Weapons

Author: Chief Editor: Hu Xingguang
Publisher:
Publication Date: 1999-09-01
Features: The preface looks globally, as peace and development have become the main trends, but the world today is far from peaceful. Since World War II, although major wars did not break out for a long period, various local conflicts never ceased. Faced with the complex and ever-changing international situation, as well as the continuous emergence of high-tech weapons, we have come to realize even more deeply that the era of turning swords into plowshares and weapons into farmland is far from here. Power politics still prevails, and small nations continue to suffer oppression. The ruthless reality reminds us: It is how important it is to strive to improve the level of national defense science and technology, strengthen the construction of the national defense science and technology industry, and resolutely enhance national defense strength! The establishment of our national defense science and technology industry has been nearly 50 years. Looking back at the early days of the founding of the New China, our country had a very weak material and technological foundation, with science and technology and industrial levels considerably backward. With weak comprehensive national strength and frequent embargoes and blockades from hostile forces, the situation was dire. Under these circumstances, Comrade Mao Zedong had a far-sighted vision and established the strategy of active defense. The Party Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission made decisive decisions, developing our national defense science and technology industry independently and relying on our own efforts. An independent and complete national defense science and technology industry system was established, including sectors such as nuclear, aerospace, aviation, ordnance, shipbuilding, and electronics. Many research and development tasks were completed, ranging from conventional weapons to advanced weapons, greatly enhancing national defense strength. The vast number of scientists, cadres, and workers on the national defense science and technology front worked diligently and selflessly, using their wisdom to ensure our country's independence and security and to strive for a peaceful construction environment. Comrade Deng Xiaoping pointed out: "If China had not developed atomic bombs, hydrogen bombs, and launched satellites since the 1960s, it could not have been considered a major country with significant international influence, and it would not have the international status it has today." All this makes us deeply feel that the achievements of the national defense science and technology industry over the past few decades were hard-won, and the strategic decisions of the older generation of proletarian revolutionaries were so wise! 1999 was the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and also a year of special significance as humanity was about to enter the 21st century. The National Defense Science and Technology Commission organized the writing of the "Popular Series of National Defense Science and Technology Knowledge" to present to the readers. First, to meet the challenges of the new technological revolution in the world and implement the development strategy of "rejuvenating the country through science and education," it is urgently needed to improve the scientific and technological literacy of the entire population. Improving the scientific and technological literacy of the entire population cannot be separated from science popularization work. Systematically and accurately introducing national defense science and technology knowledge to readers, popularizing scientific knowledge, and opposing the of pseudoscience are the inescapable responsibilities of those working on the national defense science and technology front. Second, as national defense science and technology workers, we feel a historical responsibility: to report to our motherland and people the arduous journey and achievements of the national defense science and technology industry over the past few decades, to carry out in-depth patriotic education, and to continuously strengthen national defense awareness. Third, we hope that the publication of the "Popular Series of National Defense Science and Technology Knowledge" will enable more young readers to develop an interest in science and technology, study scientific knowledge diligently, and be determined to dedicate themselves to the national defense science and technology industry, just like the older generation of national defense science and technology workers, continuing to strive for a more prosperous and powerful motherland. May all readers draw strength from the "Popular Series of National Defense Science and Technology Knowledge" and feel the glory of history.