome significant hurdles and achieved seemingly impossible feats, showcasing the powerful truth and practical strength of Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The more we understand, the more determined our actions will be; the more committed we are in action, the clearer our insights will become. As we stride into a new chapter, party members and officials must remain true to their original intentions, following the right path and consciously embodying the party’s innovative theories.
This couplet also inspires us to “strive hard” and “not shy away from labor,” emphasizing the importance of steady progress. It’s crucial to realize that stagnation at the halfway point—becoming complacent or self-satisfied—will prevent us from experiencing the breathtaking views at the summit.
As National Medal and Honor recipients receive the highest accolades from the Party and the people, it’s clear that their remarkable contributions stem from dedication and hard work. Zhao Zhongxian, for instance, remains undeterred by past successes or setbacks in his relentless pursuit of breakthroughs in high-temperature superconductivity. Similarly, Wang Xiaomo recognizes that key core technologies cannot be purchased. With a pledge to innovate, he led his team through years of challenges to successfully develop domestically produced early warning aircraft, achieving nine milestones in the history of global early warning systems. The essence of great achievements is perseverance; every remarkable success originates from tireless effort. “The new journey is a glorious and dream-filled expedition.” Only by cultivating a strong sense of responsibility, unwavering resolve, and genuine skills can party members and officials faithfully implement their dreams step by step.
Today, as we transition from comprehensive reforms to deeper reforms, we face a complex and challenging landscape. However, those who do not seek ease will succeed, and those who do not shy away from difficulties will progress. Party members and officials must remain confident and motivated, tackling challenges with both advocacy for reform and practical implementation. “Our modernization is the most challenging and the greatest.” By continuing to climb with unwavering determination along this bright and just path, we will inevitably reach one summit after another, achieving victory after victory.
