描述

Chapter Two

China’s national minorities – an introductory survey

CHINA is a beautiful land. The ancestors of its various nationalities have, since antiquity, labored and multiplied on this vast, bountiful land. In developing the resources of their country, they have demonstrated ingenuity and inventiveness. Cultural relics unearthed over the years bear witness to trade, cultural exchange and mutual influence among the various nationalities. They demonstrate eloquently that the splendid civilization we have inherited is the fruit of the joint efforts of all the nationalities who have worked together diligently and valiantly generation after generation. Each nationality has made its own contribution, and no nationality can claim exclusive credit for itself.

It was on this common economic, political and cultural basis that some 200 years before Christ, Qinshihuang (Chinshihuang), the First Emperor, accomplished the historic mission of founding a centralized, unified state. This marked a great beginning. Since then, China’s various nationalities have lived together in a unitary country. This has improved unity, promoted growth and is in the vital interest of the people of all China’s nationalities. National solidarity and unification of the country have been the main current in China’s history.

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