Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1
Beijing: Its Characteristics of Historical
Development and Transformation
1.1
Introductory Remarks
Mr. President of British Columbia University,
First or all, allow me to express my deep gratitude to you, and to Mr. Chairman
and to all members of the Committee of the Cecil H. and Ida Green Visiting
Professorships. Thanks to all of you. It's my great honor to visit your beautiful
country. And I feel especially happy to be here, for Canada is the fatherland of the
great internationalist, Dr. Norman Bethune, of whom we Chinese people will always
deeply cherish the memory. Just 40 years ago, Dr. Norman Bethune gave his whole
life to the cause of the liberation of the Chinese people. He made himself an impor-
tant bridge linking China and Canada, which has become the symbol of the ever-
lasting friendship between our two peoples. The cause to which he had dedicated
his own life has turned out to be victorious in China; and the ideal for which he had
worked hard has come to be brought to fruition on the land where he had fought
bravely. A new China is forging ahead on a new long march towards her moderniza-
tion, in spite of all the interferences and obstacles from both inside and outside. To
attain our goal, we must learn from the West with modesty all their advanced things.
Of course, in this respect, there is quite a lot for us to learn from your country.
On the other hand, we must also conserve all the valuable and useful items of the
