(PHOTO: VCG)

It has only been a month since we entered 2022, and the world is still trying hard to come to terms with the many unprecedented challenges of the past year, affected by a devastating global pandemic.

However, every cloud has a silver lining.

After decades of hard work, China realized the eradication of extreme poverty and completed the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects in 2021, which also contributed to poverty elimination all over the world. Without having to worry about their basic needs, Chinese people are now enjoying a much better quality of life.

We are also inspired by the sci-tech achievements made last year. Three of the notable were: China twice sending taikonauts to its own space station Tiangong and conducting multiple spacewalks; the successful development of the quantum computer prototypes "Jiuzhang 2.0" and "Zuchongzhi 2.1"; and Baihetan, the world's largest hydropower station under construction, beginning operation, and contributing to the country's green development.

Along with the rest of the world, we have experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been brought under control in China by the adoption of a dynamic zero-tolerance policy and more than 1.2 billion Chinese people being fully vaccinated to date. China has also offered two billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organizations, playing an important role in the global response to the pandemic.

The shadow of COVID -19 is still there, along with many other challenges. But with what we have witnessed and the experience gained last year, we can look forward to building the future with confidence.

The Spring Festival is drawing closer and it will be the Year of the Tiger. In Chinese culture, a tiger is considered the symbol of bravery and strength. By "giving the tiger wings" we will survive through this bitter winter and conquer the severe challenges that lay ahead, including COVID-19, together, and with certainty.

As the renowned English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley said, "If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?"

We wish you good health and a joyous Spring Festival.

The Editorial Office