Chinese people have made great strides in the past 60 years
The 60th anniversary of the founding of the PRC was marked by huge celebrations on National Day.
I felt proud, not because of the scale of these celebrations, but because of what the country has achieved since 1949 in areas such as education, the economy and in society as a whole.
Chinese children enjoy universal education and have the opportunity to learn so much, including English. This was not always the case. During the Cultural Revolution, many young people were not allowed to attend schools and we had a virtually illiterate generation. Things improved after the death of Mao Zedong . Deng Xiaoping decided that education should be given top priority. He saw this as essential to ensure modernisation and the successful development of the nation.
China has made strides in terms of industrial development. After Deng's reforms foreign investment poured in, and no one can doubt now that it is a strong nation. Just look at what has happened during the financial tsunami. The economies of countries throughout the world have been hit. However, China's economy has continued to grow, which is a sign of the country's strength.
Of course, we have to accept that there is corruption, but this is a problem that the leadership in Beijing takes seriously. It has dealt with those found guilty of corruption with heavy penalties including, in some cases, the death penalty.
I find that many Hongkongers do not share my views and deny they are Chinese. I think this is because of their concerns over what I see as the dark side of the country, regarding freedom of speech. It has to be accepted that there is a lack of openness. But at the same time we should recognise what has been achieved and where China is, now, compared to many years ago.
We need to strike a balance, focusing on the drawbacks and the benefits. Hongkongers should accept their nation.
Kanis Lam Tsz-kan, Ho Man Tin
