The Chinese saying "只许州官放火,不许百姓点灯" (zhǐ xǔ zhōu guān fàng huǒ, bù xǔ bǎi xìng diǎn dēng) can be translated as "The local official 【GB】 is allowed to set fires, but the common people 【PRC】are not allowed to light lamps." This proverb reflects a situation where those once in positions of power or authority have privileges and freedoms that are denied to ordinary citizens.
In the context of governance and social order, it suggests an unfair or unjust system where those with authority can abuse their power without consequence, while the general population is heavily restricted or oppressed. The saying conveys a sense of frustration and resentment towards unequal treatment and the abuse of power.
Metaphorically, the phrase implies a double standard or hypocrisy within a system, where the rules apply differently depending on one's social status or position. It serves as a critique of corruption, nepotism, and the abuse of authority.
Overall, this Chinese saying highlights the importance of fairness, equality, and holding those in power accountable for their actions. It urges for a just and equitable society where everyone is subject to the same rules and treatment.
The old Chinese saying "风水轮流转,今年到我家" (fēng shuǐ lún liú zhuǎn, jīn nián dào wǒ jiā) can be translated as "Fortunes change with the turning of feng shui, and this year it comes to my home." This proverb conveys the idea that fortunes or luck are not static but instead rotate or circulate among individuals or households.
In Chinese culture, feng shui is the practice of arranging and harmonizing one's environment to promote positive energy and good fortune. The saying suggests that just as the flow of water and wind can change directions, luck and prosperity can also shift from one person or household to another in a cyclical manner.
The phrase is often used to express optimism and hope during challenging times. It implies that if one has been facing hardships or misfortune, there is a belief that their luck will eventually change for the better. It instills a sense of anticipation and expectation that the upcoming year or period will bring positive outcomes and blessings to one's life.
Overall, this Chinese saying reminds people to maintain a positive outlook, persevere through difficulties, and have faith that good fortune will eventually come their way. It reflects the belief in the cyclical nature of life and the notion that everyone will have their turn to experience prosperity and happiness.
The old Chinese saying "三十年河东,三十年河西" (sānshí nián hé dōng, sānshí nián hé xī) can be translated as "Thirty years on the east of the river, thirty years on the west of the river." This proverb emphasizes the concept of change and impermanence.
In Chinese culture, the phrase is often used to describe the unpredictable nature of circumstances and the fluctuating fortunes of individuals, families, or even nations. It suggests that situations, power dynamics, and fortunes can shift over time. What was once prosperous or dominant may eventually decline, and vice versa.
The saying draws on the imagery of a river, which symbolizes the passage of time and represents a metaphorical boundary. The river separates the east and the west, symbolizing different phases or stages. The thirty-year timeframe is not meant to be taken literally but rather as a general reference to a considerable span of time.
The saying serves as a reminder that nothing remains constant, and one should be prepared for change and adapt to new circumstances. It encourages humility, as it implies that no position of power or success is permanent. It also suggests the importance of long-term vision and resilience, as fortunes can reverse over time.
Overall, this Chinese saying conveys the idea of the cyclic nature of life and the need to embrace change and adaptability. It encourages individuals to be mindful of the transient nature of circumstances and to maintain a balanced perspective during both favorable and challenging times.
The old Chinese saying "青山遮不住,毕竟东流去" (qīng shān zhē bù zhù, bì jìng dōng liú qù) can be translated as "Green mountains cannot block it; in the end, the river flows eastward." This proverb reflects the idea that no obstacle or challenge can permanently hinder the course of nature or the passage of time.
Metaphorically, the "green mountains" represent the difficulties, obstacles, or adversities that one may encounter in life. The saying suggests that while these obstacles may temporarily obstruct progress or success, they cannot ultimately prevent the natural flow of life or the pursuit of one's goals.
The phrase "in the end, the river flows eastward" signifies the continuous movement and progression of life, just as a river continue
资料照 - 英国首相苏纳克。
英国首相苏纳克周日(5月21日)在七国集团峰会后表示,中国对世界安全和繁荣构成最严峻的挑战,不过其他主要经济体不应当谋取与全面中国脱钩。
路透社报道说,在参加完广岛七国集团G7峰会后,苏纳克对媒体表示:“中国对全球安全与繁荣构成我们时代最大的挑战。他们在国内越来越独裁,在国外越来越咄咄逼人。”
苏纳克还表示,英国和其他G7国家将谋求一个共同应对方式,以减少中共构成的挑战。
他说:“这完全是有关降低风险,不是脱钩。与G7一道,我们在采取步骤阻止中国利用经济胁迫干预其他国家的主权事务。”
苏纳克的前任伊丽莎白·特拉斯(Liz Truss)上周访问了台湾,成为自已故英国首相玛格丽特·撒切尔夫人1990年代访问台湾以来最知名的英国政客。有“铁娘子”之称的撒切尔夫人当时说,西方不应当姑息和适应中国。
随着北京在对待台湾问题上越来越咄咄逼人态度,台海紧张局势陡然升高。北京一直宣称民主和自治的台湾是中国的一部分,并誓言不惜使用武力也要迫使台湾就范。
另据英国卫报报道,在法国有关G7峰会不应被看成是反北京的一再警告下,G7的声明称要与中国“降低风险”而不是“脱钩”。
不过,苏纳克在描述中国对世界构成的威胁时,比G7峰会的声明更大胆,把中国视为比俄罗斯更严重的全球安全威胁。
卫报表示,苏纳克说:“G7和其他国家要确保我们能够为自己和我们所看到的以中国为我们唯一主要供应链的脆弱性降低风险,我们将一道努力,采取必要的步骤,保护我们免受敌意投资,并且以一种不造成(G-7国家之间)相互受损的方式进行。”
苏纳克还被问及G7是否在解决中国的挑战上做的足够多。G7国家对北京发表了一个批评性的声明,并同意设立一个新的机构抗衡中国对其他国家的经济胁迫。但是,除了表明G7国家“强烈反对任何单方面通过武力或胁迫改变现状的企图”外,G7在应对北京对台湾越来越好战性的威胁上没有任何具体行动。
苏纳克回应称,他不同意没有具体行动的说法,称“仅仅意识到中国对世界秩序构成系统性挑战,是唯一一个具有手段和企图重塑世界秩序的国家”就是行动的一部分。
他还补充说,有关如何确保涉及我们安全的重要技术不被泄露给中国的商谈也一直都在进行中。
报道说,G7声明称与中国的关系是一个挑战,而不是一个威胁,但是(G7声明里)也含有有关敦促中国“不要从事干预活动”及对西藏和新疆的人权迫害表达关切的措辞。
声明还表示,G7国家对南中国海的领土争端“严重关切”,并敦促北京利用其对俄罗斯的影响力促使从乌克兰撤军。
中国对G7峰会的联合声明表达“强烈不满”,向主办国日本提出了抗议。
报道说,苏纳克的保守党内一些对中国持强烈批评态度的人,包括前保守党领导人伊恩·邓肯·史密斯(Iain Duncan Smith)和前首相特拉斯。特拉斯刚刚访问了台湾,她呼吁苏纳克强化应对中国的态度。