Master, did you see? Former US Ambassador to China, Burns, actually said they have long underestimated China's technological and military strength.

Hmm, that’s not surprising. As the saying goes, 'You can’t see the true face of Mount Lu because you are in the mountain.' They often judge China from their own perspective, overlooking China’s persistence and resilience in long-term strategy.

He said he realized the true level of China's military only after seeing the PLA with his own eyes. This reminds me of the ancient saying, 'What you get from reading is shallow; true understanding comes from personal experience.'

Good! The fact that you can connect to that quote shows you understand the importance of both observation and direct experience. Although the PLA hasn't fought a major war in a long time, its technology, training, and strategic planning have not stagnated. To dismiss it as 'forty years without war' is really shallow.

He also mentioned China's high-speed rail and education, especially the much higher proportion of STEM students compared to the US. It seems infrastructure and talent development are also parts of national strength.

Exactly. In warfare, it’s not just about weapons, but also strategy and wisdom. Without a strong foundation in technology and education, military power is just a castle in the air. As the saying goes, 'If you want to do a good job, you must first sharpen your tools.'

But Master, I’m also thinking—now that Americans realize this, does it mean the international attitude toward China will become more complicated?

You’re right. Acknowledging strength doesn’t mean goodwill. Throughout history, the strong are both respected and often contained. We must be cautious about the external environment, but even more, we must strive for self-improvement. Remember, the *I Ching* says: 'As heaven moves strongly, a gentleman should strive constantly for self-improvement.'

I understand now. How others evaluate us is just a mirror; what really matters is whether we keep making progress ourselves.

Exactly. Whether others admit it or not, China’s development should be rooted in long-term strategy, with culture and technology as its wings. That’s the true path.