The recently published book, “Selected Quotations from Xi Jinping on Methods of Working at the Grassroots Level,” includes an excerpt from the article “The Revelation of Water Seeping Through Stone.” One passage reads: “As hard as stone, as gentle as water – one can see the tenacity of stone and the lightness of water. However, even a drop of water can eventually pierce through stone, and water ultimately achieves victory.” Among all things in the world, water is the most gentle, yet it is also the most capable of overcoming obstacles. Building a strong military over a century of struggle and striving to become a top-tier military force requires that all officers and soldiers embody the spirit of water seeping through stone, working diligently and tirelessly, accumulating small victories into great ones, and making steady progress from one step to another, using the power of “water” to achieve the feat of “piercing through stone.”

The dripping water wears down the stone, embodying both the methodology of planning for the long term and acting in the present moment, as well as reflecting the concept of governance that “achievement does not necessarily require me to be present, but it will certainly involve me.” From setting sail on a red boat in the Nanhu Lake of Jiaxing to guiding the colossal Chinese vessel through turbulent waters, the more than hundred-year history of our Party is a saga of continuous effort and relentless struggle from generation to generation. As President Xi Jinping has said, “What we need is practical action grounded in reality and with a long-term vision, rather than impractical fantasies of escaping loneliness and pursuing lofty ambitions; what we need is a spirit of hard work, taking one step at a time, rather than the speculative mindset of trying to achieve success through short-term measures; what we need is unyielding perseverance, rather than the carefree attitude of ‘fishing for three days and drying nets for two days.’”

Just like water seeping through stone, “one does not fear difficulties; one fears having no difficulties.” “Those whose ambitions are not for the easy path will succeed; those who do not shy away from challenges will advance.” Starting a business or undertaking a project is never a smooth process. Only those who dare to overcome obstacles and persevere can reach the pinnacle and “see all mountains from a distance.” The great endeavor of strengthening the military and promoting military development is by no means something that can be achieved effortlessly or with mere clapping and banging of drums. However, despite the myriad difficulties, facing them head-on is not difficult. When a drop of water encounters a stone, if it trembles and hesitates, it will certainly not achieve the effect of water seeping through stone. Only by demonstrating the responsibility and courage to confront challenges head-on, to “brave the minefield and tackle tough issues,” and to face contradictions without avoidance and challenges without retreat, can one persevere through hardships and ultimately see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Just like water seeping through stone, “cling firmly to the green hills and do not let go.” One drop of water aims at a single stone; the goal is unified, the resolve unwavering. Day after day, year after year, the water drips down – this is what creates the miraculous phenomenon of water seeping through stone! All great achievements are the result of continuous effort. All great endeavors require progress through building upon the past and looking to the future. The Beidou personnel “draw a blueprint and follow it through to the end, passing the baton from one generation to the next.” By achieving the global Beidou network, they have turned China’s satellite navigation dream from “within sight” into “within grasp.” “If one persists in action with determination, over time, one’s efforts will yield fragrant results.” Achieving the Party’s goals for strengthening the military in the new era and building a world-class People’s Liberation Army is a task that requires looking to the past while moving forward and passing the torch from one generation to the next. It is also a grueling marathon that requires all officers and soldiers to eschew short-term gains and fame, to take one step at a time, persistently and patiently, and run the historic relay race on the new journey.

Just like water dripping and carving through stone, the distinction between “non-self” and “self” is clear. “A single drop of water is small and weak; when faced with a stubborn stone, it will certainly be shattered into pieces. Even though it does not see its own value and achievements during its moment of sacrifice, its value and achievements are embodied in the countless drops of water that continue to sacrifice themselves, ultimately piercing through the stone.” The story of water dripping and carving through stone teaches us the dialectics of “non-self” versus “self” in the context of political achievements. “Success need not be achieved by me personally” represents a mindset for undertaking tasks and starting businesses, as well as a level of ambition and drive for development and progress. “Success will certainly involve my involvement” signifies a proactive attitude, embodying the responsibility and duty to safeguard one’s territory. These two perspectives complement and balance each other dialectically. On the new journey, we should handle the relationships between apparent achievements and hidden ones, immediate needs and long-term goals, individual interests and the greater good. By embodying the spirit of “non-self” and the responsibility of “self,” we can create solid achievements that can withstand the test of practice, the people, and history, thus fulfilling our duties and mission without fail. (Looking into the New Era)