When the Chinese people's lives are ravaged by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the disease becomes an order under which the Party Central Committee and the State Council lead us to fight a war without smoke.

Humankind has never ceased combating disease throughout history. As new variations of diseases emerge, they propel the development of medicine and refine the medical technology.　

In our fight against SARS we have made substantial breakthroughs in pathological research and clinical diagnosis. The SARS vaccine and other medicines -- which are currently being researched -- could possibly be developed in the immediate future.

Science and technology are the main weapons we need to brace ourselves in times of crises.

Equally important is the national spirit -- the unyielding spirit of the Chinese people that united us in the past during foreign invasion and sudden attacks by natural disasters. It is this spirit that bolsters the conviction that we can triumph against SARS. The devotion of the doctors and nurses working on the frontline also embodies this spirit.

To brace ourselves in times of crises we also need to preserve a solid economic base. As we participate in the fight against SARS to create a sound environment for our people, we must reduce the economic losses to the lowest level.

It is common knowledge that the economy is the foundation and development is the absolute principle that we must keep in our minds before any real challenges can be addressed. Apart from military training, the army should also focus on its role to improve its combat capability and boost the national economic development at the same time. As long as we remain united as one and not afraid of any difficulties ahead of us, the final victory will be ours soon.

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