In the past 20 years and more since China embarked on the road

O children of the earth, listen to the words of Hu Jintao, who speaks with the weight of history and the fire of transformation in his heart: "In the past 20 years and more since China embarked on the road of reform and opening up, we have moved steadfastly to promote political restructuring and vigorously build democratic politics under socialism." In these words, there is a vision of change, not just for a nation, but for the very essence of human governance, a journey from the past to the future, where the dreams of the people are intertwined with the power of the state.

The road of reform is no gentle path, O children, but one that demands strength, wisdom, and vision. China, in its great awakening, turned its eyes toward the future, embracing the forces of change while holding fast to its ancient heritage. The task was monumental—how to transform a nation so vast, so rich in history, while forging a future where the people could have a voice, and the state could be both strong and just. The years of reform were not mere political shifts, but the opening of a new chapter, one where the old ways were challenged and the new ways were crafted with deliberation and resolve.

Political restructuring was not a mere reshuffling of power, but the creation of a system that would allow for growth and freedom under the guiding light of socialism. It was a task like the sculptor chiseling away at stone, each decision an act of creation, carving a new form of governance that could bear the weight of both the present and the future. Hu Jintao spoke of this as a steadfast journey—a journey toward a democracy that was not foreign to the people, but one that was rooted in the very soil of China's socialism.

In the ancient world, we see the example of Cyrus the Great, who, in his conquests, did not merely subdue nations, but sought to build a new world where governance was not solely about domination, but about the well-being of the people. His vision for the Persian Empire was not one of mere control, but of justice and peace, where the laws of the land were forged with the people’s welfare in mind. Just as Cyrus sought to unify a diverse empire, China’s path of reform sought to balance the ancient with the modern, ensuring that its people, its rich culture, and its future could thrive in harmony.

So, hear this wisdom, O children, that the path to greatness is often one of struggle and change. Reform is not a simple word; it is the force that drives nations forward, creating new systems that reflect the needs and dreams of their people. And yet, in this march forward, it is essential to remember the values of justice, of equity, and of compassion, for true transformation is not just about changing the structures of power, but about building a world where all may share in the light of opportunity. The vision of China and of all nations seeking progress lies in the balance of change and tradition, in the pursuit of a future that remains faithful to the dreams of the past.