In the course of China's reform and opening up, we have witnessed seven opportunities for class leaps, each of which has provided opportunities for those who aspire to change to realize their dreams. From the resumption of the gaokao to the rise of township enterprises to the rise of the internet, this series of opportunities has shaped China's society in recent decades. Today, however, we stand on the threshold of the eighth opportunity to cross classes, facing new challenges and opportunities.
Fire became a symbol on a social level in this era, representing the "human heart" and "culture". We are ushering in the era of fire luck, which is not only about the leap of individual class, but also about the "human heart" and "culture" of the whole society.
The past seven opportunities are history, and the Departure from Fire will lead us into a new stage of development, and it may be the last. This era will unfold over the next 20 years, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
Looking back at the development of China's economy, we can see the years of rapid growth. Since the reform and opening up, we have eaten the demographic dividend and the global dividend. The economic efficiency is leading in the world, and various industries are developing rapidly. However, over time, some industry dividends have expired. With more than 1 billion Internet users and an urbanization rate of nearly 65%, the real estate market is basically at its peak, and energy-consuming industries and traditional automotive sectors are gradually reaching their peak.
These are signs that China's economic growth has peaked, and micro-level problems are emerging. The slowdown in economic growth has led to a series of social problems. Consumption downgrading, capital monopoly, and the widening gap between the rich and the poor are gradually becoming apparent, and social contradictions are becoming increasingly acute. In the past, rapid economic growth obscured these problems, and people's wealth increased and their quality of life improved, but now we must face up to these deep-seated social problems. Globally, the shadow of the economic crisis looms over various countries, with frequent incidents of malicious injuries and social unrest.
In the face of these challenges, we are facing the eighth opportunity, that is, the "fire" of the era of fire transportation. This era will begin in 2024 for a period of 20 years, marking a completely new era. Fire here symbolizes the "human heart" and "culture", highlighting that the development of society is inseparable from the guidance of culture. In this era, China will face more complex tests, and the key to solving the problem will lie in the "cultural economy".
The culture wars have already begun, and they're getting more intense. The United States dominates the export of culture on a global scale, influencing the world through liberal democratic ideas and advanced culture. However, China is facing infiltration from external cultures, and some big Vs are considered to be "leading the way", guiding the direction of social thought and culture. In this culture war, how China will resist the onslaught of external culture and maintain its own cultural independence has become a crucial question.
The breadth and inclusiveness of Chinese culture is our strength. For thousands of years, the feelings of family and country have always been the spiritual element in our hearts, and the concept of self-cultivation, teamwork, governing the country, and leveling the world has inspired us to struggle. More importantly, we have a great power feeling, and since Qin Shi Huang unified China, our ideology has always been the idea of "ranking first is right, and ranking second is not good".
We are willing to pay an unimaginable price for the rise of a great power and the rejuvenation of our nation. Scientists are nibbling on steamed buns for two bombs and one star, and laborers bring their own dry food to explore for oil in uninhabited deserts. This cohesion and great power sentiment will be our talisman in the culture wars. However, the culture wars have not been without their challenges.
The United States occupies a cultural high ground around the world, and has successfully attracted the world's attention through Hollywood, American dramas, food, hip-hop, democracy and freedom, and other aspects. Films from some countries, such as India's "Three Fools in Bollywood" and Thailand's "Genius Gunman", have exaggerated the vision of the United States. In this competition for cultural export, we need more innovation and autonomy.
China's influence in the international field of high-end luxury goods and art is relatively small, and there are even some voices that disparage China's aesthetics. In order to make up for this shortcoming, we have seen the cooperation of some mobile phone manufacturers co-branding foreign design brands. This kind of cooperation is not only a measure to meet the market demand, but also a short-term compensation for its own cultural soft power.
The inclusiveness of Chinese culture is one of our strengths. No matter where you come from, no matter who you are, as long as you are willing to learn, we will do our best to help you. This cultural inclusiveness is the source of our strong cohesion and the strength we have earned respect in the international community.
The competition between cultural export and import will determine a country's position in the international arena in the future. If people from other countries yearn for Chinese culture, want to come to China, take pride in speaking Chinese, and take pride in using Chinese products, then China's economy will inevitably usher in new prosperity. A country's culture is dominant, and there will be more room for its product output. This kind of "soft power" can not only promote the international community's recognition of China, but also promote the healthy development of the economy.
In the era of fire transportation, we need to face new opportunities and challenges. Culture wars will be the decisive factor, and the export and preservation of Chinese culture will be the key to our response to external challenges.
By focusing on innovation and strengthening the promotion of local culture, we are better able to defend our cultural independence and attract more international attention through an inclusive culture. In this new era, let's move forward together to create a more prosperous, inclusive and creative future.