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20230630 Classics

2023-06-07T14:20:42Z

Zhang Wenqi: /* Final Exam Papers */

==Final Exam Papers==
Please think of a topic in relation to Chinese classics and their reception history in the West and list your topic with your name here. As soon as it will be approved by the teacher, you can start writing in one of the sub-websites beneath (see bottom of the page).

{| class="wikitable"
|colspan="3"| „Students' Final Exam Topic Suggestions and Teacher Comments“
|-
| 胡欣怡 Hu Xinyi
| Current Situation of the Communication and Reflections on the English Translation of The Art of War
| Teacher comment: Since there are a lot of papers on this topic existing, please write your paper as a [[Systematic Literature Review]] taking into account the most often cited and most recent papers in English and Chinese you can find.
|-
| 陈彦希 Chen Yanxi
| The Translation Methods and Strategies of Chinese Classics: A Case Study on Chuang Tzu
| Teacher comment: Since there are a lot of papers on this topic existing, please write your paper as a [[Systematic Literature Review]] taking into account the most often cited and most recent papers in English and Chinese you can find.
|-
| 李心田 Li Xintian
| On the Translation and Reception History of the ''Tao Te Ching''
| Teacher comment: Since there are a lot of papers on this topic existing, please write your paper as a [[Systematic Literature Review]] taking into account the most often cited and most recent papers in English and Chinese you can find. SIMILAR TOPIC AS LIU YUQING - HOW ABOUT SPLIT THE WORK BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOU IN "English-speaking translation/reception" AND "Non-Anglophone translation/reception"?
|-
| 廖璐佳 Liao Lujia
| The Translation and Transmission of the ''Yijing'' in the West
| Teacher comment: Since there are a lot of papers on this topic existing, please write your paper as a [[Systematic Literature Review]] taking into account the most often cited and most recent papers in English and Chinese you can find. SIMILAR TOPIC AS LI YAN - HOW ABOUT SPLIT THE WORK BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOU IN "English-speaking translation/reception" AND "Non-Anglophone translation/reception"?
|-
| 谢佳玉 Xie Jiayu
| On the Dissemination and Translation of the Analects in the West
| Teacher comment: Since there are a lot of papers on this topic existing, please write your paper as a [[Systematic Literature Review]] taking into account the most often cited and most recent papers in English and Chinese you can find.
|-
| 张玉燕 Zhang Yuyan
| On the Dissemination and Translation of ''Compendium of Materia Medica'' in Europe
| Teacher comment: Since there are a lot of papers on this topic existing, please write your paper as a [[Systematic Literature Review]] taking into account the most often cited and most recent papers in English and Chinese you can find.
|-
| 周晓兰 Zhou Xiaolan
| On the Communication Effect in the English Translation of The Analects of Confucius
| Teacher comment: Since there are a lot of papers on this topic existing, please write your paper as a [[Systematic Literature Review]] taking into account the most often cited and most recent papers in English and Chinese you can find.
|-
| 陈婧 Chen Jing
| The Translation of Chinese Scientific and Technological Classics
| Teacher comment: Since there are a lot of papers on this topic existing, please write your paper as a [[Systematic Literature Review]] taking into account the most often cited and most recent papers in English and Chinese you can find.
|-
| 梁昕璐 Liang Xinlu
| Systematic Literature Review of the English translations of Chinese Traditional Philosophical works
|-
| 张文琦 Zhang Wenqi
| The English Translations of the ''Shijing'' and Its Dissemination in the English World
| Teacher comment: Since there are a lot of papers on this topic existing, please write your paper as a [[Systematic Literature Review]] taking into account the most often cited and most recent papers in English and Chinese you can find.
|-
| 付静 Fu Jing
| A Systematic Literature Review of Studies on English translations of Chinese Artistic Essays
| Teacher comment: Since there are a lot of papers on this topic existing, please write your paper as a [[Systematic Literature Review]] taking into account the most often cited and most recent papers in English and Chinese you can find.
|-
| 夏玲珑 Xia Linglong (Saitova Madina)
| The Evolution of Chinese Female Characters Perception in the West Based on Ancient Chinese Literature
| Teacher comment: Since there are a lot of papers on this topic existing, please write your paper as a [[Systematic Literature Review]] taking into account the most often cited and most recent papers in English and Chinese you can find.
|-
| Mohammed Ali Saleh ALi Al AWDI
| Systematic Literature Review of the History of English translations of the ''Dream of the Red Chamber''
|-
| 李彦 Li Yan
| The Reception and Influence of the ''I Ching'' (Book of Changes) in the West
| Teacher comment: Since there are a lot of papers on this topic existing, please write your paper as a [[Systematic Literature Review]] taking into account the most often cited and most recent papers in English and Chinese you can find. SIMILAR TOPIC AS LIAO LUJIA - HOW ABOUT SPLIT THE WORK BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOU IN "English-speaking translation/reception" AND "Non-Anglophone translation/reception"?
|-
| 刘雨晴 Liu Yuqing
| The Reception and Translation of the ''Tao Te Ching'' in the West
| Teacher comment: Since there are a lot of papers on this topic existing, please write your paper as a [[Systematic Literature Review]] taking into account the most often cited and most recent papers in English and Chinese you can find. SIMILAR TOPIC AS LI XINTIAN - HOW ABOUT SPLIT THE WORK BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOU IN "English-speaking translation/reception" AND "Non-Anglophone translation/reception"?
|-
| 王芳玲 Wang Fangling
| The Influence of Confucianism on Western Philosophy and Ethics
| Teacher comment: Since there are a lot of papers on this topic existing, please write your paper as a [[Systematic Literature Review]] taking into account the most often cited and most recent papers in English and Chinese you can find.
|-
|}

<span style="color:red">The deadline has been extended to '''June 5, 2023'''. Please find a paper you want to proof read, contact the author, proof read (by copying each paragraph and make corrections/suggestions in the copy) and sign until June 5. The author then finalizes (works in the suggestions) until the final deadline June 15!</span> Altogether 5,000 English words.

==Structure==
需要有topic、学生姓名、学号、专业、Abstract、Key words、题目、摘要、关键词、不同的章回（比如1. Introduction、2. ...、3. ……、4.……、5. Conclusion、References)、然后还需要每个阶段以后有来源。一个阶段不要超过100英文词。每个章回会有几个阶段没问题。每个阶段以后需要一个同学的这个阶段的修改。总共5千个英文词。

==Tips for writing your final exam paper: How to indicate your references==
*You can use the existing book chapters here as an example.
*Please write the text and indicate ALL SOURCES with bibliographical references. That means: At least for every paragraph, sometimes for single sentences, you have to indicate at the end, where you have found this information. E.g. (Liu Miqing 2010, 17). This means you have found it in the book or paper written by Ms Liu on page 17. And then, you need to add a section at the end called "References". There you write the full version of the reference: Liu Miqing 刘宓庆. (2010). ''翻译基础'' [Translation Basis]. Shanghai: East China Normal University 华东师范大学. Similarly, you do it for papers: Jin Wenlu 靳文璐. (2019). 机器翻译可以取代人工翻译吗? [Can machine translation replace human translation?]. ''智库时代'' Think Tank Times (40) 282-284.
*Do '''not''' write any references like in one of the sample chapters:

[1] dsalkfkdsa

[2] adsfadsfag

But only the following way:

(Liu Miqing 2010, 17) in the text

and then

'''References'''
*Jin Wenlu 靳文璐. (2019). 机器翻译可以取代人工翻译吗? [Can machine translation replace human translation?]. ''智库时代'' Think Tank Times (40) 282-284.
*Liu Miqing 刘宓庆. (2010). ''翻译基础'' [Translation Basis]. Shanghai: East China Normal University 华东师范大学.

Also, please avoid using the three apostrophes like ' ' ' (without spaces). Use the equal signs to mark headers and subheaders instead. If your paper topic has two equal signs at the beginning and end of your topic, then use three equal signs for your sub headers. Example (without spaces):
= = Topic = =
< c e n t e r > Student Name, Student no. < / c e n t e r >
= = = Abstract = = =
This chapter is on ....
= = = Key Words = = =
Egg, Hen
= = = 题目 = = =
= = = 摘要 = = =
= = = 关键词 = = =
= = = Introduction = = =
Here starts the normal text of the chapter. Please remember to indicate the source of EACH PARAGRAPH, sometimes even of single sentences. You can indicate it like this. (Woesler 2020, 345) And don't forget to mention the full bibliographical entry beneath under ''References''.
= = = The Egg = = =
Bla, bla, bla
= = = The Hen = = =
Bla, bla, bla
= = = Conclusion = = =
Bla, bla, bla
= = = References = = =
Woesler, Martin. (2020). Responsibility and Ethics in Times of Corona. Woesler, Martin and Hans-Martin Sass eds. ''Medicine and Ethics in Times of Corona'' Muenster: LIT

==Sample papers==
You can find the full papers also on the Webpage [[History of Translation Studies]]). They are marked with "Sample paper".
* A Comparative Study between Functional Equivalence Theory and Skopos Theory and My thoughts on the Two Theories
* An Analysis of the Book of Contemporary Translation Theories and Introducing Translation Studies: Theories and Applications
* Comparative Study on Functional Equivalence Theory and Skopos Theroy
* Comparison of Derrida’s and Benjamin’s Translation View
* Impacts of Western Translation Theories on The Translator’s Guide to Chinglish
* On the Comparison between "Sublimation" an "Functonal Equivalence" Theories
* Study on Gladys’ Translation of The Border Town from the Perspective of Translation Aesthetics
* The Translation of Culture-loaded Words in Chinese-English Communication
* Translators' Views on Translation Influence Their Translation Behavior

==Sub-Websites to write your final exam paper on==
[[20230630_final_exam|final exam page]]

As a reference, here is the information about last year's final exam papers:

The website where everybody wrote their final exam paper on became too big and produced a database error. Therefore we split the website into 10 small websites. They are sorted like the chapters in the book. Please look for your name and find the right of the 10 small websites to edit your book chapter. Everybody also needs to help to improve other book chapters (copy a paragraph, paste it beneath, make your corrections in the paragraph and sign it).

Here you can write your Final Exam Papers:

*[https://bou.de/u/wiki/History_of_Translation_Studies_1 Part 1, (samples)]
*[https://bou.de/u/wiki/History_of_Translation_Studies_2 Part 2, (samples)]
*[[20230630_final_exam_01]] First group of students: 胡欣怡 Hu Xinyi, 陈彦希 Chen Yanxi
*[[20230630_final_exam_02]] 2nd group of students: 李心田 Li Xintian, 廖璐佳 Liao Lujia
*[[20230630_final_exam_03]] 3rd group of students: 谢佳玉 Xie Jiayu, 张玉燕 Zhang Yuyan
*[[20230630_final_exam_04]] 4th group of students: 周晓兰 Zhou Xiaolan, 陈婧 Chen Jing
*[[20230630_final_exam_05]] 5th group of students: 梁昕璐 Liang Xinlu, 张文琦 Zhang Wenqi
*[[20230630_final_exam_06]] 6th group of students: 付静 Fu Jing, 夏玲珑 Madina
*[[20230630_final_exam_07]] 7th group of students: Mohammed AWDI, 李彦 Li Yan
*[[20230630_final_exam_08]] 8th group of students: 刘雨晴 Liu Yuqing, 王芳玲 Wang Fangling

20230630 final exam 05

2023-06-06T10:38:23Z

Zhang Wenqi: /* Conclusion */

=202270081692 梁昕璐 Liang Xinlu 英语口译(English interpreting)=
=202270081680 张文琦 Zhang Wenqi 英语笔译(English translation)=
==The Translation and Dissenmination of Shi Jing in the English World==
===Abstract===
More than two centuries has witnessed the translation and spreading of Shi Jing in the English world. Various translations have emerged, providing a feasible way for the spreading and research of its English translation. In this paper, the author adpots the method of historical analysis to investigate and examine the English translation history of Shi Jing, and tries to depict the historial evolution of its English translation, which is divided into three periods: the indirect translation and slective translation period, the full translation period and the new period. Each period has the representative translators at home or abroad. Furthermore, the author summerizes the characteristics of each period in general. Based on meticulous investigations, this paper shows how Shi Jing has influenced the world and how it does a great deal for the Chinese literature coming towards the world.
===Key Words===
Shijing; English translation; three periods
==诗经在英语世界的翻译与传播==
===摘要===
两个多世纪以来，《诗经》英译本不断涌现，在英语世界广泛传播。繁多的译本为《诗经》的英译传播和研究提供了可行的途径。本文运用历史分析方法梳理、考辩《诗经》的英译历史，尝试描绘出《诗经》英译的历史演进并将其分为转译及摘译期、全译期和新时期，每一时期均简要评述了代表性翻译家及译作。最后，作者分别总结了上述三个阶段英译活动的特征。通过详实考察，本文展现了《诗经》对世界的影响，以及对中国文学走向世界的巨大推动作用。
===关键词===
诗经;英译;三个时期
===Introduction===
''Shi Jing'', also named ''Book of Poetry'' or ''Book of Songs'', is the first collection of poems in China. It consists of 305 poems that vividly show ancient Chinese people’s life from the early Western Zhou Dynasty (the 11th century BC) to the middle of the Spring and Autumn period (the 6th century BC). There are three parts in the book: ''Feng'' (160 poems), ''Ya'' (74 poems in Xiao Ya and 31 poems in Da Ya), and ''Song'' (40 poems). Poems in ''Feng'' are mainly folk poems about people’s stories or emotions. ''Xiao Ya'' contains some folk poems and nobles’ works, and its most notable works are about fcasts and wars. Most of the poems in ''Da Ya'' are produced by imperial nobles. Poems in ''Song'' are mainly the song and poetry about the imperial family’s sacrifice to ancestors.

The language of ''Shi Jing'' conveys the beauty of music, with a sentence structure mainly composed of four words, but also flexible and varied. The four sentences independently form a poetic chapter, occasionally mixed with sentence structures of two, three, five, seven, or eight words. Reduplicated chapters, sentences, and characters are common expressive techniques in ''Shi Jing'', and rhythm between spaced sentences, between neighbouring sentences, cross rhyming, and rhyming through the same initial consonants and Chinese vowels are the basic methods in ''Shi Jing'' for metric. ''Shi Jing'' has unique characteristics in terms of meaning and rhetoric. Commonly used rhetorical devices such as exaggeration, contrast, and duality can be found in this classic. Its creative techniques have had a huge impact on the genre structure, language art, and other aspects of Chinese literature.

The translation and dissenmination of ''Shi Jing'' to foreign countries can be said to have a long history. The work has attracted many readers and scholars and conscquently been translated into many different languages. According to research, ''Shi Jing'' was first passed down through the Silk Road and initially spread to China’s neighboring countries such as today’s Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and so on. In the 16th century, ''Shi Jing'' began its journey in Europe. The earliest English translation can be traced back to the 18th century. So far, ''Shi Jing'' has been translated into dozens of languages and widely disseminated worldwide. Throughout the research on the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' both domestically and internationally, it generally includes two aspects: the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' and the research of it. In order to comprehensively understand the research on the English translation of ''Shi Jing'', the author consulted a large number of literature, adopted historical analysis methods to examine the history of the English translation of ''Shi Jing'', and then summarized the characteristics of English translation activities in different periods. The author hopes that this article can not only help us understand the dissemination of ''Shi Jing'' in the English speaking world, but also provide some reference for future research on related translation.

===1. Three Periods of the English Translation of ''Shi Jing''===

====1.1 The Indirect Translation and Slective Translation Period (1735-1829)====

According to the available materials, the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' began with the indirect translation of ''Description Géographique, Historique, Chronologique, Politique et Physique de L’Empire de la Chine et de la Tartarie Chinoise'' written in French. It was edited by the French Jesuit Jean-Baptiste Du Halde and it has four volumes. In the second volume, he introduced and examined the literariness of Shi Jing, with a collection of eight poems translated by the France Jesuit Joseph Henry de Prémare. The publication of the book in France immediately attracted the attention of the UK publishers. In 1736 and 1738, the Britain Richard Brooks, the London publisher Edward Cave and the translators he organized translated and published the English version of the book the respectively. It was the first time that some of poems of ''Shi Jing'' was translated into English.

In 1761, several excerpts from ''Shi Jing'' were contained in the final appendix of the novel ''Hau Kiou Choaan'' or ''The Pleasing History'' compiled by Thomas Percy. Knowing little about Chinese, Percy translated all those poems indirectly based on the reference to others’ translations. According to Yang Zhiyi (2005, 33), there are seven excerpts respectively translated indirectly from the version in Latin translation of ''Confucius Sinarum philosophus'' by Philippe Couplet and others, and cited from the version in the Latin work ''Musaem Sinicum'' by German Bayer and ''the Description Géographique, Historique, Chronologique, Politique et Physique de L’Empire de la Chine et de la Tartarie Chinoise'' by Du Halde.

The earliest translation of ''Shi Jing'' with the original poems in Chinese as a reference was William Jones’s version. He initially translated the ''Qi Ao'' in ''Wei Feng'' in Latin and included the translation in the ''Poeseos Asiaticæ Commentatorium''. In 1785, Jones took most of pages to discuss ''Shi Jing'' in his paper “On the Second Classical Book of the Chinese”, where he also translated each section of poems ''Qi Ao'', ''Tao Yao'', and ''Jie’nan Shan'' with methods of both literal translation and free translation in poetic style. His literal translation in prose style is generally faithful to original poems in terms of meaning and numbers of sentences, while his free translation in poetic translation, on the other hand, is considered as “imitation” (Fan Cunzhong 1991, 79), a recreation inspired by the original text. Jones not only added poetic lines in his transaltion, but also generalized the rich cultural imagery of China, adopting the rhyme style of British folk songs.

In 1829, the famous British sinologist Sir John F. Davis published the second complete English translation of ''The Fortunate Union'', which embraces some poems extracted from ''Shi Jing''. He also included these selectiive translations in his article “On the Poetry of the Chinese”, which takes examples of ''Shi Jing'' and folk songs from Pre Qin Dynasty to Six Dynasties to elaborate on the rhythmic characteristics of Chinese classical poetry. He referred to the Chinese original text when translating the poems in The Fortune Union, and also introduced them in a Chinese English comparison in “On the Poetry of the Chinese”. In this way, he pioneered the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' by comparing with Chinese original poems.

====1.2 The Full Translation Period (1871-1976)====

In the 1870s, the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' entered a prosperous stage, which was characterized by the emergence of a large number of full versions. The most influential ones are the translations of James Legge, William Waley, Bernhard Karlgren and others.

James Legge has translated ''Shi Jing'' three times in his life. With the help of Wang Tao, Legge completed the first complete English translation ''The She King or The Book of Poetry'', which was published in Hong Kong in 1871 as the fourth volume of The Chinese Classic. This translation became a milestone in the dissemination of ''Shi Jing'' in the Western world. In the preface, the author expressed his expectation that "the Work which he now offers will be deemed by competent scholars a reliable translation of the original poems". The translation was written in a non-rhymed prose style and reflects Legge’s pursuit of reproducing the literal meaning of the original poem, with “significant academic research characteristics”(Li Yuliang 2007, 43). In 1876, Legge retranslated and published the rhymed version ''The She King or The Book of Ancient Poetry''. This is the second complete English translation of ''Shi Jing''. Compared to the 1871 version, this version emphasizes rhythm, strives for accuracy, and pays more attention to aesthetic appeal. The portrayal of characters in the poem is more vivid with smoother expressions. He deleted the original Chinese poems, reduced annotations, and only retained the theme without Chinese characters in the annotations. In addition, the style and arrangement of the translation also undergone significant changes. In 1879, Legge compiled more than 100 ritualistic verses from ''Shi Jing'' into a single volume, which was included in the third volume of ''The Sacred Books of China: Texts of Confucianism'', edited by Max Müller. In this translation, the translator placed more emphasis on interpretation. The main feature of this selective translation is to highlight religious connotations, and the content unrelated to religion was removed out of the original preface to be independently composed as the preface to ''Song''. Each poem in this translation is annotated to elucidate its religious significance. Among the above three translations, the first version, which is considered as academic translation, has the profounded influence and a certain impact on many subsequent English translations.

In 1891, the complete rhymed translation ''The Shi King'' by British sinologist William Jennings was published in London, marking the advent of the third complete English translation of ''Shi Jing''. Jennings mainly referred to the annotations of Legge's translation published in 1871. Jennings’s translation includes a lengthy preface, and there are annotations on the theme and some word explanations after each translated poems. Jennings advocated for translating poetry in a poetic way and for the translation being as close to the original text in both content and form as possible. When translating, he strived to maintain the external form of the Chinese original poems, adopting a folk style form with interlaced rhymes.

In the same year, the fourth complete English translation of ''Shi Jing'', ''The Book of Chinese Poetry: The Shi Ching or Classic of Poetry'' wasbrought to the world by Clement F. R. Allen, who took the appreciation of the British into consideration. The most significant feature of this translation is that the translator greatly rewrote the poetry to live up with Western poetic concepts and acceptance habits of British readers. He adopted rhyme style when translating and employed extreme domestication translation techniques, attempting to achieve a transformation from Chinese poetry to English poetry from content to form.

After the 20th century, the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' reached its peak, with various complete and selective translations emerging one after another. In 1905, British sinologist Launcelot Granmer-Byng published the selective translation ''The Classics of Confucius: Book of Odes''. The translation was written rhymed, emphasizing the poetic appeal. In 1913, Helen Waddell, an Irish poet and translator, published the selective translation Lyrics from the Chinese. She knew little about Chinese, so she abridged a lot in her translation, and added plenty of personal creations. But her translation was quite popular at that time. In 1915, Ezra Pound, the leader of the American New Poetry Movement, an image originator and an outstanding translator, published ''Cathay'', a collection of Chinese poems translated from Japanese annotations by Ernest Fenollosa, an American orientalist at the end of the 19th century, including ''Cai Wei'' of ''Xiao Ya''. This translation is not faithful to the original text, and the translator recreated to a great extent.

In 1937, the complete translation ''The Book of Songs'', translated from the Chinese by Arthur Waley was published in the UK. Waley made a bold attempt in terms of translation methods. He believed that the use of rhyme would resulted in the loss of meaning due to sounds, therefore Waley adopted free form in poem translation rather than rhymed form, without strict restrictions on the number of words per line. He was skilled in employing appropriate word selection, ventral rhyme, alliteration, repetition, and stressed syllables to reproduce the rhythm and artistry of the original poem. He also broke the order in the original work and rearranged it according to his own understanding of the content. There are many annotations in his translation, and there are also appendices at the end of the translation. Waley’s translation is known for its fluency and the pursuit of the reflection of the original poetic characteristics in form.

In 1950, Swedish sinologist and linguist Bernhard Karlgren published another complete English translation, ''The Book of Odes''. He conducted systematic research on the pronunciation, exegesis, and rhyme of ''Shi Jing''. From 1942 to 1948, he published specialized research annotations on difficult words and phrases in ''Shi Jing'' in the Swedish Far East Museum, totaling over 1300 articles. His translation has four main characteristics: (1) Citation of the original text of the Psalm; (2) Annotation to the original ''pinyin''; (3) No lining up, no end rhyme between lines, and no neat foot or obvious rhythm within the line; (4) Annotations between most of lines (Li Yuliang, Sun Lixin, 2011:98). Generally speaking, his translation is a poetry translation aimed at comparing the sound and writing of English and Chinese languages.

In the second half of the 20th century, the center of the translation of ''Shi Jing'' shifted from Europe to the United States. In 1954, Pound’s full translation ''Shih-Ching: The Classic Anthology Defined by Confucius'' was published. Compared with the poetry translation in ''Cathay'', the translated poems in this version features higher concise, more strict rhythm, and stronger poetic meanings, but they still retain the consistent style as before. Pound’s translation mainly has the following characteristics: (1) There are very few annotations in the translation; no Chinese original poems, only the main text of the translated poems; (2) Many translated poems are rhymed, some of which are relatively neat, while others not. And the rhymes vary from one poem to another on account of different contents; (3) There are significant changes in the theme and meaning of the translated poem. Thus it is difficult to identify the source of the translation without comparing with the original one; (4) In terms of structural form, the translator deleted lots of lines, and there are also a few examples of amplification; (5) Almost all poems were summarized when being translated, based on which the translator rewrote them into new poems according to his own understanding. Pound’s English translation of ''Shi Jing'' has gotten a mixed review in the academic community, both criticized for dramatic changes to the original text and hailed as a model of creative translation.

In 1971, William McNaughton’s work ''The Book of Songs'' which focuses on the studies of ''Shi Jing'' was published in New York. This book is a collection of McNaughton’s research findings on ''Shi Jing''. The book consists of two parts: “Theme” and “Style”, up to sixteen special topics. The book lists many poems from ''Shi Jing'' to support his pertinent research. Most of poems were translated by Pound and only a few by McNaughton himself. McNaughton mainly translated his poetry into rhymed verse, with lines corresPounding to the original poem, highlighting overlapping sounds and ending rhymes. The translation has no original reference or annotations.

The British sinologist John Turner extracted and translated several poems from ''Shi Jing'' in his collection of ancient Chinese poetry published in 1976: ''A Golden Treasury of Chinese Poetry''. In order to preserve the musicality of Chinese poetry, he translated in the traditional form of English poetry, and translated Chinese poems into rhymed verses. In the same year, the English translation of the collection of ancient Chinese poetry, ''Chinese Poetry: An Anthology of Major Modes and Genres'' written by the famous Chinese-American poet and translator Wai-lim Yip’s, was published by the University of California Press. The book has a contrastive layout between English and Chinese, first to present translation word by word, with each Chinese character corresponding to an English word and corresponding part of speech; then, a full translation to be attached line by line. Wai-lim Yip regarded poetry translation as the practical basis for comparative poetics research, highlighting the differences in language between Chinese and English poetry.

Compared with the prosperity of the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' in European countries and America, there were relatively few local translations in China during this period. During late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, poet Su Manshu translated 61 pieces extracted from ''Shi Jing''. The content was arranged in the form of Chinese-English comparison. Su valued the metric, rhythm, and artistic conception of poetry. In 1954, Hong Kong Construction Press published ''Poems from China'' written by Huang Wen. This book is a selective version with English-Chinese comparison of six poems from ''Shi Jing''. However, few publishers have stored it and it’s not highly praised.

====1.3 The New Period (1983- )====

After the 1980s, a number of Chinese translators also joined the ranks of translating ''Shi Jing'', making foreign translation of ''Shi Jing'' unprecedented active in China. The most outstanding contributions are made by Xu Yuanchong and Wang Rongpei.

In 1983, the selective version ''Selections from the “Book of Songs”'', jointly translated by renowned Chinese translator Yang Xianyi and his British wife Gladys Yang, was published by Foreign Language Publishing House. The couple translated 45 poems. The translated poems in this selective translation are blank verses for reason that the translator adopted the strategy of foreignization to achieve the goal of spreading classical Chinese culture and faithfully conveying the historical content and culture of the poems. However, due to the excessive pursuit of “faithfulness to the original text”, the meaning and aesthetics contained in the poem itself cannot be effectively conveyed to the target language readers, resulting in a vast reduction in the readability of the translated poems. This is also one of the reasons why this version is very popular in China but has little influence abroad.

Xu Yuanchong, a translator known as the “the only expert in the world who can translate Chinese poetry into English and French”, finished his works ''The First Branch Blooming on Earth-The Book of Lyrics'' and ''The First Branch Blooming on Earth-The Book of Odes and Hymns'' in 1992. The uniqueness of these two translations lies in the fact that it contains the original poems, with Chinese ''pinyin'' annotated line by line. Some phrases or sentences difficult to understand are annotated to explain the meaning of the very poem. The book also includes a comparison table of initial consonants and Chinese vowels of Chinese ''pinyin'', and the English International Phonetic Alphabet. In 1993, Hunan Publishing House published ''The Book of Poetry''. This is the first complete English translation of ''Shi Jing'' completed by a Chinese translator, and also the seventh complete translation of it. In 1994, the Chinese Literature Publishing House published the translation ''An Unexpected Translation of Book of Songs''. In his works, Xu Yuanchong followed the principle of “three beauties”, and his translation has unique features in terms of translation techniques and aesthetic communication.

In 1995, Wang Rongpei and Ren Xiuhua jointly translated ''The Book of Poetry'', which was published by Liaoning Education Press. This is the second complete English translation of ''Shi Jing'' completed by Chinese translators. This translation takes a Chinese-English comparison form, and the original Chinese poetry is marked with modern Chinese pinyin. The translation emphasizes the ending rhyme, and each poem is accompanied by a brief explanation of the theme. In 2008, Wang Rongpei’s English translation ''The Book of Poetry'' was published by Hunan People’s Publishing House. On the basis of summarizing the gains and losses of previous translators, Wang Rongpei integrated his own understanding of the original work and its contemporary culture. His flexible and ingenious translation art reveals the translator’s unique artistic craftsmanship in the reconstruction of images, the transmission of the sense of beauty, and the elucidation of interest in the translated poetry.

Wang Fanglu published ''Exploration of Vernacular and English Translation of Ya and Song'' and ''Exploration of Vernacular and English Translation of Feng'' respectively in 2009 and 2013. The translation is arranged in order of the original poem, Chinese vernacular poem, English poem, annotations, and explanations. In 2010, Jia Fuxiang’s translation work ''“Airs of the States” from the Shi Jing: A New Trilingual Translation of the World’s Oldest Collection of Lyric Poetry'' was published, which is one of the few specialized English translations of ''the Book of Songs''. In 2016, Professor Zhao Yanchun briefly introduced the basic situation, artistic value, analysis of other English translations of ''Shi Jing'', and the translator’s translation perspectives in the English preface of his fully translated version ''She King''. Zhao followed the principles of translating poetry in a poetic way and classics in a classical way. The translated text corresPounds to the original text line by line, with great emphasis on word count and rhyme.

===2. The Characteristics of English Translation in Different Periods===
From 1735 to 1829 underwent the indirect and selective translation period of the English translation of ''Shi Jing'',whose the most conspicuous feature is that it mainly focused on the indirect translation. At this stage, most translators did not understand or were not proficient in Chinese. Hence they mainly relyed on the interlanguage translation, which will inevitably lead to the translations imprinted with the language and culture in interlanguage, as well as translator’s style. Also, in terms of language, culture, and style, they failed to be faithful to the original text, and problems such as mistranslation, addition, and omission would occur frequently. At this stage, there was no complete English translation yet, nor a specialized selective translation of ''Shi Jing''. The number of excerpts is small, and most of them only selected a few poems or some chapters of the poems. Moreover, the selective translations of ''Shi Jing'' only served as auxiliary functions in the original book, rather than being used for specialized translation and introduction of ''Shi Jing''. Small though the number of English translations of ''Shi Jing'' during this stage was small, they initiated the dissemination of English translations of Shi Jing, marking the embryonic stage of its English translation.

From the 1870s to the 1980s, the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' was in its heyday. In the past 100 years, there were not only several selected versions, most of which appeared in special collections of English translations of Chinese poetry, but also a number of full English versions of ''Shi Jing'', such as James Legge’s porse version and rhymed version, Waley’s version, Pound’s version, etc. At this stage, the identities of translators are more diverse, including missionaries, diplomats, sinologists, poets, translators, etc. Most of them are proficient in Chinese and have in-depth research on Chinese language and Chinese culture. Therefore, there is a decrease in translation at this stage, and most of them translated directly. From the perspective of the ethnics of the translators, there are English and American translators, Swedish translators, Irish translators, Chinese American translators, and cooperative translation between English and American translators and Chinese scholars at this stage. In terms of translation style, there are translators for rhyme and against rhyme, and translators attempting to translate. At this stage, Western translators took the English translation and research of ''Shi Jing'' to a new platform, both in terms of breadth and depth, which greatly promotes its dissemination in the English world.

Since the 1980s, a group of excellent local Chinese translators have joined the English translation of ''Shi Jing'', promoting the gradual expansion of the English translation of ''Shi Jing''. Over the past twenty years, multiple complete translations came to the world. Most of these translators are both translators and translation theorists. The translation practice of ''Shi Jing'' and the formation of translation theory mutually reinforced. Translation strategies presented a coexistence of domestication and foreignization. Many Chinese translators have begun to continuously try to promote the internationalization of Chinese classical culture, forming a new era of English translation of ''Shi Jing''.

===Conclusion===

This article is mainly based on the English translation practice of ''Shi Jing'' both domestically and internationally, attempting to outline the historical development trajectory of the English translation of ''Shi Jing''. The turn of the 18th and 19th centuries was the indirect translation period of ''Shi Jing'', and the 1870s to 1980s were the complete translation period of ''Shi Jing''. The 1980s have been the new era of the English translation of ''Shi Jing''. In addition, the author summarizes the characteristics of English translation of ''Shi Jing'' in different periods. In short, during the more than 200 year historical process of translating ''Shi Jing'' into English, with the tireless efforts of overseas sinologists and local Chinese scholars, there have been numerous English translations of ''Shi Jing'', including excerpts, selective translations, and complete translations. These translations with different styles have laid the foundation for the study of the translation of ''Shi Jing'', and have made great contributions to the exchange of Chinese and Western cultures, Chinese literature, and the internationalization of Chinese culture.

===References===

Cannon, Garland. (1992). The Collected Works of Sir William Jones [威廉·琼斯爵士作品集]. New York: New York University Press.

Chen Manhua陈满华. (2008). 威廉·琼斯学汉语的经历及其对中国经典的解读 [William Jones’ Experience of Learning Chinese and His Interpretation of Chinese Classics]. 世界汉语教学Chinese Teaching in The World (03) 87-89.

Cranmer-Byng Launcelot. (1908). The Classics of Confucius: Book of Odes [儒家经典: 诗经]. London: John Murray, Albemarle Street.

FanCunzhong 范存忠. (1991). 中国文化在启蒙时期的英国[Chinese Culture in England during the Enlightenment]. Shanghai: Foreign Language Education Press 外语教育出版社.

Karlgren Klas Bernhard Johannes. (1950). The Book of Odes: Chinese text, transcription and translation [诗经: 汉语文本、转写与翻译]. Stockholm: The Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities.

Legge James. (1876). The She King, or the Book of Ancient Poetry, Translated in English verses with Essays and Notes[韵体版诗经]. London: Trubner & Co.

Li Yuliang李玉良. (2007). 《诗经》英译研究 [The Studies of English Translation Shi Jing]. Jinan: Shandong Qilu Press齐鲁书社.

Li Yuliang & Sun Lixin李玉良孙立新. (2011) 高本汉《诗经》翻译研究 [A Study on the Translation of Shi Jing by Cranmer-Byng]. 山东外语教学 Shandong Foreign Language Teaching (06) 64-72.

McNaughton William. (1971) The Book of Songs [诗经]. Boston: Twayne Publishers.

Qin Fangfang 覃芳芳. (2023). 《诗经》英译史考辨 [The Examination of the History of English Translation of Shi Jing]. 社会科学论坛 Tribune of Social Sciences (03) 171-184.

Wang Hong王宏. (2012). 《诗经》及其英译 [Shi Jing and Its English Translation].东方翻译 East Journal of Translation (06) 122-124.

Xu Yuanchong 许渊冲. (2003). 文学与翻译 [Literature and Translation]. Beijing: Peking University Press 北京大学出版社.

Yang Zhiyi 杨治宜. (2005). 多边文化研究：《诗经》在 18 世纪的英国——文本考据与个案研究 [Multilateral Cultural Studies: The Book of Songs in 18th Century England: Textual Research and Case Studies]. Beijing: Peking University Press 北京大学出版社.

Zheng Zhongqiu 郑中求. (2013). 马礼逊《华英字典》与《诗经》的早期英译 [Early English Translation of Morrison’s English and Chinese Pronouncing Condensed Dictionary and Shi Jing]. 华北理工大学学报(社会科学版) Journal of North China University of Technology (Social Sciences Edition) (06) 282-283.

20230630 final exam 05

2023-06-06T10:35:00Z

Zhang Wenqi: /* 2. The Characteristics of English Translation in Different Periods */

=202270081692 梁昕璐 Liang Xinlu 英语口译(English interpreting)=
=202270081680 张文琦 Zhang Wenqi 英语笔译(English translation)=
==The Translation and Dissenmination of Shi Jing in the English World==
===Abstract===
More than two centuries has witnessed the translation and spreading of Shi Jing in the English world. Various translations have emerged, providing a feasible way for the spreading and research of its English translation. In this paper, the author adpots the method of historical analysis to investigate and examine the English translation history of Shi Jing, and tries to depict the historial evolution of its English translation, which is divided into three periods: the indirect translation and slective translation period, the full translation period and the new period. Each period has the representative translators at home or abroad. Furthermore, the author summerizes the characteristics of each period in general. Based on meticulous investigations, this paper shows how Shi Jing has influenced the world and how it does a great deal for the Chinese literature coming towards the world.
===Key Words===
Shijing; English translation; three periods
==诗经在英语世界的翻译与传播==
===摘要===
两个多世纪以来，《诗经》英译本不断涌现，在英语世界广泛传播。繁多的译本为《诗经》的英译传播和研究提供了可行的途径。本文运用历史分析方法梳理、考辩《诗经》的英译历史，尝试描绘出《诗经》英译的历史演进并将其分为转译及摘译期、全译期和新时期，每一时期均简要评述了代表性翻译家及译作。最后，作者分别总结了上述三个阶段英译活动的特征。通过详实考察，本文展现了《诗经》对世界的影响，以及对中国文学走向世界的巨大推动作用。
===关键词===
诗经;英译;三个时期
===Introduction===
''Shi Jing'', also named ''Book of Poetry'' or ''Book of Songs'', is the first collection of poems in China. It consists of 305 poems that vividly show ancient Chinese people’s life from the early Western Zhou Dynasty (the 11th century BC) to the middle of the Spring and Autumn period (the 6th century BC). There are three parts in the book: ''Feng'' (160 poems), ''Ya'' (74 poems in Xiao Ya and 31 poems in Da Ya), and ''Song'' (40 poems). Poems in ''Feng'' are mainly folk poems about people’s stories or emotions. ''Xiao Ya'' contains some folk poems and nobles’ works, and its most notable works are about fcasts and wars. Most of the poems in ''Da Ya'' are produced by imperial nobles. Poems in ''Song'' are mainly the song and poetry about the imperial family’s sacrifice to ancestors.

The language of ''Shi Jing'' conveys the beauty of music, with a sentence structure mainly composed of four words, but also flexible and varied. The four sentences independently form a poetic chapter, occasionally mixed with sentence structures of two, three, five, seven, or eight words. Reduplicated chapters, sentences, and characters are common expressive techniques in ''Shi Jing'', and rhythm between spaced sentences, between neighbouring sentences, cross rhyming, and rhyming through the same initial consonants and Chinese vowels are the basic methods in ''Shi Jing'' for metric. ''Shi Jing'' has unique characteristics in terms of meaning and rhetoric. Commonly used rhetorical devices such as exaggeration, contrast, and duality can be found in this classic. Its creative techniques have had a huge impact on the genre structure, language art, and other aspects of Chinese literature.

The translation and dissenmination of ''Shi Jing'' to foreign countries can be said to have a long history. The work has attracted many readers and scholars and conscquently been translated into many different languages. According to research, ''Shi Jing'' was first passed down through the Silk Road and initially spread to China’s neighboring countries such as today’s Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and so on. In the 16th century, ''Shi Jing'' began its journey in Europe. The earliest English translation can be traced back to the 18th century. So far, ''Shi Jing'' has been translated into dozens of languages and widely disseminated worldwide. Throughout the research on the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' both domestically and internationally, it generally includes two aspects: the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' and the research of it. In order to comprehensively understand the research on the English translation of ''Shi Jing'', the author consulted a large number of literature, adopted historical analysis methods to examine the history of the English translation of ''Shi Jing'', and then summarized the characteristics of English translation activities in different periods. The author hopes that this article can not only help us understand the dissemination of ''Shi Jing'' in the English speaking world, but also provide some reference for future research on related translation.

===1. Three Periods of the English Translation of ''Shi Jing''===

====1.1 The Indirect Translation and Slective Translation Period (1735-1829)====

According to the available materials, the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' began with the indirect translation of ''Description Géographique, Historique, Chronologique, Politique et Physique de L’Empire de la Chine et de la Tartarie Chinoise'' written in French. It was edited by the French Jesuit Jean-Baptiste Du Halde and it has four volumes. In the second volume, he introduced and examined the literariness of Shi Jing, with a collection of eight poems translated by the France Jesuit Joseph Henry de Prémare. The publication of the book in France immediately attracted the attention of the UK publishers. In 1736 and 1738, the Britain Richard Brooks, the London publisher Edward Cave and the translators he organized translated and published the English version of the book the respectively. It was the first time that some of poems of ''Shi Jing'' was translated into English.

In 1761, several excerpts from ''Shi Jing'' were contained in the final appendix of the novel ''Hau Kiou Choaan'' or ''The Pleasing History'' compiled by Thomas Percy. Knowing little about Chinese, Percy translated all those poems indirectly based on the reference to others’ translations. According to Yang Zhiyi (2005, 33), there are seven excerpts respectively translated indirectly from the version in Latin translation of ''Confucius Sinarum philosophus'' by Philippe Couplet and others, and cited from the version in the Latin work ''Musaem Sinicum'' by German Bayer and ''the Description Géographique, Historique, Chronologique, Politique et Physique de L’Empire de la Chine et de la Tartarie Chinoise'' by Du Halde.

The earliest translation of ''Shi Jing'' with the original poems in Chinese as a reference was William Jones’s version. He initially translated the ''Qi Ao'' in ''Wei Feng'' in Latin and included the translation in the ''Poeseos Asiaticæ Commentatorium''. In 1785, Jones took most of pages to discuss ''Shi Jing'' in his paper “On the Second Classical Book of the Chinese”, where he also translated each section of poems ''Qi Ao'', ''Tao Yao'', and ''Jie’nan Shan'' with methods of both literal translation and free translation in poetic style. His literal translation in prose style is generally faithful to original poems in terms of meaning and numbers of sentences, while his free translation in poetic translation, on the other hand, is considered as “imitation” (Fan Cunzhong 1991, 79), a recreation inspired by the original text. Jones not only added poetic lines in his transaltion, but also generalized the rich cultural imagery of China, adopting the rhyme style of British folk songs.

In 1829, the famous British sinologist Sir John F. Davis published the second complete English translation of ''The Fortunate Union'', which embraces some poems extracted from ''Shi Jing''. He also included these selectiive translations in his article “On the Poetry of the Chinese”, which takes examples of ''Shi Jing'' and folk songs from Pre Qin Dynasty to Six Dynasties to elaborate on the rhythmic characteristics of Chinese classical poetry. He referred to the Chinese original text when translating the poems in The Fortune Union, and also introduced them in a Chinese English comparison in “On the Poetry of the Chinese”. In this way, he pioneered the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' by comparing with Chinese original poems.

====1.2 The Full Translation Period (1871-1976)====

In the 1870s, the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' entered a prosperous stage, which was characterized by the emergence of a large number of full versions. The most influential ones are the translations of James Legge, William Waley, Bernhard Karlgren and others.

James Legge has translated ''Shi Jing'' three times in his life. With the help of Wang Tao, Legge completed the first complete English translation ''The She King or The Book of Poetry'', which was published in Hong Kong in 1871 as the fourth volume of The Chinese Classic. This translation became a milestone in the dissemination of ''Shi Jing'' in the Western world. In the preface, the author expressed his expectation that "the Work which he now offers will be deemed by competent scholars a reliable translation of the original poems". The translation was written in a non-rhymed prose style and reflects Legge’s pursuit of reproducing the literal meaning of the original poem, with “significant academic research characteristics”(Li Yuliang 2007, 43). In 1876, Legge retranslated and published the rhymed version ''The She King or The Book of Ancient Poetry''. This is the second complete English translation of ''Shi Jing''. Compared to the 1871 version, this version emphasizes rhythm, strives for accuracy, and pays more attention to aesthetic appeal. The portrayal of characters in the poem is more vivid with smoother expressions. He deleted the original Chinese poems, reduced annotations, and only retained the theme without Chinese characters in the annotations. In addition, the style and arrangement of the translation also undergone significant changes. In 1879, Legge compiled more than 100 ritualistic verses from ''Shi Jing'' into a single volume, which was included in the third volume of ''The Sacred Books of China: Texts of Confucianism'', edited by Max Müller. In this translation, the translator placed more emphasis on interpretation. The main feature of this selective translation is to highlight religious connotations, and the content unrelated to religion was removed out of the original preface to be independently composed as the preface to ''Song''. Each poem in this translation is annotated to elucidate its religious significance. Among the above three translations, the first version, which is considered as academic translation, has the profounded influence and a certain impact on many subsequent English translations.

In 1891, the complete rhymed translation ''The Shi King'' by British sinologist William Jennings was published in London, marking the advent of the third complete English translation of ''Shi Jing''. Jennings mainly referred to the annotations of Legge's translation published in 1871. Jennings’s translation includes a lengthy preface, and there are annotations on the theme and some word explanations after each translated poems. Jennings advocated for translating poetry in a poetic way and for the translation being as close to the original text in both content and form as possible. When translating, he strived to maintain the external form of the Chinese original poems, adopting a folk style form with interlaced rhymes.

In the same year, the fourth complete English translation of ''Shi Jing'', ''The Book of Chinese Poetry: The Shi Ching or Classic of Poetry'' wasbrought to the world by Clement F. R. Allen, who took the appreciation of the British into consideration. The most significant feature of this translation is that the translator greatly rewrote the poetry to live up with Western poetic concepts and acceptance habits of British readers. He adopted rhyme style when translating and employed extreme domestication translation techniques, attempting to achieve a transformation from Chinese poetry to English poetry from content to form.

After the 20th century, the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' reached its peak, with various complete and selective translations emerging one after another. In 1905, British sinologist Launcelot Granmer-Byng published the selective translation ''The Classics of Confucius: Book of Odes''. The translation was written rhymed, emphasizing the poetic appeal. In 1913, Helen Waddell, an Irish poet and translator, published the selective translation Lyrics from the Chinese. She knew little about Chinese, so she abridged a lot in her translation, and added plenty of personal creations. But her translation was quite popular at that time. In 1915, Ezra Pound, the leader of the American New Poetry Movement, an image originator and an outstanding translator, published ''Cathay'', a collection of Chinese poems translated from Japanese annotations by Ernest Fenollosa, an American orientalist at the end of the 19th century, including ''Cai Wei'' of ''Xiao Ya''. This translation is not faithful to the original text, and the translator recreated to a great extent.

In 1937, the complete translation ''The Book of Songs'', translated from the Chinese by Arthur Waley was published in the UK. Waley made a bold attempt in terms of translation methods. He believed that the use of rhyme would resulted in the loss of meaning due to sounds, therefore Waley adopted free form in poem translation rather than rhymed form, without strict restrictions on the number of words per line. He was skilled in employing appropriate word selection, ventral rhyme, alliteration, repetition, and stressed syllables to reproduce the rhythm and artistry of the original poem. He also broke the order in the original work and rearranged it according to his own understanding of the content. There are many annotations in his translation, and there are also appendices at the end of the translation. Waley’s translation is known for its fluency and the pursuit of the reflection of the original poetic characteristics in form.

In 1950, Swedish sinologist and linguist Bernhard Karlgren published another complete English translation, ''The Book of Odes''. He conducted systematic research on the pronunciation, exegesis, and rhyme of ''Shi Jing''. From 1942 to 1948, he published specialized research annotations on difficult words and phrases in ''Shi Jing'' in the Swedish Far East Museum, totaling over 1300 articles. His translation has four main characteristics: (1) Citation of the original text of the Psalm; (2) Annotation to the original ''pinyin''; (3) No lining up, no end rhyme between lines, and no neat foot or obvious rhythm within the line; (4) Annotations between most of lines (Li Yuliang, Sun Lixin, 2011:98). Generally speaking, his translation is a poetry translation aimed at comparing the sound and writing of English and Chinese languages.

In the second half of the 20th century, the center of the translation of ''Shi Jing'' shifted from Europe to the United States. In 1954, Pound’s full translation ''Shih-Ching: The Classic Anthology Defined by Confucius'' was published. Compared with the poetry translation in ''Cathay'', the translated poems in this version features higher concise, more strict rhythm, and stronger poetic meanings, but they still retain the consistent style as before. Pound’s translation mainly has the following characteristics: (1) There are very few annotations in the translation; no Chinese original poems, only the main text of the translated poems; (2) Many translated poems are rhymed, some of which are relatively neat, while others not. And the rhymes vary from one poem to another on account of different contents; (3) There are significant changes in the theme and meaning of the translated poem. Thus it is difficult to identify the source of the translation without comparing with the original one; (4) In terms of structural form, the translator deleted lots of lines, and there are also a few examples of amplification; (5) Almost all poems were summarized when being translated, based on which the translator rewrote them into new poems according to his own understanding. Pound’s English translation of ''Shi Jing'' has gotten a mixed review in the academic community, both criticized for dramatic changes to the original text and hailed as a model of creative translation.

In 1971, William McNaughton’s work ''The Book of Songs'' which focuses on the studies of ''Shi Jing'' was published in New York. This book is a collection of McNaughton’s research findings on ''Shi Jing''. The book consists of two parts: “Theme” and “Style”, up to sixteen special topics. The book lists many poems from ''Shi Jing'' to support his pertinent research. Most of poems were translated by Pound and only a few by McNaughton himself. McNaughton mainly translated his poetry into rhymed verse, with lines corresPounding to the original poem, highlighting overlapping sounds and ending rhymes. The translation has no original reference or annotations.

The British sinologist John Turner extracted and translated several poems from ''Shi Jing'' in his collection of ancient Chinese poetry published in 1976: ''A Golden Treasury of Chinese Poetry''. In order to preserve the musicality of Chinese poetry, he translated in the traditional form of English poetry, and translated Chinese poems into rhymed verses. In the same year, the English translation of the collection of ancient Chinese poetry, ''Chinese Poetry: An Anthology of Major Modes and Genres'' written by the famous Chinese-American poet and translator Wai-lim Yip’s, was published by the University of California Press. The book has a contrastive layout between English and Chinese, first to present translation word by word, with each Chinese character corresponding to an English word and corresponding part of speech; then, a full translation to be attached line by line. Wai-lim Yip regarded poetry translation as the practical basis for comparative poetics research, highlighting the differences in language between Chinese and English poetry.

Compared with the prosperity of the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' in European countries and America, there were relatively few local translations in China during this period. During late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, poet Su Manshu translated 61 pieces extracted from ''Shi Jing''. The content was arranged in the form of Chinese-English comparison. Su valued the metric, rhythm, and artistic conception of poetry. In 1954, Hong Kong Construction Press published ''Poems from China'' written by Huang Wen. This book is a selective version with English-Chinese comparison of six poems from ''Shi Jing''. However, few publishers have stored it and it’s not highly praised.

====1.3 The New Period (1983- )====

After the 1980s, a number of Chinese translators also joined the ranks of translating ''Shi Jing'', making foreign translation of ''Shi Jing'' unprecedented active in China. The most outstanding contributions are made by Xu Yuanchong and Wang Rongpei.

In 1983, the selective version ''Selections from the “Book of Songs”'', jointly translated by renowned Chinese translator Yang Xianyi and his British wife Gladys Yang, was published by Foreign Language Publishing House. The couple translated 45 poems. The translated poems in this selective translation are blank verses for reason that the translator adopted the strategy of foreignization to achieve the goal of spreading classical Chinese culture and faithfully conveying the historical content and culture of the poems. However, due to the excessive pursuit of “faithfulness to the original text”, the meaning and aesthetics contained in the poem itself cannot be effectively conveyed to the target language readers, resulting in a vast reduction in the readability of the translated poems. This is also one of the reasons why this version is very popular in China but has little influence abroad.

Xu Yuanchong, a translator known as the “the only expert in the world who can translate Chinese poetry into English and French”, finished his works ''The First Branch Blooming on Earth-The Book of Lyrics'' and ''The First Branch Blooming on Earth-The Book of Odes and Hymns'' in 1992. The uniqueness of these two translations lies in the fact that it contains the original poems, with Chinese ''pinyin'' annotated line by line. Some phrases or sentences difficult to understand are annotated to explain the meaning of the very poem. The book also includes a comparison table of initial consonants and Chinese vowels of Chinese ''pinyin'', and the English International Phonetic Alphabet. In 1993, Hunan Publishing House published ''The Book of Poetry''. This is the first complete English translation of ''Shi Jing'' completed by a Chinese translator, and also the seventh complete translation of it. In 1994, the Chinese Literature Publishing House published the translation ''An Unexpected Translation of Book of Songs''. In his works, Xu Yuanchong followed the principle of “three beauties”, and his translation has unique features in terms of translation techniques and aesthetic communication.

In 1995, Wang Rongpei and Ren Xiuhua jointly translated ''The Book of Poetry'', which was published by Liaoning Education Press. This is the second complete English translation of ''Shi Jing'' completed by Chinese translators. This translation takes a Chinese-English comparison form, and the original Chinese poetry is marked with modern Chinese pinyin. The translation emphasizes the ending rhyme, and each poem is accompanied by a brief explanation of the theme. In 2008, Wang Rongpei’s English translation ''The Book of Poetry'' was published by Hunan People’s Publishing House. On the basis of summarizing the gains and losses of previous translators, Wang Rongpei integrated his own understanding of the original work and its contemporary culture. His flexible and ingenious translation art reveals the translator’s unique artistic craftsmanship in the reconstruction of images, the transmission of the sense of beauty, and the elucidation of interest in the translated poetry.

Wang Fanglu published ''Exploration of Vernacular and English Translation of Ya and Song'' and ''Exploration of Vernacular and English Translation of Feng'' respectively in 2009 and 2013. The translation is arranged in order of the original poem, Chinese vernacular poem, English poem, annotations, and explanations. In 2010, Jia Fuxiang’s translation work ''“Airs of the States” from the Shi Jing: A New Trilingual Translation of the World’s Oldest Collection of Lyric Poetry'' was published, which is one of the few specialized English translations of ''the Book of Songs''. In 2016, Professor Zhao Yanchun briefly introduced the basic situation, artistic value, analysis of other English translations of ''Shi Jing'', and the translator’s translation perspectives in the English preface of his fully translated version ''She King''. Zhao followed the principles of translating poetry in a poetic way and classics in a classical way. The translated text corresPounds to the original text line by line, with great emphasis on word count and rhyme.

===2. The Characteristics of English Translation in Different Periods===
From 1735 to 1829 underwent the indirect and selective translation period of the English translation of ''Shi Jing'',whose the most conspicuous feature is that it mainly focused on the indirect translation. At this stage, most translators did not understand or were not proficient in Chinese. Hence they mainly relyed on the interlanguage translation, which will inevitably lead to the translations imprinted with the language and culture in interlanguage, as well as translator’s style. Also, in terms of language, culture, and style, they failed to be faithful to the original text, and problems such as mistranslation, addition, and omission would occur frequently. At this stage, there was no complete English translation yet, nor a specialized selective translation of ''Shi Jing''. The number of excerpts is small, and most of them only selected a few poems or some chapters of the poems. Moreover, the selective translations of ''Shi Jing'' only served as auxiliary functions in the original book, rather than being used for specialized translation and introduction of ''Shi Jing''. Small though the number of English translations of ''Shi Jing'' during this stage was small, they initiated the dissemination of English translations of Shi Jing, marking the embryonic stage of its English translation.

From the 1870s to the 1980s, the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' was in its heyday. In the past 100 years, there were not only several selected versions, most of which appeared in special collections of English translations of Chinese poetry, but also a number of full English versions of ''Shi Jing'', such as James Legge’s porse version and rhymed version, Waley’s version, Pound’s version, etc. At this stage, the identities of translators are more diverse, including missionaries, diplomats, sinologists, poets, translators, etc. Most of them are proficient in Chinese and have in-depth research on Chinese language and Chinese culture. Therefore, there is a decrease in translation at this stage, and most of them translated directly. From the perspective of the ethnics of the translators, there are English and American translators, Swedish translators, Irish translators, Chinese American translators, and cooperative translation between English and American translators and Chinese scholars at this stage. In terms of translation style, there are translators for rhyme and against rhyme, and translators attempting to translate. At this stage, Western translators took the English translation and research of ''Shi Jing'' to a new platform, both in terms of breadth and depth, which greatly promotes its dissemination in the English world.

Since the 1980s, a group of excellent local Chinese translators have joined the English translation of ''Shi Jing'', promoting the gradual expansion of the English translation of ''Shi Jing''. Over the past twenty years, multiple complete translations came to the world. Most of these translators are both translators and translation theorists. The translation practice of ''Shi Jing'' and the formation of translation theory mutually reinforced. Translation strategies presented a coexistence of domestication and foreignization. Many Chinese translators have begun to continuously try to promote the internationalization of Chinese classical culture, forming a new era of English translation of ''Shi Jing''.

===Conclusion===

This article is mainly based on the English translation practice of Shi Jing both domestically and internationally, attempting to outline the historical development trajectory of the English translation of Shi Jing. The turn of the 18th and 19th centuries was the translation period of Shi Jing, and the 1870s to 1980s were the complete translation period of Shi Jing. The 1980s have been the new era of the English translation of Shi Jing. In addition, the author summarizes the characteristics of English translation of Shi Jing in different periods. In short, during the more than 200 year historical process of translating Shi Jing into English, with the tireless efforts of overseas sinologists and local Chinese scholars, there have been numerous English translations of Shi Jing, including excerpts, selective translations, and complete translations. These translations with different styles have laid the foundation for the study of the translation of Shi Jing, and have made great contributions to the exchange of Chinese and Western cultures, Chinese literature, and the internationalization of Chinese culture.

===References===

Cannon, Garland. (1992). The Collected Works of Sir William Jones [威廉·琼斯爵士作品集]. New York: New York University Press.

Chen Manhua陈满华. (2008). 威廉·琼斯学汉语的经历及其对中国经典的解读 [William Jones’ Experience of Learning Chinese and His Interpretation of Chinese Classics]. 世界汉语教学Chinese Teaching in The World (03) 87-89.

Cranmer-Byng Launcelot. (1908). The Classics of Confucius: Book of Odes [儒家经典: 诗经]. London: John Murray, Albemarle Street.

FanCunzhong 范存忠. (1991). 中国文化在启蒙时期的英国[Chinese Culture in England during the Enlightenment]. Shanghai: Foreign Language Education Press 外语教育出版社.

Karlgren Klas Bernhard Johannes. (1950). The Book of Odes: Chinese text, transcription and translation [诗经: 汉语文本、转写与翻译]. Stockholm: The Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities.

Legge James. (1876). The She King, or the Book of Ancient Poetry, Translated in English verses with Essays and Notes[韵体版诗经]. London: Trubner & Co.

Li Yuliang李玉良. (2007). 《诗经》英译研究 [The Studies of English Translation Shi Jing]. Jinan: Shandong Qilu Press齐鲁书社.

Li Yuliang & Sun Lixin李玉良孙立新. (2011) 高本汉《诗经》翻译研究 [A Study on the Translation of Shi Jing by Cranmer-Byng]. 山东外语教学 Shandong Foreign Language Teaching (06) 64-72.

McNaughton William. (1971) The Book of Songs [诗经]. Boston: Twayne Publishers.

Qin Fangfang 覃芳芳. (2023). 《诗经》英译史考辨 [The Examination of the History of English Translation of Shi Jing]. 社会科学论坛 Tribune of Social Sciences (03) 171-184.

Wang Hong王宏. (2012). 《诗经》及其英译 [Shi Jing and Its English Translation].东方翻译 East Journal of Translation (06) 122-124.

Xu Yuanchong 许渊冲. (2003). 文学与翻译 [Literature and Translation]. Beijing: Peking University Press 北京大学出版社.

Yang Zhiyi 杨治宜. (2005). 多边文化研究：《诗经》在 18 世纪的英国——文本考据与个案研究 [Multilateral Cultural Studies: The Book of Songs in 18th Century England: Textual Research and Case Studies]. Beijing: Peking University Press 北京大学出版社.

Zheng Zhongqiu 郑中求. (2013). 马礼逊《华英字典》与《诗经》的早期英译 [Early English Translation of Morrison’s English and Chinese Pronouncing Condensed Dictionary and Shi Jing]. 华北理工大学学报(社会科学版) Journal of North China University of Technology (Social Sciences Edition) (06) 282-283.

20230630 final exam 05

2023-06-06T10:14:58Z

Zhang Wenqi: /* 1. Three Periods of the English Translation of Shi Jing */

=202270081692 梁昕璐 Liang Xinlu 英语口译(English interpreting)=
=202270081680 张文琦 Zhang Wenqi 英语笔译(English translation)=
==The Translation and Dissenmination of Shi Jing in the English World==
===Abstract===
More than two centuries has witnessed the translation and spreading of Shi Jing in the English world. Various translations have emerged, providing a feasible way for the spreading and research of its English translation. In this paper, the author adpots the method of historical analysis to investigate and examine the English translation history of Shi Jing, and tries to depict the historial evolution of its English translation, which is divided into three periods: the indirect translation and slective translation period, the full translation period and the new period. Each period has the representative translators at home or abroad. Furthermore, the author summerizes the characteristics of each period in general. Based on meticulous investigations, this paper shows how Shi Jing has influenced the world and how it does a great deal for the Chinese literature coming towards the world.
===Key Words===
Shijing; English translation; three periods
==诗经在英语世界的翻译与传播==
===摘要===
两个多世纪以来，《诗经》英译本不断涌现，在英语世界广泛传播。繁多的译本为《诗经》的英译传播和研究提供了可行的途径。本文运用历史分析方法梳理、考辩《诗经》的英译历史，尝试描绘出《诗经》英译的历史演进并将其分为转译及摘译期、全译期和新时期，每一时期均简要评述了代表性翻译家及译作。最后，作者分别总结了上述三个阶段英译活动的特征。通过详实考察，本文展现了《诗经》对世界的影响，以及对中国文学走向世界的巨大推动作用。
===关键词===
诗经;英译;三个时期
===Introduction===
''Shi Jing'', also named ''Book of Poetry'' or ''Book of Songs'', is the first collection of poems in China. It consists of 305 poems that vividly show ancient Chinese people’s life from the early Western Zhou Dynasty (the 11th century BC) to the middle of the Spring and Autumn period (the 6th century BC). There are three parts in the book: ''Feng'' (160 poems), ''Ya'' (74 poems in Xiao Ya and 31 poems in Da Ya), and ''Song'' (40 poems). Poems in ''Feng'' are mainly folk poems about people’s stories or emotions. ''Xiao Ya'' contains some folk poems and nobles’ works, and its most notable works are about fcasts and wars. Most of the poems in ''Da Ya'' are produced by imperial nobles. Poems in ''Song'' are mainly the song and poetry about the imperial family’s sacrifice to ancestors.

The language of ''Shi Jing'' conveys the beauty of music, with a sentence structure mainly composed of four words, but also flexible and varied. The four sentences independently form a poetic chapter, occasionally mixed with sentence structures of two, three, five, seven, or eight words. Reduplicated chapters, sentences, and characters are common expressive techniques in ''Shi Jing'', and rhythm between spaced sentences, between neighbouring sentences, cross rhyming, and rhyming through the same initial consonants and Chinese vowels are the basic methods in ''Shi Jing'' for metric. ''Shi Jing'' has unique characteristics in terms of meaning and rhetoric. Commonly used rhetorical devices such as exaggeration, contrast, and duality can be found in this classic. Its creative techniques have had a huge impact on the genre structure, language art, and other aspects of Chinese literature.

The translation and dissenmination of ''Shi Jing'' to foreign countries can be said to have a long history. The work has attracted many readers and scholars and conscquently been translated into many different languages. According to research, ''Shi Jing'' was first passed down through the Silk Road and initially spread to China’s neighboring countries such as today’s Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and so on. In the 16th century, ''Shi Jing'' began its journey in Europe. The earliest English translation can be traced back to the 18th century. So far, ''Shi Jing'' has been translated into dozens of languages and widely disseminated worldwide. Throughout the research on the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' both domestically and internationally, it generally includes two aspects: the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' and the research of it. In order to comprehensively understand the research on the English translation of ''Shi Jing'', the author consulted a large number of literature, adopted historical analysis methods to examine the history of the English translation of ''Shi Jing'', and then summarized the characteristics of English translation activities in different periods. The author hopes that this article can not only help us understand the dissemination of ''Shi Jing'' in the English speaking world, but also provide some reference for future research on related translation.

===1. Three Periods of the English Translation of ''Shi Jing''===

====1.1 The Indirect Translation and Slective Translation Period (1735-1829)====

According to the available materials, the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' began with the indirect translation of ''Description Géographique, Historique, Chronologique, Politique et Physique de L’Empire de la Chine et de la Tartarie Chinoise'' written in French. It was edited by the French Jesuit Jean-Baptiste Du Halde and it has four volumes. In the second volume, he introduced and examined the literariness of Shi Jing, with a collection of eight poems translated by the France Jesuit Joseph Henry de Prémare. The publication of the book in France immediately attracted the attention of the UK publishers. In 1736 and 1738, the Britain Richard Brooks, the London publisher Edward Cave and the translators he organized translated and published the English version of the book the respectively. It was the first time that some of poems of ''Shi Jing'' was translated into English.

In 1761, several excerpts from ''Shi Jing'' were contained in the final appendix of the novel ''Hau Kiou Choaan'' or ''The Pleasing History'' compiled by Thomas Percy. Knowing little about Chinese, Percy translated all those poems indirectly based on the reference to others’ translations. According to Yang Zhiyi (2005, 33), there are seven excerpts respectively translated indirectly from the version in Latin translation of ''Confucius Sinarum philosophus'' by Philippe Couplet and others, and cited from the version in the Latin work ''Musaem Sinicum'' by German Bayer and ''the Description Géographique, Historique, Chronologique, Politique et Physique de L’Empire de la Chine et de la Tartarie Chinoise'' by Du Halde.

The earliest translation of ''Shi Jing'' with the original poems in Chinese as a reference was William Jones’s version. He initially translated the ''Qi Ao'' in ''Wei Feng'' in Latin and included the translation in the ''Poeseos Asiaticæ Commentatorium''. In 1785, Jones took most of pages to discuss ''Shi Jing'' in his paper “On the Second Classical Book of the Chinese”, where he also translated each section of poems ''Qi Ao'', ''Tao Yao'', and ''Jie’nan Shan'' with methods of both literal translation and free translation in poetic style. His literal translation in prose style is generally faithful to original poems in terms of meaning and numbers of sentences, while his free translation in poetic translation, on the other hand, is considered as “imitation” (Fan Cunzhong 1991, 79), a recreation inspired by the original text. Jones not only added poetic lines in his transaltion, but also generalized the rich cultural imagery of China, adopting the rhyme style of British folk songs.

In 1829, the famous British sinologist Sir John F. Davis published the second complete English translation of ''The Fortunate Union'', which embraces some poems extracted from ''Shi Jing''. He also included these selectiive translations in his article “On the Poetry of the Chinese”, which takes examples of ''Shi Jing'' and folk songs from Pre Qin Dynasty to Six Dynasties to elaborate on the rhythmic characteristics of Chinese classical poetry. He referred to the Chinese original text when translating the poems in The Fortune Union, and also introduced them in a Chinese English comparison in “On the Poetry of the Chinese”. In this way, he pioneered the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' by comparing with Chinese original poems.

====1.2 The Full Translation Period (1871-1976)====

In the 1870s, the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' entered a prosperous stage, which was characterized by the emergence of a large number of full versions. The most influential ones are the translations of James Legge, William Waley, Bernhard Karlgren and others.

James Legge has translated ''Shi Jing'' three times in his life. With the help of Wang Tao, Legge completed the first complete English translation ''The She King or The Book of Poetry'', which was published in Hong Kong in 1871 as the fourth volume of The Chinese Classic. This translation became a milestone in the dissemination of ''Shi Jing'' in the Western world. In the preface, the author expressed his expectation that "the Work which he now offers will be deemed by competent scholars a reliable translation of the original poems". The translation was written in a non-rhymed prose style and reflects Legge’s pursuit of reproducing the literal meaning of the original poem, with “significant academic research characteristics”(Li Yuliang 2007, 43). In 1876, Legge retranslated and published the rhymed version ''The She King or The Book of Ancient Poetry''. This is the second complete English translation of ''Shi Jing''. Compared to the 1871 version, this version emphasizes rhythm, strives for accuracy, and pays more attention to aesthetic appeal. The portrayal of characters in the poem is more vivid with smoother expressions. He deleted the original Chinese poems, reduced annotations, and only retained the theme without Chinese characters in the annotations. In addition, the style and arrangement of the translation also undergone significant changes. In 1879, Legge compiled more than 100 ritualistic verses from ''Shi Jing'' into a single volume, which was included in the third volume of ''The Sacred Books of China: Texts of Confucianism'', edited by Max Müller. In this translation, the translator placed more emphasis on interpretation. The main feature of this selective translation is to highlight religious connotations, and the content unrelated to religion was removed out of the original preface to be independently composed as the preface to ''Song''. Each poem in this translation is annotated to elucidate its religious significance. Among the above three translations, the first version, which is considered as academic translation, has the profounded influence and a certain impact on many subsequent English translations.

In 1891, the complete rhymed translation ''The Shi King'' by British sinologist William Jennings was published in London, marking the advent of the third complete English translation of ''Shi Jing''. Jennings mainly referred to the annotations of Legge's translation published in 1871. Jennings’s translation includes a lengthy preface, and there are annotations on the theme and some word explanations after each translated poems. Jennings advocated for translating poetry in a poetic way and for the translation being as close to the original text in both content and form as possible. When translating, he strived to maintain the external form of the Chinese original poems, adopting a folk style form with interlaced rhymes.

In the same year, the fourth complete English translation of ''Shi Jing'', ''The Book of Chinese Poetry: The Shi Ching or Classic of Poetry'' wasbrought to the world by Clement F. R. Allen, who took the appreciation of the British into consideration. The most significant feature of this translation is that the translator greatly rewrote the poetry to live up with Western poetic concepts and acceptance habits of British readers. He adopted rhyme style when translating and employed extreme domestication translation techniques, attempting to achieve a transformation from Chinese poetry to English poetry from content to form.

After the 20th century, the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' reached its peak, with various complete and selective translations emerging one after another. In 1905, British sinologist Launcelot Granmer-Byng published the selective translation ''The Classics of Confucius: Book of Odes''. The translation was written rhymed, emphasizing the poetic appeal. In 1913, Helen Waddell, an Irish poet and translator, published the selective translation Lyrics from the Chinese. She knew little about Chinese, so she abridged a lot in her translation, and added plenty of personal creations. But her translation was quite popular at that time. In 1915, Ezra Pound, the leader of the American New Poetry Movement, an image originator and an outstanding translator, published ''Cathay'', a collection of Chinese poems translated from Japanese annotations by Ernest Fenollosa, an American orientalist at the end of the 19th century, including ''Cai Wei'' of ''Xiao Ya''. This translation is not faithful to the original text, and the translator recreated to a great extent.

In 1937, the complete translation ''The Book of Songs'', translated from the Chinese by Arthur Waley was published in the UK. Waley made a bold attempt in terms of translation methods. He believed that the use of rhyme would resulted in the loss of meaning due to sounds, therefore Waley adopted free form in poem translation rather than rhymed form, without strict restrictions on the number of words per line. He was skilled in employing appropriate word selection, ventral rhyme, alliteration, repetition, and stressed syllables to reproduce the rhythm and artistry of the original poem. He also broke the order in the original work and rearranged it according to his own understanding of the content. There are many annotations in his translation, and there are also appendices at the end of the translation. Waley’s translation is known for its fluency and the pursuit of the reflection of the original poetic characteristics in form.

In 1950, Swedish sinologist and linguist Bernhard Karlgren published another complete English translation, ''The Book of Odes''. He conducted systematic research on the pronunciation, exegesis, and rhyme of ''Shi Jing''. From 1942 to 1948, he published specialized research annotations on difficult words and phrases in ''Shi Jing'' in the Swedish Far East Museum, totaling over 1300 articles. His translation has four main characteristics: (1) Citation of the original text of the Psalm; (2) Annotation to the original ''pinyin''; (3) No lining up, no end rhyme between lines, and no neat foot or obvious rhythm within the line; (4) Annotations between most of lines (Li Yuliang, Sun Lixin, 2011:98). Generally speaking, his translation is a poetry translation aimed at comparing the sound and writing of English and Chinese languages.

In the second half of the 20th century, the center of the translation of ''Shi Jing'' shifted from Europe to the United States. In 1954, Pound’s full translation ''Shih-Ching: The Classic Anthology Defined by Confucius'' was published. Compared with the poetry translation in ''Cathay'', the translated poems in this version features higher concise, more strict rhythm, and stronger poetic meanings, but they still retain the consistent style as before. Pound’s translation mainly has the following characteristics: (1) There are very few annotations in the translation; no Chinese original poems, only the main text of the translated poems; (2) Many translated poems are rhymed, some of which are relatively neat, while others not. And the rhymes vary from one poem to another on account of different contents; (3) There are significant changes in the theme and meaning of the translated poem. Thus it is difficult to identify the source of the translation without comparing with the original one; (4) In terms of structural form, the translator deleted lots of lines, and there are also a few examples of amplification; (5) Almost all poems were summarized when being translated, based on which the translator rewrote them into new poems according to his own understanding. Pound’s English translation of ''Shi Jing'' has gotten a mixed review in the academic community, both criticized for dramatic changes to the original text and hailed as a model of creative translation.

In 1971, William McNaughton’s work ''The Book of Songs'' which focuses on the studies of ''Shi Jing'' was published in New York. This book is a collection of McNaughton’s research findings on ''Shi Jing''. The book consists of two parts: “Theme” and “Style”, up to sixteen special topics. The book lists many poems from ''Shi Jing'' to support his pertinent research. Most of poems were translated by Pound and only a few by McNaughton himself. McNaughton mainly translated his poetry into rhymed verse, with lines corresPounding to the original poem, highlighting overlapping sounds and ending rhymes. The translation has no original reference or annotations.

The British sinologist John Turner extracted and translated several poems from ''Shi Jing'' in his collection of ancient Chinese poetry published in 1976: ''A Golden Treasury of Chinese Poetry''. In order to preserve the musicality of Chinese poetry, he translated in the traditional form of English poetry, and translated Chinese poems into rhymed verses. In the same year, the English translation of the collection of ancient Chinese poetry, ''Chinese Poetry: An Anthology of Major Modes and Genres'' written by the famous Chinese-American poet and translator Wai-lim Yip’s, was published by the University of California Press. The book has a contrastive layout between English and Chinese, first to present translation word by word, with each Chinese character corresponding to an English word and corresponding part of speech; then, a full translation to be attached line by line. Wai-lim Yip regarded poetry translation as the practical basis for comparative poetics research, highlighting the differences in language between Chinese and English poetry.

Compared with the prosperity of the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' in European countries and America, there were relatively few local translations in China during this period. During late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, poet Su Manshu translated 61 pieces extracted from ''Shi Jing''. The content was arranged in the form of Chinese-English comparison. Su valued the metric, rhythm, and artistic conception of poetry. In 1954, Hong Kong Construction Press published ''Poems from China'' written by Huang Wen. This book is a selective version with English-Chinese comparison of six poems from ''Shi Jing''. However, few publishers have stored it and it’s not highly praised.

====1.3 The New Period (1983- )====

After the 1980s, a number of Chinese translators also joined the ranks of translating ''Shi Jing'', making foreign translation of ''Shi Jing'' unprecedented active in China. The most outstanding contributions are made by Xu Yuanchong and Wang Rongpei.

In 1983, the selective version ''Selections from the “Book of Songs”'', jointly translated by renowned Chinese translator Yang Xianyi and his British wife Gladys Yang, was published by Foreign Language Publishing House. The couple translated 45 poems. The translated poems in this selective translation are blank verses for reason that the translator adopted the strategy of foreignization to achieve the goal of spreading classical Chinese culture and faithfully conveying the historical content and culture of the poems. However, due to the excessive pursuit of “faithfulness to the original text”, the meaning and aesthetics contained in the poem itself cannot be effectively conveyed to the target language readers, resulting in a vast reduction in the readability of the translated poems. This is also one of the reasons why this version is very popular in China but has little influence abroad.

Xu Yuanchong, a translator known as the “the only expert in the world who can translate Chinese poetry into English and French”, finished his works ''The First Branch Blooming on Earth-The Book of Lyrics'' and ''The First Branch Blooming on Earth-The Book of Odes and Hymns'' in 1992. The uniqueness of these two translations lies in the fact that it contains the original poems, with Chinese ''pinyin'' annotated line by line. Some phrases or sentences difficult to understand are annotated to explain the meaning of the very poem. The book also includes a comparison table of initial consonants and Chinese vowels of Chinese ''pinyin'', and the English International Phonetic Alphabet. In 1993, Hunan Publishing House published ''The Book of Poetry''. This is the first complete English translation of ''Shi Jing'' completed by a Chinese translator, and also the seventh complete translation of it. In 1994, the Chinese Literature Publishing House published the translation ''An Unexpected Translation of Book of Songs''. In his works, Xu Yuanchong followed the principle of “three beauties”, and his translation has unique features in terms of translation techniques and aesthetic communication.

In 1995, Wang Rongpei and Ren Xiuhua jointly translated ''The Book of Poetry'', which was published by Liaoning Education Press. This is the second complete English translation of ''Shi Jing'' completed by Chinese translators. This translation takes a Chinese-English comparison form, and the original Chinese poetry is marked with modern Chinese pinyin. The translation emphasizes the ending rhyme, and each poem is accompanied by a brief explanation of the theme. In 2008, Wang Rongpei’s English translation ''The Book of Poetry'' was published by Hunan People’s Publishing House. On the basis of summarizing the gains and losses of previous translators, Wang Rongpei integrated his own understanding of the original work and its contemporary culture. His flexible and ingenious translation art reveals the translator’s unique artistic craftsmanship in the reconstruction of images, the transmission of the sense of beauty, and the elucidation of interest in the translated poetry.

Wang Fanglu published ''Exploration of Vernacular and English Translation of Ya and Song'' and ''Exploration of Vernacular and English Translation of Feng'' respectively in 2009 and 2013. The translation is arranged in order of the original poem, Chinese vernacular poem, English poem, annotations, and explanations. In 2010, Jia Fuxiang’s translation work ''“Airs of the States” from the Shi Jing: A New Trilingual Translation of the World’s Oldest Collection of Lyric Poetry'' was published, which is one of the few specialized English translations of ''the Book of Songs''. In 2016, Professor Zhao Yanchun briefly introduced the basic situation, artistic value, analysis of other English translations of ''Shi Jing'', and the translator’s translation perspectives in the English preface of his fully translated version ''She King''. Zhao followed the principles of translating poetry in a poetic way and classics in a classical way. The translated text corresPounds to the original text line by line, with great emphasis on word count and rhyme.

===2. The Characteristics of English Translation in Different Periods===
From 1735 to 1829 underwent the indirect and selective translation period of the English translation of Shi Jing,whose the most conspicuous feature is that it mainly focused on the indirect translation. At this stage, most translators did not understand or were not proficient in Chinese. Hence they mainly relyed on the interlanguage translation, which will inevitably lead to the translations imprinted with the language and culture in interlanguage, as well as translator’s style. Also, in terms of language, culture, and style, they failed to be faithful to the original text, and problems such as mistranslation, addition, and omission would occur frequently. At this stage, there was no complete English translation yet, nor a specialized selective translation of Shi Jing. The number of excerpts is small, and most of them only selected a few poems or some chapters of the poems. Moreover, the selective translations of Shi Jing only served as auxiliary functions in the original book, rather than being used for specialized translation and introduction of Shi Jing. Small though the number of English translations of Shi Jing during this stage was small, they initiated the dissemination of English translations of Shi Jing, marking the embryonic stage of its English translation.

From the 1870s to the 1980s, the English translation of Shi Jing was in its heyday. In the past 100 years, there were not only several selected versions, most of which appeared in special collections of English translations of Chinese poetry, but also a number of full English versions of Shi Jing, such as James Legge’s porse version and rhymed version, Waley’s version, Pound’s version, etc. At this stage, the identities of translators are more diverse, including missionaries, diplomats, sinologists, poets, translators, etc. Most of them are proficient in Chinese and have in-depth research on Chinese language and Chinese culture. Therefore, there is a decrease in translation at this stage, and most of them translated directly. From the perspective of the ethnics of the translators, there are English and American translators, Swedish translators, Irish translators, Chinese American translators, and cooperative translation between English and American translators and Chinese scholars at this stage. In terms of translation style, there are translators for rhyme and against rhyme, and translators attempting to translate. At this stage, Western translators took the English translation and research of Shi Jing to a new platform, both in terms of breadth and depth, which greatly promotes its dissemination in the English world.

Since the 1980s, a group of excellent local Chinese translators have joined the English translation of Shi Jing, promoting the gradual expansion of the English translation of Shi Jing. Over the past twenty years, multiple complete translations came to the world. Most of these translators are both translators and translation theorists. The translation practice of Shi Jing and the formation of translation theory mutually reinforced. Translation strategies presented a coexistence of domestication and foreignization. Many Chinese translators have begun to continuously try to promote the internationalization of Chinese classical culture, forming a new era of English translation of Shi Jing.

===Conclusion===

This article is mainly based on the English translation practice of Shi Jing both domestically and internationally, attempting to outline the historical development trajectory of the English translation of Shi Jing. The turn of the 18th and 19th centuries was the translation period of Shi Jing, and the 1870s to 1980s were the complete translation period of Shi Jing. The 1980s have been the new era of the English translation of Shi Jing. In addition, the author summarizes the characteristics of English translation of Shi Jing in different periods. In short, during the more than 200 year historical process of translating Shi Jing into English, with the tireless efforts of overseas sinologists and local Chinese scholars, there have been numerous English translations of Shi Jing, including excerpts, selective translations, and complete translations. These translations with different styles have laid the foundation for the study of the translation of Shi Jing, and have made great contributions to the exchange of Chinese and Western cultures, Chinese literature, and the internationalization of Chinese culture.

===References===

Cannon, Garland. (1992). The Collected Works of Sir William Jones [威廉·琼斯爵士作品集]. New York: New York University Press.

Chen Manhua陈满华. (2008). 威廉·琼斯学汉语的经历及其对中国经典的解读 [William Jones’ Experience of Learning Chinese and His Interpretation of Chinese Classics]. 世界汉语教学Chinese Teaching in The World (03) 87-89.

Cranmer-Byng Launcelot. (1908). The Classics of Confucius: Book of Odes [儒家经典: 诗经]. London: John Murray, Albemarle Street.

FanCunzhong 范存忠. (1991). 中国文化在启蒙时期的英国[Chinese Culture in England during the Enlightenment]. Shanghai: Foreign Language Education Press 外语教育出版社.

Karlgren Klas Bernhard Johannes. (1950). The Book of Odes: Chinese text, transcription and translation [诗经: 汉语文本、转写与翻译]. Stockholm: The Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities.

Legge James. (1876). The She King, or the Book of Ancient Poetry, Translated in English verses with Essays and Notes[韵体版诗经]. London: Trubner & Co.

Li Yuliang李玉良. (2007). 《诗经》英译研究 [The Studies of English Translation Shi Jing]. Jinan: Shandong Qilu Press齐鲁书社.

Li Yuliang & Sun Lixin李玉良孙立新. (2011) 高本汉《诗经》翻译研究 [A Study on the Translation of Shi Jing by Cranmer-Byng]. 山东外语教学 Shandong Foreign Language Teaching (06) 64-72.

McNaughton William. (1971) The Book of Songs [诗经]. Boston: Twayne Publishers.

Qin Fangfang 覃芳芳. (2023). 《诗经》英译史考辨 [The Examination of the History of English Translation of Shi Jing]. 社会科学论坛 Tribune of Social Sciences (03) 171-184.

Wang Hong王宏. (2012). 《诗经》及其英译 [Shi Jing and Its English Translation].东方翻译 East Journal of Translation (06) 122-124.

Xu Yuanchong 许渊冲. (2003). 文学与翻译 [Literature and Translation]. Beijing: Peking University Press 北京大学出版社.

Yang Zhiyi 杨治宜. (2005). 多边文化研究：《诗经》在 18 世纪的英国——文本考据与个案研究 [Multilateral Cultural Studies: The Book of Songs in 18th Century England: Textual Research and Case Studies]. Beijing: Peking University Press 北京大学出版社.

Zheng Zhongqiu 郑中求. (2013). 马礼逊《华英字典》与《诗经》的早期英译 [Early English Translation of Morrison’s English and Chinese Pronouncing Condensed Dictionary and Shi Jing]. 华北理工大学学报(社会科学版) Journal of North China University of Technology (Social Sciences Edition) (06) 282-283.

20230630 final exam 05

2023-06-06T05:37:44Z

Zhang Wenqi: /* 诗经在英语世界的翻译与传播 */

=202270081692 梁昕璐 Liang Xinlu 英语口译(English interpreting)=
=202270081680 张文琦 Zhang Wenqi 英语笔译(English translation)=
==The Translation and Dissenmination of Shi Jing in the English World==
===Abstract===
More than two centuries has witnessed the translation and spreading of Shi Jing in the English world. Various translations have emerged, providing a feasible way for the spreading and research of its English translation. In this paper, the author adpots the method of historical analysis to investigate and examine the English translation history of Shi Jing, and tries to depict the historial evolution of its English translation, which is divided into three periods: the indirect translation and slective translation period, the full translation period and the new period. Each period has the representative translators at home or abroad. Furthermore, the author summerizes the characteristics of each period in general. Based on meticulous investigations, this paper shows how Shi Jing has influenced the world and how it does a great deal for the Chinese literature coming towards the world.
===Key Words===
Shijing; English translation; three periods
==诗经在英语世界的翻译与传播==
===摘要===
两个多世纪以来，《诗经》英译本不断涌现，在英语世界广泛传播。繁多的译本为《诗经》的英译传播和研究提供了可行的途径。本文运用历史分析方法梳理、考辩《诗经》的英译历史，尝试描绘出《诗经》英译的历史演进并将其分为转译及摘译期、全译期和新时期，每一时期均简要评述了代表性翻译家及译作。最后，作者分别总结了上述三个阶段英译活动的特征。通过详实考察，本文展现了《诗经》对世界的影响，以及对中国文学走向世界的巨大推动作用。
===关键词===
诗经;英译;三个时期
===Introduction===
''Shi Jing'', also named ''Book of Poetry'' or ''Book of Songs'', is the first collection of poems in China. It consists of 305 poems that vividly show ancient Chinese people’s life from the early Western Zhou Dynasty (the 11th century BC) to the middle of the Spring and Autumn period (the 6th century BC). There are three parts in the book: ''Feng'' (160 poems), ''Ya'' (74 poems in Xiao Ya and 31 poems in Da Ya), and ''Song'' (40 poems). Poems in ''Feng'' are mainly folk poems about people’s stories or emotions. ''Xiao Ya'' contains some folk poems and nobles’ works, and its most notable works are about fcasts and wars. Most of the poems in ''Da Ya'' are produced by imperial nobles. Poems in ''Song'' are mainly the song and poetry about the imperial family’s sacrifice to ancestors.

The language of ''Shi Jing'' conveys the beauty of music, with a sentence structure mainly composed of four words, but also flexible and varied. The four sentences independently form a poetic chapter, occasionally mixed with sentence structures of two, three, five, seven, or eight words. Reduplicated chapters, sentences, and characters are common expressive techniques in ''Shi Jing'', and rhythm between spaced sentences, between neighbouring sentences, cross rhyming, and rhyming through the same initial consonants and Chinese vowels are the basic methods in ''Shi Jing'' for metric. ''Shi Jing'' has unique characteristics in terms of meaning and rhetoric. Commonly used rhetorical devices such as exaggeration, contrast, and duality can be found in this classic. Its creative techniques have had a huge impact on the genre structure, language art, and other aspects of Chinese literature.

The translation and dissenmination of ''Shi Jing'' to foreign countries can be said to have a long history. The work has attracted many readers and scholars and conscquently been translated into many different languages. According to research, ''Shi Jing'' was first passed down through the Silk Road and initially spread to China’s neighboring countries such as today’s Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and so on. In the 16th century, ''Shi Jing'' began its journey in Europe. The earliest English translation can be traced back to the 18th century. So far, ''Shi Jing'' has been translated into dozens of languages and widely disseminated worldwide. Throughout the research on the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' both domestically and internationally, it generally includes two aspects: the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' and the research of it. In order to comprehensively understand the research on the English translation of ''Shi Jing'', the author consulted a large number of literature, adopted historical analysis methods to examine the history of the English translation of ''Shi Jing'', and then summarized the characteristics of English translation activities in different periods. The author hopes that this article can not only help us understand the dissemination of ''Shi Jing'' in the English speaking world, but also provide some reference for future research on related translation.

===1. Three Periods of the English Translation of ''Shi Jing''===

====1.1 The Indirect Translation and Slective Translation Period (1735-1829)====

According to the available materials, the English translation of ''Shi Jing'' began with the indirect translation of ''Description Géographique, Historique, Chronologique, Politique et Physique de L’Empire de la Chine et de la Tartarie Chinoise'' written in French. It was edited by the French Jesuit Jean-Baptiste Du Halde and it has four volumes. In the second volume, he introduced and examined the literariness of Shi Jing, with a collection of eight poems translated by the France Jesuit Joseph Henry de Prémare. The publication of the book in France immediately attracted the attention of the UK publishers. In 1736 and 1738, the Britain Richard Brooks, the London publisher Edward Cave and the translators he organized translated and published the English version of the book the respectively. It was the first time that some of poems of ''Shi Jing'' was translated into English.

In 1761, several excerpts from ''Shi Jing'' were contained in the final appendix of the novel ''Hau Kiou Choaan'' or ''The Pleasing History'' compiled by Thomas Percy. Knowing little about Chinese, Percy translated all those poems indirectly based on the reference to others’ translations. According to Yang Zhiyi (2005), there are seven excerpts respectively translated indirectly from the version in Latin translation of ''Confucius Sinarum philosophus'' by Philippe Couplet and others, and cited from the version in the Latin work ''Musaem Sinicum'' by German Bayer and ''the Description Géographique, Historique, Chronologique, Politique et Physique de L’Empire de la Chine et de la Tartarie Chinoise'' by Du Halde.

The earliest translation of Shi Jing with the original poems in Chinese as a reference was William Jones’s version. He initially translated the Qi Ao of Wei Feng in Latin and included the translation in the Poeseos Asiaticæ Commentatorium. In 1785, Jones took most of pages to discuss Shi Jing in his paper “On the Second Classical Book of the Chinese”, where he also translated each section of poems Qi Ao, Tao Yao, and Jie’nan Shan with methods of both literal translation and free translation in poetic style. His literal translation in prose style is generally faithful to original poems in terms of meaning and numbers of sentences, while his free translation in poetic translation, on the other hand, is considered as “imitation” (Fan Cunzhong, 1991), a recreation inspired by the original text. Jones not only added poetic lines in his transaltion, but also generalized the rich cultural imagery of China, adopting the rhyme style of British folk songs.

In 1829, the famous British sinologist Sir John F. Davis published the second complete English translation of The Fortunate Union, which embraces some poems extracted from Shi Jing. He also included these selectiive translations in his article “On the Poetry of the Chinese”, which takes examples of Shi Jing and folk songs from Pre Qin Dynasty to Six Dynasties to elaborate on the rhythmic characteristics of Chinese classical poetry. He referred to the Chinese original text when translating the poems in The Fortune Union, and also introduced them in a Chinese English comparison in “On the Poetry of the Chinese”. In this way, he pioneered the English translation of Shi Jing by comparing with Chinese original poems.

====1.2 The Full Translation Period (1871-1976)====

In the 1870s, the English translation of Shi Jing entered a prosperous stage, which was characterized by the emergence of a large number of full versions. The most influential ones are the translations of James Legge, William Waley, Bernhard Karlgren and others.

James Legge has translated Shi Jing three times in his life. With the help of Wang Tao, Legge completed the first complete English translation The She King or The Book of Poetry, which was published in Hong Kong in 1871 as the fourth volume of The Chinese Classic. This translation became a milestone in the dissemination of Shi Jing in the Western world. In the preface, “the author hopes that the Work which he now offers will be deemed by competent scholars a reliable translation of the original poems” (1871). The translation was written in a non-rhymed prose style and reflects Legge’s pursuit of reproducing the literal meaning of the original poem, with “significant academic research characteristics”(Li Yuliang, 2007). In 1876, Legge retranslated and published the rhymed version The She King or The Book of Ancient Poetry. This is the second complete English translation of Shi Jing. Compared to the 1871 version, this version emphasizes rhythm, strives for accuracy, and pays more attention to aesthetic appeal. The portrayal of characters in the poem is more vivid with smoother expressions. He deleted the original Chinese poems, reduced annotations, and only retained the theme without Chinese characters in the annotations. In addition, the style and arrangement of the translation also undergone significant changes. In 1879, Legge compiled more than 100 ritualistic verses from Shi Jing into a single volume, which was included in the third volume of The Sacred Books of China: Texts of Confucianism, edited by Max Müller. In this translation, the translator placed more emphasis on interpretation. The main feature of this selective translation is to highlight religious connotations, and the content unrelated to religion was removed out of the original preface to be independently composed as the preface to Song. Each poem in this translation is annotated to elucidate its religious significance. Among the above three translations, the first version, which is considered as academic translation, has the profounded influence and a certain impact on many subsequent English translations.

In 1891, the complete rhymed translation of Shi Jing by British sinologist William Jennings was published in London, marking the advent of the third complete English translation of Shi Jing. Jennings mainly referred to the annotations of Legge's translation published in 1871. Jennings’s translation includes a lengthy preface, and there are annotations on the theme and some word explanations after each translated poems. Jennings advocated for translating poetry in a poetic way and for the translation being as close to the original text in both content and form as possible. When translating, he strived to maintain the external form of the Chinese original poems, adopting a folk style form with interlaced rhymes.

In the same year, the fourth complete English translation of Shi Jing, The Book of Chinese Poetry: The Shi Ching or Classic of Poetry wasbrought to the world by Clement F. R. Allen, who took the appreciation of the British into consideration. The most significant feature of this translation is that the translator greatly rewrote the poetry to live up with Western poetic concepts and acceptance habits of British readers. He adopted rhyme style when translating and employed extreme domestication translation techniques, attempting to achieve a transformation from Chinese poetry to English poetry from content to form.

After the 20th century, the English translation of Shi Jing reached its peak, with various complete and selective translations emerging one after another. In 1905, British sinologist Launcelot Granmer-Byng published the selective translation The Classics of Confucius: Book of Odes. The translation was written rhymed, emphasizing the poetic appeal. In 1913, Helen Waddell, an Irish poet and translator, published the selective translation Lyrics from the Chinese. She knew little about Chinese, so she abridged a lot in her translation, and added plenty of personal creations. But her translation was quite popular at that time. In 1915, Ezra Pound, the leader of the American New Poetry Movement, an image originator and an outstanding translator, published Cathay, a collection of Chinese poems translated from Japanese annotations by Ernest Fenollosa, an American orientalist at the end of the 19th century, including Cai Wei of Xiao Ya. This translation is not faithful to the original text, and the translator recreated to a great extent.

In 1937, the complete translation The Book of Songs, translated from the Chinese by Arthur Waley was published in the UK. Waley made a bold attempt in terms of translation methods. He believed that the use of rhyme would resulted in the loss of meaning due to sounds, therefore Waley adopted free form in poem translation rather than rhymed form, without strict restrictions on the number of words per line. He was skilled in employing appropriate word selection, ventral rhyme, alliteration, repetition, and stressed syllables to reproduce the rhythm and artistry of the original poem. He also broke the order in the original work and rearranged it according to his own understanding of the content. There are many annotations in his translation, and there are also appendices at the end of the translation. Waley’s translation is known for its fluency and the pursuit of the reflection of the original poetic characteristics in form.

In 1950, Swedish sinologist and linguist Bernhard Karlgren published the complete English translation of Shi Jing, The Book of Odes. He conducted systematic research on the pronunciation, exegesis, and rhyme usage of Shi Jing. From 1942 to 1948, he published specialized research annotations on difficult words and phrases in Shi Jing in the Swedish Far East Museum, totaling over 1300 articles. His translation has four main characteristics: (1) Citation of the original text of the Psalm; (2) Annotation to the original pinyin; (3) No lining up, no end rhyme between lines, and no neat foot or obvious rhythm within the line; (4) Annotations between most of lines (Li Yuliang, Sun Lixin, 2011:98). Generally speaking, his translation is a poetry translation aimed at comparing the sound and writing of English and Chinese languages.

In the second half of the 20th century, the center of the translation of Shi Jing shifted from Europe to the United States. In 1954, Pound’s full translation Shih-Ching: The Classic Anthology Defined by Confucius was published. Compared with the poetry translation in Cathay, the translated poems in this version features higher concise, more strict rhythm, and stronger poetic meanings, but they still retain the consistent style as before. Pound’s translation mainly has the following characteristics: (1) There are very few annotations in the translation; no Chinese original poems, only the main text of the translated poems; (2) Many translated poems are rhymed, some of which are relatively neat, while others not. And the rhymes vary from one poem to another on account of different contents; (3) There are significant changes in the theme and meaning of the translated poem. Thus it is difficult to identify the source of the translation without comparing with the original one; (4) In terms of structural form, the translator deleted lots of lines, and there are also a few examples of amplification; (5) Almost all poems were summarized when being translated, based on which the translator rewrote them into new poems according to his own understanding. Pound’s English translation of Shi Jing has gotten a mixed review in the academic community, both criticized for dramatic changes to the original text and hailed as a model of creative translation.

In 1971, William McNaughton’s work The Book of Songs which focuses on the studies of Shi Jing was published in New York. This book is a collection of McNaughton’s research findings on Shi Jing. The book consists of two parts: “Theme” and “Style”, up to sixteen special topics. The book lists many poems from Shi Jing to support his pertinent research. Most of poems were translated by Pound but a few by McNaughton himself. McNaughton mainly translated his poetry into rhymed verse, with lines corresPounding to the original poem, highlighting overlapping sounds and ending rhymes. The translation has no original reference or annotations.

The British sinologist John Turner extracted and translated several poems from Shi Jing in his collection of ancient Chinese poetry published in 1976: A Golden Treasury of Chinese Poetry. In order to preserve the musicality of Chinese poetry, he translated in the traditional form of English poetry, and translated Chinese poems into rhymed verses. In the same year, the English translation of the collection of ancient Chinese poetry Chinese Poetry: An Anthology of Major Modes and Genres, written by the famous Chinese-American poet and translator Wai-lim Yip’s, was published by the University of California Press. The book has a contrastive layout between English and Chinese, first to present translation word by word, with each Chinese character corresPounding to an English word and corresPounding part of speech; then, a full translation to be attached line by line. Wai-lim Yip regarded poetry translation as the practical basis for comparative poetics research, highlighting the differences in language between Chinese and English poetry.

Compared with the prosperity of the English translation of Shi Jing in European countries and America, there were relatively few local translations in China during this period. During late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, poet Su Manshu translated 61 pieces extracted from Shi Jing. The content was arranged in the form of Chinese-English comparison. Su valued the metric, rhythm, and artistic conception of poetry. In 1954, Hong Kong Construction Press published Poems from China written by Huang Wen. This book is a selective version with English-Chinese comparison of six poems from Shi Jing. However, few publishers have stored it and it’s not highly praised.

====1.3 The New Period (1983- )====

After the 1980s, a number of Chinese translators also joined the ranks of translating Shi Jing, making foreign translation of Shi Jing unprecedented active in China. The most outstanding contributions are made by Xu Yuanchong and Wang Rongpei.

In 1983, the selective version Selections from the “Book of Songs”, jointly translated by renowned Chinese translator Yang Xianyi and his British wife Gladys Yang, was published by Foreign Language Publishing House. The couple translated 45 poems. The translated poems in this selective translation are blank verses for reason that the translator adopted the strategy of foreignization to achieve the goal of spreading classical Chinese culture and faithfully conveying the historical content and culture of the poems. However, due to the excessive pursuit of “faithfulness to the original text”, the meaning and aesthetics contained in the poem itself cannot be effectively conveyed to the target language readers, resulting in a vast reduction in the readability of the translated poems. This is also one of the reasons why this version is very popular in China but has little influence abroad.

Xu Yuanchong, a translator known as the “the only expert in the world who can translate Chinese poetry into English and French”, finished his works The First Branch Blooming on Earth-The Book of Lyrics and The First Branch Blooming on Earth-The Book of Odes and Hymns in 1992. The uniqueness of these two translations lies in the fact that it contains the original poems, with Chinese pinyin annotated line by line. Some phrases or sentences difficult to understand are annotated to explain the meaning of the very poem. The book also includes a comparison table of initial consonants and Chinese vowels of Chinese pinyin, and the English International Phonetic Alphabet. In 1993, Hunan Publishing House published The Book of Poetry. This is the first complete English translation of Shi Jing completed by a Chinese translator, and also the seventh complete translation of Shi Jing. In 1994, the Chinese Literature Publishing House published a translation An Unexpected Translation of Book of Songs. In this work, Xu Yuanchong followed the principle of “three beauties”, and his translation has unique features in terms of translation techniques and aesthetic communication.

In 1995, Wang Rongpei and Ren Xiuhua jointly translated The Book of Poetry, which was published by Liaoning Education Press. This is the second complete English translation of Shi Jing completed by Chinese translators. This translation adopts a Chinese-English comparison form, and the original Chinese poetry is marked with modern Chinese pinyin. The translation emphasizes the ending rhyme, and each poem is accompanied by a brief explanation of the theme. In 2008, Wang Rongpei’s English translation The Book of Poetry was published by Hunan People’s Publishing House. On the basis of summarizing the gains and losses of previous translators, Wang Rongpei integrated his own understanding of the original work and its contemporary culture. His flexible and ingenious translation art reveals the translator’s unique artistic craftsmanship in the reconstruction of images, the transmission of the sense of beauty, and the elucidation of interest in the translated poetry.

Wang Fanglu published Exploration of Vernacular and English Translation of Ya and Song of Shi Jing and Exploration of Vernacular and English Translation of Feng of Shi Jing respectively in 2009 and 2013. The translation is arranged in order of the original poem, Chinese vernacular poem, English poem, annotations, and explanations. In 2010, Jia Fuxiang’s translation work “Airs of the States” from the Shi Jing: A New Trilingual Translation of the World’s Oldest Collection of Lyric Poetry was published, which is one of the few specialized English translations of the Book of Songs. In 2016, Professor Zhao Yanchun briefly introduced the basic situation, artistic value, analysis of other English translations of Shi Jing, and the translator’s translation perspectives in the English preface of his fully translated version She King. Zhao followed the principles of translating poetry in a poetic way and classics in a classical way. The translated text corresPounds to the original text line by line, with great emphasis on word count and rhyme.

===2. The Characteristics of English Translation in Different Periods===
From 1735 to 1829 underwent the indirect and selective translation period of the English translation of Shi Jing,whose the most conspicuous feature is that it mainly focused on the indirect translation. At this stage, most translators did not understand or were not proficient in Chinese. Hence they mainly relyed on the interlanguage translation, which will inevitably lead to the translations imprinted with the language and culture in interlanguage, as well as translator’s style. Also, in terms of language, culture, and style, they failed to be faithful to the original text, and problems such as mistranslation, addition, and omission would occur frequently. At this stage, there was no complete English translation yet, nor a specialized selective translation of Shi Jing. The number of excerpts is small, and most of them only selected a few poems or some chapters of the poems. Moreover, the selective translations of Shi Jing only served as auxiliary functions in the original book, rather than being used for specialized translation and introduction of Shi Jing. Small though the number of English translations of Shi Jing during this stage was small, they initiated the dissemination of English translations of Shi Jing, marking the embryonic stage of its English translation.

From the 1870s to the 1980s, the English translation of Shi Jing was in its heyday. In the past 100 years, there were not only several selected versions, most of which appeared in special collections of English translations of Chinese poetry, but also a number of full English versions of Shi Jing, such as James Legge’s porse version and rhymed version, Waley’s version, Pound’s version, etc. At this stage, the identities of translators are more diverse, including missionaries, diplomats, sinologists, poets, translators, etc. Most of them are proficient in Chinese and have in-depth research on Chinese language and Chinese culture. Therefore, there is a decrease in translation at this stage, and most of them translated directly. From the perspective of the ethnics of the translators, there are English and American translators, Swedish translators, Irish translators, Chinese American translators, and cooperative translation between English and American translators and Chinese scholars at this stage. In terms of translation style, there are translators for rhyme and against rhyme, and translators attempting to translate. At this stage, Western translators took the English translation and research of Shi Jing to a new platform, both in terms of breadth and depth, which greatly promotes its dissemination in the English world.

Since the 1980s, a group of excellent local Chinese translators have joined the English translation of Shi Jing, promoting the gradual expansion of the English translation of Shi Jing. Over the past twenty years, multiple complete translations came to the world. Most of these translators are both translators and translation theorists. The translation practice of Shi Jing and the formation of translation theory mutually reinforced. Translation strategies presented a coexistence of domestication and foreignization. Many Chinese translators have begun to continuously try to promote the internationalization of Chinese classical culture, forming a new era of English translation of Shi Jing.

===Conclusion===

This article is mainly based on the English translation practice of Shi Jing both domestically and internationally, attempting to outline the historical development trajectory of the English translation of Shi Jing. The turn of the 18th and 19th centuries was the translation period of Shi Jing, and the 1870s to 1980s were the complete translation period of Shi Jing. The 1980s have been the new era of the English translation of Shi Jing. In addition, the author summarizes the characteristics of English translation of Shi Jing in different periods. In short, during the more than 200 year historical process of translating Shi Jing into English, with the tireless efforts of overseas sinologists and local Chinese scholars, there have been numerous English translations of Shi Jing, including excerpts, selective translations, and complete translations. These translations with different styles have laid the foundation for the study of the translation of Shi Jing, and have made great contributions to the exchange of Chinese and Western cultures, Chinese literature, and the internationalization of Chinese culture.

===References===

Cannon, Garland. (1992). The Collected Works of Sir William Jones [威廉·琼斯爵士作品集]. New York: New York University Press.

Chen Manhua陈满华. (2008). 威廉·琼斯学汉语的经历及其对中国经典的解读 [William Jones’ Experience of Learning Chinese and His Interpretation of Chinese Classics]. 世界汉语教学Chinese Teaching in The World (03) 87-89.

Cranmer-Byng Launcelot. (1908). The Classics of Confucius: Book of Odes [儒家经典: 诗经]. London: John Murray, Albemarle Street.

FanCunzhong 范存忠. (1991). 中国文化在启蒙时期的英国[Chinese Culture in England during the Enlightenment]. Shanghai: Foreign Language Education Press 外语教育出版社.

Karlgren Klas Bernhard Johannes. (1950). The Book of Odes: Chinese text, transcription and translation [诗经: 汉语文本、转写与翻译]. Stockholm: The Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities.

Legge James. (1876). The She King, or the Book of Ancient Poetry, Translated in English verses with Essays and Notes[韵体版诗经]. London: Trubner & Co.

Li Yuliang李玉良. (2007). 《诗经》英译研究 [The Studies of English Translation Shi Jing]. Jinan: Shandong Qilu Press齐鲁书社.

Li Yuliang & Sun Lixin李玉良孙立新. (2011) 高本汉《诗经》翻译研究 [A Study on the Translation of Shi Jing by Cranmer-Byng]. 山东外语教学 Shandong Foreign Language Teaching (06) 64-72.

McNaughton William. (1971) The Book of Songs [诗经]. Boston: Twayne Publishers.

Qin Fangfang 覃芳芳. (2023). 《诗经》英译史考辨 [The Examination of the History of English Translation of Shi Jing]. 社会科学论坛 Tribune of Social Sciences (03) 171-184.

Wang Hong王宏. (2012). 《诗经》及其英译 [Shi Jing and Its English Translation].东方翻译 East Journal of Translation (06) 122-124.

Xu Yuanchong 许渊冲. (2003). 文学与翻译 [Literature and Translation]. Beijing: Peking University Press 北京大学出版社.

Yang Zhiyi 杨治宜. (2005). 多边文化研究：《诗经》在 18 世纪的英国——文本考据与个案研究 [Multilateral Cultural Studies: The Book of Songs in 18th Century England: Textual Research and Case Studies]. Beijing: Peking University Press 北京大学出版社.

Zheng Zhongqiu 郑中求. (2013). 马礼逊《华英字典》与《诗经》的早期英译 [Early English Translation of Morrison’s English and Chinese Pronouncing Condensed Dictionary and Shi Jing]. 华北理工大学学报(社会科学版) Journal of North China University of Technology (Social Sciences Edition) (06) 282-283.

20230630 final exam 05

2023-06-05T17:38:45Z

Zhang Wenqi: /* 202270081680 张文琦 Zhang Wenqi 英语笔译(English translation) */

=202270081692 梁昕璐 Liang Xinlu 英语口译(English interpreting)=
=202270081680 张文琦 Zhang Wenqi 英语笔译(English translation)=
==The Translation and Dissenmination of Shi Jing in the English World==
===Abstract===
More than two centuries has witnessed the translation and spreading of Shi Jing in the English world. Various translations have emerged, providing a feasible way for the spreading and research of its English translation. In this paper, the author adpots the method of historical analysis to investigate and examine the English translation history of Shi Jing, and tries to depict the historial evolution of its English translation, which is divided into three periods: the indirect translation and slective translation period, the full translation period and the new period. Each period has the representative translators at home or abroad. Furthermore, the author summerizes the characteristics of each period in general. Based on meticulous investigations, this paper shows how Shi Jing has influenced the world and how it does a great deal for the Chinese literature coming towards the world.
===Key Words===
Shijing; English translation; three periods
==诗经在英语世界的翻译与传播==
===摘要===
两个多世纪以来，《诗经》英译本不断涌现，在英语世界广泛传播。繁多的译本为《诗经》的英译传播和研究提供了可行的途径。本文运用历史分析方法梳理、考辩《诗经》的英译历史，尝试描绘出《诗经》英译的历史演进并将其分为转译及摘译期、全译期和新时期，每一时期均简要评述了代表性翻译家及译作。最后，作者分别总结了上述三个阶段英译活动的特征。通过详实考察，本文展现了《诗经》对世界的影响，以及对中国文学走向世界的巨大推动作用。
===关键词===
诗经;英译;三个时期
===Introduction===
Shi Jing, also named Book of Poetry or Book of Songs, is the first collection of poems in China. It consists of 305 poems that vividly show ancient Chinese people’s life from the early Western Zhou Dynasty (the 11th century BC) to the middle of the Spring and Autumn period (the 6th century BC). There are three parts in the book: Feng (160 poems), Ya (74 poems in Xiao Ya and 31 poems in Da Ya), and Song (40 poems). Poems in Feng are mainly folk poems about people’s stories or emotions. Xiao Ya contains some folk poems and nobles’ works, and its most notable works are about fcasts and wars. Most of the poems in Da Ya are produced by imperial nobles. Poems in Song are mainly the song and poetry about the imperial family’s sacrifice to ancestors.

The language of Shi Jing conveys the beauty of music, with a sentence structure mainly composed of four words, but also flexible and varied. The four sentences independently form a poetic chapter, occasionally mixed with sentence structures of two, three, five, seven, or eight words. Reduplicated chapters, sentences, and characters are common expressive techniques in Shi Jing, and rhythm between spaced sentences, between neighbouring sentences, cross rhyming, and rhyming through the same initial consonants and Chinese vowels are the basic methods in Shi Jing for metric. Shi Jing has unique characteristics in terms of meaning and rhetoric. Commonly used rhetorical devices such as exaggeration, contrast, and duality can be found in this classic. Its creative techniques have had a huge impact on the genre structure, language art, and other aspects of Chinese literature.

The translation and dissenmination of the Shi Jing to foreign countries can be said to have a long history. The work has attracted many readers and scholars and conscquently been translated into many different languages. According to research, Shi Jing was first passed down through the Silk Road and initially spread to China’s neighboring countries such as today’s Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and so on. In the 16th century, Shi Jing began its journey in Europe. The earliest English translation can be traced back to the 18th century. So far, Shi Jing has been translated into dozens of languages and widely disseminated worldwide. Throughout the research on the English translation of Shi Jing both domestically and internationally, it generally includes two aspects: the English translation of Shi Jing and the research of it. In order to comprehensively understand the research on the English translation of Shi Jing, the author consulted a large number of literature, adopted historical analysis methods to examine the history of the English translation of Shi Jing, and then summarized the characteristics of English translation activities in different periods. The author hopes that this article can not only help us understand the dissemination of Shi Jing in the English speaking world, but also provide some reference for future research on related translation.

===1. Three Periods of the English Translation of Shi Jing===

====1.1 The Indirect Translation and Slective Translation Period (1735-1829)====

According to the available materials, the English translation of Shi Jing began with the indirect translation of Description Géographique, Historique, Chronologique, Politique et Physique de L’Empire de la Chine et de la Tartarie Chinoise written in French. It was edited by the French Jesuit Jean-Baptiste Du Halde and it has four volumes. In the second volume, he introduced and examined the literariness of Shi Jing, with a collection of eight poems translated by the France Jesuit Joseph Henry de Prémare. The publication of the book in France immediately attracted the attention of the UK publishers. In 1736 and 1738, the Britain Richard Brooks, the London publisher Edward Cave and the translators he organized translated and published the English version of the book the respectively. It was the first time that some of poems of Shi Jing was translated into English.

In 1761, several excerpts from Shi Jing were contained in the final appendix of the novel Hau Kiou Choaan or The Pleasing History compiled by Thomas Percy. Knowing little about Chinese, Percy translated all those poems indirectly based on the reference to others’ translations. According to Yang Zhiyi (2005), there are seven excerpts respectively translated indirectly from the version in Latin translation of Confucius Sinarum philosophus by Philippe Couplet and others, and cited from the version in the Latin work Musaem Sinicum by German Bayer and the Description Géographique, Historique, Chronologique, Politique et Physique de L’Empire de la Chine et de la Tartarie Chinoise by Du Halde.

The earliest translation of Shi Jing with the original poems in Chinese as a reference was William Jones’s version. He initially translated the Qi Ao of Wei Feng in Latin and included the translation in the Poeseos Asiaticæ Commentatorium. In 1785, Jones took most of pages to discuss Shi Jing in his paper “On the Second Classical Book of the Chinese”, where he also translated each section of poems Qi Ao, Tao Yao, and Jie’nan Shan with methods of both literal translation and free translation in poetic style. His literal translation in prose style is generally faithful to original poems in terms of meaning and numbers of sentences, while his free translation in poetic translation, on the other hand, is considered as “imitation” (Fan Cunzhong, 1991), a recreation inspired by the original text. Jones not only added poetic lines in his transaltion, but also generalized the rich cultural imagery of China, adopting the rhyme style of British folk songs.

In 1829, the famous British sinologist Sir John F. Davis published the second complete English translation of The Fortunate Union, which embraces some poems extracted from Shi Jing. He also included these selectiive translations in his article “On the Poetry of the Chinese”, which takes examples of Shi Jing and folk songs from Pre Qin Dynasty to Six Dynasties to elaborate on the rhythmic characteristics of Chinese classical poetry. He referred to the Chinese original text when translating the poems in The Fortune Union, and also introduced them in a Chinese English comparison in “On the Poetry of the Chinese”. In this way, he pioneered the English translation of Shi Jing by comparing with Chinese original poems.

====1.2 The Full Translation Period (1871-1976)====

In the 1870s, the English translation of Shi Jing entered a prosperous stage, which was characterized by the emergence of a large number of full versions. The most influential ones are the translations of James Legge, William Waley, Bernhard Karlgren and others.

James Legge has translated Shi Jing three times in his life. With the help of Wang Tao, Legge completed the first complete English translation The She King or The Book of Poetry, which was published in Hong Kong in 1871 as the fourth volume of The Chinese Classic. This translation became a milestone in the dissemination of Shi Jing in the Western world. In the preface, “the author hopes that the Work which he now offers will be deemed by competent scholars a reliable translation of the original poems” (1871). The translation was written in a non-rhymed prose style and reflects Legge’s pursuit of reproducing the literal meaning of the original poem, with “significant academic research characteristics”(Li Yuliang, 2007). In 1876, Legge retranslated and published the rhymed version The She King or The Book of Ancient Poetry. This is the second complete English translation of Shi Jing. Compared to the 1871 version, this version emphasizes rhythm, strives for accuracy, and pays more attention to aesthetic appeal. The portrayal of characters in the poem is more vivid with smoother expressions. He deleted the original Chinese poems, reduced annotations, and only retained the theme without Chinese characters in the annotations. In addition, the style and arrangement of the translation also undergone significant changes. In 1879, Legge compiled more than 100 ritualistic verses from Shi Jing into a single volume, which was included in the third volume of The Sacred Books of China: Texts of Confucianism, edited by Max Müller. In this translation, the translator placed more emphasis on interpretation. The main feature of this selective translation is to highlight religious connotations, and the content unrelated to religion was removed out of the original preface to be independently composed as the preface to Song. Each poem in this translation is annotated to elucidate its religious significance. Among the above three translations, the first version, which is considered as academic translation, has the profounded influence and a certain impact on many subsequent English translations.

In 1891, the complete rhymed translation of Shi Jing by British sinologist William Jennings was published in London, marking the advent of the third complete English translation of Shi Jing. Jennings mainly referred to the annotations of Legge's translation published in 1871. Jennings’s translation includes a lengthy preface, and there are annotations on the theme and some word explanations after each translated poems. Jennings advocated for translating poetry in a poetic way and for the translation being as close to the original text in both content and form as possible. When translating, he strived to maintain the external form of the Chinese original poems, adopting a folk style form with interlaced rhymes.

In the same year, the fourth complete English translation of Shi Jing, The Book of Chinese Poetry: The Shi Ching or Classic of Poetry wasbrought to the world by Clement F. R. Allen, who took the appreciation of the British into consideration. The most significant feature of this translation is that the translator greatly rewrote the poetry to live up with Western poetic concepts and acceptance habits of British readers. He adopted rhyme style when translating and employed extreme domestication translation techniques, attempting to achieve a transformation from Chinese poetry to English poetry from content to form.

After the 20th century, the English translation of Shi Jing reached its peak, with various complete and selective translations emerging one after another. In 1905, British sinologist Launcelot Granmer-Byng published the selective translation The Classics of Confucius: Book of Odes. The translation was written rhymed, emphasizing the poetic appeal. In 1913, Helen Waddell, an Irish poet and translator, published the selective translation Lyrics from the Chinese. She knew little about Chinese, so she abridged a lot in her translation, and added plenty of personal creations. But her translation was quite popular at that time. In 1915, Ezra Pound, the leader of the American New Poetry Movement, an image originator and an outstanding translator, published Cathay, a collection of Chinese poems translated from Japanese annotations by Ernest Fenollosa, an American orientalist at the end of the 19th century, including Cai Wei of Xiao Ya. This translation is not faithful to the original text, and the translator recreated to a great extent.

In 1937, the complete translation The Book of Songs, translated from the Chinese by Arthur Waley was published in the UK. Waley made a bold attempt in terms of translation methods. He believed that the use of rhyme would resulted in the loss of meaning due to sounds, therefore Waley adopted free form in poem translation rather than rhymed form, without strict restrictions on the number of words per line. He was skilled in employing appropriate word selection, ventral rhyme, alliteration, repetition, and stressed syllables to reproduce the rhythm and artistry of the original poem. He also broke the order in the original work and rearranged it according to his own understanding of the content. There are many annotations in his translation, and there are also appendices at the end of the translation. Waley’s translation is known for its fluency and the pursuit of the reflection of the original poetic characteristics in form.

In 1950, Swedish sinologist and linguist Bernhard Karlgren published the complete English translation of Shi Jing, The Book of Odes. He conducted systematic research on the pronunciation, exegesis, and rhyme usage of Shi Jing. From 1942 to 1948, he published specialized research annotations on difficult words and phrases in Shi Jing in the Swedish Far East Museum, totaling over 1300 articles. His translation has four main characteristics: (1) Citation of the original text of the Psalm; (2) Annotation to the original pinyin; (3) No lining up, no end rhyme between lines, and no neat foot or obvious rhythm within the line; (4) Annotations between most of lines (Li Yuliang, Sun Lixin, 2011:98). Generally speaking, his translation is a poetry translation aimed at comparing the sound and writing of English and Chinese languages.

In the second half of the 20th century, the center of the translation of Shi Jing shifted from Europe to the United States. In 1954, Pound’s full translation Shih-Ching: The Classic Anthology Defined by Confucius was published. Compared with the poetry translation in Cathay, the translated poems in this version features higher concise, more strict rhythm, and stronger poetic meanings, but they still retain the consistent style as before. Pound’s translation mainly has the following characteristics: (1) There are very few annotations in the translation; no Chinese original poems, only the main text of the translated poems; (2) Many translated poems are rhymed, some of which are relatively neat, while others not. And the rhymes vary from one poem to another on account of different contents; (3) There are significant changes in the theme and meaning of the translated poem. Thus it is difficult to identify the source of the translation without comparing with the original one; (4) In terms of structural form, the translator deleted lots of lines, and there are also a few examples of amplification; (5) Almost all poems were summarized when being translated, based on which the translator rewrote them into new poems according to his own understanding. Pound’s English translation of Shi Jing has gotten a mixed review in the academic community, both criticized for dramatic changes to the original text and hailed as a model of creative translation.

In 1971, William McNaughton’s work The Book of Songs which focuses on the studies of Shi Jing was published in New York. This book is a collection of McNaughton’s research findings on Shi Jing. The book consists of two parts: “Theme” and “Style”, up to sixteen special topics. The book lists many poems from Shi Jing to support his pertinent research. Most of poems were translated by Pound but a few by McNaughton himself. McNaughton mainly translated his poetry into rhymed verse, with lines corresPounding to the original poem, highlighting overlapping sounds and ending rhymes. The translation has no original reference or annotations.

The British sinologist John Turner extracted and translated several poems from Shi Jing in his collection of ancient Chinese poetry published in 1976: A Golden Treasury of Chinese Poetry. In order to preserve the musicality of Chinese poetry, he translated in the traditional form of English poetry, and translated Chinese poems into rhymed verses. In the same year, the English translation of the collection of ancient Chinese poetry Chinese Poetry: An Anthology of Major Modes and Genres, written by the famous Chinese-American poet and translator Wai-lim Yip’s, was published by the University of California Press. The book has a contrastive layout between English and Chinese, first to present translation word by word, with each Chinese character corresPounding to an English word and corresPounding part of speech; then, a full translation to be attached line by line. Wai-lim Yip regarded poetry translation as the practical basis for comparative poetics research, highlighting the differences in language between Chinese and English poetry.

Compared with the prosperity of the English translation of Shi Jing in European countries and America, there were relatively few local translations in China during this period. During late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, poet Su Manshu translated 61 pieces extracted from Shi Jing. The content was arranged in the form of Chinese-English comparison. Su valued the metric, rhythm, and artistic conception of poetry. In 1954, Hong Kong Construction Press published Poems from China written by Huang Wen. This book is a selective version with English-Chinese comparison of six poems from Shi Jing. However, few publishers have stored it and it’s not highly praised.

====1.3 The New Period (1983- )====

After the 1980s, a number of Chinese translators also joined the ranks of translating Shi Jing, making foreign translation of Shi Jing unprecedented active in China. The most outstanding contributions are made by Xu Yuanchong and Wang Rongpei.

In 1983, the selective version Selections from the “Book of Songs”, jointly translated by renowned Chinese translator Yang Xianyi and his British wife Gladys Yang, was published by Foreign Language Publishing House. The couple translated 45 poems. The translated poems in this selective translation are blank verses for reason that the translator adopted the strategy of foreignization to achieve the goal of spreading classical Chinese culture and faithfully conveying the historical content and culture of the poems. However, due to the excessive pursuit of “faithfulness to the original text”, the meaning and aesthetics contained in the poem itself cannot be effectively conveyed to the target language readers, resulting in a vast reduction in the readability of the translated poems. This is also one of the reasons why this version is very popular in China but has little influence abroad.

Xu Yuanchong, a translator known as the “the only expert in the world who can translate Chinese poetry into English and French”, finished his works The First Branch Blooming on Earth-The Book of Lyrics and The First Branch Blooming on Earth-The Book of Odes and Hymns in 1992. The uniqueness of these two translations lies in the fact that it contains the original poems, with Chinese pinyin annotated line by line. Some phrases or sentences difficult to understand are annotated to explain the meaning of the very poem. The book also includes a comparison table of initial consonants and Chinese vowels of Chinese pinyin, and the English International Phonetic Alphabet. In 1993, Hunan Publishing House published The Book of Poetry. This is the first complete English translation of Shi Jing completed by a Chinese translator, and also the seventh complete translation of Shi Jing. In 1994, the Chinese Literature Publishing House published a translation An Unexpected Translation of Book of Songs. In this work, Xu Yuanchong followed the principle of “three beauties”, and his translation has unique features in terms of translation techniques and aesthetic communication.

In 1995, Wang Rongpei and Ren Xiuhua jointly translated The Book of Poetry, which was published by Liaoning Education Press. This is the second complete English translation of Shi Jing completed by Chinese translators. This translation adopts a Chinese-English comparison form, and the original Chinese poetry is marked with modern Chinese pinyin. The translation emphasizes the ending rhyme, and each poem is accompanied by a brief explanation of the theme. In 2008, Wang Rongpei’s English translation The Book of Poetry was published by Hunan People’s Publishing House. On the basis of summarizing the gains and losses of previous translators, Wang Rongpei integrated his own understanding of the original work and its contemporary culture. His flexible and ingenious translation art reveals the translator’s unique artistic craftsmanship in the reconstruction of images, the transmission of the sense of beauty, and the elucidation of interest in the translated poetry.

Wang Fanglu published Exploration of Vernacular and English Translation of Ya and Song of Shi Jing and Exploration of Vernacular and English Translation of Feng of Shi Jing respectively in 2009 and 2013. The translation is arranged in order of the original poem, Chinese vernacular poem, English poem, annotations, and explanations. In 2010, Jia Fuxiang’s translation work “Airs of the States” from the Shi Jing: A New Trilingual Translation of the World’s Oldest Collection of Lyric Poetry was published, which is one of the few specialized English translations of the Book of Songs. In 2016, Professor Zhao Yanchun briefly introduced the basic situation, artistic value, analysis of other English translations of Shi Jing, and the translator’s translation perspectives in the English preface of his fully translated version She King. Zhao followed the principles of translating poetry in a poetic way and classics in a classical way. The translated text corresPounds to the original text line by line, with great emphasis on word count and rhyme.

===2. The Characteristics of English Translation in Different Periods===
From 1735 to 1829 underwent the indirect and selective translation period of the English translation of Shi Jing,whose the most conspicuous feature is that it mainly focused on the indirect translation. At this stage, most translators did not understand or were not proficient in Chinese. Hence they mainly relyed on the interlanguage translation, which will inevitably lead to the translations imprinted with the language and culture in interlanguage, as well as translator’s style. Also, in terms of language, culture, and style, they failed to be faithful to the original text, and problems such as mistranslation, addition, and omission would occur frequently. At this stage, there was no complete English translation yet, nor a specialized selective translation of Shi Jing. The number of excerpts is small, and most of them only selected a few poems or some chapters of the poems. Moreover, the selective translations of Shi Jing only served as auxiliary functions in the original book, rather than being used for specialized translation and introduction of Shi Jing. Small though the number of English translations of Shi Jing during this stage was small, they initiated the dissemination of English translations of Shi Jing, marking the embryonic stage of its English translation.

From the 1870s to the 1980s, the English translation of Shi Jing was in its heyday. In the past 100 years, there were not only several selected versions, most of which appeared in special collections of English translations of Chinese poetry, but also a number of full English versions of Shi Jing, such as James Legge’s porse version and rhymed version, Waley’s version, Pound’s version, etc. At this stage, the identities of translators are more diverse, including missionaries, diplomats, sinologists, poets, translators, etc. Most of them are proficient in Chinese and have in-depth research on Chinese language and Chinese culture. Therefore, there is a decrease in translation at this stage, and most of them translated directly. From the perspective of the ethnics of the translators, there are English and American translators, Swedish translators, Irish translators, Chinese American translators, and cooperative translation between English and American translators and Chinese scholars at this stage. In terms of translation style, there are translators for rhyme and against rhyme, and translators attempting to translate. At this stage, Western translators took the English translation and research of Shi Jing to a new platform, both in terms of breadth and depth, which greatly promotes its dissemination in the English world.

Since the 1980s, a group of excellent local Chinese translators have joined the English translation of Shi Jing, promoting the gradual expansion of the English translation of Shi Jing. Over the past twenty years, multiple complete translations came to the world. Most of these translators are both translators and translation theorists. The translation practice of Shi Jing and the formation of translation theory mutually reinforced. Translation strategies presented a coexistence of domestication and foreignization. Many Chinese translators have begun to continuously try to promote the internationalization of Chinese classical culture, forming a new era of English translation of Shi Jing.

===Conclusion===

This article is mainly based on the English translation practice of Shi Jing both domestically and internationally, attempting to outline the historical development trajectory of the English translation of Shi Jing. The turn of the 18th and 19th centuries was the translation period of Shi Jing, and the 1870s to 1980s were the complete translation period of Shi Jing. The 1980s have been the new era of the English translation of Shi Jing. In addition, the author summarizes the characteristics of English translation of Shi Jing in different periods. In short, during the more than 200 year historical process of translating Shi Jing into English, with the tireless efforts of overseas sinologists and local Chinese scholars, there have been numerous English translations of Shi Jing, including excerpts, selective translations, and complete translations. These translations with different styles have laid the foundation for the study of the translation of Shi Jing, and have made great contributions to the exchange of Chinese and Western cultures, Chinese literature, and the internationalization of Chinese culture.

===References===

Cannon, Garland. (1992). The Collected Works of Sir William Jones [威廉·琼斯爵士作品集]. New York: New York University Press.

Chen Manhua陈满华. (2008). 威廉·琼斯学汉语的经历及其对中国经典的解读 [William Jones’ Experience of Learning Chinese and His Interpretation of Chinese Classics]. 世界汉语教学Chinese Teaching in The World (03) 87-89.

Cranmer-Byng Launcelot. (1908). The Classics of Confucius: Book of Odes [儒家经典: 诗经]. London: John Murray, Albemarle Street.

FanCunzhong 范存忠. (1991). 中国文化在启蒙时期的英国[Chinese Culture in England during the Enlightenment]. Shanghai: Foreign Language Education Press 外语教育出版社.

Karlgren Klas Bernhard Johannes. (1950). The Book of Odes: Chinese text, transcription and translation [诗经: 汉语文本、转写与翻译]. Stockholm: The Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities.

Legge James. (1876). The She King, or the Book of Ancient Poetry, Translated in English verses with Essays and Notes[韵体版诗经]. London: Trubner & Co.

Li Yuliang李玉良. (2007). 《诗经》英译研究 [The Studies of English Translation Shi Jing]. Jinan: Shandong Qilu Press齐鲁书社.

Li Yuliang & Sun Lixin李玉良孙立新. (2011) 高本汉《诗经》翻译研究 [A Study on the Translation of Shi Jing by Cranmer-Byng]. 山东外语教学 Shandong Foreign Language Teaching (06) 64-72.

McNaughton William. (1971) The Book of Songs [诗经]. Boston: Twayne Publishers.

Qin Fangfang 覃芳芳. (2023). 《诗经》英译史考辨 [The Examination of the History of English Translation of Shi Jing]. 社会科学论坛 Tribune of Social Sciences (03) 171-184.

Wang Hong王宏. (2012). 《诗经》及其英译 [Shi Jing and Its English Translation].东方翻译 East Journal of Translation (06) 122-124.

Xu Yuanchong 许渊冲. (2003). 文学与翻译 [Literature and Translation]. Beijing: Peking University Press 北京大学出版社.

Yang Zhiyi 杨治宜. (2005). 多边文化研究：《诗经》在 18 世纪的英国——文本考据与个案研究 [Multilateral Cultural Studies: The Book of Songs in 18th Century England: Textual Research and Case Studies]. Beijing: Peking University Press 北京大学出版社.

Zheng Zhongqiu 郑中求. (2013). 马礼逊《华英字典》与《诗经》的早期英译 [Early English Translation of Morrison’s English and Chinese Pronouncing Condensed Dictionary and Shi Jing]. 华北理工大学学报(社会科学版) Journal of North China University of Technology (Social Sciences Edition) (06) 282-283.

20230630 final exam 05

2023-06-05T17:37:21Z

Zhang Wenqi: /* 202270081680 张文琦 Zhang Wenqi 英语笔译(English translation) */

=202270081692 梁昕璐 Liang Xinlu 英语口译(English interpreting)=
=202270081680 张文琦 Zhang Wenqi 英语笔译(English translation)=
==The Translation and Dissenmination of Shi Jing in the English World==
===Abstract===
More than two centuries has witnessed the translation and spreading of Shi Jing in the English world. Various translations have emerged, providing a feasible way for the spreading and research of its English translation. In this paper, the author adpots the method of historical analysis to investigate and examine the English translation history of Shi Jing, and tries to depict the historial evolution of its English translation, which is divided into three periods: the indirect translation and slective translation period, the full translation period and the new period. Each period has the representative translators at home or abroad. Furthermore, the author summerizes the characteristics of each period in general. Based on meticulous investigations, this paper shows how Shi Jing has influenced the world and how it does a great deal for the Chinese literature coming towards the world.
===Key Words===
Shijing; English translation; three periods
===诗经在英语世界的翻译与传播===
===摘要===
两个多世纪以来，《诗经》英译本不断涌现，在英语世界广泛传播。繁多的译本为《诗经》的英译传播和研究提供了可行的途径。本文运用历史分析方法梳理、考辩《诗经》的英译历史，尝试描绘出《诗经》英译的历史演进并将其分为转译及摘译期、全译期和新时期，每一时期均简要评述了代表性翻译家及译作。最后，作者分别总结了上述三个阶段英译活动的特征。通过详实考察，本文展现了《诗经》对世界的影响，以及对中国文学走向世界的巨大推动作用。
===关键词===
诗经;英译;三个时期
===Introduction===
Shi Jing, also named Book of Poetry or Book of Songs, is the first collection of poems in China. It consists of 305 poems that vividly show ancient Chinese people’s life from the early Western Zhou Dynasty (the 11th century BC) to the middle of the Spring and Autumn period (the 6th century BC). There are three parts in the book: Feng (160 poems), Ya (74 poems in Xiao Ya and 31 poems in Da Ya), and Song (40 poems). Poems in Feng are mainly folk poems about people’s stories or emotions. Xiao Ya contains some folk poems and nobles’ works, and its most notable works are about fcasts and wars. Most of the poems in Da Ya are produced by imperial nobles. Poems in Song are mainly the song and poetry about the imperial family’s sacrifice to ancestors.

The language of Shi Jing conveys the beauty of music, with a sentence structure mainly composed of four words, but also flexible and varied. The four sentences independently form a poetic chapter, occasionally mixed with sentence structures of two, three, five, seven, or eight words. Reduplicated chapters, sentences, and characters are common expressive techniques in Shi Jing, and rhythm between spaced sentences, between neighbouring sentences, cross rhyming, and rhyming through the same initial consonants and Chinese vowels are the basic methods in Shi Jing for metric. Shi Jing has unique characteristics in terms of meaning and rhetoric. Commonly used rhetorical devices such as exaggeration, contrast, and duality can be found in this classic. Its creative techniques have had a huge impact on the genre structure, language art, and other aspects of Chinese literature.

The translation and dissenmination of the Shi Jing to foreign countries can be said to have a long history. The work has attracted many readers and scholars and conscquently been translated into many different languages. According to research, Shi Jing was first passed down through the Silk Road and initially spread to China’s neighboring countries such as today’s Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and so on. In the 16th century, Shi Jing began its journey in Europe. The earliest English translation can be traced back to the 18th century. So far, Shi Jing has been translated into dozens of languages and widely disseminated worldwide. Throughout the research on the English translation of Shi Jing both domestically and internationally, it generally includes two aspects: the English translation of Shi Jing and the research of it. In order to comprehensively understand the research on the English translation of Shi Jing, the author consulted a large number of literature, adopted historical analysis methods to examine the history of the English translation of Shi Jing, and then summarized the characteristics of English translation activities in different periods. The author hopes that this article can not only help us understand the dissemination of Shi Jing in the English speaking world, but also provide some reference for future research on related translation.

===1. Three Periods of the English Translation of Shi Jing===

====1.1 The Indirect Translation and Slective Translation Period (1735-1829)====

According to the available materials, the English translation of Shi Jing began with the indirect translation of Description Géographique, Historique, Chronologique, Politique et Physique de L’Empire de la Chine et de la Tartarie Chinoise written in French. It was edited by the French Jesuit Jean-Baptiste Du Halde and it has four volumes. In the second volume, he introduced and examined the literariness of Shi Jing, with a collection of eight poems translated by the France Jesuit Joseph Henry de Prémare. The publication of the book in France immediately attracted the attention of the UK publishers. In 1736 and 1738, the Britain Richard Brooks, the London publisher Edward Cave and the translators he organized translated and published the English version of the book the respectively. It was the first time that some of poems of Shi Jing was translated into English.

In 1761, several excerpts from Shi Jing were contained in the final appendix of the novel Hau Kiou Choaan or The Pleasing History compiled by Thomas Percy. Knowing little about Chinese, Percy translated all those poems indirectly based on the reference to others’ translations. According to Yang Zhiyi (2005), there are seven excerpts respectively translated indirectly from the version in Latin translation of Confucius Sinarum philosophus by Philippe Couplet and others, and cited from the version in the Latin work Musaem Sinicum by German Bayer and the Description Géographique, Historique, Chronologique, Politique et Physique de L’Empire de la Chine et de la Tartarie Chinoise by Du Halde.

The earliest translation of Shi Jing with the original poems in Chinese as a reference was William Jones’s version. He initially translated the Qi Ao of Wei Feng in Latin and included the translation in the Poeseos Asiaticæ Commentatorium. In 1785, Jones took most of pages to discuss Shi Jing in his paper “On the Second Classical Book of the Chinese”, where he also translated each section of poems Qi Ao, Tao Yao, and Jie’nan Shan with methods of both literal translation and free translation in poetic style. His literal translation in prose style is generally faithful to original poems in terms of meaning and numbers of sentences, while his free translation in poetic translation, on the other hand, is considered as “imitation” (Fan Cunzhong, 1991), a recreation inspired by the original text. Jones not only added poetic lines in his transaltion, but also generalized the rich cultural imagery of China, adopting the rhyme style of British folk songs.

In 1829, the famous British sinologist Sir John F. Davis published the second complete English translation of The Fortunate Union, which embraces some poems extracted from Shi Jing. He also included these selectiive translations in his article “On the Poetry of the Chinese”, which takes examples of Shi Jing and folk songs from Pre Qin Dynasty to Six Dynasties to elaborate on the rhythmic characteristics of Chinese classical poetry. He referred to the Chinese original text when translating the poems in The Fortune Union, and also introduced them in a Chinese English comparison in “On the Poetry of the Chinese”. In this way, he pioneered the English translation of Shi Jing by comparing with Chinese original poems.

====1.2 The Full Translation Period (1871-1976)====

In the 1870s, the English translation of Shi Jing entered a prosperous stage, which was characterized by the emergence of a large number of full versions. The most influential ones are the translations of James Legge, William Waley, Bernhard Karlgren and others.

James Legge has translated Shi Jing three times in his life. With the help of Wang Tao, Legge completed the first complete English translation The She King or The Book of Poetry, which was published in Hong Kong in 1871 as the fourth volume of The Chinese Classic. This translation became a milestone in the dissemination of Shi Jing in the Western world. In the preface, “the author hopes that the Work which he now offers will be deemed by competent scholars a reliable translation of the original poems” (1871). The translation was written in a non-rhymed prose style and reflects Legge’s pursuit of reproducing the literal meaning of the original poem, with “significant academic research characteristics”(Li Yuliang, 2007). In 1876, Legge retranslated and published the rhymed version The She King or The Book of Ancient Poetry. This is the second complete English translation of Shi Jing. Compared to the 1871 version, this version emphasizes rhythm, strives for accuracy, and pays more attention to aesthetic appeal. The portrayal of characters in the poem is more vivid with smoother expressions. He deleted the original Chinese poems, reduced annotations, and only retained the theme without Chinese characters in the annotations. In addition, the style and arrangement of the translation also undergone significant changes. In 1879, Legge compiled more than 100 ritualistic verses from Shi Jing into a single volume, which was included in the third volume of The Sacred Books of China: Texts of Confucianism, edited by Max Müller. In this translation, the translator placed more emphasis on interpretation. The main feature of this selective translation is to highlight religious connotations, and the content unrelated to religion was removed out of the original preface to be independently composed as the preface to Song. Each poem in this translation is annotated to elucidate its religious significance. Among the above three translations, the first version, which is considered as academic translation, has the profounded influence and a certain impact on many subsequent English translations.

In 1891, the complete rhymed translation of Shi Jing by British sinologist William Jennings was published in London, marking the advent of the third complete English translation of Shi Jing. Jennings mainly referred to the annotations of Legge's translation published in 1871. Jennings’s translation includes a lengthy preface, and there are annotations on the theme and some word explanations after each translated poems. Jennings advocated for translating poetry in a poetic way and for the translation being as close to the original text in both content and form as possible. When translating, he strived to maintain the external form of the Chinese original poems, adopting a folk style form with interlaced rhymes.

In the same year, the fourth complete English translation of Shi Jing, The Book of Chinese Poetry: The Shi Ching or Classic of Poetry wasbrought to the world by Clement F. R. Allen, who took the appreciation of the British into consideration. The most significant feature of this translation is that the translator greatly rewrote the poetry to live up with Western poetic concepts and acceptance habits of British readers. He adopted rhyme style when translating and employed extreme domestication translation techniques, attempting to achieve a transformation from Chinese poetry to English poetry from content to form.

After the 20th century, the English translation of Shi Jing reached its peak, with various complete and selective translations emerging one after another. In 1905, British sinologist Launcelot Granmer-Byng published the selective translation The Classics of Confucius: Book of Odes. The translation was written rhymed, emphasizing the poetic appeal. In 1913, Helen Waddell, an Irish poet and translator, published the selective translation Lyrics from the Chinese. She knew little about Chinese, so she abridged a lot in her translation, and added plenty of personal creations. But her translation was quite popular at that time. In 1915, Ezra Pound, the leader of the American New Poetry Movement, an image originator and an outstanding translator, published Cathay, a collection of Chinese poems translated from Japanese annotations by Ernest Fenollosa, an American orientalist at the end of the 19th century, including Cai Wei of Xiao Ya. This translation is not faithful to the original text, and the translator recreated to a great extent.

In 1937, the complete translation The Book of Songs, translated from the Chinese by Arthur Waley was published in the UK. Waley made a bold attempt in terms of translation methods. He believed that the use of rhyme would resulted in the loss of meaning due to sounds, therefore Waley adopted free form in poem translation rather than rhymed form, without strict restrictions on the number of words per line. He was skilled in employing appropriate word selection, ventral rhyme, alliteration, repetition, and stressed syllables to reproduce the rhythm and artistry of the original poem. He also broke the order in the original work and rearranged it according to his own understanding of the content. There are many annotations in his translation, and there are also appendices at the end of the translation. Waley’s translation is known for its fluency and the pursuit of the reflection of the original poetic characteristics in form.

In 1950, Swedish sinologist and linguist Bernhard Karlgren published the complete English translation of Shi Jing, The Book of Odes. He conducted systematic research on the pronunciation, exegesis, and rhyme usage of Shi Jing. From 1942 to 1948, he published specialized research annotations on difficult words and phrases in Shi Jing in the Swedish Far East Museum, totaling over 1300 articles. His translation has four main characteristics: (1) Citation of the original text of the Psalm; (2) Annotation to the original pinyin; (3) No lining up, no end rhyme between lines, and no neat foot or obvious rhythm within the line; (4) Annotations between most of lines (Li Yuliang, Sun Lixin, 2011:98). Generally speaking, his translation is a poetry translation aimed at comparing the sound and writing of English and Chinese languages.

In the second half of the 20th century, the center of the translation of Shi Jing shifted from Europe to the United States. In 1954, Pound’s full translation Shih-Ching: The Classic Anthology Defined by Confucius was published. Compared with the poetry translation in Cathay, the translated poems in this version features higher concise, more strict rhythm, and stronger poetic meanings, but they still retain the consistent style as before. Pound’s translation mainly has the following characteristics: (1) There are very few annotations in the translation; no Chinese original poems, only the main text of the translated poems; (2) Many translated poems are rhymed, some of which are relatively neat, while others not. And the rhymes vary from one poem to another on account of different contents; (3) There are significant changes in the theme and meaning of the translated poem. Thus it is difficult to identify the source of the translation without comparing with the original one; (4) In terms of structural form, the translator deleted lots of lines, and there are also a few examples of amplification; (5) Almost all poems were summarized when being translated, based on which the translator rewrote them into new poems according to his own understanding. Pound’s English translation of Shi Jing has gotten a mixed review in the academic community, both criticized for dramatic changes to the original text and hailed as a model of creative translation.

In 1971, William McNaughton’s work The Book of Songs which focuses on the studies of Shi Jing was published in New York. This book is a collection of McNaughton’s research findings on Shi Jing. The book consists of two parts: “Theme” and “Style”, up to sixteen special topics. The book lists many poems from Shi Jing to support his pertinent research. Most of poems were translated by Pound but a few by McNaughton himself. McNaughton mainly translated his poetry into rhymed verse, with lines corresPounding to the original poem, highlighting overlapping sounds and ending rhymes. The translation has no original reference or annotations.

The British sinologist John Turner extracted and translated several poems from Shi Jing in his collection of ancient Chinese poetry published in 1976: A Golden Treasury of Chinese Poetry. In order to preserve the musicality of Chinese poetry, he translated in the traditional form of English poetry, and translated Chinese poems into rhymed verses. In the same year, the English translation of the collection of ancient Chinese poetry Chinese Poetry: An Anthology of Major Modes and Genres, written by the famous Chinese-American poet and translator Wai-lim Yip’s, was published by the University of California Press. The book has a contrastive layout between English and Chinese, first to present translation word by word, with each Chinese character corresPounding to an English word and corresPounding part of speech; then, a full translation to be attached line by line. Wai-lim Yip regarded poetry translation as the practical basis for comparative poetics research, highlighting the differences in language between Chinese and English poetry.

Compared with the prosperity of the English translation of Shi Jing in European countries and America, there were relatively few local translations in China during this period. During late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, poet Su Manshu translated 61 pieces extracted from Shi Jing. The content was arranged in the form of Chinese-English comparison. Su valued the metric, rhythm, and artistic conception of poetry. In 1954, Hong Kong Construction Press published Poems from China written by Huang Wen. This book is a selective version with English-Chinese comparison of six poems from Shi Jing. However, few publishers have stored it and it’s not highly praised.

====1.3 The New Period (1983- )====

After the 1980s, a number of Chinese translators also joined the ranks of translating Shi Jing, making foreign translation of Shi Jing unprecedented active in China. The most outstanding contributions are made by Xu Yuanchong and Wang Rongpei.

In 1983, the selective version Selections from the “Book of Songs”, jointly translated by renowned Chinese translator Yang Xianyi and his British wife Gladys Yang, was published by Foreign Language Publishing House. The couple translated 45 poems. The translated poems in this selective translation are blank verses for reason that the translator adopted the strategy of foreignization to achieve the goal of spreading classical Chinese culture and faithfully conveying the historical content and culture of the poems. However, due to the excessive pursuit of “faithfulness to the original text”, the meaning and aesthetics contained in the poem itself cannot be effectively conveyed to the target language readers, resulting in a vast reduction in the readability of the translated poems. This is also one of the reasons why this version is very popular in China but has little influence abroad.

Xu Yuanchong, a translator known as the “the only expert in the world who can translate Chinese poetry into English and French”, finished his works The First Branch Blooming on Earth-The Book of Lyrics and The First Branch Blooming on Earth-The Book of Odes and Hymns in 1992. The uniqueness of these two translations lies in the fact that it contains the original poems, with Chinese pinyin annotated line by line. Some phrases or sentences difficult to understand are annotated to explain the meaning of the very poem. The book also includes a comparison table of initial consonants and Chinese vowels of Chinese pinyin, and the English International Phonetic Alphabet. In 1993, Hunan Publishing House published The Book of Poetry. This is the first complete English translation of Shi Jing completed by a Chinese translator, and also the seventh complete translation of Shi Jing. In 1994, the Chinese Literature Publishing House published a translation An Unexpected Translation of Book of Songs. In this work, Xu Yuanchong followed the principle of “three beauties”, and his translation has unique features in terms of translation techniques and aesthetic communication.

In 1995, Wang Rongpei and Ren Xiuhua jointly translated The Book of Poetry, which was published by Liaoning Education Press. This is the second complete English translation of Shi Jing completed by Chinese translators. This translation adopts a Chinese-English comparison form, and the original Chinese poetry is marked with modern Chinese pinyin. The translation emphasizes the ending rhyme, and each poem is accompanied by a brief explanation of the theme. In 2008, Wang Rongpei’s English translation The Book of Poetry was published by Hunan People’s Publishing House. On the basis of summarizing the gains and losses of previous translators, Wang Rongpei integrated his own understanding of the original work and its contemporary culture. His flexible and ingenious translation art reveals the translator’s unique artistic craftsmanship in the reconstruction of images, the transmission of the sense of beauty, and the elucidation of interest in the translated poetry.

Wang Fanglu published Exploration of Vernacular and English Translation of Ya and Song of Shi Jing and Exploration of Vernacular and English Translation of Feng of Shi Jing respectively in 2009 and 2013. The translation is arranged in order of the original poem, Chinese vernacular poem, English poem, annotations, and explanations. In 2010, Jia Fuxiang’s translation work “Airs of the States” from the Shi Jing: A New Trilingual Translation of the World’s Oldest Collection of Lyric Poetry was published, which is one of the few specialized English translations of the Book of Songs. In 2016, Professor Zhao Yanchun briefly introduced the basic situation, artistic value, analysis of other English translations of Shi Jing, and the translator’s translation perspectives in the English preface of his fully translated version She King. Zhao followed the principles of translating poetry in a poetic way and classics in a classical way. The translated text corresPounds to the original text line by line, with great emphasis on word count and rhyme.

===2. The Characteristics of English Translation in Different Periods===
From 1735 to 1829 underwent the indirect and selective translation period of the English translation of Shi Jing,whose the most conspicuous feature is that it mainly focused on the indirect translation. At this stage, most translators did not understand or were not proficient in Chinese. Hence they mainly relyed on the interlanguage translation, which will inevitably lead to the translations imprinted with the language and culture in interlanguage, as well as translator’s style. Also, in terms of language, culture, and style, they failed to be faithful to the original text, and problems such as mistranslation, addition, and omission would occur frequently. At this stage, there was no complete English translation yet, nor a specialized selective translation of Shi Jing. The number of excerpts is small, and most of them only selected a few poems or some chapters of the poems. Moreover, the selective translations of Shi Jing only served as auxiliary functions in the original book, rather than being used for specialized translation and introduction of Shi Jing. Small though the number of English translations of Shi Jing during this stage was small, they initiated the dissemination of English translations of Shi Jing, marking the embryonic stage of its English translation.

From the 1870s to the 1980s, the English translation of Shi Jing was in its heyday. In the past 100 years, there were not only several selected versions, most of which appeared in special collections of English translations of Chinese poetry, but also a number of full English versions of Shi Jing, such as James Legge’s porse version and rhymed version, Waley’s version, Pound’s version, etc. At this stage, the identities of translators are more diverse, including missionaries, diplomats, sinologists, poets, translators, etc. Most of them are proficient in Chinese and have in-depth research on Chinese language and Chinese culture. Therefore, there is a decrease in translation at this stage, and most of them translated directly. From the perspective of the ethnics of the translators, there are English and American translators, Swedish translators, Irish translators, Chinese American translators, and cooperative translation between English and American translators and Chinese scholars at this stage. In terms of translation style, there are translators for rhyme and against rhyme, and translators attempting to translate. At this stage, Western translators took the English translation and research of Shi Jing to a new platform, both in terms of breadth and depth, which greatly promotes its dissemination in the English world.

Since the 1980s, a group of excellent local Chinese translators have joined the English translation of Shi Jing, promoting the gradual expansion of the English translation of Shi Jing. Over the past twenty years, multiple complete translations came to the world. Most of these translators are both translators and translation theorists. The translation practice of Shi Jing and the formation of translation theory mutually reinforced. Translation strategies presented a coexistence of domestication and foreignization. Many Chinese translators have begun to continuously try to promote the internationalization of Chinese classical culture, forming a new era of English translation of Shi Jing.

===Conclusion===

This article is mainly based on the English translation practice of Shi Jing both domestically and internationally, attempting to outline the historical development trajectory of the English translation of Shi Jing. The turn of the 18th and 19th centuries was the translation period of Shi Jing, and the 1870s to 1980s were the complete translation period of Shi Jing. The 1980s have been the new era of the English translation of Shi Jing. In addition, the author summarizes the characteristics of English translation of Shi Jing in different periods. In short, during the more than 200 year historical process of translating Shi Jing into English, with the tireless efforts of overseas sinologists and local Chinese scholars, there have been numerous English translations of Shi Jing, including excerpts, selective translations, and complete translations. These translations with different styles have laid the foundation for the study of the translation of Shi Jing, and have made great contributions to the exchange of Chinese and Western cultures, Chinese literature, and the internationalization of Chinese culture.

===References===

Cannon, Garland. (1992). The Collected Works of Sir William Jones [威廉·琼斯爵士作品集]. New York: New York University Press.

Chen Manhua陈满华. (2008). 威廉·琼斯学汉语的经历及其对中国经典的解读 [William Jones’ Experience of Learning Chinese and His Interpretation of Chinese Classics]. 世界汉语教学Chinese Teaching in The World (03) 87-89.

Cranmer-Byng Launcelot. (1908). The Classics of Confucius: Book of Odes [儒家经典: 诗经]. London: John Murray, Albemarle Street.

FanCunzhong 范存忠. (1991). 中国文化在启蒙时期的英国[Chinese Culture in England during the Enlightenment]. Shanghai: Foreign Language Education Press 外语教育出版社.

Karlgren Klas Bernhard Johannes. (1950). The Book of Odes: Chinese text, transcription and translation [诗经: 汉语文本、转写与翻译]. Stockholm: The Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities.

Legge James. (1876). The She King, or the Book of Ancient Poetry, Translated in English verses with Essays and Notes[韵体版诗经]. London: Trubner & Co.

Li Yuliang李玉良. (2007). 《诗经》英译研究 [The Studies of English Translation Shi Jing]. Jinan: Shandong Qilu Press齐鲁书社.

Li Yuliang & Sun Lixin李玉良孙立新. (2011) 高本汉《诗经》翻译研究 [A Study on the Translation of Shi Jing by Cranmer-Byng]. 山东外语教学 Shandong Foreign Language Teaching (06) 64-72.

McNaughton William. (1971) The Book of Songs [诗经]. Boston: Twayne Publishers.

Qin Fangfang 覃芳芳. (2023). 《诗经》英译史考辨 [The Examination of the History of English Translation of Shi Jing]. 社会科学论坛 Tribune of Social Sciences (03) 171-184.

Wang Hong王宏. (2012). 《诗经》及其英译 [Shi Jing and Its English Translation].东方翻译 East Journal of Translation (06) 122-124.

Xu Yuanchong 许渊冲. (2003). 文学与翻译 [Literature and Translation]. Beijing: Peking University Press 北京大学出版社.

Yang Zhiyi 杨治宜. (2005). 多边文化研究：《诗经》在 18 世纪的英国——文本考据与个案研究 [Multilateral Cultural Studies: The Book of Songs in 18th Century England: Textual Research and Case Studies]. Beijing: Peking University Press 北京大学出版社.

Zheng Zhongqiu 郑中求. (2013). 马礼逊《华英字典》与《诗经》的早期英译 [Early English Translation of Morrison’s English and Chinese Pronouncing Condensed Dictionary and Shi Jing]. 华北理工大学学报(社会科学版) Journal of North China University of Technology (Social Sciences Edition) (06) 282-283.

Report CN EN 08

2023-06-01T08:56:46Z

Zhang Wenqi: /* 卷四：6.闪着泪光的事业 */

Please translate from Chinese to English and use the [[Report_CN_EN#List_of_Common_Terms]]. Also, you can jump back to the course homepage here: [[Chinese_Classics_Translation_Spring_2023]]

=Contents=
1. Translator 胡欣怡 Hu Xinyi《岭南万户皆春色》[[Lingnan Englisch]] Proofreader: 陈彦希 Chen Yanxi (translated until here: https://bou.de/u/wiki/Lingnan_Englisch#.E6.9D.8E.E6.A2.93.E7.8E.89_Li_Ziyu), rest: 76000 characters

2. Translator: 陈彦希 Chen Yanxi《金银潭抗疫纪事》[[Goldbank Englisch]] Proofreader: 李心田 Li Xintian (currently being translated by professionals), 120000 characters

3. Translator: 李心田 Li Xintian [[Report_CN_EN_01]] Proofreader: 廖璐佳 Liao Lujia (currently being translated by professionals), 120000 characters

4. Translator: 廖璐佳 Liao Lujia [[Report_CN_EN_02]] Proofreader: 谢佳玉 Xie Jiayu 《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

5. Translator: 谢佳玉 Xie Jiayu [[Report_CN_EN_03]] Proofreader: 张玉燕 Zhang Yuyan 《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

6. Translator: 张玉燕 Zhang Yuyan [[Report_CN_EN_04]] Proofreader: 周晓兰 Zhou Xiaolan《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

7. Translator: 周晓兰 Zhou Xiaolan [[Report_CN_EN_05]] Proofreader: 陈婧 Chen Jing《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

8. Translator: 陈婧 Chen Jing [[Report_CN_EN_06]] Proofreader: 梁昕璐 Liang Xinlu《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

9. Translator: 梁昕璐 Liang Xinlu [[Report_CN_EN_07]] Proofreader: 张文琦 Zhang Wenqi《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

10. Translator: 张文琦 Zhang Wenqi [[Report_CN_EN_08]] Proofreader: 付静 Fu Jing《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

11. Translator: 付静 Fu Jing [[Report_CN_EN_09]] Proofreader: 夏玲珑 Xia Linglong《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

12. Translator: 夏玲珑 Xia Linglong [[Report_CN_EN_10]] Proofreader: 李彦 Li Yan《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

13. Translator: 李彦 Li Yan [[Report_CN_EN_11]] Proofreader: 刘雨晴 Liu Yuqing《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

14. Translator: 刘雨晴 Liu Yuqing [[Report_CN_EN_12]] Proofreader: 王芳玲 Wang Fanglin《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

15. Translator: 王芳玲 Wang Fanglin [[Report_CN_EN_13]] Proofreader: 胡欣怡 Hu Xinyi《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

=Zhang Wenqi=
==卷三：3.飞向太空港==

飞向太空港（节选）

Flying to the Spaceport (Excerpt)

李鸣生

Li Mingsheng

通向宇宙的门前

To the Door of the Universe

ー、西昌:同步卫星的故乡

Ⅰ. Xichang--the Hometown of Synchronous Satellite

ー踏上西昌的土地,便有一种热乎乎的感觉。

As soon as I set foot on the land of Xichang, I felt a sense of passion.

卫星、卫星、卫星。车站里,公路边,饭馆中,小摊旁,人们都神神秘秘地谈论着卫星、卫星、卫星。

Satellite, satellite, satellite. People were talking mysteriously about satellites in the station, by the road, and in restaurants and stalls.

ー对青年夫妇,领着ー个大约五岁的小女孩,急匆匆地朝我走来。

A young couple, with a little girl of about five years old, hurried towards me.

“同志,请问去卫星发射基地咋走?”

"Comrade, how could I get to the satellite launch base?"

“问这干什么?”

"What are you doing here?"

“听说要发射美国的卫星,孩子和我们都想来看看。”

"I heard that we're gonging to launch a US satellite. My children and we couple all want to see it."

“你们从哪儿来?”

"Where are you from?"

“遵义。”

"Zunyi."

“是国防工厂的吗?”

"Are you from the defense factory?"

“不是,我们是个……个体户。”

"No, we are... individuals."

“叔叔,”小女孩突然拉住了我的手,“发射卫星,能让小孩看吗?”

Suddenly, the girl held my hand, asking me, “Is the kid allowed to see the launch?”

“能,肯定能。”我忙蹲下去,双手捧起小女孩的脸,在她的额头上轻轻留下吻。

“Yes, of course you can.” I quickly squat, take the little girl’s face and left a gentle kiss.

西昌,我的第二故乡。

Xichang, my second hometown.

十六年前,当命运的列车轻轻ー颠,便将我抛在了这块荒凉的土地上时,我的心远比严冬的大凉山还要凉。我仿佛一下失去了自由,失去了爱情,甚至失去了生命,失去了一个人应该得到的一切。我做梦也不会想到,在这片被上帝遗弃的土地上,日后还会升起什么“亚洲一号”卫星.

Sixteen years ago, when a gentle jolt of the train of fate left me on this desolate land, i got chillier than the Daliang Mountain in the severe winter. It seemed that I lost, all of a sudden, my freedom, my love, even my life, and everything one deserved. I have never dreamed that this god-forsaken land would be the place where the “AsiaSat 1” was launched in the future.

然而今天,我踏上这片亲切而又陌生的土地时,一下子便深切地感到,有一股无形的冲动和热能,有一种大树的根须抓住了泥土样的恋情,在反复折磨着我的心。眼前沸沸腾腾的情景,似乎在向苍天昭示着什么。我不知道也无法知道,这次发射是幸运还是倒霉,是成功还是失败,但我分明看见,过去的一切正在逝去。在原始与现代、文明与愚昧、东方与西方美好而残酷的碰撞中,ー个红扑扑的如同朝阳般的希望正在悄然起.我仿佛不是回来采访,而是回来寻找一寻找我的青春曾经留下的脚印,寻找我的日子曾经苦恋过的梦想,寻找我的热情曾经燃烧过的希冀,寻找我的生命曾经拥有过的月亮和太阳!

However, today, when I set foot on this kind and unfamiliar land, I suddenly felt deeply that there was an invisible impulse and heat, a kind of love like the roots of a big tree caught the soil, tormenting my heart repeatedly. The seething scene in front of me seemed to be signaling something to the heavens. I didn't know and couldn't know whether this launch was lucky or unlucky, successful or failed, but I clearly saw that everything in the past was passing away. In the collision between primitiveness and modernity, between civilization and ignorance, between the East and the West, the crimson-rising-sun-like hope was rising quietly. I seemed not to come back for interview, but for seeking--to seek the footprints of my youth, to seek the beloved dreams in my past days, to seek the hopes that my passion had burned for, to seek the moon and sun that I once had in my life!

西昌位于四川南部,地处成昆铁路中段,扼成都、昆明两大旅游区之要冲,北上成都577公里,南下昆明543公里。从成都搭乘去昆明或金江的列车,12小时便可到达;若乘坐西南航空公司的飞机,只需45分钟。

Located in the south of Sichuan Province and as the middle section of the Chengdu-Kunming Railway, Xichang serves as the communicative hub of two major tourist areas of Chengdu and Kunming, with 577 kilometers to Chengdu northward and 543 kilometers to Kunming southward. It takes 12 hours to get there by train from Chengdu to Kunming or Jinjiang; if you choose the plane of China Southwest Airlines, it can be shortened to 45 minutes.

西昌是凉山彝族自治州的州府,为全州政治、经济和文化的中心。这里具有亚热带高原气候特征,全年日照时间长达320天。年温差小,日温差大,冬无严寒,夏无酷暑。最冷的1月,平均气温9.4て;最热的7月,平均气温22.5。¢;而年平均气温则只有17°C。故这里“万紫千红花不谢,冬暖夏凉四季春”,享有“小春城”之美称。而且这儿空气质量特别好,一年四季,绝大部分时间都可见到月亮。尤其是在晴朗的夏夜,当静静地置身于星空之下时,你便会看到一轮比地球上任何ー个地方都更为硕大明亮、圆润清澈的月亮。故西昌又被称为美丽的“月亮城”。

As the capital of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Xichang is the political, economic, and cultural center of the whole prefecture. It is characterized by a subtropical plateau climate, with annual sunshine duration of up to 320 days. There's little difference in annual temperature but a distinct difference in daily temperature, without severe cold in winter and scorching heat in summer. The coldest January has an average temperature of 9.4 ℃, and the warmest July of 22.5 ℃. While the annual average temperature is simply 17 ℃. So here "colorful flowers bloom all year round; it is warm in winter and cool in summer, like always in spring", which earns a good reputation of "Little Spring City". boating a particularly good air quality, the moon is visible most of the year round. Especially on a clear summer night, when you are quietly under the starry sky, you will see a moon that is larger, brighter, clearer and more rounded than anywhere else on the earth. So Xichang is also known as the beautiful "Moon City".

西昌是全国最大的彝族聚居区。除汉族、彝外,这儿还有藏族、回族、蒙古族、苗族、壮族、傣族、傑傑族、布依族、纳西族等十余个民族。彝族历史悠久,民风淳朴,待人热忱,十分好客。假如你有机会走进彝家山寨,主人定会十分高兴地留你客,并为你奉上颇具彝家风味的“坛坛酒”和“坨坨肉”。

Xichang is the largest Yi nationality area in China. In addition to the Han and Yi nationalities, there are more than 10 nationalities here, including Tibetans, Hui, Mongols, Miao, Zhuang, Dai, Jiejie, Buyi and Naxi. The Yi nationality enjoys a long history and simple folk customs, and is very hospitable.
If you have the opportunity to get into the Yi village, the host will certainly give you, the guest, a warm welcome, offering you "Tan Tan liquor" and "Tuo Tuo meat" in Yi style.

“坛坛酒”是以玉米、高粱和养麦等杂粮为原料,再配以十余种草药装进瓦罐里酿制而成。这种酒喝起来香甜爽口,却并不醉人。“坨坨肉”一般是用ー种叫“仔猪”的肉烹制而成。由于这种猪长年散放于山坡野林之中,活动自由,食物丰富,能长就一身紧肉,故吃起来细嫩软糯,香而不腻。待你吃饱道别时,主人还会将一条猪腿或半个猪脸送给你,以示对客人的尊重。

"Tantan Wine" is made of various coarse cereals including corn, sorghum and wheat, together with more than ten kinds of herbal medicines, which are brewed in a clay pot. This wine tastes sweet and refreshing, but it's not intoxicating. "Tuotuo Meat" is usually cooked with piglet. Scattered throughout the year in the wild forests on the hillside, these pigs are provided with free movement, abundant food, so that its meat is compact and tastes tender and glutinous, fragrant but not greasy. When you're full and going to say goodbye, the host will give you a pig leg or half a pig face to show respect for the guest.

两年前,我曾陪同北京一位老作家钻进深山老林,在ー个彝家山寨的草地上美美地吃了一顿“坨坨肉”,喝了一罐“坛坛酒”。尽管“坨坨肉”和“坛坛酒”把我的肚子早已撑了个饱,离去时我却依然恋恋不舍。我听说,这次有几位参加发射“亚洲一号”卫星的美国人刚到没几天,就吵嚷着要去彝家吃“坨坨肉”,喝“坛坛酒”。

Two years ago, I accompanied an old writer in Beijing into the deep mountains, and enjoyed a great meal of "Tuotuo Meat" and drank a jar of "Tantan Wine" on the grass of a Yi village. Although "Tuotuo Meat" and "Tantan Wine" had already filled my stomach, I was still not willing to part with them. I heard that several Americans who participated in the launch of the "AsiaSat 1" clmaored to have "Tuotuo Meat" and "Tantan Wine" in the Yi family, just a few days after their arrival.

彝族的重大节日是火把节。西昌的彝族火把节被称为“眼睛的节日”,远在汉、唐时代便有文献记载。火把节除了在白天举行斗牛、斗羊、斗鸡、赛马和姑娘舞蹈、小伙摔跤等活动外,晚上村民们还要成群结队,手持火把,遍游于山冈丛林之间。点点灯火,闪烁四野,如天女散花,似繁星落地,其景象奇特而又壮观。更有意思的是,节日期间还要举行传统的姑娘选美活动。男女双双,可以随便谈情说爱。倘若你是一位未婚而又有艳福的男子,躲在伞下的彝家姑娘,也许还会为你张开爱的风帆。

The major festival of the Yis is the Torch festival. The Yi's Torch Festival in Xichang is known as the "Festival of the Eyes", which has been documented in Han and Tang Dynasties, a very long time ago. In addition to bullfighting, sheep fighting, cock fighting, horse racing, girls' dancing and boys' wrestling during the day, villagers holding torches also wander through the mountains and forests in groups at night. It's really a fantastic and spectacular sight that lights twinkle all over the place like a fairy scattering flowers, or glittering stars falling to the earth. More interestingly, there will be a traditional girl beauty pageant during the festival. Couples are free to bill and coo. If you are an unmarried man with good fortune in love affairs, you may meet a Yi girl under an umbrella who opens the sail of love for you.

西昌是一座历史悠久的古城。早在石器时代,这片土地便有人类繁衍生息。据载,中国历史上许多著名的人物都曾涉足此地,譬如司马迁西征巴蜀、诸葛亮五月渡泸、忽必烈南征会理、杨升庵夜宿泸山、石达开兵败大渡河,等等。

Xichang is a city steeped in a long history. As early as the Stone Age, this land has been inhabited by humans. It is reported that many famous historical figures in China are related to this place, such as Sima Qian's western expedition to Ba-Shu, Zhuge Liang's crossing of Lu in May, Kublai Khan's southern expedition to Huili, Yang Shengan's overnight stay in Lu Mountain, Shi Dakai's defeat by Dadu River, and so on.

西昌是西方学者和旅行家探险的乐园。1275年,意大利探险家马可・波罗来到西昌,成为来到西昌的第一个外国人。此后,从1868年至1909年的41年间,法国旅行家安邺、英国旅行家巴伯、法国亲王奥尔良、法国人凡尔赛、法国军医吕真、英国人布洛克,以及法国人多龙率领的考察团,也都先后来过西昌。

Xichang is a paradise for western scholars and travelers to explore. In 1275, Italian explorer Marco Polo came to Xichang and became the first foreigner to come to Xichang. Since then, from 868 to 1909, a number of foreigners have been here succeededly, including French traveler Garnier, British traveler Barber, the French Prince Orléans, French Versailles, the French military doctor Luijin, the British Bullock, and the French D'ollone with his delegation.

西昌是中国工农红军长征的途经之地,脍炙人口的刘伯承将军和彝族首领小叶丹彝海结盟的故事,便发生于此。

Xichang is also the place once the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army passed through in the Long March, and the place where the famous story of the alliance between General Liu Bocheng and the Yi's learder Xiao Yedan happened.

当然,让西昌一举成名的,还是1984年4月8日的那个辉煌的夜晚。这个夜晚,中国第一颗地球同步通信卫星在西昌成功发射,于是全世界都知道了中国有个西昌,西昌有个卫星发射场。

However, it was via the brilliant night on April 8,1984 that Xichang gained worldwide fame overnight. That night, China's first geosynchronous communication satellite was successfully launched in Xichang, so the whole world got to know that China has Xichang, and Xichang has a satellite launch site.

西昌卫星发射场位于西昌市以北约60公里处的一条大山沟里。美国人把这条山沟称为“神秘的峡谷”,而当地彝族老人则说:“什么神秘不神秘,这山沟就是我们过去放羊的地方!”故当地人称为“赶羊沟”。

The Xichang Satellite Launch Site is located in a mountainous area about 60 kilometers to the north of Xichang City. Americans call this gully "mysterious valley", while the local Yi old man said: "There's nothing mysterious! It's just the place where we used to herd sheep!" Therefore, the locals called it "sheep-herding gully".

这是一条不为外界所知的大山沟,宽二三公里,长约10公里。或许是在亿万年前的某ー时刻,当两个漂移的大陆板块在这里猛然相撞时,海底裂开了一道缝, 等洪水消退后,便留下了这么一个大山沟。

This huge gully, two or three kilometers wide, about 10 kilometers long, is unknown to the outside. Perhaps it was at a certain moment hundreds of millions of years ago, when two drifting continental plates suddenly collided here, a crack opened at the bottom of the sea, and after the flood subsided, such a huge gully was left.

这是一片蛮荒之地。荒凉的大山,空寂的野林,潮湿的云雾,发霉的砂姜土,历史在这里留下的是一片空白。千百年来,它如同一个昏昏沉睡的梦,连上帝似乎也忘了将它唤醒。直到20世纪70年代初,ー支身穿绿色军装的神秘队伍,从茫茫大戈壁浩浩荡荡而又小心翼翼地来到了这里。他们头顶云天,脚踏青山,逢山开路,遇水架桥,在这默默无声的大山沟里,用一双双长满老茧的大手支起了第一顶绿色的帐篷,点燃了中国第一团现代科技文明的圣火!于是,古老蛮荒的山谷震颤了, 野草丛中的小生物惊呆了,原本无欲无望、平平静静的山民们的日子也开始产生了。

This is a wilderness. With the desolate mountains, the empty primitive forests, the damp clouds and the moldy lime concretion black soil, the history left it in blank. For thousands of years, it was like a dormant dream, and even God seemed to forget to wake it up. Until the early 1970s, a mysterious team dressed in green military uniforms arrived here from the vast Gobi Desert with great vigor and caution. The sky above them, mountains under them, they built roads and bridges when encountering mountains and rivers. In the silent mountain valley, they set up the first green tent with pairs of big hands full of calluses, and lit the sacred flame of China's first modern scientific and technological civilization! Then, the ancient and wild valley trembled, the little creatures in the wild grass were stunned, and the days of the peaceful villagers who had no desire and no hope began to produce.

潜移默化的变化,渐渐有了生气与活力,企盼与梦想。

Subtle changes, gradually showed the vitality, hope and dream.

发射场定点于20世纪60年代末,始建于20世纪70年代初。当年,为了选定ー个理想的发射场,国防科委组织了数十名专家,对4个省的31个县进行了空中和地面的立体勘测,最后经过分析、比较、论证,认为这儿地处横断山脉南段的西缘,纬度较低,离赤道较近,地理位置十分优越。发射卫星时,可利用其独特的地理优势,提高火箭的运载能力,有利于把同步通信卫星送入36000公里高的赤道上空。此外,火箭从这儿发射起飞后,按设计的航向飞行,整个航程可以避开大中城市,不会危及沿途人民的生命和财产安全。加上这里气候宜人,空气洁净,为火箭、卫星的测试工作,提供了非常理想的温度、湿度和空气洁净度,所以是发射地球同步卫星的好地方。

The launch site was fixed in the late 1960s and built in the early 1970s. At that time, in order to select an ideal launch site, the National Defense Science and Technology Commission organized dozens of experts to carry out aerial and ground three-dimensional surveys in 31 counties in four provinces. After analysis, comparison and demonstration, it was concluded that this place was located on the western edge of the southern section of the Hengduan Mountains, with a low latitude and close to the equator, making the place geographically advantaged. When launching a satellite, we can take advantage of its unique geographical advantages to improve the rocket's carrying capacity, which is conducive to sending a synchronous communication satellite into the equatorial sky at a height of 36,000 kilometers. In addition, after the rocket is launched from here, it will fly along the designed course which won't pass by large and medium cities in the whole process, so as not to endanger the lives and property of people along the way. Besides, the pleasant climate and the clean air provide ideal temperature, humidity and air cleanliness for the testing of rockets and satellites, so it is a good place to launch the geostationary satellite.

当然,专家们当年在论证、选定这个靶场时,怎么也不会想到20年后这个原始的大山沟居然会发射美国的卫星。倘若当初想到了的话,或许这个发射场今天就不在西昌,而在“南昌”或者别的什么“昌”了。

Of course, when experts were demonstrating and selecting this launch site, they would never have thought that this primitive mountain ditch would actually launch an US-made satellite 20 years later. If they had thought of it at that time, perhaps the launch site would not be in Xichang today, but in "Nanchang" or another place with a "Chang" in its name.

二十年来,这支队伍在这荒山沟里默默地生活着,默默地创造着,也默默地期待着。他们用青春和热情、热血及生命,铸起了一座举世瞩目的航天港,同时也经历了一个常人无法想象的苦难历程。

In the past twenty years, this team has lived in this barren mountain gully in obscurity, created in obscurity and waited in obscurity. They devoted their youth and enthusiasm, blood and life to building a world-renowned space port, and at the same time experienced a suffering course that ordinary people could not imagine.

一切都是在无声中存在,一切都是在秘密中进行。这支队伍开创着人类最神圣也是最艰难的事业ーー空间文明,却置身于ー个近似原始的生存环境之中,甚至他们所从事的神圣而伟大的事业,也只用了一个再简单不过的代号“331工程”。

Everything exists in silence, everything is done in secret. This team has created the most sacred and most difficult cause of mankind--the space civilization, but they were in an almost primitive living environment. Even the sacred and great cause they were engaged in only used a simple code name "Project 331."

然而,自1984年1月29日第一颗卫星从这里升起,到1990年3月,已经有六颗卫星从这里飞向太空,其中有五颗都是同步通信卫星,而且发射成功率高达百分之百。这在世界航天发射史上,也是不多见的。

However, since the first satellite rose from here on January 29, 1984, by March 1990, six satellites had flown into space from here, five of which are synchronous communication satellites, and the success rate was as high as 100 percent. This is also rare in the history of space launches in the world.

所以,无论是中国人还是外国人,都不得不承认,这里拥有一支坚韧不拔而又特色鲜明的发射队伍;大山沟的一草一木,自然也会记得这支发射队伍中的每一个人;而历史更不会忘记那一个个惊天动地的辉煌时刻。

Therefore, both Chinese and foreigners have to admit that there is a tenacious and distinctive launching team here. All small things in the gully would never forget everyone in this team. History, not to mention, would never expunge those glorious moments.

不过,当ー颗又一颗卫星由他们发射入太空时,或许恰恰最容易被忽略甚至埋没的,就是他们这群被“保密”的外衣紧紧包裹着的活生生的人!

Nevertheless, when satellites are launched into space one after another, perhaps what the most easily to be overlooked or even be buried are those living people who are tightly wrapped in the cloak of "secrecy"!

1986年,西昌卫星发射基地宣布对外开放,承揽外国商业卫星发射业务。此后,西昌发射场开始从封闭型的试验基地,向开放型的发射中心转变。

In 1986, Xichang Satellite Launch Center announced its opening to the outside world in that they started to contract foreign commercial satellite launch business. After that, the Xichang launch site has gradually changed from a closed test base to an open launch center.

于是,数以万计的中国公民和海外华侨、港澳同胞,纷纷来此观光旅游。他们像是来寻找ー种精神寄托,又像是来朝拜一方圣地.

As a result, tens of thousands of Chinese citizens and overseas Chinese, Hong Kong and Macao compatriots have come here for sightseeing.

一位六十五岁的华侨,远涉重洋来到西昌发射场。望着那十ー层楼高的发射塔,他激动得久久说不出一句话。临别时,他面对发射塔,深深鞠了三个躬,然后站在发射塔下,让摄影师为他留下了一个苍老而满足的笑。

They seemed to be looking for spiritual sustenance, or to be worshipping a holy place. a 65-year-old overseas chinese traveled across the world for the Xichang Satellite Launch Site. At the sight of the eleven-story launching tower, he was so excited that he couldn't say a word for a long time. On his parting, after he bowed deeply three times toward the tower, then he left an old but satisfied smile under the tower, as a part of a photo.

此外,还有20多个国家、50多个卫星组织的外宾,也先后来过这里。

In addition, foreign guests from more than 20 countries and more than 50 satellite organizations have also visited here one after another.

1988年10月,外交部新闻司组织了 18个国家的48名外国驻京记者和他们的夫人来这里参观访问,西昌卫星发射基地同样给他们留下了深刻的印象一

In October 1988, the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized 48 foreign journalists and their wives from 18 countries to visit the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, which impressed them deeply.

美联社驻京首席记者艾博伦在报道中说:“世界各国的航天组织再也不能无视中国西昌卫星发射基地和它那十ー层楼高的发射塔了,它们标志着中国已进入国际卫星发射市场。”

Albert, a chief correspondent of Associated Press in Beijing said in a report: "The world's space organizations can no longer ignore China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center and its 11-story tower, which marks China's entry into the international satellite launch market."

英国路透社记者耿必儒在报道中说:“中国趁1986年美国航天飞机发生惨剧和阿里亚娜火箭卫星发射计划连续受挫之机,加快发展其商业卫星发射业务”

Reuters correspondent Wiliam Kazer reported: "China took advantage of the tragedy of the US space shuttle in 1986 and the successive setbacks of the Ariane Satellite Launch Schedule to speed up its commercial satellite launch business."

法新社记者莱斯科在报道中说:“征服太空是中国军队和科学家们为之奋斗的事业,西昌是中国为实现其成为仅次于西欧世界的第四个卫星强国的夙愿之希望。中国军人和科学家已把目光盯在2000年上,中国将参加卫星发射的贸易战,因为发射一次卫星,至少使中国获得1亿美元。”

"The conquest of space is the cause of the Chinese army and scientists. Xichang is the hope of China to realize its long-cherished wish to become the fourth satellite power after Western Europe." Said Lesco, a reporter from the Agence France Presse. Chinese soldiers and scientists have set their sights on the year 2000, when China will participate in the trade war on satellite launches, which will benefit China at least $100 million at a time."

难怪,西昌卫星发射基地外事处的戚处长向我介绍情况时,ー开始便非常自豪地说:“‘三个世界’的外宾和记者参观了西昌卫星发射基地之后,都有一个共同的印象。这个印象概括成一句话,那就是’中国了不起!’”

It's no wonder that when Director Qi of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Xichang Satellite Launch Center introduced the situation to me, he said very proudly at the beginning: "After visiting the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, the foreign guests and journalists of the 'Three Worlds' all have a common impression. It can be summed up in one sentence, that is, 'China is great!' "

我问戚处长,“了不起”这三个字具体怎么讲?

"What do you mean by that?" I asked.

戚处长说:“第一世界说中国了不起,是想不到中国在这样艰苦的条件下、如此短的时间内,能把航天事业搞到这个水平;第二世界说中国了不起,是想不到中国一下子竟成了他们的竞争对手;第三世界说中国了不起,是想不到中国的航天事业完全依靠的是自己本国的力量。”

Director Qi said, "The first world say so because China is totally out of their expectation in that we have made such achievements in the space industry in such a short period of time under such difficult conditions; the second world say so because they did not expect china to become their competitor nowadays; the third world say so because China is totally out of their expectation in that our speedy development all depends on ourselves."

更出乎意料的是,西昌卫星发射基地不仅吸引了一般的外国友人和外国记者, 而且还引起了美国高层人士的关注。

What's even more unexpected is that the Xichang Satellite Launch Center not only attracted ordinary foreigners and foreign journalists, but also the senior US officials.

1986年10月8日,美国国防部部长温伯格访华。两天后,温伯格在北京突然神秘“失踪”.正当外界纷纷猜测温伯格究竟去了哪里时,温伯格乘坐的专机在大凉山温暖阳光的照耀下,悄悄降落在西昌青山机场。原来,邓小平在会见温伯格时,特意谈到了中国对外发射卫星这件事,并邀请温伯格参观中国西昌卫星发射基地。所以,温伯格专程飞到西昌,一下飞机,便赶往西昌卫星发射基地

On October 8, 1986, US Secretary of Defense Weinberg visited China. Two days later, Weinberg suddenly "disappeared" in Beijing. Just as people have speculated Weinberg exactly where to go, under warm sunshine scattered in mountains, Weinberg's special plane secretly landed in Xichang Qingshan Airport. It turned out that when Deng Xiaoping met with Weinberg, he specifically talked about China's external satellite launch and invited Weinberg to visit China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center. So, Weinberg arranged a special fly to Xichang. As soon as got off the plane, he rushed to Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

基地副司令员佟连捷在指挥控制大厅接待了温伯格。佟连捷向温伯格介绍完情况后,特意说了一句:“西昌卫星发射基地可以把1.4吨重的卫星,送入离地面36000公里的赤道上空。”温伯格听后很高兴,然后坐在大厅最前排中间的椅子上, 静静地观看了中国“长征三号”运载火箭从运输、测试、组装到成功发射的全过程的录像。看罢,佟连捷对身边的温伯格说:“今年2月,这里发射卫星时,我们国家的总理,就是坐在您坐的这把椅子上观看了发射全过程的。”温伯格抚摸着椅子的扶手,高兴地说:“好,看来这是个好兆头!”

Tong Lianjie, the Deputy commander of the center, received Weinberg in command and control hall. Tong Lianjie to Weinberg after the introduction of the situation, specifically said: "Xichang Satellite Launch Center can send the satellite of 1.4 tons into 36,000 kilometers above the equator from the ground." Weinberg was pleasant to hear that, and then he sat on the chair in the middle of the front row of the hall, quietly watching videos of the entire process of transportation, testing, assembly, and successful launch of China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket. When the video finished, Tong Lianjie said,: "In February this year, when the satellite was launched here, Zhao Ziyang, the Prime Minister of our country, just sat on the chair you sat on watching the whole process of the launch." Weinberg stroked the handles of the chair and said happily,"Well, it seems this is a good sign!"

接着,温伯格一行又来到“长征三号”火箭测试厂房。厂房负责人指着躺在大厅中央的长4456米的乳白色的“长征三号”火箭,对温伯格说:“我们就是用这枚火箭,把我们的同步通信卫星送入离地面36000公里的赤道上空的。”温伯格立即对眼前这个庞然大物表示出极大的兴趣,他谢绝了中方陪同人员请他坐下来边看边听介绍的好意,而是自己径直走到“长征三号”火箭旁,从头至尾,仔细观看了一番,同时还询问了 “长征三号”火箭连接部位的有关情况。

After that, Weinberg and his fellows went to the "Long March 3" rocket test plant. "It is with this rocket that we sent our synchronous communication satellite into the sky above the equator, 36,000 kilometers above the ground," The plant manager said, who was pointing at the 4,456-meter-long milky "Long March 3" rocket on the center of the hall. Weinberg immediately showed great interest in this behemoth in front of him. He declined the invitation of the Chinese minders to sit down and listen to the introduction. Instead, he went straight to the "Long March 3" rocket to take a careful look from head to foot, and also asked something about the connection of it.

最后,温伯格一行驱车来到面对山谷、背靠青山的卫星发射场。他站在发射场的中央,看了看雄伟的发射塔,又望了望清澈的蓝天,这オ用ー个国防部长的口吻, 对随行的记者们表达了自己的看法:

Finally, Weinberg and his fellows drove to the satellite launch site facing the valley and backed by a green mountain. He stood in the middle of the launch site, looking at the magnificent launch tower, and the clear blue sky. Then, he expressed his views to the accompanying reporters in the tone of a defense minister:

“中国西昌卫星发射基地,确实已经具备了发射卫星的条件,而且还有很大的潜カ,给我留下了很深刻的印象。这个发射中心目前正在进ー步改善设施,以便执行中国人自己的太空计划,并且准备发射外国的商业卫星。这个中心的发射能力, 显然是可以令人信服的。”

"China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center, indeed, is qulified to launch satellites, with a huge potential. It left a deep impression on me. The launch center was currently improving its facilities in order to carry out the Chinese own space program and prepare to launch foreign commercial satellites. The launch capability of this center is obviously convincing."

二、发射场:原始与现代同构的神话

Part Ⅱ Xichang Satellite Launch Center-- the Myth Co-created by Primitiveness and Modernity

或许,这是航天城有史以来最激动、最振奋、最繁忙、最紧张,也是最艰难的日子。

This is probably the most exciting, most inspiring, most busiest, most tense, and most difficult time in the history of this aerospace city.

一进山沟,我就发现,这儿所有的人都很忙,所有的人都很累。无论是“城里人”还是“沟里人”,不管是中国人还是外国人,是大专家还是操作手,是指挥官还是炊事员,是政工干部还是科技人员,是高级领导还是普通士兵,个个行色匆匆,满脸疲惫。不管你走到哪里,都有一股热浪在撞击,仿佛每个人的心里都燃着一团火。

I noticeed people here were very busy and fatigue at the moment I came into the valley. Whether "city dwellers" or "valley dwellers", whether Chinese or foreigners, whether a reputable expert or an operator, a commander or a cook, a political cadre or a sci-tech personnel, is a senior leader or ordinary soldiers, they were all in a hurry, with exhaustion on face. No matter where you went, there was a heat wave upsurging, as if your heart is burning with a fire.

尤其是到了发射场,当你站在通向宇宙的门前,望着那伸向云天的发射塔,望着那一个个匆忙的身影以及那一双双渴望腾飞的眼睛时,一下便能感到ー种决战前的气氛,一种顶天立地的英雄气概,一种勇于开拓的创世纪精神。好像这个神秘的山谷二十年来的全部奋斗与所有等待,都是为了这一天。

You would immediately feel, especially when you stood in front of the door at the launch site leading to the universe, looking at the launching towers that stretched into the sky, looking at the hurried figures and the pairs of eyes that yearned to soar, the atmosphere before a decisive battle, the heroic spirit of fearlessness, and the pioneering spirit of creation. As if all the tough struggle and the long waiting in this mysterious valley for those twenty years, were all prepared for this day.

西昌卫星发射基地政治部副主任武丰起告诉我说,这儿的每ー项工作,都像是在打仗。

Wu Fengqi, the deputy director of the Political Department of the XSLC, told me that every job here was like a war.

西昌卫星发射基地作战试验处参谋何宇光告诉我说,从去秋到今春,大伙一直在拼着命干!

He Yuguang, the staff officer of Operational Test and Evaluation Division of the XSLC, told me that from last autumn to this spring, everyone has been working hard!

事实的确如此。西昌卫星发射基地自1989年起,便同时面临三大任务:ー是要抢建一座新的发射场,二是要发射中国第五颗同步通信卫星,三是要准备“亚洲一号”卫星的发射。有人开玩笑说,这三项重大任务,简直就像压在头上的“三座大山”！

That was the truth. Since 1989, Xichang Satellite Launch Center has been facing three major tasks at the same time: the first is to rush to build a new launch site; the second is to launch China's fifth synchronous communications satellite; the third is to prepare for the launch of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite. Some people joked that these three major tasks were like "three mountains" hanging over everyone's head!

而且,更为严峻的是,正当基地全体官兵为这三大任务拼命苦干时,无情的大自然偏偏又发起了脾气

More seriously, just as all the officers and men of the center were slaving away for these three major tasks, the ruthless nature happened to lose her temper.

1989年9月3日凌晨,当劳累了一天的通信总站的官兵们刚刚进入梦乡时,一场百年不遇的泥石流突然暴发了！霎时,滚滚的泥石流沿着山谷海啸般倾泻而下。仅半小时,房屋倒塌了,铁路被冲垮了,桥梁被摧毁了,公路崩塌了,通往发射场的公路、铁路、小路以及所有有线通信线路,全被切断了！人员伤的伤、残的残、死的死。等发射基地的人们从睡梦中爬起时,往日干涸的山沟已变成了一片汪洋。

In the early morning of September 3, 1989, when the officers and men of the General Communication Station had just fallen asleep after the whole day's hard work, a mudslide unseen in a century suddenly broke out! In an instant, the rolling mudslides poured down like a tsunami along the valley. It only took half an hour to devast almost everything. Houses collapsed, railways were washed out, bridges and highways were destroyed; roads, railways, paths to the launch site, and all the wired communication lines, were all cut off. Personnel were injured, disabled, even dead. When the people at the launch center woke up, the dry valley in the past had become an ocean.

泥石流持续了整整一个星期。

The mudslide lasted for a whole week.

在这一个星期里,“亚洲一号”卫星的准备工作被迫中断。

During this week, preparations for the "AsiaSat 1" satellite were interrupted.

在这一个星期里,通信总站全体官兵的生存处在极大的困难与危险之中。20 立方米的石头横卧路中,大卡车、小汽车浮在水面,铁轨横七竖ハ躺满一地,200多间房屋淹于水中;还有成百上千的官兵和家属,要穿没衣服穿,要吃没东西吃,要睡没地方睡,甚至连喝一口水都很困难。

During this week, all officers and men of the General Communication Station were facing great difficulty and danger in living. Twenty cubic meters of stone spanned the road, trucks and cars were floating on the water, the track lay strewn all over the ground, and more than 200 houses submerged in the water. Hundreds of officers and soldiers and their families had no clothes to wear, no food to eat, no place to sleep, and even insufficient clean water to drink.

面对大自然的挑战,基地全体官兵并未退缩半步。在基地领导的得カ组织下, 从司令、政委,到战士、家属,甚至几岁的小孩,全都行动起来。他们挽起裤腿,卷起袖子,踩着泥水,踏着泥坑,不顾狂风暴雨,不管千辛万苦,白天黑夜,齐心协カ,同大自然展开了一场你死我活的搏斗!

In the face of the challenges set by nature, all the officers and men of the center behaved bravely and determinedly. Effective organized by leaders, the commander and political commissar, soldiers and their family members, and even little kids, all took action. They rolled up their trousers and sleeves, stood in muddy water, stepped on mud pits, and, regardless of storms and hardships, day and night, made concerted efforts to launch a life-and-death struggle with nature!

本来,基地官兵们那一双双充满智慧的手,是用来按动电钮的,是用来构筑现代文明大厦的,是用来托举火箭卫星的,是用来开辟通向宇宙的道路的。然而,面对大自然的凶猛袭击,他们的双手又不得不去从事最原始的劳作:扒稀泥,拾砖块, 推石头,垒锅灶,甚至还不得不忍着干渴、饿着肚子、顶着寒冷、冒着危险,用ー种近似原始的生存方式苦度灾日！

Naturally, the intelligent hands of the officers and men of the center were used to press buttons, to construct the edifice of modern civilization, to lift rockets and satellites, and to open up a path to the universe. However, in the face of the fierce attack of nature, their hands had to engage in the most primitive work: digging up mud, picking up bricks, pushing stones, building cookstoves, and even had to endure thirst, hunger, cold, and risk, suffering disaster days in a nearly primitive way!

泥石流过后,通信总站的全体官兵从泥水中很快爬起,含泪掩埋了战友的遗体,又火速投入通信线路的抢修之中。他们重新铺设了 79公里的地下电缆线、52 公里的地下光纤电缆线,完成了 35公里的明线架设和104公里的线路整修,同时还按时完成了新型卫星地面站的抢建工作。结果,本需半年才能完成的任务,他们只用了一个半月的时间。

After the mudslide, all the officers and men of the General Communication Station quickly stood up from the muddy water, buried the remains of their comrades in tears, and rushed into the emergency repair of the communication lines. They re-laid 79 kilometers of underground cables, 52 kilometers of underground optical fiber cables, renovated 35 kilometers of open wire erection and 104 kilometers of lines, and also completed the construction of new satellite earth stations timely and quickly. As a result, it took only a month and a half to complete the task that would have taken six months.

正是靠着这种顽强不屈的精神,西昌卫星基地全体官兵最终战胜了泥石流的巨大灾难,渡过难关,迅速恢复了“亚洲一号”卫星发射的准备工作,为“亚洲一号” 卫星的发射按时开了“绿灯”。

It is by virtue of this indomitable spirit, all officers and men of the XSLC finally overcame the disastrous mudslides, and quickly restored the "AsiaSat 1" satellite launch preparations, ensuring that the satellite could be launched on time.

先进与落后并存,原始与现代同在,是西昌卫星发射场的又一特色。

The coexistence of advancement and backwardness, primitiveness and modernity, is another feature of Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

当你踏进发射场,你既会被标志着现代文明的70多米高的“通天塔”所震慑与感动,又会为发射场四周那刀耕火种般的劳作方式和田园牧歌式的美丽风情所困惑与吸引。

When stepping into the launch site, you would not only be shocked and moved by the 70-meter-high tower soaring to sky, which marks the modern civilization, but also be puzzled and attracted by both the slash-and-burn work style and the beautiful pastoral style the launch site has.

站在发射场上,你能看到一条弯弯曲曲的盘山公路,一端伸向遥远的荒山野岭,一端连着通向宇宙的大门。而盘山公路则像ー根坚实的扁担,ー头挑着现代文明,ー头挑着愚昧贫困。公路上,“解牌”与老水牛狭路相逢,“桑塔纳”与毛驴车比肩同行;既有手持钢枪的解放军,又有身披“查尔瓦”的老彝族;既有戴着眼镜的工程师,又有露着屁股的放羊娃;既有坐着“奔驰”的“洋专家”,又有赶着牛车的山里人。

Standing on the launch site, you can see a winding mountain road, one end to the distant vastness, the other to the door to the universe. This winding mountain road is like a solid pole, carrying modern civilization at one end and ignorance and poverty at the other. On the road, "Liberation" vehicles and the old buffalo met each other; "Santana" and donkey cart were shoulder to shoulder; There were both the People's Liberation Army armed with steel guns and the old Yi people wearing a wool-woven felt called "Chalwa"; there were both engineers with glasses and sheep-herding boys with exposed buttocks; there were foreign experts sitting in "Benz" and mountain dwellers driving cattle carts.

站在发射场上,你还能看到远处彝家山寨里升起的缕缕炊烟,近旁荒坡上一堆堆冒着热气的新鲜牛粪,以及发射塔附近一个个农夫扶犁耕地的身影。望着那锈迹斑斑的犁铮,也许你会想,贫困与愚昧曾经怎样在这片生长着野草和五谷的土地上ー页ー页地翻动着历史,现代高科技如何在这原始的大山沟里映衬着古老的文明。

Standing on the launch site, you could also see the smoke rising in the distant Yi village, the piles of steaming fresh cow dung on the nearby barren slopes, and the figure of a farmer plowing the land near the launch tower. Looking at the rusty plough, you may think about how poverty and ignorance once moved on with history on this land of weeds and grains, and how modern high-tech set off ancient civilization in this primitive mountain valley.

然而,站在发射场上,当你望着那威武雄壮、高耸云端的“通天塔”,幻想着ー声令下火箭冲天而起那伟大的一瞬间,你绝对想不到,这些即将把“长征三号”火箭和“亚洲一号”卫星托举上天的发射官兵,竟会屈居在“水帘洞”里。

However, standing on the launch site, when you looked at the majestic and extremely high tower, fantasizing about the great moment a rocket soaring into the sky as soon as the command is given, you would never expect, these officers and men who would send the "Long March 3" fire arrows and "AsiaSat 1" satellite to the sky just lived in a "Water Curtain Cave"

所谓“水帘洞”,即指西昌卫星发射基地的ー栋“协作楼”。而所谓“协作楼”，就是专门为外来协助参加发射任务的专家技术人员新盖的ー栋楼。由于“协作楼”尚未交付使用,正在兴建过程之中,所以楼上楼下,屋里屋外,一片混乱不堪;水泥、污水,满地都是;厕所、水房,一概不能用。

The so-called "Water Curtain Cave" refers to the "Collaboration Building" at Xichang Satellite Launch Center, which was specially built for foreign experts and technicians to assist in the launch mission. Because the "Collaboration Building" was still under construction, so everything was in a mess; cement and sewage were all over the ground; toilets and water rooms couldn't be used at all.

但是,发射“亚洲一号”卫星在即,外协科技人员和抢建新发射场的工程人员等数千人全都拥进了发射场,造成小小山沟人满为患,住房成了西昌卫星发射基地ー个突出的大难题!

However, with the launch of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite approaching, thousands of people, including outsourcing technology personnel and engineering personnel rushing to build a new launch site, all crowded into the launch site and filled the little valley so that housing became a prominent problem at XSLC!

怎么办?

How to solve it?

西昌卫星基地的头头脑脑们思来想去,别无他法,最后只好被迫决定:把基地发射官兵原来住的房子倒腾出来,让外来的专家技术人员住进去,而基地官兵们则搬进了“协作楼”。

The leaders of the XSLC applied their minds and had no other choice but to finally decide: to empty out the houses where the officers and men of the XSLC used to live and let the foreign experts and technicians live in, while the officers and men moved into the "Collaboration Building".

由于“协作楼”正在抢建之中,从早到晚,拌水泥、和沙子、装窗户、刷墙壁,麟里唯啷,叮叮咚咚,每天响个不停。所以无论是中午还是晚上,都无法睡觉。

As the "Collaboration Building" was being built, from morning till night, the noise of mixing cement or sand, installing windows, brushing walls, clattered and clanked every day. So no matter at noon or at night, people here couldn't fall asleep.

更为严重的是,“协作楼”的大梁上、墙角边,一天到晚,总是滴答滴答不停地滴着污水;加上时值冬季,山沟里本来就冷,新房又很潮湿,所以屋里寒气侵骨,衣服、被子仿佛都能拧出水来;有时遇上某个水管突然爆裂,房间里便会一片汪洋,满屋子都是ー只只漂浮着的拖鞋。

More seriously, the beams and corners of the "Collaboration Building" were constantly dripping with sewage from day to night. It was always cold in winter, and the new house was very damp, so the cold air in the house penetrated the bones, and the clothes and quilts seemed to be able to wring out water; Sometimes, when a water pipe suddenly burst, the floor would be covered with floating slippers.

于是,大伙把“协作楼”戏称为“水帘洞”。

That's why people called the "Collaboration Building" as the "Water Curtain Cave."

发射“亚洲一号”卫星的基地指挥官们,便住在这样的“水帘洞”里:每人ー张单人床,外加一张办公桌。桌上放着一部电话、一台电视机以及ー堆文件、资料,剩下的四分之一地盘,便是运筹帷幄、发号施令的地方了。

The commanders of the center that would launch the "AsiaSat 1" satellite in the future lived in such a "Water Curtain Cave". Each had a single bed and an office desk. On the desk placed a telephone, a TV set, and a pile of documents, data, while the remaining quarter of the desk, was the place where they ordered.

假若不是我亲眼所见,无论如何也想象不出,中国的火箭发射指挥官们,竟是在这样的条件下组织指挥发射“亚洲一号”卫星的。

If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have imagined that China's rocket launch commanders actually organized and commanded the launch of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite under such severe conditions.

而且,住在“水帘洞”里的所有工作人员包括发射指挥官们,每晚都要加班至深夜,有时甚至要干通宵。但他们每晚领到的夜餐,就是两包大多数中国人再熟悉不过的方便面。

Moreover, all the staff living in the "Water Curtain Cave," including the launch commanders, always worked late into the night, sometimes even all night. But the evening meal they received every night is two packs of instant noodles that most Chinese are familiar with.

这就是中国发射卫星的人。他们ー方面从事着这个世界上最尖端的科学事业,一方面又不得不在偏僻荒凉的环境和很差的物质条件下艰难生存。尽管几十年来他们一直在神秘面纱的遮掩下苦熬着一个个春夏秋冬,但他们用心血和智慧播种的是光芒四射的现代文明!

Those are who launched satellites in China. On the one hand, they were engaged in the world's most advanced scientific undertakings. On the other hand, they had to survive in a remote and desolate place with poor material conditions. Although for decades they have been under the cover of the mysterious veil, gone through one year after another, but they did sow radiant modern civilization with their endless effort and wisdom!

在西昌卫星发射场,还能见到另一群人。

At Xichang Satellite Launch Center, there were another group of people.

每天傍晚,他们三人ー伙,五人一群,或者沿着山道,或者顺着公路,或者围着发射塔,ー边散步,ー边聊天。他们当中,有男士有女士,有老人有青年,有专家有工人。劳累了一天之后,他们借助散步,做一次短暂的休息。

Every evening, in groups of three or five, they walked and chatted along the ghat or the road, or around the tower. Among them, there were men and women, old people and young people, experts and workers. After a hard day, they took a short rest by walking.

这群发射塔下的散步者,便是航空航天部组织的参加“亚洲一号”卫星发射的工作队。他们来自北京、上海或别的某个城市,都是中国优秀的火箭专家和技术人员。

These walkers under the launch tower was the team organized by the Ministry of Aeronautics and Space to participate in the launch of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite. They were all excellent Chinese rocket experts and technicians, from Beijing, Shanghai or some other cities.

正是这支队伍,把设计、研制、测试好的“长征三号”火箭,先从北京用专列护送到西昌发射场,而后与西昌卫星发射基地的官兵们ー起,再对火箭进行ー系列的测试检查,直到安全发射上天。

It was this team that first escorted the "Long March 3" rocket they designed, developed, and tested from Beijing to the XSLC with a special train, and then, together with the officers and men there conducted a series of tests and inspections on the rocket until it was safely launched into the space.

这支队伍长年奔波在外,走南闯北,风餐露宿。大漠、荒原、高山、峡谷,到处都留有他们艰辛的足迹。每ー次发射,短则两个月,长则半年,有时甚至是一年。于是他们的家人常常开玩笑说,他们是一群浪迹天涯的“野人”！

This contingent was on the move throughout the year, travelling extensively and living in the open. Their tough footprints could be found in deserts, wastelands, mountains and canyons. One launch may last as short as two months, or as long as half a year, or sometimes even a year. So their families often joked that they were a group of "savages" roaming the world!

他们来西昌基地,这次已经是第七次了,不少人都成了“老山沟”。西昌基地发射了六颗卫星,其中有五颗都在春节期间发射ーー因为这期间是发射通信卫星的最好时间,所以,他们中大多数人已在这穷山沟里熬过了五个春节。

It was the seventh time for them to come to the XSLC, and many people have become "denizens of the valley". Six satellites has been sent in the XSLC, five of which were launched during the Spring Festival--because this was the best time to launch a communications satellite, most of them had already survived five spring festivals in this poor valley.

倘若稍加留意,便会发现,在这群散步者的队伍中,ー些往日大家熟悉的身影, 此刻已不在了。仅以上海航天试验队为例,曾在西昌卫星发射基地参加过发射任务的,就有四名航天专家已经先后离开了人世。

It could be noted with more attention that some familiar figures had disappeared in this group of walkers. Taking the Shanghai Aerospace Test Team as an example, four aerospace experts who had participated in the launch mission at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center already passed away one after another.

还有那位从北京来的姑娘,她兴冲冲来到这里参加卫星发射。每天傍晚,她喜欢迎着タ阳、伴着晚风、踏着山路,独自散步。她热爱航天事业,喜欢发射场,还极富幻想,发射塔附近那弯弯的山道上常常洒下她ー串串泉水叮咚般的笑声;尤其每当山风拂起,她那ー头柔美漂亮的披肩发,在晚风中タ阳下轻轻地飘荡着,显得分外动人。

And the girl from Beijing, she excitedly came here to participate in the satellite launch. Every dawn, she walked alone along the ghat toward the sunset, accompanied by the evening breeze. She, an imaginative girl, loved the aerospace industry, loved the launch site. The curved ghat near the tower often floated strings of her tinkling-spring-sounded laughter; it was heart-provoking especially when her soft and beautiful shawl hair gently blown by breeze and fluttered under splendid sunset glow.

但今天,在这群散步者的队伍中,再也见不到她那ー头漂亮的披肩发了。由于发射场一次偶然的事故,她身遭不幸,卫星上天后,她二十二岁的生命永远留在了发射场。

But now, in this group of walkers, we could never see her and her beautiful shawl anymore. Because of an accident at the launch site, she was unfortunate to stay at her 22nd year forever after the satellite was launched into the space.

“长征三号”火箭副总设计师龚德泉,已经连续七次来西昌卫星发射基地参加卫星发射了。我与他ー起散步时,他给我讲了这样ー个故事一

Gong Dequan, the deputy chief designer of the "Long March 3" rocket, has been to the XSLC for seven consecutive times to participate in satellite launches. He told me this story when we strolled together.

一位叫余福良的火箭专家,妻子在苏州,家在上海。他有一个十五岁的女儿, 患了一种怪病:脊椎骨猛长,使肺部受到挤压。后来女儿动了手术,脊椎骨取掉ー截,再用两块薄体钢拉上。余福良每天一早骑车去上班,中午骑车回家替女儿翻身,下午再骑车去上班。

The wife of the rocket expert named Yu Fuliang lived in Suzhou, while her home was in Shanghai. They had a daughter of fifteen who suffered from a strange disease that the spine grew so fast that the lungs were squeezed. Later, a piece of the spine was removed from her body by surgery and the remaining spine were pulled together with two pieces of thin steel. Yu Fuliang biked to work every morning, and biked back at noon to turn over his daughter, and biked to work in the afternoon again.

几年前,余福良要来西昌卫星发射基地参加卫星发射,躺在床上的女儿哭喊着从床上爬起来,紧紧拖住他的双腿,死活不让他走。女儿从小跟着他长大,感情极深。但他是火箭平台系统的主任设计师,而平台是火箭的核心部位,一旦出现问题,火箭便会失去平衡,在空中乱飞。当他向女儿讲明这一切后,女儿的双手慢慢松开了。

A few years ago, when Yu Fuliang intended to go to the XSLC to for the satellite launch, her daughter who had been lying in bed, cried and crept out of bed, tightly holding his legs, not letting him go. His daughter grew up with him and they had a deep feeling. But he was the chief designer of the rocket platform system, and the platform is the core part of the rocket. Once there is a problem, the rocket will lose its balance and fly out of control. When he told his daughter all this, her daughter's hands slowly loosened.

去年,为了保证“亚洲一号”卫星成功发射,余福良白天黑夜连续攻关。他早就感到肚子疼痛,却一直顾不上去医院。后来实在痛得受不了,到医院ー检查,已是直肠癌晚期。

Last year, in order to ensure the successful launch of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite, Yu Fuliang continued to tackle key problems day and night. He had been suffering a tummy ache for a long time, but he had no spare time to go to the hospital. Later, because it was too painful to bear, he finally went to the hospital for examination, only to find the advanced rectal cancer.

是的,发射场不是战场,却同样有牺牲与死亡。从去冬到今春,航空航天部エ作队的专家技术人员已在这荒凉而孤寂的大山沟里闷了近半年。从现代化的大都市到原始般的荒山沟,吃饭、住宿,还有身体等各个方面都面临着诸多的不便与困难。特别是不少专家已届中年、老年,甚至有的已年过七旬,来到山沟后,水土不服、气候不适应,加之远离家庭无人照顾,度过这段艰难的日子,实属不易。

The truth is, although the launch site is not a battlefield, there are also sacrifices and deaths. From last winter to this spring, the experts and technicians of the Ministry of Aeronautics and Astronautics have been in this desolate and lonely mountain valley for nearly half a year. Moving from the modern metropolis to the primitive valleys, they were many inconveniences and difficulties in eating, lodging, and physical fitness. In particular, many experts who were middle-aged, elderly, and even over 70, came to the valley, and went through these tough days with great difficulties, due to the failure in acclimatization and without families' care.

由于他们长时间离开家,后顾之忧自然也有不少。比如,有的有年迈的父母必须照料,有的有幼小的孩子急着入托,有的年轻的恋人等着结婚,有的孤单的妻子就要分娩,有的大白菜需要买好贮存过冬,有的煤气罐等着从ー楼扛到六楼……

Because they left home for a long time, there were undoubtedly many worries at home. For example, they may have elderly parents to look after, have little kids intending to go to nursery school in a hurry, have young lover waiting to get married; someone's wife may be about to give birth alone, someone may have to buy and store cabbages for the winter, someone may need to carry gas tank from the first floor to the sixth floor.

但,为了“亚洲一号”,这一切的一切,都被他们自己悄悄省略了。

However, for a successful launch of "AsiaSat 1," all of this, were ignored by them secretly.

前不久的ー个晚上,还出现了这样ー个场面:航空航天部工作队的爸爸妈妈们,围在电视机前,激动地看着一部录像。这部录像既不是武打片,也不是喜剧片, 而是单位的领导把他们家里的孩子召集在ー起开了个茶话会,让孩子们给远方的爸爸妈妈讲几句最想说的话ーー

One night not long ago, there was such a scene: the parents of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, gathered in front of the TV set, excitedly watching a video. This video was neither a martial arts film nor a comedy, but a tea party the leader called, who asked the teammates as one's children to say a few words of what they wanted to say most to their parents far away.

ー个七岁的男孩说:“妈妈,昨天我已把家里的卫生全部打扫了 ,就是不小心把裤子刮破了个洞,同学们老笑我的屁股。爸爸是个大笨蛋,怎么也补不好,后来还是老师替我补好的。妈妈,发射时你给我打个电话好吗?我好趴在家里的阳台上看卫星!”

"Mommy," said a seven-year-old boy, "I have cleaned the house yesterday, but accidentally scratched a hole in my pants, and my classmates laughed at my ass. My clumsy dad couldn't mend it, and later teacher mended it for me. Mom, can you call me when you're going to launch? I’ll watch it on the balcony!"

ー个八岁的女孩说:“爸爸,妈妈的病已经好多了,请爸爸一定安心地放卫星, 我保证每天都给妈妈泡方便面!”

An eight-year-old girl said: "Dad, mom gets better. Please don't worry and work on launch carefully, I promise to cook mom instant noodles every day!"

看着看着,爸爸们的眼圈红了,妈妈们则忍不住偷偷地抽泣起来。

Looking at this, the rims of dads' eyes turned red, and moms couldn't help but secretly sob.

三、酒吧:ー个中国人与三个美国人的对话

Part Ⅲ A Dialogue Between a Chinese and Three Americans in a Bar

时间:1990年4月1日晚。星期日

Time: on the evening of April 1, 1990. Sunday.

地点:西昌腾云楼宾馆小酒吧

Venue: a small bar in Tengyunlou Hotel in Xichang

翻译:罗韬先生、袁红灵小姐

Translators: Mr. Luo Tao, Ms. Yuan Hongling

夜。宾馆。

Night. The hotel.

香槟。啤酒。台球。乒乓球。

The champagne. The beer. The billiards. The table tennis.

乐曲。舞步。男人。女人。

The music. The dance. The men. The women.

这是美国人夜生活的世界。

This was the nightlife of Americans.

跨过太平洋。飞越西半球。飞机、火车、汽车。安装、测检、调试。干了一天, 忙了一天,累了一天,是该轻松轻松了。

Across the Pacific Ocean. Flying over the Western Hemisphere. Plane, train, vehicle. Installation, inspection and debugging. After a long, busy and tiring day, now it was time to relax.

美国人的到来,对西昌这片古老的土地,无疑是一次强大的震动、有力的冲击。

The arrival of Americans was undoubtedly a powerful shock and a great impact on the ancient land of Xichang.

该怎样认识这些远道而来的美国人呢?

How to get to know these Americans from afar?

我想到了对话。

I thought of the dialogue.

1990年4月1日晚7点30分,我准时步入西昌卫星基地腾云楼宾馆大门。之前,袁红灵小姐打电话告诉我,已替我约好了三位美国朋友,都是休斯卫星公司的专家。一位叫维克特,他对中国很有感情,富有责任感,是一位合格的父亲。另ー位叫马克,他虽然交了许多女朋友,却仍属未婚青年。还有一位叫弗罗里克,他性格豪放,学识渊博。据他自己说,这个世界他最喜欢两个字:疯狂!

At 7:30 pm on April 1, 1990, I stepped into the Tengyunlou Hotel in Xichang Satellite Launch Center on time. Ms. Yuan called to tell me that she had made an appointment for me with three American friends, all experts from the Hughes Satellite Company. One was called Victor, who had deep feelings for China and a sense of responsibility, and was a qualified father. The other one was Mark, who had many girlfriends, but was still an unmarried youth. And Frolic, a forthright and knowledgeable man. He said his favorite word in this world is “crazy”!

当我走进酒吧时,三位美国朋友已经落座,正仰着脖子在那儿灌着啤酒呢。翻译把我介绍给他们,大概说了这是刚从北京赶来的作家之类的话,三位美国朋友马上热情地伸出手来,与我的手握在ー起,并在ー张纸上记下了我的名字,然后问我来点什么,啤酒还是可乐。我说:“No,no,no,我喜欢喝茶。”

When I walked into the bar, three American friends had taken their seats and were drinking beer throwing their heads back. The translators introduced me to them briefly that I was a writer who had just come here from Beijing. The three Americans immediately extended their hands enthusiastically to shake my hand, and wrote down my name on a piece of paper. Then they asked me what I would like, beer or coke. "No, no, no," I said, "I like tea better."

彼此坐定后,我开门见山,直入主题。

When we all sat down, I came straight to the point.

我说:“三位先生,见到你们我很高兴。天下如此之大,我们却在西昌发射场相识,或许这是上帝的安排。”

"I'm very glad to see you all," I said, "it may be the arrangement of God that we can encounter each other among numerous living beings."

马克说:“谢谢!我们有幸接受中国作家的采访,也感到很高兴。”

Mark said: "Thank you! We are honored and glad to be interviewed by a Chinese writer."

我说:“你们是第一次来中国吗?”

I asked, "Is this your first visit to China?"

弗罗里克说:“是的,我们都是第一次来中国。”

"Yes, it is," Frolic answered.

我说:“请随便谈一点你们到这儿后的感受好吗?”

"Can you tell me anything about how you feel after you got here?" Asked I.

维克特说:“好的,我先说。”

"Ok, I'll be the first." Victor said.

维克特,中等个儿,大胡子,四十岁左右,面目慈善,性情温和。说话时,感情特别真挚诚恳,一双淡蓝色的眼里似乎盛着某种淡淡的忧愁。他说:“我从小就向往中国这块土地。这次来之前,有朋友告诫我,去中国后,要少同那儿的人讲话。可飞机刚ー着地,我就对这里有了一种天然的情感。我亲眼见到了这儿的一切,现在我的心里,好像已经深深爱上了这片土地。我要回去告诉我的妻子、儿女和我的朋友们,中国很好,真的很好!我还想来第二次、第三次,我还希望今后有机会把我的妻子和儿女们也都带来,让他们好好看看中国。当然,我也很希望中国人能有更多的机会到美国去,这样好有个比较。”

He was a beraded man of medium height, about forty years old, with a benign countenance and gentle temperament. He showed his great sincerity when speaking, and his light blue eyes seemingly contained some kind of faint sorrow. He said: "I have been longing for China since I was a child. Before coming here this time, a friend warned me to talk less to people here when arriving. But as soon as the plane landed, a natural affection for China burgeoned in my heart. I saw everything here with my own eyes, and now maybe I've already fallen in love with this land. I wanna go back to tell my wife, my children and my friends, that China is very good, really fantastic! And I long for the second and third visit. I also hope that I have the opportunity to bring my wife and children here to know China well. Of course, I also hope Chinese people will have more opportunities to go to the United States, so that there can be a comparison." Said Victor.

接着说话的是马克。马克,大高个儿,大胡子,高鼻梁,说话极富幽默感,且显得血气方刚。他说:“西昌这儿的天气特别好。晚上在发射场看月亮很美,星星也很亮,还有这儿的太阳也特别棒!太阳从东方升起,这是你们中国的专利。我来之前,在我想象中,西昌这儿到处都是一片恐怖,所有的人都是在枪杆子的威逼下エ作。但我到这儿看到的不是这样。这儿的人都快乐地说话、爬山、跳舞,还自由地谈情说爱。而且,我觉得他们都安居乐业,生活得比较愉快。”

Then it was Mark who spoke. Mark was a tall man with a big beard and a high nose, and he spoke with a great sense of humor and full of spirit. He said: "The weather in Xichang is particularly good. The moon at the launch site is very beautiful, the stars are also very bright, and the sun here is also great! The sun rising from the east, this is a patent you Chinese boat only. Before I came, in my imagination, Xichang is full of terror, and all the people are forced to work under the threat of guns. But that's not what I saw here. People here talk, climb mountains, dance with joy, and they love freely. I think they all live a peaceful and happy life."

最后说话的是弗罗里克。弗罗里克,高个子,大胡子,长着一双“狡猾”的大眼睛,ー举ー动都透射出一股热情的豪放劲儿。他说:“西昌这儿天气不错,但很封闭。这儿的人对我们的到来感到很新鲜,甚至对我们穿的衣服和骑的自行车都很有兴趣。有的人ー见面就问我们家里有多少辆汽车、几部彩电,每月工资多少。同时我也发现,这儿的人都很善良,他们都很爱这块土地。我虽然来西昌不久,但已交了许多朋友。今天我又到茶馆去了。”

The last one to speak was Frolic. He was a tall man with a big beard and a pair of big, cunning eyes, and his movements were full of passion and boldness. He said, "The weather is good, but it's very closed here. The people here were very fresh with our arrival and even interested in the clothes we wore and the bikes we rode. Some people asked us how many cars and color TVs we have in our family, and how much we earn each month at our first meeting. At the same time, I also found that people here are very kind. They all love this land. Although I came to Xichang not long ago, I have made many friends. And today I went to the teahouse again."

我说:“你们来这儿后,生活上习惯吗?”

"Have you been used to the life here?" I asked.

马克说:“习惯。在来之前,我想西昌这地方一定很穷,老百姓肯定填不饱肚子,也担心发射中心的伙食不好,于是就从美国带来了一大堆食品,什么面包、饼干、罐头、巧克力等等。结果,到这儿后我都吃这儿的东西,自己带的东西基本没动。"

Mark said, "Yes. Before I came, I thought Xichang must be a poor place where people must go hungry without sufficient food. I also worried that the food at the launch center was not good enough. So I brought a lot of food from the US, such as bread, biscuits, cans, chocolate, etc. I haven’t expected that I would always eat local food after I arrived, and my own food are basically unconsumed."

我说:“你们每人给我讲ー个来这儿后最高兴的故事,或者讲一件最不愉快的事情。”

I said, "May I invite each of you to share the happiest thing you've met since you came here, or the most unhappiest one?"

我刚ー说完,马克和弗罗里克便用手拍了拍脑门,然后站起来说:“李先生,对不起,我们去趟厕所."我猜想,这两位“狡猾”的美国人,一定是到厕所编故事去了。

As soon as I stopped speaking, Mark and Floric patted their forehead, then stood up and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Lee, but we have to go to the bathroom now." I guess these two "cunning" Americans must have gone to the bathroom to make up stories.

于是,酒吧里只剩下我和维克特。

So, Victor became the only one who stayed with me.

维克特说:“我来这儿后,有许多令我高兴的事情,但最令我高兴的是,终于踏上了中国这块土地,实现了我几十年来的愿望。并且,还有幸和中国朋友一起携手并肩,共同参加发射’亚洲一号’卫星的任务。”

Victor said: "Since I came here, there are many things that make me happy, but what makes me most happy is that I finally set foot on the land of China, which realizes my dream for decades. And, it's honorable to join hands with Chinese friends, to participate in the launch of the 'Asia-1' satellite."

不一会,马克和弗罗里克回来了。刚落座,马克便学着中国老人讲故事的样子,风趣地给我讲起了他的故事:“在很久很久以前……（大笑）有一天我骑车去发射场,路过ー个村子,ー个彝族小孩刚ー见我,吓得转身就跑,并啊啊地大声叫喊着。我想他ー定是在喊:’妈妈,快来看呀,那边来了一个大妖怪!’不一会儿,村里的人全都围了上来,看我的头发、眼睛和大鼻子,像看ー个怪物。后来,我和他们成了朋友。他们领我看了农具、牛羊和缸里的粮食,还做了一顿’坨坨肉’给我吃。我吃得很开心,很想多吃点,又怕撑坏了肚子。瞧,现在肚子还鼓鼓的。”马克说完, 拍着肚子,爽朗地大笑起来。

After a while, Mark and Frolic came back. As soon as they sat down, Mark told me his story wittily in the way Chinese old people told stories: "A long, long time ago... (a fit of laughter) when I rode to the launch center I passed by a village, where a Yi child saw me but turned around and ran away, shouting in fear. I guessed he must be shouting: 'Mom, come to see, there's a big monster!' Soon, all villagers gathered around me to observe my hair, eyes and big nose as if I were a monster. Later, I became their friends. They showed me the farm tools, the cattle and sheep, and the grain in the vats, and cooked me "Tuotuo Meat". I enjoyed it very much. I wanted to eat more, but worried eating too much may make me sick. Look, my belly is still bulging now." Mark said, patting his belly and laughing heartily.

弗罗里克说:“有一天,我去西昌玩,走进了一家茶馆。茶馆里的中国人对我特别好,他们为我泡了茶,后来茶馆的主人还给我做了碗面条。可我刚吃了几口,就满头冒汗,哇哇直叫,原来面条里放了许多辣椒。主人见我不能吃辣椒,又重新给我做了一碗鸡蛋面,味道很美,我吃得开心极了。临走时,主人还送我一袋茶叶,死活不收钱。我心里非常感动。”

"Once I went into a teahouse in Xichang." he said, “people in the teahouse were very kind to me. They made tea for me, and later the owner of the teahouse made me a bowl of noodles. But I became sweating and crying after several bites, because there were a lot of chili in noodles. The host then knew I didn't eat spicy food, so he made another bowl of egg noodles for me. It was delicious and I enjoyed it happily. Before I left, the master gave me a bag of tea and insisted on not receiving money. I was deeply touched."

我说:“请你们谈一点对西昌卫星发射基地的看法好吗?”

I continued the interview: "Would you please share your views on Xichang Satellite Launch Center?"

维克特说:“中方在生活上给我们安排得挺好。这儿的所有工作人员,包括翻译,都尽了最大努力为我们创造条件。技术人员都很勤奋,工作态度也好。该让我们看的地方都看了,我感到很满意。”

Victor said: "China has made good arrangements for us in terms of life. All the staff here, including the translators, try their best to create conditions for us. The technicians are very diligent with a good attitude. I'm very satisfied to be treated in this way."

马克说:“卫星发射基地的技术人员在各自的专业上都是很棒的。这儿男女很平等,有不少女技术人员。在美国,女工程技术人员只占5%,男人的地位要比女人高。这一点与我原来想象的不一样。不足的是,中国发射场的设备要比美国的落后,但这儿的发射从来没失败过,这一点很了不起。”

Mark said: "The technicians there are excellent in their respective specialties. There are a lot of female technicians which implies gender equality. But in the United States, female engineering and technical personnel accounts for only 5%, and men have higher status than women. So this is not the same as I had imagined. While the downside is that the equipment at the Chinese launch site is behind that of the United States, but the launch here has never failed, which is remarkable."

弗罗里克说:“从整体上看,这儿的高级专家特别棒,对自己的专业很精通。但发射场的设备比较落后,有时上下信息不通。不过,我认为搞发射,不管用什么方法,只要你发射上去就好。美国有美国的方法,中国有中国的方法。这次中国只要把我们的卫星发射上去,我就承认你们厉害。另外,希望你们在争取人类进步时, 不要得到了一个东西就把另ー个东西丢掉了。印第安人的文化是非常好的,但美国人赶走了印第安人,把他们的文化废掉了。这儿的彝族文化是非常好的,中国在这儿发展现代科学文明,不要丢掉了彝族文化。在这一点上,你们应该吸取美国人的教训。”

"Gnerally speaking, the senior experts here are fantastic and very knowledgeable about their specialties," said Frolic. However, the equipment at the launch site was relatively backward, which led to the information gap sometimes. However, in my view, the most important thing is to successfully launch, regardless of the method you use. The US has its own methods, so does China. As long as China can launch our satellite this time, I will admit that you are powerful. In addition, I hope that when you strive for human progress, you will not throw away another thing after you have obtained one thing. The Indian culture was splendid, but the Americans drove out the Indians and ruined their culture. The Yi culture here is also splendid. For China, don't lose the Yi culture when developing civilization of modern science. You should learn from the lessons of the Americans in terms of this."

我说:“弗罗里克先生,你的这点意见非常好,谢谢你!另外,在人类空间史上, 中国和美国这是第一次合作,请你们就此谈一点看法或感受。”

"Mr. Frolic, thank you for your suggestions! In addition, this is the first time that China and the United States have cooperated since the history of human space exploration. So could you briefly talk about your views or feelings on this?"

弗罗里克说:“我们双方工作都很努力,同官方的合作也很好。当然,我们面临很多困难,因为双方都是第一次,许多技术上的问题都是前所未有的。但情况在ー天天变好,现在每天都有协调会,大的问题已经没有了。我的总体感觉是,中国人是非常愿意合作的。”

Frolic said: "We two parties did a really good job and also had a good cooperation with the authorities. Of course, we have met many difficulties, even some unprecedented technical problems, for it's the first attempt and cooperation between China and America. But the situation is gradually getting better and better, and with coordination meetings every day, the serious problems are solved now. Generally, I feel that the Chinese are very willing to cooperate."

我说:“这次合作,我想恐怕不单单是一次空间技术的合作,也是两个民族、两种文化、两种情感的一次交流与沟通;不光是发射ー颗卫星,也是中美两国科学家在ー起共同创造空间文明。因为开发宇宙,造福人类,是全人类的共同使命,不知你们是否也这样认为?”

I said: "This cooperation, in my opinion, is not only a cooperation in space technology, but also an exchange and communication between two nations, two cultures, and two emotions; it is not only the launch of a satellite, but also the joint creation of space civilization by scientists from China and the United States. Because it's the common mission of all human beings to explore the universe in order to benefit humankind. Is that right?"

马克说:“是的,李先生的话说得很妙。把钱花在空间技术上,这有利于各国人民的利益。虽然我们这是第一次合作,但我相信,这不是最后一次。”

"Sure, that is the truth. Investment in space technology is in the interest of people of all countries. This is our first cooperation, and I believe it will not be the end," answered Mark.

弗罗里克说:“由于中美双方是第一次合作,在发射场上可能会遇到许多阻力和麻烦,但我坚信中美之间的合作能够继续进行下去。因为我们都是开拓宇宙的先锋,我们是在共同创造历史!”

Frolic said: "Although there may be many obstacles and troubles at the launch site because this is the first time for China and the United States to cooperate, I firmly believe that the cooperation between China and the United States will continue. Because we are all pioneers of in exploring the universe. We are making history together!"

我说:“对,我们是在共同创造历史!我的提问到此为止,谢谢三位先生的合作！你们若有什么问题需要问我,我愿意效劳。”

"Yes," I echoed, "we are making history together! And that's the last question. Thank you for your cooperation! If you have any questions, I'm willing to answer."

维克特说:“你的作品发表后,能寄一份给我们吗?我们很想读到你写这次发射的作品。”

Victor said, "Can you send us a copy of your work when it's published? We'd love to read about your work on this launch."

我说:“当然可以。”

"Of course," I said.

马克说:“最近美国和法国的发射连遭失败,你们中国对此是否暗暗幸灾祸?”

Mark queried: "Do you, China, secretly gloat over the recent unsuccessful launches of the US and France?"

我说:“航天发射,是人类史上ー项颇具风险与悲壮色彩的伟大事业,无论成功还是失败,在我看来都是正常的。至于近期美国和法国的几次失败,我个人没有所谓的幸灾乐祸,有的只是深深的惋惜和遗憾。我相信,我的同胞中绝大多数人也和我的心情ー样。”

I replied: "Space launch is a great undertaking in the history of mankind that is quite risky and tragic. Whether it is successful or not, I think it's normal. As for the recent failures of the United States and France, I personally do not entertain the so-called schadenfreude, but only deep regret and pity. I believe that the majority of my compatriots are in the same mood."

弗罗里克说:“李先生,你认为你们国家目前最重要的问题是什么?”

Frolic asked me,"Mr. Lee, what do you think is the most important issue your country are facing right now?"

我没想到美国人会从这个角度提问题,竟一下愣了好几秒钟。我深知这是ー个敏感的问题,但又是ー个必须回答的问题。

I didn't expect them to ask questions from this perspective, so I was stunned for a few seconds. I knew that this is a sensitive question, but it is also a question that must be answered.

我说:“以我个人的一孔之见,我们国家目前最重要的问题,是如何进ー步增强中华民族的凝聚カ和提高全体国民的文化素质问题,以及怎样强化、振奋民族精神的问题;同时还有一个问题,就是面对当今这个大科学的时代,如何不失时机地举起'科教兴国’的大旗,去迎接新世纪的到来。我们中华民族曾为这个世界创造过灿烂的文明,可近三四百年来,远远落在了西方先进国家的后面,我们因此失去了许多宝贵的东西,这是事实。不过我们毕竟还有一样东西没有失去,那就是百折不挠、自强不息的精神,以及重新选择机会和争取再次腾飞的权利！我们中华民族是世界上最古老的民族之一,要实现真正意义上的腾飞,还有一个艰难而沉重的过程。可喜的是,现在我们已经站在了一条新的起跑线上,并迈出了关键的ー步,比如这次发射你们美国的卫星,我想就是ー个很好的开头。”

I replied: "As far as I concerned, the most important issue for our country at present is to further strengthen the cohesion of the Chinese nation and improve the cultural quality of all Chinese people, as well as to consolidate and inspire the national spirit. Another issue is to seize the opportunity to carry out the strategy of 'invigorating the country through science and education' and welcome the arrival of the new century in this era of great science. It is a fact that we Chinese nation has created a splendid civilization for the world, but in the past three or four hundred years, it has lagged far behind the advanced western countries. As a result, we have lost many precious things. But after all, we still own one thing, that is, the spirit of perseverance and continual self-renewal, as well as the right to choose the opportunity and to strive for a take-off again! Our Chinese nation is one of the oldest nations in the world. To achieve a veritable take-off, we have to endure a difficult and heavy period. Fortunately, we are now standing on a new starting line and have taken a crucial step forward. For example, I think this launch of your American satellite is a good start."

弗罗里克说:“好,下周就要发射了,祝你们发射成功！”

Frolic said, "Okay, it's going to be launched next week. I wish you a successful launch!"

马克说:“上帝保佑,阿门！”

Mark said, "God bless, Amen!"

我说:“谢谢！再见!”

"Thank you," I said. "Goodbye!"

结束采访,我步出宾馆。

After the interview, I stepped out of the hotel.

星空下,我久久伫立。

Under the stars, I stood for a long time.

“月亮城”睡了。寂静中,我仿佛听到古老的土地在发出沉重的喘息声。或许,这是东方与西方相互碰撞时发出的声响;或许,这是ー个民族腾飞前的急促心跳。

The “moon city" has fallen asleep. In endless silence, I seemed to hear a heavy breathing from the old land. Perhaps, this was the sound of the collision between the east and the west; or this was the rapid heartbeat before a nation took off.

是的,弗罗里克说得好,“我们是在共同创造历史”。随着现代科技文明的飞速发展,宇宙变得越来越小。今天,中国的火箭、美国的卫星,终于走到了一起。

Yes, just as Frolic said, "We are making history together." With the rapid development of the civilization of modern technology, the universe is becoming smaller and smaller. Today, China's rockets and US satellites have finally come together.

然而,这一切,是怎样开始的呢?

However, how did all this start?

历史,从昨天的弯道走来

History, Coming from Yesterday's Setback.

四、20世纪的中国与美国

Part Ⅳ China and the US in the 20th centuiry

1971年7月9日中午12点,ー架巴基斯坦国际航空公司的大型客机,在北京郊区南苑军用机场徐徐降落。

At 12:00 noon on July 9, 1971, a large passenger plane of Pakistan International Airlines landed slowly at Beijing Nanyuan Airport in the suburb.

六名美国人,踏着又惊又喜的步子,匆匆走下舷梯。

Six Americans, pleasantly and surprisedly, hurried down the ramp.

他们双脚刚ー着地,便禁不住连声惊呼:“OK,中国!中国,0K!”

As soon as their feet touched the ground, they could not help but exclaim: "OK, China! China, OK!"

这六位美国人,便是尼克松总统专程派往中国的秘密使者:基辛格博士率领的秘密访华谈判小组。

These six Americans were the secret envoys sent by President Nixon to China: the secret negotiating team led by Dr. Kissinger.

这是二十二年来,第一批踏上中国国土的美国政府官员。

This was the first group of American government officials to set foot on China's territory in the past 22 years.

众所周知,由于历史原因,中国与美国长期以来是ー对冤家。几十年来,除了在朝鲜战场上有过你死我活的较量,以及在板门店谈判等中有过针锋相对的触碰タト,两国政府很少有交往。

As is known to all, China and America have long been enemies due to historical reasons. In the past few decades, the two governments have had little contact with each other, except for the life-and-death contest in Korean War and the tit-for-tat confrontation in the Panmunjom negotiation.

显然,百年挨打史,在中华儿女的心中,烙下了苦痛的伤痕;尤其是圆明园那ー截截直刺苍天的残柱,成了中国人民的耻辱柱。

Obviously, the suffering and invasion over last hundred years has left a painful scar in the hearts of the Chinese people. In particular, the stump of the Yuanming Yuan that pierced the sky has become a pillar of shame for all Chinese people.

而在1949年之后的岁月里,美国第七舰队驶进台湾海峡,封锁中国经济和阻挠中国进入联合国;朝鲜战争、越南战争等更为中美两国的关系,投下了一层层厚重的阴影。

After 1949, the United States Seventh Fleet sailed into the Taiwan Strait to blockade China's economy and obstruct China's accession into the United Nations; The Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other wars have cast a thick shadow over the relations between China and the United States.

据传,20世纪50年代还发生过这样ー个故事:

It is said that there was such a story in the 1950s:

在1954年召开的日内瓦会议期间,有一次中国总理周恩来在酒吧与美国国务卿杜勒斯相遇。周恩来主动伸出手去想同杜勒斯握手,杜勒斯却把脸ー转,故意装作没看见,拒绝了周恩来的握手。而周恩来伸出的手则顺势朝着服务员ー招,不失风度地说:“小姐,请给这位先生来杯可乐,账记到我的头上。”说罢,周恩来微微ー笑,信步离去。

During the Geneva Conference in 1954, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai once met the US Secretary of State Dulles in a bar. Zhou Enlai took the initiative to shake hands with Dulles, but Dulles turned his face and deliberately pretended not to see him, refusing Zhou Enlai's handshake. Zhou Enlai then waved that hand at the waiter graciously and naturally, saying, "Lady, please bring this gentleman a coke and add it to my tab." With that, Zhou Enlai gaved him a faint smile and walked away.

当然,听说后来也发生了中国外交官员拒绝同美国人握手的事情。周恩来得知后指示说:“第一,我们不主动和美国人握手;第二,如果他们主动伸出手来,我们不要拒绝。这叫礼尚往来嘛!”

Of course, I heard that later Chinese diplomats also refused to shake hands with Americans. After Zhou Enlai knew that, he instructed: "First, we do not take the initiative to shake hands with the Americans; second, if they take initiative to do that, we don't refuse it. "This is what we call 'courtesy demanding reciprocity'."

1964年,曾经认真研究过中国及其历史的戴高乐总统承认了中华人民共和国。当一位西方记者问他为什么要承认中华人民共和国时,他回答说:“因为中国是个大国、古国,又一直备受欺凌。”

In 1964, President Charles de Gaulle, who had carefully studied China and its history, recognized the People's Republic of China. When a Western journalist asked him why he recognized the People's Republic of China, he replied: "Because China is a big country, an ancient country, which has always been bullied."

尼克松上台后,对中国的想法开始有了变化。戴高乐和阿登纳都曾对他说过: “美国同中国发展某种关系是必不可少的。你最好趁早承认中国,而不要等中国强大了,你再不得不承认它。”

After Nixon came to power, his view on China began to change. De Gaulle and Adenauer both said to him: "It is essential for the United States to develop a certain relationship with China. You'd better admit China as soon as possible, instead of having to admit China when it becomes powerful. "

尼克松上台时,在他的就职演说中有这样一段话:

When Nixon took office, he had such words in his inaugural speech:

要让一切国家都知道,在本政府当政时期,我们的通话渠道是敞开的。我们寻求一个开放的世界一ー对思想开放,对物资和人员的交流开放。ー个民族,不管其人口多少,都不能生活在愤怒的孤立状态中。

Let all nations know that during this administration our lines of communication will be open. We seek an open world--open to ideas, open to the exchange of goods and people--a world in which no people, great or small, will live in angry isolation.

后来,尼克松在参加美国《时代》周刊记者的一次访谈时,也这样说道:“如果说在我去世之前,有什么事情要做的话,那就是到中国去。如果我不能去,我希望我的孩子能够去。”

Later, in an interview with Time magazine, Nixon said,"If there's anything I need to do before I die, it's to go to China. If I can't, I want my kids to."

1972年2月21日,中美关系终于翻开了新的ー页。

On February 21, 1972, the Sino-US relation finally turned a new page.

这ー天,美国总统尼克松正式访华。

On this day, the US President Nixon officially visited China.

这ー天,中国总理周恩来身披灰色呢大衣,迎着呼啸的北风,在北京首都机场恭候尼克松的光临。

On this day, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, wearing a gray pea coat, waited for Nixon at Beijing Capital Airport in the howling north wind.

在历史的一瞬间,当尼克松伸过手来与周恩来的手紧紧相握时,周恩来幽默地说:“总统先生,我们已经有二十五年没有交往了啊!今天,您终于把手伸过了世界上最辽阔的海洋。”

In that historical moment when Nixon reached out his hand to shake Zhou Enlai's hand tightly, Zhou Enlai said humorously: "Mr. President, we haven't contacted for over 25 years! Today, your handshake came over the vastest distance in the world."

尼克松也风趣地说:“是啊,周总理先生,我做梦都在想着这一天啊!”

"Yes, Premier Zhou," Nixon also replied humorously, "I've always been dreaming about this day!"

下午3点整,在中南海迎宾室,中国主席毛泽东和美国总统尼克松,双手紧紧地握在了一起。中美两国领导人的这次划时代的会晤,长达65分钟!

At 3:00 p.m., in the Welcome Room in the Sea Palaces, Chinese President Mao Zedong and US President Nixon held their hands tightly together. The landmark meeting between the leaders of China and the United States lasted for 65 minutes!

据后来的资料表明,当晚尼克松在日记中这样写道:“当我们的手相握时,ー个时代结束了,另ー个时代却开始了。”

According to later records, Nixon wrote in his diary that night,"When our hands met, one era ended and another began."

一周后,即1972年2月28日,周恩来与尼克松又在上海会晤,中美双方签署了《中美联合公报》。在公报中,双方声明:“中美两国关系走向正常化符合所有国家的利益。”这标志着中美两国和平交往的开始。

A week later, on February 28, 1972, Zhou Enlai and Nixon met again in Shanghai, China and the United States signed the Joint Communique of the United States of America and People's republic of China. In the communique, the two countries stated: "Progress toward the normalization of relations between China and the United States is in the interests of all countries." This marked the beginning of peaceful exchanges between these two countries.

为表示纪念,周恩来和尼克松还在杭州亲手种下了一棵尼克松从美国带来的红杉树。据说,这棵红杉树是美国加州公园中最老、最高的ー棵红杉树的后代。

To commemorate, Zhou Enlai and Nixon also planted a redwood tree Nixon brought from the United States in Hangzhou. It was said that this redwood tree was the oldest and tallest redwood tree in California Park.

后来尼克松回忆说:“当时,我们二人谁都不能肯定这棵树能在中国的土壤中长大;但事实证明,土壤和气候都是友好的。”

Nixon later recalled: "At that time, neither of us was certain that this tree could grow in the soil of China; But it turns out that both soil and climate are friendly."

1987年秋,美国一位叫基恩的州长来华访问。在杭州,基恩州长亲眼见到了这棵红杉树。此时的红杉树枝繁叶茂,葱绿挺拔,约有28米高。杭州一位负责人对基恩州长说:“用这棵树培育的4万棵树苗,已经扎根在了中国7个省份的土地上!”

In the autumn of 1987, an American governor named Keane visited China. The Governor Keane saw the redwood tree with his own eyes in Hangzhou. At this time, the redwood tree was luxuriant, green and erect, about 28 meters high. "The 40,000 saplings grown from this tree have taken root in seven provinces of China," an official in Hangzhou told Governor Keane.

1979年,中国同美国终于建立了正式外交关系。

In 1979, China and the United States finally established formal diplomatic relations.

就在这一年的1月29日,邓小平作为新中国有史以来第一个正式访问美国的国家领导人,适时地跨进了美利坚合众国的大门。

On January 29 of this year, Deng Xiaoping, as the first national leader to visit the United States officially in the history of New China, stepped into the door of the United States of America at the right moment.

美国总统卡特在白宫门前,以欢迎外国元首的礼仪迎接了邓小平副总理的到来。美国的星条旗和中国的五星红旗,第一次并肩升起在美国总统府的上空。

US President Jimmy Carter greeted Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping in front of the White House with the etiquette of welcoming foreign heads of state. The Star-Spangled Banner of USA and the Five-Star Red Flag of China rose side by side over the US presidential palace for the first time.

在美期间,邓小平会见了美国前任总统尼克松,瞻仰了林肯纪念堂,参观了世界最大的航天博物馆一华盛顿美国航空航天博物馆,并出席了中美科技合作协定和文化交流协定的签字仪式。

During his stay in the United States, Deng Xiaoping met with former US President Richard Nixon, paid tribute to the Lincoln Memorial, visited the American Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., the world's largest space museum, and attended the signing ceremony of the U.S.-China Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology and the Agreement on Cultural Exchange.

休斯敦是美国著名的航天测控中心,当邓小平乘坐美国总统的“空军一号”专机飞抵休斯敦时,还特意坐上航天飞机,进行了一次从3万米的高空向地面着陆的模拟飞行。

Houston is a famous U.S. space TT & C center. When Deng Xiaoping flew to Houston on the U.S. President's "Air Force One" special plane, he specially boarded the space shuttle and conducted a simulated flight from an altitude of 30,000 meters to the ground.
Deng also visited Johnson Space Center. The man who commentated for him was the first American to fly around the earth senator glen. It was said that Deng Xiaoping was in a good mood that day. He took out cigarettes several times but put them back.

同时,邓小平还参观了约翰逊航天中心。为他担任讲解员的,是第一个绕地球飞行的美国人格伦参议员。据说,那天邓小平兴致极好,几次掏出香烟,又几次放了回去。

Deng also visited Johnson Space Center. The man who commentated for him was the first American to fly around the earth senator glen. It was said that Deng Xiaoping was in a good mood that day. He took out cigarettes several times but put them back.

邓小平在美国八天,美国掀起了一股“中国热”。当有记者问邓小平,这次中美会谈都谈了些什么问题时,邓小平抖了抖手指夹着的香烟,不慌不忙地说:“从人间到天上,无所不谈。”

Deng Xiaoping's eight-day-visit set off a "China fever" in the US. When a reporter asked Deng Xiaoping what issues were discussed in the Sino-US talk, Deng Xiaoping shook the cigarette between his fingers and said unhurriedly: "From the human world to the space, we talked about everything."

在卡特总统为欢迎邓小平副总理而举行的国宴上,两双不同肤色的手紧紧相握,频频举杯。

At the state banquet hosted by President Carter in honor of Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping, two pairs of hands of different skin colors held tightly and propose repeated toasts.

卡特说:“让我们为人类的幸福干杯!”

Carter said,"Let's drink to the happiness of mankind!"

邓小平说:“让我们为世界的和平干杯!”

Deng Xiaoping said,"Let us drink to world peace!"

十年后,尼克松在他的一本专著中这样写道:

Ten years later, Nixon wrote in one of his monographs:

如果中国继续走邓小平的道路,我们孙辈的世界将有三个超级大国,而不是两个美国、苏联和中华人民共和国。

If China continues on Deng Xiaoping's path, our grandchildren will witness three superpowers instead of two the United States, the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China.

今天,美中两国人民在中国的发展事业中已结为伙伴。假如双方坚持走这条道路,21世纪的美中关系将是世界上最重要、最互利的双边关系之一。为了生活在下ー个世纪的儿孙们,我们必须确保两国关系继续存在并得到发展。

Today, the people of the United States and China have become partners in China's development. If the two sides stick to this path, U.S.-China relations in the 21st century will be one of the most important and mutually beneficial bilateral relations in the world. For the sake of our future generations in the next century, we must ensure the sustainable existence and development of relations between our two countries.

美中两国人民都在世界上最能干的人民之列,天赋的潜カ都极大。展望 21世纪,我们看到的是,土壤和气候都适于培育美中关系。美中关系大有可为,它能把这个世界的和平与自由推至前所未有的高度。

The people of the United States and China are among the most capable people in the world, and their potential talents are great. Looking into the 21st century, what we see is that the soil and climate are suitable for nurturing US-China relations. The us-china relationship has profound influences, which can hold up the peace and freedom of this world to an unprecedented height.

当然,无论是尼克松还是卡特,不管是毛泽东还是邓小平,可能都没想到,自 1972年中国与美国在陆地进行了第一次握手后,十八年后的今天,当中国的火箭与美国的卫星在西昌进行对接时,中国与美国又在空间技术上进行了第一次“握手”。

Of course, neither Nixon nor Carter, neither Mao Zedong nor Deng Xiaoping, probably did not expect that since the first handshake between China and the US on land in 1972, they held their first handshake in space technology after 18 years when China's rocket docked with an American satellite in Xichang.

那么,中美的这次“握手”,是否也意味着ー个新的空间文明时代的开始呢?

So, does this "handshake" also mean the beginning of a new era of space civilization?

五、举起火箭的大旗

Ⅴ. Raise the Banner of Rockets

历史的选择,常常带有偶然性。

The history often happened by chance.

1984年,对于中国的航天界来说,既令人躁动不安,又叫人欣喜若狂。

The year of 1984 involved China's space industry in both restlessness and ecstasy.

年初,有关部门宣布:对外招标,购买外国卫星。

At the beginning of this year, the relevant departments announced that they would invite bids to purchase foreign satellites.

于是,美国、法国、英国、联邦德国纷纷来投标。

Therefore, many countries including the United States, France, Britain, the Federal Republic of Germany came to bid.

有关部门由此决定,从这四个国家中,购买ー颗中国所需的通信广播卫星。

The departments concerned have thus decided to purchase from these four countries a communication and broadcasting satellite which China needed.

但卫星买回来后,请谁来替中国发射呢?

But who would be entrusted to launch it for China after the satellite was bought?

后经反复调研,决定选用法国的“阿里亚娜”火箭和美国的航天飞机。紧接着,中国就向法国和美国预订了 4个座位,并向法国和美国分别预交了 10万和20 万美元的发射订座费。

After repeated research, China decided to use the French "Ariane" rocket and the American space shuttle. Then China booked 4 seats from France and the United States, and prepaid $100,000 and $200,000 in launch reservation fees respectively.

中国有自己的火箭,也有自己的卫星研制队伍,还有自己的发射队伍,却要花重金去购买外国卫星,而且还要用法国的火箭和美国的航天飞机为其发射,这不免让ー些人大为光火,甚至十分震怒!

Despite its own rockets, its own satellite development team, and its own launch team, China not only had to spend a lot of money to buy satellites from other countries, but had to use French rockets and American space shuttles for their launch. It inevitably exasperated someone.

但话又说回来,不这么做又怎么办呢?当时的中国,正值改革开放初期,全中国都在等着用通信广播卫星!有关部门之所以要这么做,也是无奈之举,被迫为之!

But did we have another option? At that time when the reform and opening-up began, the whole China were waiting for the communication and broadcasting satellite! That was why the departments concerned did so--they were forced to do so.

说来也巧,就在这时,即1984年4月8日,中国的“长征三号”运载火箭在西昌一声“怒吼”,一下就把中国的第一颗同步通信卫星送上了太空！

As luck would have it, on April 8, 1984, China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket roaring in Xichang sent China's first synchronous communications satellite into space!

中国震动！
世界震动！
当时所有对中国火箭的发射能力持怀疑和观望态度的人,也被震得目瞪ロ呆。

China seethed!
The world seethed!
At that time, those who were skeptical about the launching capability of Chinese rockets were also shocked.

更有意思的是,历史老人偏偏在这个时候又开了一个不大不小的玩笑:1984 年4月30日这天,当中央军委、国务院领导和中国的航天精英们在北京人民大会堂举行隆重庆祝中国通信卫星发射成功的大会时,《参考消息》却登出了这样一条新闻——中国有关部门,与美国和法国签订了购买通信卫星的合同！

More interestingly, the history happened to make a joke in that period. On April 30 1984, when the Central Military Commission, the leading members of the State Council and Chinese aerospace elite attended a conference to celebrate China's successful launch of communications satellite in Beijing People's Congress hall, Reference News, the newspaper sponsored by Xinhua News Agency, published the news that the relevant departments of China, signed a contract with the United States and France to buy communications satellite!

实事求是地说,中国有关部门根据当时现状,出于不同角度的考虑,购买外国卫星并请外国发射,无可非议,更无过错。但此事却恰恰说明了一个问题,即当时的中国,对自身的运载火箭究竟有多大能耐,是缺乏清醒和统ー认识的;而且更不会想到,原本需要请美国发射卫星的中国,短短几年后居然会反过来为美国发射卫星。

To be honest, it is beyond reproach and without fault for the relevant Chinese departments to purchase foreign satellites and ask foreign countries to launch them out of the situation and thoughtful considerations. However, this precisely illustrates a problem, that is, at that time, China lacked a clear and unified understanding of the latent capacity of its own carrier rockets. More unexpectedly, China, which would have had to ask the United States to launch satellites, was about to launch satellites for the United States just a few years later.

当时只有一个事实确定无疑,这就是“长征三号”火箭把中国第一颗同步通信卫星发射上天后,全世界都多多少少感到了中国的分量。

At that time, there was only one thing for sure, that is, after the "Long March 3" rocket launched China's first synchronous communications satellite into the space, the whole world felt China's power more or less.

于是,中国航天界ー批大智大勇者,便悄悄地有了自己的梦想:中国的“长征三号”火箭,能不能打入国际商业市场,去发射外国的卫星呢?

As a result, a number of Chinese space industry veterans with extraordinary wisdom and courage, secretly had their own dreams of China's "Long March 3" rocket’s entry into the international commercial market to launch foreign satellites.

上官浑身都是金

The Real Talent, Shangguan Shipan

北京。黄寺大街。

Beijing. Huangsi street.

夜,很深了,国防科工委大楼的ー间小屋里,还透出一束橘黄色的光亮。台灯下,一位中年男子正在面壁苦思。

It was late at night. A beam of orange light split from a room in the building of the Commission of Science Technology and Industry for National Defense (COSTIND). Under the desk lamp, a middle-aged man was pondering towards the wall.

这是1984年初夏的一个夜晚。四周很静,只有星星伴着月亮在天上散步。中年男子身材不高,却显得仪表堂堂,脸上总是挂着些许不易被人察觉的微笑。他给人的总体感觉是,温文尔雅,气度非凡,既有学者的派头,又有外交家的风度。特别是宽宽的额头下,那双充满着东方男子汉智慧与胆略的眼睛,只要留心看上一眼, 便很难再从记忆中抹掉。

It was a night in the early summer of 1984. It was very quiet around. The stars strolled with the moon in the sky. The man was not tall, but looked handsome, with a small, unobtrusive smile always on his face. The overall impression he gave others was that he was gentle and elegant, with an extraordinary bearing, both the style of a scholar and the demeanor of a diplomat. Under the broad forehead were his eyes full of the wisdom and courage as an oriental man, which was difficult to erase from the memory after a deliberate glance.

这位中年男子,名叫上官世盘.

This middle-aged man is named Shangguan Shipan.

上官世盘是中国卫星发射测控系统部副主任。他最大的特点是,人人都承认他身上有一种男子汉的魅力,但又谁都说不清这种魅力究竟是什么。

Shangguan was the Deputy Director of China Satellite Launch & Tracking Control General Department (CLTC). His most obvious characteristic is that everyone admits that he had a charm of manhood, which can’t be clarified by others.

国务委员宋健,对上官世盘曾有这样一句评价:“上官浑身都是金!”

The State Councilor Song Jian once commented on him: "Shangguan himself is all covered in gold", which presents an appreciation to Shangguan's outstanding talent.

而上官世盘的部下王建蒙先生则对我说:“上官就是一部长篇。他思维敏捷, 卓有远见。就像下棋,你刚刚还在想第一步,他已经想到第四步、第五步了。”

Mr. Wang Jianmeng, a subordinate of Shangguan, said to me, "Shangguan himself is a long story. He is quick-minded and far-sighted. Just as playing chess, when you still think over the first step, he has thought of the fourth or the fifth step."

“上官善于在夹缝中求生存,善于在没有条件把事情办成的情况下把事情办成。”翻译许建国先生也这样对我说,“他简直就像墙上的ー只壁虎,没有任何依靠,也能攀上去,而且能稳稳当当地贴在那儿,绝不随风偏倒。”

"Shangguan is good at surviving in the cracks and getting things done without prepared conditions." The translator Xu Jianguo told me, "He is like a gecko on the wall without any rely on, but he can still climb up, sticking to the wall firmly, never tilted with the wind.”

据说,上官世盘还有一个特点:特能抗困!晚上加班熬夜,每当困得实在不行时,他便往墙角一站,两拳紧握,双目怒睁,1〇分钟内绝不眨眼,很快便额头冒汗, 困意全无。他说,干事业,这是基本功,得练！

It is said that there is another characteristic of Shangguan Shipan, that is, his ability to resist drowsiness! When working overtime till late at night and too sleepy to continue, he would stand in the corner of the wall and clenched his fists, with eyes wide opened, not blinking for 10 minutes. Soon his forehead was sweating and his sleepiness was gone. He said this was the basic skill to make achievements, and it had to repeated practice!

这个晚上,上官世盘刚刚练完“基本功”,便孤坐灯下,面壁苦思:中国的“长征三号”运载火箭怎么才能打入国际商业市场?

This evening, when Shangguan Shipan had just finished practicing the "basic skill," he sat alone under the lamp, facing the wall and pondering : How can China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket enter the international commercial market?

这个问题在六年后的今天看来,既合情又合理,可当时在有的人眼里,却是天方夜谭。

This question seems truly reasonable today, but it was considered as a fantasy six years ago.

上官世盘1936年生于福建,1958年毕业于厦门大学物理系。大学毕业后,他去了戈壁酒泉卫星发射基地,一直从事航区的测控工作。其间,他曾出任过高级技校的教师,如今这能说善辩的口オ,与那段当教师的经历有关。

Shangguan Shipan was born in Fujian Province in 1936 and graduated from the Physics Department of Xiamen University in 1958. After graduating from college, he went to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gobi Desert and has been engaged in the measurement and control of the navigation area. During that time, he once served as a teacher in an advanced technical school, which contributed to his eloquence.

从1958年至1990年,上官世盘在发射场摸爬滚打,一晃便是三十二年。三十二年来,上官世盘曾参加过中国第一枚导弹、第一颗人造卫星、第一颗返回式卫星、第一颗原子弹、第一颗氢弹、第一颗同步通信卫星等发射试验任务,同时还参加组织过“ 154”跟踪测量工程的研制工作和“远望号”测量船的研制、论证工作。

From 1958 to 1990, Shangguan Shipan spent 32 years at the launch site. In the past 30 years, Shangguan has participated in a number of launch tests, including tests of China's first missile, the first man-made satellite, the first recoverable satellite, the first atomic bomb, the first hydrogen bomb, the first synchronous communication satellite, etc. He has also organized and participated in the development of the tracking and measurement of "154 Project" as well as the development and demonstration of the "Yuanyang" oceangoing measuring fleet.

毫无疑问,积数十年发射场之经验,上官世盘对中国的航天技术水平以及发射队伍的现状是非常熟悉的,而且对这支队伍的过去、现在和未来也有着较为清晰的认识。

Undoubtedly, with rich experience accumulated for decades, Shangguan is very familiar with the level of China's aerospace technology and the status quo of the launch team, and has a clear understanding of the past, present and future of this team.

在采访过程中,当我问上官世盘,当时国防科工委和航天部为什么会想到要把中国火箭发射技术打入国际商业市场时,他坦率地谈了自己的看法。他说:

During the interview, when asked why the COSTIND and the Ministry of Aerospace Industry thought of introducing China's rocket launching technology into the international commercial market, he frankly talked about his own views. He said:

“第一,我觉得航天事业就应该有所开拓有所创新,而不能因循守旧,只走老路。当时,国防科工委的领导和我们不仅想到了这个问题的艰难,甚至还准备为此付出牺牲和代价,但中国的出路在于改革开放。一个人,ー个部门,如何在自己的行业里体现这一国策,是问题的根本。中国有一支过硬的航天技术队伍,已经具备了数套完整的发射、测控设施,并且又有’长征’系列火箭。因此,如果我们能将中国的航天技术打入国际商业市场,岂不正是改革开放的最好体现?虽然肯定是困难重重,但我们认为是完全可以做到的。

"Firstly, I think there should be something innovative rather than the only pursuit of the old way. At that time, the leaders of the COSTIND and we not only thought of the difficulty of this problem, but also prepared to sacrifice and pay for it. However, China's future lies in reform and opening up. The way a person or a department chooses to embody this national policy in his own industry is the root of the problem. China has an excellent team of aerospace technicians, boasting several complete sets of launching, TT & C facilities, and the 'Long March' rockets. Therefore, if we can introduce China's space technology into the international commercial market, it will be the best embodiment of the policy of reform and opening up. Despite the odds, we think it is completely achievable.

“第二,国防科工委在全国有几个承担着不同试验任务的基地,总的来看,每个基地的任务都不是很重。有的一年最多发射两颗卫星,这就使得几万人待在大戈壁或者大山沟,常年没有多少紧迫的事情要干。同时,航天部有一大批专家年纪都不小了,而年轻一代一时还未接上茬,如果再不采取有效措施,那老ー辈专家所开创的航天事业,很可能就再也无法发展下去了,甚至还有断送的可能。

"Secondly, the COSTIND has several bases throughout the country that undertake different experimental tasks. Generally speaking, the task of each base is not very heavy. Some launch up to two satellites a year, which makes tens of thousands of people to stay in the Gobi or remote gully, always having few urgent things to do. At the same time, a large number of experts in the Ministry of Aerospace Industry are getting old, while the younger generation has not yet taken over. If still no effective measures, the space industry pioneered by the older generation may no longer be able to develop, and even may be ruined.

“因此,中国的航天发射必然面临两种选择:ー是精简队伍,砍掉ー些基地,因为中国的航天队伍全靠国家财政支撑。如果不砍,国家很穷,像国防科エ委这样一支庞大的科技队伍,长久下去,靠什么来养活?如果砍,随之而来的问题是,航天发射的需要是多种多样的,从我国当前的现状和发展趋势来看,哪ー个基地也少不了。将来一有新的发射任务,技术力量没有保留下来,怎么办?而另一条路,就是打出去!利用我们航天技术的优势和余力,承揽国外发射任务,这样,既可以造福人类,为国家赚取外汇,还可以保存、锻炼、提高技术队伍,使中国的航天事业不断发展、壮大下去。

"Therefore, China's space launch has to choose between two: one is to streamline the team, cutting some bases, because China's space team depends entirely on the state financial support. If we don't do that, in our penurious years at that time, what would a huge scientific and technological team like the COSTIND rely on to sustain itself in the long run? If we do that, the problem becomes that, due to a variety of needs of space launches, each base is necessary based on the current situation and development trend of our country. What if there is a new launch mission in the future but the technology is not preserved? And the other choice is to open foreign markets! That is, taking advantages of our space technology so as to undertake foreign launches. In this way, it will not only benefit mankind and earn foreign exchange for our country, but also preserve, train and improve the technical team, so that China's space industry will continue to develop and grow.

“第三,国务院、中央军委一再提出要军转民,但国防科工委的发射队伍如何军转民?生产产品,对各基地来说,又不是根本的出路。如果光搞生产经营,小打小闹,急功近利,不仅没有出路,长久下去,还会削弱技术力量,甚至会拖垮这支队伍。但如果我们把航天技术打入国际市场,从这里杀出一条血路,便能从根本上实现军转民的问题。否则,火箭故乡的子孙们永远直不起腰杆。”

"Thirdly, the State Council and the Central Military Commission have repeatedly proposed to convert military facilities to civilian facilities, but how can the launch team of the COSTIND be converted? Merely producing, for those bases, is not the fundamental way out. If only engaging in the small-scale production and marketing and be eager for quick success and instant benefits, not only can we not find the way out, but we will also weaken our technological strength and even drag down this contingent in the long run. Conversely, if we enter the international market with space technology and fight a bloody road from here, we can fundamentally realize the problem of transforming the military facilities into the civilian facilities. Otherwise, the descendants of the rocket's hometown will never be able to stand up."

上官世盘说着,竟按捺不住地站了起来,在屋里踱起了步子。

As Shangguan Shipan spoke, he couldn't help but stand up and paced in the room.

望着上官世盘那ー副忧国忧民的面孔,我突然想起法国大作家雨果先生的话: “世界上最广阔的是海洋,比海洋更广阔的是天空,比天空更广阔的是人的胸怀。”

Looking at the concern for the country and the people written across his face, I suddenly remembered the words of the great French writer Hugo: “The vastest thing in the world is the ocean; but what is broader than the ocean is the sky, and what is broader than the sky is human's mind.”

是的,历史进入20世纪80年代后,中国究竟靠什么来重塑自己在国际舞台上的形象,这个问题如同肚子饿了就要吃饭ー样,早就摆在了我们的面前。

Yes, after the 1980s, the question of how China would reshape its image on the international stage has long been placed in front of us, just like we have to eat when hungry.

中国曾以“四大发明”闻名天下,也以“火箭的故乡”著称于世,但这些老本早就吃光了。中国的形象,无疑需要今天的火箭子孙们重新塑造。既然中国有了可以造福人类的“长征”系列火箭,当然应该让它走向世界。不然,总不能让它永远留在本国尘封的宫殿,去做祭奠“四大发明”的供品吧。

China was famous for its "four great inventions" and "the hometown of rockets," but these old funds have long been eaten up. The image of China undoubtedly needs to be reshaped by today's rockets. Since China has the "Long March" series of rockets that can benefit mankind, they should naturally be allowed to go to the world. After all, they can't just stay in the dusty palace in our country forever being a sacrifice for "the Four great inventions".

记得波尼亚托夫斯基在《变幻莫测的未来世界》ー书中说过:“生活的唯一答案,就是生存下去。所谓生存,就是思考和行动。”

M. Poniatowski once said in his book The Unpredictable Future: "The only answer to life is to survive. And the so-called survival, is to think and act."

看来,中国目前最需要的,正是“思考”和“行动”

It seems that what China needs most at present is "to think" and "to act."

蒙古大汉与陈老板

The Mongol Man and Boss Chen

英雄所见略同。

Great minds think alike.

几乎在同一个夜晚,国家科委主任宋健坐在灯下,扶着眼镜,认认真真地读着一封来自航天部的信。

Almost on the same night, Song Jian, the Director of the State Science and Technology Commission, sat under the lamp, holding his glasses and reading a letter from the Ministry of Aerospace Industry earnestly.

这封来信说:
The letter read:

利用“长征三号”运载火箭搞商业发射,把中国的航天技术打入国际商业市场,我们认为完全可能。

We believe that it is entirely possible to introduce China's space technology into the international commercial market by utilizing the "Long March 3" carrier rocket for commercial launch.

其理由是......

There are reasons...

宋健后来说,那天晚上他看完信后,心情久久不能平静。

Song Jian later said that after reading the letter that night, he could not calm down for a long time.

宋健曾是航天部副部长,让中国的火箭走向世界,也是他多年的梦想。因此, 他看完信后,想了想,又拿起信来看了看,而后オ将信慢慢展开,拿起笔来,在信的天头批道:

Song Jian was once the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Aerospace Industry, and it was his dream for long to let China's rockets into the world. Therefore, after he read the letter, he pondered, and read it again, and finally he unfolded the letter slowly and marked at the beginning of the letter:

我完全同意这个建议。希望你们为中国的火箭走向世界而努力奋斗!

I totally agree with the proposal. I hope you will work hard for China's rockets to go global!

写这封建议信的人,便是如今中国长城エ业公司的两位副总经理:乌可カ和陈寿椿。

It was Wu Keli and Chen Shouchun, two deputy general managers of China Great Wall Industrial Corporation, that wrote this letter of suggestion.

中国长城エ业公司,是一家全国性的具有法人资格、独立经营权的工贸结合、技贸结合的进出口贸易公司。自中国宣布进入国际商业发射市场起,长城エ业公司便成为中国政府批准的经营运载火箭发射服务、卫星合作业务的唯一机构。长城工业公司自成立以来,已同世界70多个国家和地区的公司、经济组织有着广泛的贸易合作关系。特别是中国“长征号”系列火箭进入国际市场以来,长城エ业公司已先后同五大洲几十家公司建立了业务联系,并签订了多项卫星发射及卫星搭载订座协议的合同,积极发展了与各国公司之间的经济贸易与友好合作,受到客户的赞誉。

China Great Wall Industry Corporation is a national import and export trading company with legal person status and independent management right, which combines industry and trade, technology and trade. Since China announced its entry into the international commercial launch market, the Great Wall Industrial Corporation has become the only organization approved by the Chinese government to operate launch vehicle launch services and satellite cooperation. Since its establishment, China Great Wall Industry Corporation has had extensive trade and its cooperation relations with companies and economic organizations in more than 70 countries and regions in the world. Especially since China's "Long March" series rockets entered the international market, Great Wall Industry Corporation has established business contacts with dozens of companies on five continents and signed a number of satellite launch and satellite boarding reservation agreements. The company has actively developed the economic trade and friendly cooperation with companies in various countries, winning high praises from customers.

1990年夏季一个炎热的上午,我在中国长城エ业公司见到了乌可カ先生。

On a sweltering summer morning of 1990, I met Mr. Wu Keli in China Great Wall Industry Corporation.

乌可力是成吉思汗的后裔。他的父亲,便是大名鼎鼎的乌兰夫。

Wu Keli is the descendant of Genghis Khan. His father is Wu Lanfu, who was very famous.

乌可カ原名“乌宾”。这是他刚刚来到这个世界时,父亲特意为他取下的名字。但当他考入哈军エ即中国人民解放军军事工程学院后,便自作主张,将名字改成了“乌可カ”。“乌可カ”在蒙语中,就是“牛”的意思。

Wu Keli's original name is "Wu Bin", which his father chose for him as he just came to the world. However, when he was admitted to the PLA Military Institute of Engineering, he changed his name to "Wu Keli" on his own initiative. In Mongolian, "Wu Keli" means "cattle".

乌可力的确像头牛,高大的个子,粗壮的身板,宽阔的胸脯如同一堵厚实的墙。我俩会面这天,他穿一件花格子短衬衫,满头白发,两眼有神,乍一望去,颇像一位来自欧洲的大商人。尤其是嘴唇上方那撮贺龙式小胡子,既潇洒漂亮,又显出几分刚毅与傲气。

He was really like a bull, tall, stout, with a broad chest like a thick wall. On the day we met, he wore a plaid blouse, with grey hair and bright eyes. At first glance, he looked like a rich businessman from Europe. His He Long-style mustache above the lips was both natural and beautiful, showing a bit of perseverance and an air of arrogance.

“这胡子还是贺老总让我留的呢!”说到胡子,乌可カ伸出胖胖的指头理了理, 眼里竟闪烁着泪花。

"It was Mr. He who let me grow a beard!" When speaking of the mustache, Wu Keli trimmed it with his chubby fingers, tears flickering in his eyes.

那时,乌可カ还是一名二十来岁的大学生。一次,贺龙到他家里看望他父亲, 他刚打开门,贺老总当胸就给他ー拳,说:“小子,你这胡子长得不错啊!”

At that time, Wu Keli was still a college student in his twenties. Once, He Long came to Wu’s house to visit his father. As soon as Wu opened the door, Mr. He punched him and said, "Boy, you do have a nice beard!"

乌可力望着贺龙的胡子,说:“贺伯伯,不错是不错,可您是老总,是国家元帅, 胡子想怎么留就怎么留,而我还是个学生娃娃,学校不让我留胡子!”

Looking at He Long's beard, Wu Keli said, “Uncle He, thank you for your praise. You can grow beards as you like because you're a boss as well as a marshal. But I'm a student. I'm not allowed to grow a beard in school!"

“是吗?这好办!”贺龙理了理自己的胡子,说,“你回去告诉学校的头儿,你的胡子就这么留定了,就说是我贺龙批准的！”

"Really? That's easy to solve!" He Long trimmed his beard and said," Go back and tell the headmaster that you are allowed to do this by me, He Long!"

“这太好了,贺伯伯！”乌可カ欢呼着,转身拿起一块西瓜,一下塞进贺龙的嘴里。

"That's great, Uncle He!" Wu Keli cheered, turned around, pick up a piece of watermelon and stuff it into He Long's mouth.

乌可力的胡子,便这么留下来了。

That's how Wu Keli grew his beard.

后来,有人见他这撮胡子长得实在太漂亮了,而且很像贺龙的胡子,便给他的胡子取了个绰号一贺龙式小胡子。

Later, someone saw that his beard was really beautiful and looked very much like He Long's beard, so they gave it a nickname -- the beard in He Long's style.

据说,近几年来他总喜欢对着镜子抚摸自己的胡子;每当抚摸着胡子时,他总会想起贺老总,想起新中国一大批老元帅。

It is said that in recent years, he always likes touching his beard in the front of a mirror; every time he touches it, he would recall the boss He, and a number of veteran marshals in new China.

1940年,乌可力告别内蒙古大草原,随父亲去了延安,并在延安度过了半军事化的少年时代。在延安上小学时,乌可力就是有名的“乌大胆”。有一次,他独自一人,挽起裤腿瞠延河水〇不料,他刚ー下水,上游的洪水便ー个劲儿地猛涨,眼看就要奔泻而下！就在这时,一匹骏马沿着河岸向他飞奔而来。马上的汉子跳下马背,几步瞠进河里,一把便将他抱回岸上。等他脱下裤子,撩了一把河水,回头一看,这人竟是周恩来伯伯！

In 1940, Wu Keli bid farewell to the Inner Mongolia prairie, went to Yan 'an with his father, and spent a semi-militarized boyhood there. When he was in primary school in Yan 'an, Wu Keli was famous as " Daredevil Wu." Once, he was rolling up his trousers and extending the river alone. Unexpectedly, as soon as he stepped into the water, the flood upstream surged fiercely and was about to rush down! At this moment, a steed galloped towards him along the river bank. The man jumped off the horse, stepped into the river within few steps and carried him back to the bank quickly. When he took off his pants and pulled a handful of the river, he looked back, only to find the man was Uncle Zhou Enlai!

还有一次,他和一群小同学正在路边“打仗”,忽见ー辆美式嘎斯正朝他们这边开来。他急忙领着小伙伴们冲上前去,往路中央ー站,手中的“枪”ー举,大喊ー声:“停车！什么人?”车乖乖地停下了,随后从车上走下一位高大魁伟的人来,双手高高举起,脸上却露着慈祥的微笑。他定睛ー看,原来是毛主席！他一下便扑了过去,欢快地叫着:“毛伯伯!毛伯伯!快给我们讲个打仗的故事吧!”

On another occasion, when he was playing with his classmates on the side of the road, an American style gas suddenly came towards them . He quickly led his companions forward and headed towards the center of the road, holding up his "gun" and shouting loudly, "Stop! Who are you?" The car stopped as asked, and then a tall and burly person walked out of the car, raising his hands high with a kind smile on his face. After a closer look, he found it was Chairman Mao! He pounced on him immediately and exclaimed joyfully, "Uncle Mao! Uncle Mao! Tell us a story about the war!"

乌可カ天资聪明,加之后天环境的影响,刚满十三岁,便被选去当了电报员和骑兵通讯员。在哈军工学习期间,他和科研小组的同学一起,研究成功了人工降雨火箭;而他自己研制的耐高温材料,还获得了国家专利。大学毕业后,他去国防科技大学深造了五年的空气动力学,接着就搞起了飞机设计。

Due to his extraordinary talent and the influence of the acquired environment, Wu Keli was chosen to be a telegraph operator and cavalry correspondent when he just turned thirteen years old. During his study in PLA Military Institute of Engineering, he and the students of the scientific research team successfully studied the rocket for artificial rainfall. And the high-temperature resistant materials he developed himself also won national patents. After graduating from college, he went to the National University of Defense Technology to study aerodynamics for five years, and then started to design aircraft.

但是,父亲的权位并未给乌可力的人生道路铺上鲜花,反而一度带给他的是厄运！

However, his father's position of power did not pave the way for Wu Keli's life, but always brought him bad luck!

1967年,乌可カ因受父亲的牵连,银铛入狱。

In 1967, Wu Keli was imprisoned for being incriminated by his father.

然而四年的监狱生活,并未折断乌可カ鹰一般的翅膀,反而铸就了他ー颗蒙古大汉的雄心。在蹲监狱的日子里,每当夜深人静之时,他常常凭窗眺望,ー颗孤独的心,便会随着先祖成吉思汗的铁蹄,在辽阔的内蒙古草原自由狂奔;而每次他被发配去埋死人时,则会想到另ー个问题:ー个没死的人,该为自己的祖国干点什么呢?

Nevertheless, the four-year prison life did not break the wings of his eagle, but forged his ambition as a Mongolian man. In the days of prison, he often looked out from the window in every still night. His lonely heart, then, would run freely in the vast Inner Mongolia grassland with the iron hooves of the ancestor Genghis Khan; And every time he was sent to bury the dead, he would think of another question: What should a living man do for his motherland?

1982年,他调到航天部担任科技预研局副局长。其间,他对中国和世界航天的局势,做了透彻的分析和科学的预测。所以当1984年4月8日“长征三号”火箭发射成功后,他和陈寿椿、黄作义等人,很快便想到了如何把“长征三号”运载火箭打入国际商业市场的问题。

In 1982, he was transferred to the Ministry of Aerospace Industry as deputy director of the Science and Technology Advanced Research Bureau. During his term of office, he made a thorough analysis and scientific prediction of the situation of China and the world space industry. Therefore, when the "Long March 3" rocket was successfully launched on April 8, 1984, Wu Keli, Chen Shouchun, Huang Zuoyi and others quickly knew how to enter the international commercial market with the "Long March 3" carrier rocket.

陈寿椿是这次发射“亚洲一号”卫星的新闻人物。他的同事和部下都称他为 “陈老总”；但外国朋友还有港商,则习惯叫他“陈老板”。

Chen Shouchun was the news figure of the launch of the "Asia-1" satellite. His colleagues and subordinates all called him "Chief Chen"; but other foreign friends and Hong Kong businessmen preferred to call him "Boss Chen".

我在西昌卫星发射场见到了陈老板。陈老板很忙,忙得不可开交。凡是去了西昌卫星发射场的记者都想找他,但几乎都没找到他。

I met Mr. Chen at the Xichang Satellite Launch Site. Chen was so busy that no reporter who went to the Xichang Satellite Launch Site could find him.

一天傍晚,我趁他刚刚放下碗筷的时候堵住了他。这是一位用ー个脑袋可以同时思考三个问题的人物。ー进他的房间,他用下巴夹住电话筒,ー边给北京打着电话,ー边复印着文件,ー边不时看看复印的效果;同时怕冷落了我,还总是抓住点滴间隙,与我天南海北,侃侃而谈。

One evening, I stopped him when he had just finished his dinner. This was a person who could think over three questions at the same time. Hardly had he entered his room, when he talked with someone in Beijing, the telephone receiver just clamped with his chin; simultaneously, he copied documents, and checked the copies from time to time. Also, to avoid ignoring me, he seized every spare time to talk with me, freely and fluently.

陈老板戴ー副眼镜,穿一件棕色夹克衫,说话办事,都是“短平快”,ー看便是个爽快利落、性情急躁的人。而且不用多问,听口音便可断定是个地道的广东人。

He was wearing a pair of glasses and a brown jacket, and he always talked and acted outright. His look has already revealed his straightforwardness and impatience. And needless to ask more, you could conclude that he was a real Cantonese just from his accent.

陈寿椿1960年毕业于苏联莫斯科机械工程学院。回国后,曾担任过“长征一号”火箭的主任设计师,在航天部总体设计部整整干了两个七年。陈寿椿胸怀大志,加上南方人天生就有一个会做生意的脑袋,所以他最终还是舍弃了设计师的宝座,当上了推销中国火箭的大老板。

Chen Shouchun graduated from the Moscow Institute of Mechanical Engineering in 1960. After returning to China, he served as the chief designer of the "Long March 1" rocket and worked in the overall design department of the Ministry of Aerospace for fourteen years. Entertaining a great ambition and born with a business mind as a southerner, he finally abandoned the designer's throne and became a big boss of selling Chinese rockets.

乌可力和陈寿椿等人的建议,得到了航天部领导的大力支持。

The suggestions of Wu Keli, Chen Shouchun and others have received strong support from the leaders of the Ministry of Aerospace Industry.

1984年4月下旬的某个晚上,航天部部长李绪鄂和原副部长刘纪原专门召集乌可力等人谈话,具体讨论了中国航天技术打入国际市场的有关问题;并指示乌可カ全力以赴,负责开展“长征三号”火箭打入国际市场的工作。

One night in late April 1984, the Minister Li Xue and former Deputy Minister Liu Jiyuan of the Ministry of Aerospace Industry specially called on Wu Keli and others to have a talk. On the one hand, they specifically discussed issues related to China's space technology's entry into the international market; on the other hand, they instructed him to make every effort to carry out the launching the "Long March 3" rocket into the international market.

接着,航天部拨款20万元人民币,组织成立了以乌可カ、陈寿椿、黄作义为首的“航天开发十人小组”,开始了中国空间技术走向世界的早期活动。

Subsequently, the Ministry of Aerospace Industry allocated 200,000 yuan to organize the establishment of a "Ten-Member Team for Aerospace Development" headed by Wu Keli, Chen Shouchun and Huang Zuoyi, which began the early activities of China's space technology to the world.

六、序幕在戴高乐机场拉开

Ⅵ. The Prologue at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

1984年底,ー份关于把中国“长征三号”运载火箭打入国际商业市场的正式报告,摆在了国防科エ委领导的办公桌上。

At the end of 1984, a formal report on the entry of China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket into the international commercial market was placed on the desk of the leader of the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (COSTIND).

这份报告,既体现了国防科工委和航天部决策者们的远见卓识,又表达了航天战线一大批科技精英希望早日把中国火箭打入国际商业市场的美好愿望。

The report not only reflected the farsightedness of the decision-makers of the COSTIND and the Ministry of Aviation Industry, but also embodied the good wish of a large number of scientific and technological elites in the aerospace field to bring China's rockets into the international commercial market as soon as possible.

此报告受到了国防科エ委领导的高度重视。根据国防科工委的指示,张敏参谋长很快组织航天部、西昌卫星发射基地、西安测控中心、洛阳测量通信所和科エ委有关部、局负责人,对报告进行了充分的讨论与研究。

This report was highly valued by the leaders of the COSTIND. In accordance with the instructions of the COSTIND, the Chief of Staff Zhang Min soon organized relevant personnel and units to have a full discussuion and study of the report, including the XSLC, Xi'an Satellite Control Center, Luoyang Measurement and Communication Institute, and personnels of relevant departments and bureaus of the COSTIND.

同时,国防科エ委领导还向张爱萍将军做了汇报。

Besides, the leaders of the COSTIND also made a report to General Zhang Aiping.

张爱萍将军听了后,兴奋不已,竟激动地从藤椅上一下站了起来,用手中的黄藤手杖连连戳着地面说:“好!让中国的火箭走向世界,是壮国威、壮军威的大事, 一定要想方设法尽快干成。我们既然有了这个能力,就要敢于竞争,敢于向世界挑战,而绝不能落于人后,更不能受制于人!”

Hearing this, the general was so thrilled that he stood up suddenly from the cany chair, continuously poking at the ground with the yellow cany cane in his hands, saying: "Great! It's a major event to let China's rocket go to the world, which strengthens the national and military power. We must try to make it as soon as possible. Now that we have the strength, we must dare to compete and challenge the world. We must not fall behind other countries, still less be controlled by other countries!"

接着,国防科工委和航天部的领导又向中央军委和国务院有关领导专门做了一次口头汇报。

Then, the leadres of the COSTIND and the Ministry of Aviation Industry specially made a oral report to the relevant leaders of the CMC and the State Council.

中央军委和国务院有关领导听完汇报后,对此表示了极大的兴趣,并对这ー设想给予了充分的肯定与鼓励。国务院领导最后还指示说:“希望科工委回去后抓紧这ー工作,尽快拿出具体的方案和意见来。”

After listening to the report, the leaders showed great interest in it and gave full affirmation and encouragement to this assumption. The leader of The State Council finally instructed, "I hope that the Commission will pay close attention to this work and give us specific plans and opinions as soon as possible."

于是,1985年4月2日,国防科工委在国防部大院五楼会议室,召开了关于 “长征三号”运载火箭发射外国卫星可行性的论证会。

Therefore, on April 2,1985, the COSTIND held a meeting on the fifth floor of the Ministry of National Defense, which was on the feasibility of launching foreign satellites with the Long March-3 carrier rocket in the conference room.

会议认为,航天作为ー个产业,在国际上正处于开发的初始阶段。航天发射获利非常之大,仅运载火箭,欧美每年获利都达5亿美元。目前欧美正为航天技术商业化进行激烈的竞争,苏联也在积极探索如何参与这ー竞争。从中国航天的现状来看,中国是世界上同时拥有运载火箭和卫星测控网的国家之一。为了开发航天产业,进入国际市场;为了开展国际合作,加速提高航天技术水平;为了促进四化建设,增辟一条新的财源,中国应该让自己的航天技术打入国际市场。

The attendees held that aerospace, as an industry, was in the initial stage of its international development. Space launches always brought huge benefits. The United States and Europe earned $500 million a year from launch vehicles alone. At present, Europe and the United States were competing fiercely for the commercialization of space technology, and the Soviet Union was also active in exploring how to participate in this competition. Taking the current situation of China's aerospace industry into consideration, China was one of the countries in the world that had both carrier rockets and the satellite tracking and control network. In order to develop the aerospace industry and enter the international market; to prompt international cooperation and accelerate the improvement of space technology; to promote informatization, socialization, marketization, and internationalization, and to create a new source of financial resources, China should let its own space technology enter the international market.

国防科工委主任丁衡高说:“这个工作是一定要干的,否则将来就很被动。中国的航天,就是要在国际竞争中求发展。只要第一次打开了局面,今后的路就会越走越宽。”

Ding Henggao, the director of the COSTIND, said: "This work must be done, otherwise we will be very passive in the future. China's space industry is destined to grow in international competitions. As long as we take the first step, the road ahead will become wider and wider."

国防科工委副主任沈荣骏也说:“发射外国卫星,这是我们前人从未干过的事业,肯定会遇到不少困难和阻カ,甚至还要冒风险,但我们首先要树立起雄心,要有敢于开拓、敢于创新的精神。只要我们下决心脚踏实地地去干,终归能把事情干成。因为这不仅仅是国防科工委的一件大事,也是整个中华民族的一件大事! 一旦做成,就会改变中国在世界的形象,同时也会在历史上留下深远的影响。”

Shen Rongjun, the deputy director of the COSTIND, also marked: "launching a foreign satellite is something that our predecessors have never done before, and we will certainly encounter many difficulties and obstacles, and even take risks. But first of all, we must set up ambition and have the spirit of daring to strike out and to innovate. As long as we make up our mind to do it down to earth, we will make it in the end. This is not only a major event of the COSTIND, but also a major event of the whole Chinese nation! Once it is achieved, it will change China's image in the world and at the same time leave a far-reaching impact in history."

1985年6月,国际航空航天展览会在巴黎举行。

这是一次规模空前的盛会,近100个国家的代表,200多名各国记者,纷纷聚会法国首都巴黎。

中国,这个火箭的故乡,有史以来第一次将自己的火箭、卫星等高科技产品送到国际航展会上。

而中国代表团的团长,正是乌可カ。

In June 1985, the International Aerospace Exhibition was held in Paris.

At this unprecedented event, representatives from nearly 100 countries, more than 200 journalists from all over the world, gathered in Paris, the capital of France.

China, the hometown of rockets, showed its own rockets, satellites and other high-tech products at an international air exhibition for the first time.

The head of the Chinese delegation was Wu Keli.

那天,航展会开幕仪式在戴高乐机场隆重举行。当五星红旗第一次在巴黎上空徐徐升起时,乌可力和代表团的所有成员,全都忍不住流下了自豪的热泪……

That day, the opening ceremony of the air exhibition was grandly held at Charles de Gaulle Airport. When the five-star red flag rose slowly in Paris for the first time, Wu Keli and all the members of the delegation could not help but shed tears of pride.

是啊,巴黎既是一座英雄的城市,又是革命的摇篮。它不仅孕育了法兰西民族灿烂的文明,还对中国的一代革命家产生过深远的影响。当年,周恩来、朱德、邓小平、聂荣臻、李富春、陈毅、蔡和森、王若飞、徐特立等一大批中国留学生,曾抱着研究马克思主义真理,寻找改造中国出路和“科学救国”的思想,漂洋过海,来到巴黎,勤工俭学。岁月匆匆,往事如烟。而今半个多世纪过去了,经几代中国人的不懈奋斗,终于有了代表中国实力的“长征三号”运载火箭和同步通信卫星,并有机会展示在世人的面前。这实在是一件令人欣喜、令人自豪的事情。

Surely, Paris is both a city of heroes and a cradle of revolution. It not only gave birth to the splendid civilization of the French nation, but also had a profound impact on a generation of Chinese revolutionaries. In those days, a large number of Chinese overseas students, including Zhou Enlai, Zhu De, Deng Xiaoping, Nie Rongzhen, Li Fuchun, Chen Yi, Cai Hesen, Wang Ruofei, Xu Teli, etc., who entertain the ideal of studying Marxist truth to seek for a way to transform China and "save the country through science," traveled across the sea to Paris, working their ways through college. Time flies; past events have faded like a puff of smoke. Now more than half a century has passed, after several generations of Chinese people's unremitting struggle, finally the "Long March 3" carrier rocket and synchronous communication satellite came out, which represented China's strength, and were displayed in front of the world. This was really an exciting and proud event.

而作为火箭故乡的子孙,乌可力更不会忘记:ー个世纪前,美国在费城举办某科技成果博览会时,美国送展的是第一代发电机和莫尔斯的发报机;英国送展的是瓦特发明的蒸汽机;而中国送展的,却是一双小脚女人的绣花鞋和ー只手工制作的挖耳勺!而今天,中国向世界展示的,是世界高科技的先进成果一同步通信卫星和“长征三号”火箭!

As a descendant of the rocket's hometown, there was something Wu Keli would never forget. A century ago, at an exhibition held by the United states on scientific and technological achievements in Philadelphia, the United States presented the first-generation generator and the transmitter invented by Morse. Britain presented the steam engine invented by Wattt. But what China presented to the exhibition were a pair of embroidered shoes for a feet-bound woman and a handmade ear digging spoon! Today, however, what China was showing the world is the world's advanced high-tech achievements--a synchronous communication satellite and the "Long March 3" rocket!

因此,当乌可カ站在飘扬的国旗下,不停地抚摸着自己那撮骄傲的贺龙式小胡子时,内心涌动着的是ー股奔腾不息的滚滚热流……700多年前,他的先祖成吉思汗率领铁骑横跨欧亚大陆,用武力将中国的古代火箭传入欧洲;700多年后的今天,他这个成吉思汗的子孙,却在鲜花与笑脸中将中国的现代火箭带出国门,让欧洲人再一次目睹了中国火箭的风采。

Therefore, when Wu Keli stood under the fluttering national flag and kept stroking his He Long-style mustache he was pround of, his felt a surging heat flow running through his heart. More than 700 years ago, his ancestor Genghis Khan led his cavalry across Eurasia and introduced ancient Chinese rockets into Europe by force. Over 700 years later, now, he, a descendant of Genghis Khan, brought China's modern rockets abroad with flowers and smiling faces, and let Europeans once again witness the elegant demeanour of Chinese rockets.

这难道是历史的巧合吗?

Is this a coincidence of history?

开幕式结束的第二天,乌可カ便在戴高乐机场附近的一家私人餐厅举行了新闻发布会。

他站在餐厅的中央,西装革履,风度翩翩,来自世界各国的200多名记者将他围了个水泄不通。当他大声宣布中国的“长征三号”火箭将投入国际商业发射市场时,全场报以热烈的掌声。

新闻发布会从下午1点进行到4点,他回答了记者们100多个提问。

On the second day after the opening ceremony, Wukeli held a press conference at a private restaurant near Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Dressed in a suit and shoes, he stood in the center of the restaurant with a graceful demeanor, surrounded by over 200 journalists from all over the world. When he loudly announced that China's "Long March 3" rocket will access to the international commercial launch market, the audience responded with warm applause.

The press conference lasted from 1 to 4 p. m., and he answered more than 100 questions from reporters.

新闻发布会的召开,让中国的火箭在展览会上一开始便掀起一个高潮。第二天,法国各家报纸纷纷报道了这ー消息,而乌可力的照片也出现在《巴黎日报》头版头条的位置上,照片上那一撮贺龙式的小胡子,更是格外引人注目。

The press conference made China's rockets set off a climax at the beginning of the exhibition. The next day, French newspapers reported the news one after another, and the photo of Wu Keli also appeared on the front page of Paris Daily, and his He Long-style beared in the photo was particularly eye-catching.

一天傍晚,乌可力和王若飞之子王兴先生走进一家法籍华人开的饭馆。二人刚一落座,老板和服务生便围了过来,指着乌可カ问:“您就是乌先生吧?”

One evening, Wu Keli and Wang Xing, the son of Wang Ruofei, walked into a restaurant owned by a French Chinese. As soon as the they sat down, the owner and the waiters came around, pointing to Wu Keli, and asked: "Are you Mr. Wu?"

乌可力有些莫名其妙:“是啊!你们怎么知道?”

Wu Keli answered with a little confusion, "Yes, I am! But how do you know that?"

老板说:“哎呀,您的照片我们在报上都看见了。你们来巴黎宣传中国的火箭, 我们太高兴了 !过去,不仅外国人不知道我们中国有火箭、卫星,就连我们这些中国人都不知道呢。今天这顿饭,算我请客了!”

The restanrant owner said, "Oh, Sir, we have seen your photo in the newspaper. We are so happy that you came to Paris to promote China's rockets! In the past, not only did foreigners not know that China had rockets and satellites, but even we Chinese did not know it. Today this meal, it's my treat!"

说完,老板亲手做了几个中国菜,还拿出两瓶世界名酒,免费请他俩吃了一顿。

After that, he took out two bottles of world-known wine and treated them to a free meal.

航展会期间,国务院副总理李鹏外访途经巴黎。乌可カ得知后,忙跑到中国驻法大使馆,找到李鹏,向他汇报了中国这次参加国际航展的情况,以及在世界各国产生的影响,希望他能到航展会上看ー看。

During the exhibition, the Vice Premier Li Peng stopped off in Paris on his way to overseas visits. Knowing this, Wu Keli hurriedly ran to the Chinese Embassy in France, where he found Li Peng and reported to him on China's participation in the international air show as well as its influence on other countries in the world. He hoped that Li Peng could take a look at the air show.

听了乌可力的介绍,李鹏异常兴奋。据乌可カ后来说,李鹏在窗前站了片刻, ォ重新坐回沙发上,向乌可カ问起有关中国火箭打入国际商业市场的进展情况。最后,李鹏表示:明天一定去国际航空航天展览会看看!

Li Peng was extremely excited after hearing Wu keli's introduction. Wu Keli later told us, Li Peng stood by the window for a moment before sitting back on the sofa and asked him about the progress of the Chinese rocket's entery into the international commercial market. At last, Li Peng promised that he would definitely go to the exhibition tomorrow!

第二天,李鹏忙里偷闲,来到国际航空航天展览会现场。在乌可カ的陪同下, 李鹏认真观看了中国参展的火箭和卫星。ー边看,还ー边详细询问了有关情况。当他亲眼看见世界各国的同行纷纷拥向中国展厅并不时发出由衷的赞叹时,高兴得不停地晃动着右臂;特别是当他看到不少白发苍苍的华侨ー边看着中国的火箭、卫星,ー边擦拭着热泪时,更是激动难抑。

The next day, Li Peng took a break from his busy work and came to the scene of the air show. Accompanied by Wu Keli, Li Peng carefully watched the rockets and satellites China had exhibited. While watching, Li Peng asked about the situation in detail. As he saw with his own eyes that his counterparts from all over the world were crowding the exhibition hall of China and occasionally expressed heartfelt admiration, he was so happy that he kept shaking his right arm, especially when he saw many white-haired overseas chinese wiping away their tears while looking at China's rockets and satellites, he could not contain his excitement. However, when Li Peng noticed that the exhibition halls of the United States, France, Japan, the Soviet Union and other countries were luxurious and magnificent, while the exhibition hall of China was pitifully small, he was silent.

但是,当李鹏看到美国、法国、日本、苏联等国的展厅又豪华又气派,而中国的展厅却小得可怜时,却沉默了。

片刻,李鹏问乌可力:“你这展厅的面积有多大?”

乌可カ有些不好意思地回答说:“18平方米。”

“怎么不搞大一点,气派一点?”李鹏说。

乌可カ无可奈何地摇了摇头,笑了:“没钱!”

李鹏:“没钱?”

After a while, Li Peng asked Wu Keli,"What's the size of this exhibition hall?"

"18 square meters," answered Wu Keli with a little akwardness.

"Why not make it bigger and grander? "Li Peng asked.

He shook his head helplessly and smiled, "We have no enough money!"

Li Peng repeated, "No enough money?"

“对。就是这个展厅的资金,也是想方设法,好不容易オ凑的。”乌可カ说, “当然了,中国的’长征’系列火箭和同步通信卫星是第一次在全世界面前亮相,我们心里都没底。怕一下搞大了,万一人家不来看,不买账,到时就很难下台了。”

“Yes. Even the funds for this exhibition hall were also managed to raise with great difficulty," Wu Keli said, "And, this is the first time that China's 'Long March' rockets and geostationary communication satellites have been unveiled in the world, so we had nothing to learn from. We were afraid that if we had made a bigger one, it would be a bit embarrassing with few people coming to see."

“没关系,可以再搞大一点,再搞气派一点嘛!”李鹏说,“要知道,这代表的是我们中国的形象!”

"That doesn't matter. We can definitely make it bigger and grander!" said Li Peng. "You know, this embodies the image of China!"

有了李鹏副总理的尚方宝剑,乌可カ很快就把中国参加航展的面积,由18平方米变成了81平方米。

With the reassurance given by Vice Premier Li Peng, WuKeli soon expanded the area of China's exhibition hall from 18 square meters to 81 square meters.

于是,中国航展的影响越来越大。许多外国朋友看了中国的展品后说:“过去, 我们只知道中国有原子弹、氢弹,没想到中国还有’长征’系列火箭、返回式卫星、同步通信卫星。而且,还有像’长征三号’这样的世界第一流的火箭!”

As a result, the impact of China's air shows became increasingly significant. After seeing the exhibits from China, many foreign friends said, "In the past, we only knew that China had atomic bombs and hydrogen bombs. We didn't expect that China also had the 'Long March' rockets, recoverable satellites and synchronous communication satellites. Moreover, there are such world-class rockets as the 'Long March 3'!"

巴黎航展,拉开了中国空间技术走向世界的序幕。

It was the Paris Air Show that kicked off the prelude to China's space technology going to the world.

巴黎航展结束不久,即1985年6月,由苏联、美国、日本、澳大利亚等国联合举办的国际空间技术会在日内瓦举行。就在这个会上,陈寿椿代表中国代表团,作了关于《中国向外国提供发射服务可能性》的报告,并向世界正式宣布:“长征三号” 火箭发射服务的价格,将比国际市场同类低15% 〇因为中国并不借此谋取高利润,同时也因为中国的原材料和劳动カ比较便宜。

此报告在会上引起各国代表的强烈反响。会议主持人当即在会上郑重宣布: 没有中国参加的空间会议,是不完整的。

Shortly after the end of the Paris Air Show, that is, in June 1985, the International Space Technology Conference jointly organized by the Soviet Union, the United States, Japan, Australia and other countries was held in Geneva. At the meeting, Chen Shouchun, on behalf of the Chinese delegation, made a report on "China's Possibility of Providing Launch Services to Foreign Countries" and officially announced to the world that the price of the "Long March 3" rocket launch service would be 15% lower than that of the same kind in the international market. That because, for one thing, China did not intend to gain high profits through this; for another, China's raw materials and labor were relatively cheap.

This report aroused strong reactions from the representatives of various countries at the meeting. The meeting host immediately solemnly announced: the space technology conference without China was incomplete.

同年1〇月,中国又一次将一颗科学探测卫星和技术试验卫星发射成功。国防科工委副主任沈荣骏及时组织有关人士召开会议,认为面对急剧变革的世界形势, 中国再也不能沉默了,中国航天,到了必须做出选择的时候。

In October of the same year, China once again successfully launched a scientific exploration satellite and a technical test satellite. Shen Rongjin, Deputy Director of the COSTIND, promptly organized relevant personnel to have a meeting. He believed that in the face of the rapidly changing world situation, China could no longer remain silent. It was high time that China's aerospace industry had had to make a choice.

于是,10月27日,由航天部部长李绪鄂以答新华社记者问的形式,正式向世界庄严宣布:

中国自行研制的“长征二号”和“长征三号”运载火箭将投入国际市场,以优惠价格承揽国外卫星发射业务,并负责培训技术人员;而且,中国人民保险公司愿意以国际市场的优惠价格,为要求发射卫星的外商承担经济保险。

Therefore, on October 27, Li Xue, Minister of the Ministry of Aviation Industry, formally and solemnly announced to the world in the form of answering questions from Xinhua News Agency reporters:

The "Long March 2" and "Long March 3" carrier rockets developed by China would be put into the international market, and foreign satellite launching services would be contracted at preferential prices, and technical personnel would be trained; In addition, the People's Insurance Company of China was willing to provide economic insurance for foreign investors who requested to launch satellites at preferential prices in the international market.

这是ー个民族的心声;

也是ー个民族的胸怀;

更是ー个民族的气魄!

This was the voice of a nation;

This was the breadth of vision of a nation;

This was also the spirit of a nation!

中国,这个火箭的故乡,走过了几千年蒙昧苦难的岁月,今天终于敞开空间技术的大门,面对挑战的世界,第一次举起了火箭的旗帜。

China, the hometown of rockets, has gone through thousands of years of ignorance and suffering. Today, it has finally opened the door to space technology and raised the banner of rockets for the first time in the face of a challenging world.

七、天时·地利·人和

Ⅶ. Favourable Timing, Geographical and Human Conditions

中国火箭承揽外国卫星发射业务的消息刚一宣布,一股强大的“中国火箭热”很快蔓延全球。

As soon as the news that China's rocket contracted foreign satellite launch business was announced, a powerful "Chinese rocket fever" quickly spread around the world.

于是,机遇的脚步,随之向着中国走来;公正的阳光,开始照在了中国这片文明古国的大地上。

Therefore, the steps of opportunities, then, was coming towards China; the sunshine of justice began to shine on the land the ancient civilization.

而恰在这时,美国、法国的航天发射连连惨败。世界航天局势,陡然间发生了戏剧性的变化。

At this moment, the launches done by the United States and France suffered consecutive disastrous failures. Dramatic changes took place suddenly in the world aerospace situation.

1986年1月28日上午,数以万计的美国人拥挤在美国肯尼迪航天发射中心,等待观看人类历史上最壮美的一次飞行。

On the morning of January 28th, 1986, tens of thousands of Americans crowded at Kennedy Space Launch Center, waiting to watch the most magnificent flight in human history.

随着一声隆隆的巨响,一个庞然大物在滚滚烈焰中,徐徐升向天空。

With a loud rumbling noise, a colossus slowly rising into the sky in the roaring flame.

然而,当这个庞然大物升空后仅73秒钟突然一声闷雷般的巨响,成千上万的碎片在火光和烟雾中拖着熊熊的火焰,纷纷撒向离发射点10公里的太平洋,前后持续时间竟达1个小时之久。

However, only 73 seconds after the launch of the giant, with a sudden noise sounding like muffled thunder, tens of thousands of debris, in the fire and smoke dragged flames, were scattered to the Pacific Ocean 10 kilometers from the launch site, which lasted for one hour unfortunately.

这就是人类载人航天史上最悲惨的一幕:美国“挑战者号”航天飞机大爆炸!

It is the most tragic scene in the history of manned space flight that the Space Shuttle "Challenger" developed by the US exploded!

“挑战者号”大爆炸,震动了白宫。布什副总统即刻赶赴发射场,慰问遇难者家属。当天下午和晚上,里根总统向全国发表广播、电视讲话,赞扬7名宇航员是航天事业中的先锋和英雄,并强调美国将继续探索太空。两天后,里根总统还亲自出席了在休斯敦约翰逊航天中心举行的万人追悼大会。

The explosion shook the White House. Vice President Bush immediately rushed to the launch site to express condolences to the families of the victims. From that afternoon to night, in a broadcasted and televised address to the nation, President Reagan praised the seven astronauts as pioneers and heroes in the space industry and stressed that the United States will continue to explore space. Two days later, President Reagan personally attended the 10,000-person memorial meeting at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

两个多月后,即4月18日,美国“大力神--34D”火箭在美国范登堡空军基地携带一颗价值5000万美元的军事侦察卫星发射升空,不料几秒钟后随即爆炸。这是“大力神--34D”（以下简称“大力神”）火箭继1985年8月28日爆炸后的第二次爆炸。

More than two months later, on April 18, the US-developed "Titan-34D" rocket was launched in Vandenberg Air Force Base carrying a military reconnaissance satellite worth $50 million, only to be seen explode a few seconds later. This was the second explosion of the Titan-34D rocket, following the first on August 28, 1985.

5月3日,美国用“德尔塔”火箭发射一颗气象卫星,因火箭发动机故障而失去控制,升空后仅91秒便被地面指令炸毁。

On May 3, the United States had launched a weather satellite with a Delta rocket, but it was destroyed by ground instructions only 91 seconds after liftoff, due to the engine failure and its loss of control.

接着,在5月31日,法国“阿里亚娜”火箭继1985年第15次飞行爆炸后,在第 18次飞行中又不幸惨遭爆炸!发射被迫停止16个月。

Then, on May 31, the French Ariane rocket exploded on its 18th flight, following its 15th flight in 1985! So the launch was forced to stop for 16 months.

后来有人总结说:1986年,是世界航天史上的“大灾年”。

It was later concluded that 1986 was the "catastrophe year" in the history of the world's aerospace.

上述航天史上连续四次罕见的大失败,迅速改变了世界商业卫星发射市场的行情,从而使西欧诸国陷入一种十分尴尬的局面。

The four major failures mentioned above, which are rare in the history of space flight, have quickly changed the market of the world commercial satellite launch, thus putting Western European countries in a very embarrassing situation.

从美国的情况来看,三次连续大失败,打乱了原有的航天发射计划。因为航天飞机和“大力神”火箭,是美国当时运送大型卫星仅有的工具。相隔80天就出现两次失败,使其航天活动几乎陷于瘫痪。所以美国被迫宣布:航天飞机的飞行计划至少推迟一至两年。美国宇航局局长詹姆斯•弗莱彻说:“航天飞机拟在1988年第一季度オ可恢复飞行,在以后的三至四年,可能仅有三架航天飞机提供发射卫星服务。”

Judging from the perspective from the United States, three consecutive major failures have disrupted the original space launch plan. Because the space shuttle and the Titan rocket were the only tools America owned to transport large satellites. Two failures occurred 80 days apart, which almost paralyzed its space activities. So the United States was forced to announce that the flight plan of the space shuttle would be postponed by at least one to two years. NASA Administrator James Fletcher said,"The shuttle is scheduled to resume flight in the first quarter of 1988. In the next three to four years, there may be only three shuttles providing satellite launch service."

由此造成的结果是,各国卫星发射计划陷入一片混乱。已经列入发射计划的卫星用户,捶胸顿足,叫苦不迭。全世界几十颗亟待升空的卫星,只好无可奈何地躺在冷冷清清的仓库里或者生产线上;一些原定使用美国航天飞机发射的商用卫星,也只得推迟发射;而有的卫星用户则干脆取消了用航天飞机发射的合同,重新寻找火箭为其发射。

As a result, the satellite launch plans of various countries were in chaos. Those satellite users who had participated in the launch plan were regretful and complaint incessantly. Consequently, dozens of satellites around the world which were in urgent need of launching could only helplessly lay in cold and empty warehouses. And some of the commercial satellites that were scheduled to be launched by the US space shuttle had to be delayed. Besides, some satellite users cancelled their contracts to launch with space shuttles and searched for new rockets to launch them.

然而另寻火箭谈何容易!

However, how difficult it was to find another rocket!

由于在过去几年里,美国政府对航天飞机的发射服务给予了特殊的政策,美国国内的火箭根本无法与之抗衡,致使“大力神”“德尔塔”和“阿特拉斯”火箭纷纷败下阵来,大部分生产线均已关闭。所以,尽管航天飞机失败后里根政府曾宣布,为承揽美国及国外民用商业卫星的发射,“大力神”等多种火箭要竭尽全力恢复生产,以便同国外的运载火箭竞争。可惜,马丁公司的“大力神”火箭,至少要等两年之后才能飞行;麦道公司的“德尔塔”火箭要恢复生产,最快也需一年半至两年;而通用动カ公司的“阿特拉斯”火箭,由于大多数是为国防部提供军事服务的,目前也仅剩下一发库存。

In the past few years, the U.S. government had made special policies to the space shuttle launch, which the U.S. domestic rockets couldn't compete with. Hence "Titan,""Delta" and "Atlas" rockets lost one after another and most of the production lines being shut down. Therefore, the Reagan administration announced after the failure of these launches that, in order to undertake the launch of the United States and foreign civil commercial satellites,"Titan" and other rockets would restore production as much as possible so as to compete with foreign carrier rockets. Unfortunately, the "Titan" rocket produced by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company's would take at least two years later to be used; McDonnell-Douglas Corporation's "Delta" would take at least a year and a half to two years to resume production; while General Motors's "Atlas", most of which provided military services to the Ministry of Defense, currently only one shot was left in stock.

所以,美国企图用火箭在国际卫星发射市场东山再起,在短期内是不现实的, 也是缺乏竞争力的。

Therefore, it was unrealistic and uncompetitive for the United States to attempt to use rockets to make a comeback in the international satellite launch market in the short term.

再看看法国的情况,“阿里亚娜”火箭是由法国、联邦德国、英国等11个国家组成的欧洲空间局共同研制而成的。在美国“挑战者号”爆炸之前,“阿里亚娜”火箭是世界上唯一可与美国航天飞机抗衡的运载工具。1984年,“阿里亚娜”火箭首次承揽商业卫星发射,第一年就发射了 9颗卫星,一跃而成当年世界上最佳商业发射火箭。截至1985年底,“阿里亚娜”火箭已占领全世界42%的商业卫星发射市场,而且正暗暗发奋,要在1986年至1990年间,夺取50%的国际商业卫星发射市场。

In the case of France, the Ariane rocket was jointly developed by the European Space Agency, which was composed of 11 countries at that time including France, the Federal Republic of Germany and the United Kingdom. Before the explosion of the US's "Challenger", the "Ariane" was the only carrier in the world that could compete with the US space shuttle. In 1984 when the "Ariana" rocket undertook the first commercial satellite launch, it launched 9 satellites in its first year, becoming the world's best commercial launch rocket at that time. By the end of 1985, Ariane had accounted for 42% of the world's commercial satellite launch market and was secretly working to capture 50% of the international commercial satellite launch market between 1986 and 1990.

为此，阿里亚娜”公司于1985年不惜耗资12亿美元,在库鲁新建起了可供国际卫星发射的第二个发射场。其现代化的发射能力,可达每月发射一颗卫星。

For this reason, Ariana Company unhesitatedly invested 1.2 billion US dollars in 1985 to build a second launch site in Kuru for international satellite launches. Its modern launch capability was sufficient to support the launch of one satellite per month.

而且,为了稳定商业发射任务,提高竞争能力,从1986年1月起,“阿里亚娜” 公司的保险子公司也开始正式营业,其保险费率仅为11% -13%。

Moreover, in order to stabilize commercial launch missions and improve competitiveness, from January 1986, the insurance subsidiary of Ariana also began to operate, with insurance rates of only 11%-13%.

但是,由于“阿里亚娜”火箭在1985年和1986年连续两次失败,人们对它的可靠性也产生了怀疑;加之“阿里亚娜”公司为了补偿美元的贬值,又决定对新的国外卫星发射用户大幅度提高发射价格,必然大大降低其威信,削弱其在国际市场的竞争能力。

However, due to the failure of the Ariane rocket in 1985 and 1986, people also doubted its reliability, and Ariane Group decided to raise the launch price significantly for new foreign satellite launch users in order to compensate for the depreciation of the US dollar. This would inevitably result in a great reduction in its credibility and weaken its competitiveness in the international market.

那么,航天大国苏联的情况又怎么样呢?

So, how about the space power, the Soviet Union?

苏联的“质子号”火箭,具有相当大的运载能力,一直在积极寻求国外卫星发射用户,力争打入国际市场。但由于苏联多年来实行的不是开放政策,西方世界担心一旦用苏联火箭发射卫星,其卫星技术就会流入苏联,所以严格限制本国卫星进入苏联;而另一方面,苏联对“质子号”火箭的技术资料保密非常严格,致使国外用户很难了解到“质子号”火箭的真实可靠性。尽管两年前苏联利用电视台播放了 51秒钟的介绍“质子号”火箭的电视新闻,但西方世界对苏联发射服务的政策,始终持怀疑和观望的态度。

The Soviet "Proton" rocket, with extraordinary carrying capacity, had been actively seeking foreign satellite launch users, and striving to enter the international market. However, since the Soviet Union had not implemented an open policy for many years, the Western world was concerned that once a Soviet rocket was used to launch a satellite, their satellite technology would flow into the Soviet Union, so the western countries strictly restricted its own satellites from entering the Soviet Union. On the other hand, the Soviet Union strictly kept to the technical data confidentiality of its "Proton", making it difficult for foreign users to know "Proton"'s true reliability. Although the Soviet Union broadcasted a 51-second television news about the Proton rocket two years ago, the Western world always kept a skeptical and wait-and-see attitude toward the Soviet Union's launch service.

因此,尽管苏联的“质子号”火箭发射卫星的价格相当低廉一比中国还低, 但苏联的火箭在欧美国家用户中并不受欢迎,所以至今也未打入国际商业市场,无法形成很强的竞争力。

Therefore, although the price of the "Proton" rocket to launch satellites was quite low--lower than that of China, the Soviet rocket was not popular in Europe and the United States. Therefore, it failed to enter the international commercial market and be highly competitive.

由此可见,1986年的国际航天形势,导致欧洲诸国均处于被动不利的局面,而对中国的火箭打入国际商业市场却十分有利。

It could be concluded that the international space situation in 1986 led to a passive and unfavorable situation for European countries, but it was very advantageous for China's rockets to enter the international commercial market.

于是,有人分析了这一年的世界航天局势后,信誓旦旦地说:“ 1986年,中国火箭走向世界,真是天时、地利、人和。”

So, someone after analyzing the world space situation this year, confidently said: "In 1986, China's rocket went global, which is truly a combination of favourable timing, geographical and human conditions."

然而,初次上阵的中国,能否抓住这一契机呢?

However, could China, which was on its first trip, seize this opportunity?

八、周游列国的中国专家们

Ⅷ. Chinese Experts Traveling Around the World

1986年4月初的一天,中国商业卫星发射服务代表团从北京乘坐波音747飞机,前往美国进行有关卫星发射的商务接触。代表团团长乌可カ,副团长上官世盘。

One day in early April 1986, a Chinese commercial satellite launch service delegation took a Boeing 747 from Beijing to the United States for business contacts about satellite launch. Wu KeLi, the head of the delegation, and Shangguan Shipan, deputy head of the delegation.

自中国宣布对外承揽发射业务后,特别是美国的“挑战者号”航天飞机爆炸后,中国的“长征三号”火箭,一下子成了全世界瞩目的对象。

Since China had announced that it would undertake launching operations abroad, especially after the explosion of the US space shuttle Challenger, China's Long March 3 rocket suddenly attracted the attention of the whole world.

早在两个月前,瑞典公司便抢先与中国第一个签订了为其发射一颗邮政卫星的订座协议。紧接着,不少国家的公司也表示了愿同中国进行接触、磋商和洽谈的意向。如此良好的开局,对初出茅庐的中国来说,多少有点惊喜的感觉。

As early as two months ago, a Swedish company firstly signed a reservation agreement with China for its launch of a postal satellite. After that, companies from many countries also expressed their willingness to contact, consult and negotiate with China. Such a good start, for the fledgling China, was a surprise more or less.

但中国航天人同时也意识到,面对如此局势,世界各个航天大国绝不会等闲视之,也绝不肯让这种局势长久持续下去。比如,美国宇航局就迅速采取了各种弥补措施,正加紧提高竞争力;法国四处招揽生意,乘机扩大自己在国际市场的地盘;苏联也不肯放弃打入国际市场的雄心壮志,匆匆宣布将“质子号”火箭投入国际商业发射市场,并在短短3个月里组织成立了卫星发射服务机构;而身居岛国、一向精明的日本人,更非等闲之辈,早就瞄准了这一时机,果断取消了具有800公斤发射能力的某火箭发射计划,而直接加紧研制具有2吨发射能力的H-2大型运载火箭,并以惊人的速度,在华盛顿设立了卫星发射服务办事处,其目的显而易见,就是要乘机挤进国际商业发射市场!

At the same time, however, those Chinese working in the areospace industry realized that in the face of such a situation, the world's major aerospace powers would never stand by, nor would they allow this situation to continue for a long time. NASA, for example, quickly took various remedial measures trying to enhance its competitiveness. France solicited business around the world and took the opportunity to expand its territory in the international market. The Soviet Union also refused to give up the ambition to enter the international market, and hastily announced that the "Proton" rocket would put into the international commercial launch market, and a satellite launch service establioshed in just three months. While the Japanese, who lived in the island country, shrewd and smart, had aimed at this opportunity long before so that they decisively cancelled the launch plan of a certain rocket with a carrying capacity of 800 kilograms. Instead, it began to step up the development of the H-2 large carrier rocket with a 2-ton launching capacity, and set up a satellite launching service office in washington at an astonishing speed. Its purpose was obvious, that is, to seize the opportunity so as to squeeze into the international commercial launch market!

那么中国唯一的选择,就是抓住这一空隙,乘机出击!

Then China's only choice was to seize this opportunity to act timely!

而出击的第一个对象,就是威震天下的航天大国一美利坚合众国。

And China's first target was the United States, a space power that had shook the world.

这是华盛顿的一个礼拜天。

It was a Sunday in Washington.

上午8点整,中国商业卫星发射服务代表团在中国驻美大使馆一个会议大厅举行关于“中国商业卫星发射服务”的报告会。

At 8:00 a.m., the delegation of China's Commercial Satellite Launching Service held a briefing on "China's Commercial Satellite Launching Service" in the Conference Hall of the Chinese Embassy in the United States.

这一天,100多名听众济济一堂,会议大厅座无虚席。听众中,有美国外交部、国防部、运输部、商业部、宇航局等各政府部门近30名大小官员,还有媒体记者、各界名流、友好人士以及美籍华人等。他们既怀着一腔的热忱,又揣着好奇的心,第一次来听漂洋过海、远道而来的中国人谈中国的火箭。

On this day, more than 100 listeners gathered and the conference hall was full. Among the audience were nearly 30 officials ranging from the US Foreign Affairs Department, Defense Department, Transportation Department, Commerce Department, NASA and other government departments, as well as media reporters, celebrities from various circles, friendly people and Chinese Americans. With both enthusiasm and curiosity, they came for the first time to listen to Chinese people who had traveled across the ocean to talk about Chinese rockets.

首先,乌可カ致开场白。他刚一走上讲台,全场便响起热烈的掌声。他用目光扫视了一下台下,又理了理嘴上那撮剪得整整齐齐的贺龙式小胡子,然后オ亮开了嗓门。

First of all, Wu Keli delivered opening remarks. As soon as he stepped onto the platform, the audience burst into warm applause. Having glancing down the stage, he sorted out his neatly cut He Long-style mustache on his mouth then he started to speak.

在短短30分钟的演讲中,乌可カ既讲了 30年来中国航天事业走过的艰难历程,也讲了中国航天发展的美好前景,同时还讲了中国“长征号”火箭的性能、特点以及各种优惠政策等。讲着讲着,这位感情丰富的蒙古族汉子,眼里竟涌出了泪花。

In his short 30-minute speech, Wu Keli talked about not only the difficult history of China's space industry in the past 30 years, but also the bright prospects for China's space development. At the same time, he also spoke of the performance, characteristics of China's "Long March" rocket and various preferential policies on it. While speaking, the eyes of this emotional Mongolian man naturally poured out of tears.

乌可カ后来说,在那一刻,他仿佛感到自己不是站在国际讲台上,而是跪在先祖传说中的草原天堂“蒙兀圣地”上。

Wu Keli later said that at that moment, he felt as if he was not standing on the international platform, but kneeling on the grassland paradise "Mongolia Holy Land" in the legend of his ancestors.

接下来,上官世盘以中国政府官员的身份,作关于《中国商业卫星发射服务》的报告。

Next, Shangguan Shipan, as a Chinese government official, made a report on "China's Commercial Satellite Launch Service".

上官世盘的报告,同样激起听众一阵又一阵的掌声。人们听到的,仿佛不是上官世盘个人的发言,而是多年沉默的中国向世界发出的声音。

The report of Shangguan Shipan also aroused another round of applause from the audience. What people heard seemed not to be the personal speech of Shangguan Shipan, but the voice of China, which had been silent for many years, to the whole world.

的确,中国不能再封闭下去了,也不能再沉默下去了。千年的封闭与沉默,导致的是科技的衰败、生产カ的萎缩。今天,尘封的国门已经开启,昨天的秘密不再是秘密,中国到了应该讲讲自己的时候了,也早该讲讲自己了。因为中国不光搞出了原子弹、氢弹,还搞出了火箭、卫星;不光有了向世界展示自己的资格,也有让世界认识自己的责任。你不讲,别人怎么知道你?你不说,别人怎么了解你?不知道你、不了解你,怎么走向你?如何接近你?

China certainly could no longer be closed and silent. The continuous closure and silence for thousands of years led to the degradation of technology and the shrinkage of production. Today, the dusty door finally opened, and yesterday's secret was no longer a secret. It was high time for China talk about itself. And it should have done this long ago. China not only developed the atomic bomb and hydrogen bomb, but also produced the rockets and satellites. It not only have the qualifications to show themselves to the world, but also the responsibility to let the world know themselves. How could others know you if you didn't speak for yourself? How could others get close to you if they didn't know you?

果然,上官世盘的报告刚一结束,几十名记者便拥到他的身边,就中国火箭要承揽外国卫星发射问题,纷纷提问;之后,所有的华侨也都来到前台,向全体代表团成员表示问候与祝贺!

As soon as Shangguan's report ended, dozens of reporters rushed to his side and asked questions one after another as expected, mainly on the issue of China's rockets contracting for foreign satellite launches. After that, all the overseas Chinese came to the front desk to express their greetings and congratulations to all the members of the delegation!

一位老华侨拉着乌可カ的手说:“你们代表团来美国宣传中国的火箭,太让我们高兴了!不过,你们知道美国人说什么吗?”

An old overseas Chinese took Wu Keli's hand and said, "We are so happy to see your delegation coming to the United States to publicize China's rockets! But do you know what those Americans said?"

乌可カ问:“说什么?”
Wu Keli asked: "What?"

“他们说,中国人在美国只能开饭馆!”
"They said: 'Chinese can only run restaurants in the United States!'"

老华侨说完,潸然泪下。
Having said so, the old overseas Chinese shed silent tears.

乌可力的内心,也禁不住一阵酸楚。
Wu Keli could not help but feel a pang of sadness in his heart as well.

老华侨接着说道:“我们听了后,泪水只有往肚子里咽呀!”
The old man continued, "We can only digest the pain ourselves brought by those words!"

这时,另一位白发苍苍的华侨也走了过来,拉着代表团成员的手,眼泪汪汪地说:“中国是火箭的故乡,今天,火箭的故乡终于来人了。我活了 70岁,终于盼到了,盼到火箭又回到了火箭的故乡！”

At this time, another grey-haired overseas Chinese also came over, who took the hands of delegation members, said with tears: "China is the hometown of rockets. Today, someone finally came from the hometown of rockets. I have lived for 70 years and finally witness the return of rockets to its hometown!"

而几位年轻的美籍华人,则拉着代表团成员的手,一定要请他们到华人餐厅去喝上几盅！

While several young Chinese-Americans took the hands of the delegation members and insisted on inviting them to the Chinese restaurant for a few drinks!

当晚,几位知名美籍华人还来到代表团的住处,热情诚恳地向代表团介绍国际卫星市场的一些行情和背景。他们对代表团说:“你们到了美国,人生地不熟,千万不能轻举妄动。商业卫星发射市场,是商人们驰骋的世界,里面的事情复杂着呢! 如果遇上不摸底的公司找你们签合同,你们一定要先把情况摸清之后,再做决定, 而不能见人就同意,有合同就签。这好比说,本来是一个叫花子到你家门口讨饭, 你却把他当贵宾接待。这样就会把中国火箭的牌子搞砸了,以后的生意就很难做了!”

That evening, several well-known Chinese Americans also came to the residence of the delegation and warmly and sincerely introduced the delegation to the market and background of the international satellite market. They told the delegation,"You're in the United States, where you are almost unfamiliar with anything. So remember not to act recklessly. Commercial satellite launch market is the world of businessmen. The things inside the circle are intricated! If you are asked to sign a contract by a company you do not know, you must first find out the situation before making a decision. By no means can you agree with anyone or sign the contract recklessly. It's like that a beggar come to your door to beg, but you received him as a VIP. This will ruin the reputation of China's rockets, making it difficult to do business in the future!

第二天,《纽约日报》《华盛顿日报》等,以头版头条位置推出一条新闻:《中国商业卫星发射服务代表团到美国游说,企图与美国争夺卫星发射市场!》

The next day, Newsday and Washington Daily published a news headline: "China's Commercial Satellite Launch Service Delegation lobbied in the United States in an attempt to compete with the United States for the satellite launch market!”

是的,既然是国际商业市场,买卖就该大家做,竞争就该人人平等,任何国家和个人都不能独霸市场。这是市场经济的规律。

Since it is an international commercial market, everyone has opprotunities, and equal competitions should be guaranteed. No country or individual should dominate the market. This is the law of the market economy.

为了扩大影响,中国商业卫星发射服务代表团又分成4个小组,分别在华盛顿、纽约、洛杉矶、旧金山等地,宣传中国的火箭,并同十多个卫星公司进行了广泛的接触与交流。

In order to expand its influence, the China's Commercial Satellite Launch Service Delegation was divided into four groups, which were in Washington, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other places to publicize China's rockets, and had extensive contacts and exchanges with more than 10 satellite companies.

然而,远在东方、初出茅庐的中国,想到称霸世界的航天大国来“抢饭碗”,并不是一件容易的事。

However, as a newcomer from the far East in the Western world, it was not easy for China to attempt to scramble markets from the world's dominant aerospace power.

中国商业卫星发射服务代表团最先接触的,是美国休斯卫星公司。由于中国火箭专家首次涉足世界商业发射市场,一无基础,二无资本,三无关系,靠的仅是几张皱皱巴巴的火箭图纸和几张嘴。所以,代表团第一天到美国休斯卫星公司,首先就感觉让人瞧不起,美国人压根儿就没把他们这群黄皮肤的中国人放在眼里。美国休斯卫星公司的人与中国代表团的专家们见面握手时,伸出的手既无カ度,也无温度,更无诚意,完全是一种礼节性的表示而已;甚至有个别美国人环抱双臂,爱理不理,眼睛里还透露出几丝轻蔑。

The delegation first contacted Hughes Aircraft in the United States. It was the first time for Chinese rocket experts to set foot in the world commercial launch market. They had no foundation, no capital, and no connections. What they relied on were only a few crumpled rocket drawings and several mouths. So, on the first day to Hughes Aircraft, the delegation was looked down upon because those Americans never took that group of yellow-skinned Chinese seriously. When the people of the Hughes Aircraft met and shook hands with Chinese experts, the hands they extended were neither warm nor sincere without strength. They were purely a courtesy gesture. A few Americans even embraced their arms, ignoring the experts, a few traces of contempt found in their eyes.

中国商业卫星发射服务代表团与第二家美国卫星公司接触时,情况同样不妙。中国代表团按照事先与对方的约定,风尘仆仆地赶到美国这家卫星公司时,却被对方当成皮包公司的说客,毫不客气地拒之门外。

When the delegation contacted the second American satellite company, the situation was also not good. The Chinese delegation who were travel-stained arrived at the company as agreed, only to be impolitely turned away by the company as a lobbyist for a shell company.

中国商业卫星发射服务代表团又找到第三家美国卫星公司。这家公司还算不错,总算给了面子,让他们进了公司的大门。可当这家公司的一位副总裁出面接待时,并不热情,也看不出有多少诚意;尤其是当中方提出希望就某些发射事宜进行洽谈时,这位副总裁态度很是傲慢,看了中国专家一眼,张ロ就说:“洽谈?洽谈当然可以。不过,按我们西方人的规矩,得先付洽谈费!”

the Chinese delegation had no choice but to seek for a third satellite company. It was not so bad to be allowed enter the company this time. But when a vice president of the company came forward to receive them, he looked neither enthusiastic nor sincere very much. Especially when the Chinese delegation proposed to hold talks on certain launch matters, the vice president showed great arrogance. Glancing at the Chinese experts, he said: "Negotiations? Of course we can. The point is, you have to pay the negotiation fee first! That's our Westerners' rule!"

“洽谈费?什么洽谈费?”乌可カ一头雾水。 “就是先付钱。”

"Negotiation fee? What's that?" Wu Keli was confused. "That means paying in advance."

乌可カ一听要钱,觉得不可思议。
Wu Keli felt incredible when being asked for money.

之后,乌可カ又掏出一份三四页纸的意见书,用试探的口气对这位副总裁说: “我们准备了一份意见书,请您看看,是否有合作的基础?”

Then, Wu Keli took out a position paper of three or four pages, tentatively speaking to the vice president, " We have prepared a position paper. Could you please take a look and consider if there is a foundation for cooperation?"

这位副总裁拿起意见书,翻了一下,说了一句话:“等你们能拿得出一尺厚的意见书之后,再来谈吧。”

The vice president picked up the paper, looked it through, and said, "We can talk about it again only when you show me a one-foot-thick paper."

“为什么?”乌可カ问。
"Why?" asked Wu Keli.

副总裁抬腕看了看表,说:“先生,对不起,我们约定的时间已到。”
The vice president raised his wrist and looked at his watch, saying, "Sir, I'm sorry, but the time we agreed has arrived."

一连在三家公司受挫,中国商业卫星发射服务代表团颇感沮丧。

The delegation was frustrated by consecutive setbacks in three companies.

这时,有的美籍华人便指点他们说:“你们与美国的公司打交道,光凭嘴说不行,得有一个招标书之类的东西。”

At this time, some Chinese Americans reminded them: "You cannot deal with American companies by mere lip service. You have to prepare a tender or something like that."

但美籍华人说的这“招标书”,具体是什么,中国商业卫星发射服务代表团并不明白,有的团员甚至还是第一次听说。比如,招标书在商务中起什么作用,起多大的作用,怎么运作,他们一点也搞不清楚,脑子里只有一个大致的概念。至于招标书具体怎么写,更是一无所知。 Chapter Seven 于是,他们只好找到第四家美国公司,想请对方帮他们编写一份招标书。在他们的概念中,请美方帮着编写一份招标书,就像在国内随便找个人帮着起草一份企划稿,小事一桩,算不了什么。

But the delegation didn't know what the "tender" Chinese Americans said referred to, and some memebers even heard of it for the first time. For example, what role did the tender play in business, how much it plays, and how it operates, they don't know at all, and they only have a general concept in mind. As for how to write the tender, they had no idea at all. So, they had no choice but to find the fourth American company to ask them to help them write a tender. In their view, asking the U.S. company to help them prepare a tender was like asking someone in China to help them draft a business plan, a trivial matter, nothing more.

“我们想请你们编写一份招标书。”他们来到一家公司,开诚布公,说明来意。
"We would like to ask you to prepare a tender." They came to a company, openly and honestly, explained their demands.

该公司负责人听了后,说:“帮你们编写招标书,当然可以。”
The company's director listened and said, "Of course I can help you write the tender.”

乌可カ一听很高兴,几天来的一件心事总算有了着落。
Wu Keli was very happy to hear because a load on his mind haunting him for the past few days had finally been set down.

“不过,”这位负责人说,“得先付定金。”
"Well," said the director, "you have to pay a deposit first.”

一听又要钱,乌可カ转身就想走。但在走之前,他还是小心翼翼地试着问了一句:“要付多少定金啊?”
Hearing that money had to go first like before, Wu Keli turned around, planning to leave. But before leaving, he asked cautiously: "How much is it?"

“一百万美元”！
"One million dollars!"

“什么? 一百万美元!？”
"What? One million dollars?"

乌可力和代表团成员个个惊得目瞪ロ呆。等清醒过来后,第一件事就是急忙握手,马上“拜拜”。

Wu Keli and the delegation were all stunned. When they came to their senses, the first thing they did was to shake hands and say "goodbye" immediately.

接下来,他们又找到另一家美国公司。可他们刚与这家公司的人见面,对方就让他们介绍自己的专业背景,意思是看你有没有谈论发射火箭问题的资格。等他们介绍了自己的专业背景后,对方又提出一个稀奇古怪的问题:“你们西昌发射场四周都是山,发射卫星时,要是火箭喷出的大火把山冲倒了,山再翻过来,把火箭推倒了怎么办?”

Then they found another American company. But at their first meeting, they were asked to introduce their professional background, to show the company whether they were qualified to talk about launching rockets. After this part, the company asked another strange question: "There are mountains all around the Xichang launch site. When you launch the satellite, what if the rocket shoot out fire and blow down the mountain, and then the mountain fragments knock down the rocket?"

乌可カ一听这话,感到非常窝火,便来了脾气,毫不客气地回敬说:“你说的这个问题,根本就不是个问题。我们西昌发射场发射了那么多颗卫星,从来没有出现过像你说的这种情况。很显然,你提的这个问题没有根据。如果你不信的话, 我可以邀请你们去西昌发射场参观一次我们的发射,看看到底是不是像你说的那样。”

Hearing this, Wu Keli felt very annoyed, so he lost his temper and replied unceremoniously: "The problem you mentioned is not a problem at all. We have launched so many satellites from the Xichang launch site, but there has never been such a situation as you said. Obviously, your question is groundless.If you don't believe me, I can invite you to visit our launch at the Xichang launch site to see if it is as you said.”

其实,上述发生的这些不愉快,算不了什么。乌可カ告诉我,真正让中国代表团感到气愤的,是后来与美国特雷卫星公司打交道时发生的一件事。

In fact, the above-mentioned unhappiness was nothing. What really irritated the Chinese delegation, Wu Keli told me, was an incident that occurred later when dealing with the American company Trey Satellite.

那天,按事先的约定,乌可カ与美国特雷卫星公司总经理舒尔兹先生进行会谈。两人相见后,乌可カ刚一落座,舒尔兹先生便将一本画报递到他的手上,说: “看看吧!”

On that day, as agreed in advance, Wu Keli had a meeting with Mr. Schulz, the general manager of the American Trey Satellite Company. When they met, Mr. Schulz handed him a pictorial newspaper as soon as he was seated, saying: "Take a look!"

乌可カ接过画报一看,惊呆了!画报第9页竟有这样一幅漫画:4个啤酒瓶组成一个“发射架”，“发射架”上挂着一个又粗又长的鞭炮,鞭炮上写着:中国“长征三号”！

Wu Keli took the pictorial and was astonished! On page 9 of the pictorial there was a cartoon of four beer bottles forming a "launcher" on which a thick and long firecracker was hung, and on the firecracker wrote "China's "Long March 3"!

“奇耻大辱!简直是奇耻大辱!”乌可カ气得手指发颤,半晌说不出话来。

"What a shame! What a shame!" Wu Keli's fingers trembled with rage, and he was speechless for a while.

舒尔兹先生叹了口气,说:“这就是有些美国人对你们中国航天技术的评价！他们认为你们的发射架是啤酒瓶做的,不保险;而’长征三号’火箭,则像一挂小孩子玩耍的鞭炮！”

Mr. Schulz sighed and said, "This is how some Americans think about your Chinese space technology! They think your launcher is made of beer bottles, not safe; and the 'Long March III' rocket is just like firecrackers made for children! "

乌可カ啪地合上画报,说:“是的,我这次到美国来,有人还问我,中国有没有自来水?”

Wu Keli flapped it hard and replied, "That's true, when I came to America this time, someone even asked me if China has tap water?"

“什么?竟有这等事情?!”舒尔兹反倒惊诧起来。
"What? Really?" It was Schulz’s turn to be surprised this time.

“我回答他们说,中国不仅有自来水,还有原子弹、氢弹、亿次计算机！还有同步通信卫星,还有’长征号’火箭!”乌可カ一ロ气说完,非常激动,一脸通红。

"I replied to them that China not only had tap water, but also atomic bombs, hydrogen bombs, billion-time computers! There are also synchronous communication satellites, and the 'Long March' rocket!" Wu Keli finished speaking in one breath with great excitement and a red face.

舒尔兹先生望着气呼呼的乌可カ,深感歉意,什么话也说不出来。

Looking at the angry Wu Keli, Mr. Schultz was deeply apologetic and could not say anything.

片刻,乌可カ转过身来,说:“舒尔兹先生,谢谢您今天让我看到了这幅漫画！不过,我有个小小的请求,不知能否如我所愿?”

For a moment, Wu Keli turned around and said,"Mr. Schultz, thank you for letting me see this cartoon today! And may I have a small request?"

“什么请求?请讲,我一定尽力而为。”舒尔兹先生说。

"What's that? Just say it, and I'll do it as much as possible." Mr. Schultz said.

乌可カ抖了抖手中的画报,非常平静地说:“这本画报,您能不能送给我?”

Wu Keli shook the pictorial in his hand and said calmly, "Can you give me this pictorial?"

舒尔兹先生说:“你要它干吗?”

"Why do you want this?" asked Mr. Schultz.

乌可カ说:“我要把它带回我的祖国去,让我的同胞们都好好看看！然后,再将它放到博物馆里,做个永久的’纪念’！”

"I'll take it back to my motherland and let all my compatriots read it! Then, put it in the museum and make a permanent 'memorial'!"

“既然如此,那就随意吧。”舒尔兹先生说。

"Well, you can bring it back," said Mr. Schultz.

乌可カ抓起画报,转身离去。

Wu Keli grabbed the pictorial and turned to leave.

中国代表团此次去美“游说”,长达半月。在这半个月里,尽管代表团碰到了许多坎坷,遇到了不少挫折,甚至还经历了一些有苦难言的心酸,但到了后期,当休斯公司一位首席科学家认真听取了中方介绍的“长征”系列火箭的详细情况后,认为用中国的“长征三号”运载火箭发射美国的卫星,在技术上是可行的,也是可信的。这让美国一些卫星公司对中国火箭的信任度明显增加,双方最终还是进入了商务性谈判阶段。

The Chinese delegation went to the United States to "lobby" for half a month. In the past half month, the delegation had encountered many obstacles, setbacks, and even some unspeakable grief. However, in the later stage, a chief scientist of Hughes Aircraft carefully listened to the detailed information of the "Long March" series rockets introduced by China and believed that using China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket to launch American satellites was technically feasible and credible. This led some US satellite companies to significantly increase their trust in Chinese rockets, and the two sides have finally entered the stage of commercial negotiations.

因此,就首次出征而言,中国代表团这次“游说”美国,虽不能说首战告捷,但也算可圈可点;不光与美国泛美太平洋公司、多美尼影视卫星公司等签订了 6个订座协议,还与美国特雷卫星公司草签了2个发射合同。

Therefore, in terms of its first expedition, the Chinese delegation's "lobbying" of the United States this time was commendable, even if it couldn't be said that it won the first battle smoothly. Not only did we sign six seat-booking agreements with the Pan-American Pacific Company and the Domeny Television Satellite Company, but it also initialled two launch contracts with the Trey Satellite Company.

九、轨道大转移

IX. Orbit Transfer

中国承揽外国卫星发射业务这一史无前例的举动,不仅在国外引起很大震动, 在国内也引起强烈反响。从中央到地方,从航天专家到普通老百姓,无不对此表示深切的关注,也无不对此表示莫大的担心。

China's unprecedented act to undertake foreign satellite launch business not only caused great shock abroad, but also aroused strong repercussions at home. From central authorities to local authorities, from aerospace experts to the ordinary people, all of them have expressed deep concern and great worry about this.

众所周知,近代以来中国是一个贫穷落后的国家,中华民族是一个长期备受欺辱的民族。直到1949年10月,用毛泽东的话来说,中国人民才站起来了。
It is widely known that China has been a poor and backward country since modern times, and the Chinese nation has been bullied and humiliated for a long time. It was not until October 1949, in Chairman Mao's words, that the Chinese people stood up.

但是,站起来了,并不等于一定能走下去。任何一个国家,任何一个民族,要想在这个世界上求生存、求发展,有威望、有地位,不受外来侵略、不受外来欺侮,除了必须具有完善的社会制度,还必须拥有高度发达的经济、军事和科学技术;尤其是历史发展到大科学时代的今天,科学技术发达与否,事关重大,举足轻重。

However, standing up does not necessarily mean you can go on. For any country or nation, in order to survive and develop in this world, to have prestige and status, and to be free from foreign invasion and humiliation, it must not only have a sound social system, but also have a highly developed economy, military, and science and technology. Especially in today's era of big science, whether science and technology are developed or not does matter.

因此,在当今这个大科学时代,“科学社会化,社会科学化”已然成为一种日益发展的新趋势。科学技术的发展,不仅对社会生产、社会生活以及军事领域等的连锁变革产生了深远影响,而且对社会经济也产生了重大作用。

Therefore, in this age, "the socialization of science and the scientifization of society" has become a growing new trend. The development of science and technology not only has a profound impact on the continuous reform of social production, social life and military fields, but also has a major role in social economy.

众所周知,“热兵器”时代的诞生,使得“冷兵器”时代成为历史;舰船、飞机、大炮、坦克和战略导弹的出现和应用,使人类的战争舞台上出现了海军、空军、机械化部队和导弹部队;而!957年10月4日,苏联将人类第一颗人造卫星送上天,又把人类带入了神奇的航天时代。

As we all know, the birth of the era of "hot weapons" makes the era of "cold weapons" history; the emergence and application of warships, aircraft, large artillery, tanks, and strategic missiles have brought about the emergence of navies, air forces, mechanized units, and missile units on the stage of human warfare. On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union sent the first artificial satellite into space, which brought mankind into the wonderful space age.

而中国,这个早在一千多年前就发明了世界上第一枚火箭的国家,这个过去连自行车、汽车、飞机都不能制造的国家,1970年4月24日,将中国第一颗人造卫星 “东方红一号”成功地送上了茫茫太空!

China, which had invented the world's first rocket more than 1,000 years ago, and which used to be unable to manufacture bicycles, automobiles and airplanes, successfully launched its first man-made satellite named "Dong Fang Hong 1" into space on April 24, 1970!

此后,中国开始了向现代火箭技术的挺进。经过几十年的艰苦奋斗,不仅研制成功了近程、中程和远程火箭,而且在航天技术上实现了三次重大突破:飞向太空, 返回地面,发射同步通信卫星。

Since then, China has begun to advance to modern rocket technology. After decades of hard work, China has not only successfully developed short-range, medium-range, and long-range rockets, but also made three major breakthroughs in space technology: flying into space, returning to the ground, and launching synchronous communication satellites.

而今天,中国的火箭又将走向世界,为国外发射商业卫星,实现从国内试验轨道到国际商业轨道的大转移。这是中国航天发射的一个重大转变,也是一个民族一次新的飞跃。

Today, China's rockets would go to the world by launching commercial satellites for foreign countries, and the great transfer from domestic test tracks to international commercial tracks would be realized. This was a major change in China's space launch and a new leap for a nation.

中国改革开放后,整个国家工作重点转移到社会主义现代化建设上,1985年5月的军委扩大会议上,中央对国防科技工业也提出了要求一国防科技工业也要实行相应的战略大转变。

After China's reform and opening up, the focus of the whole country's work shifted to the construction of socialist modernization. At the enlarged meeting of the Military Commission in May 1985, the Central Committee also put forward requirements for the defense-related science, technology and industry, which was required to implement corresponding strategic changes.

但国防科技工业如何实现这一转变,却是一道大难题。

However, how to realize this transformation in the defense-related science, technology and industry was a throny problem.

产冰箱,搞彩电,固然是条门路;造轮胎,做灯泡,也是一种办法;开公司,办工厂,外加技术输出,同样无可非议。

Producing refrigerators, color TV sets was certainly a solution; making tires and light bulbs was also another one; operating a company, running a factory with technology output were equally justifiable.

问题是,若是长此下去,最终的出路到底在哪里?

The question was, if continuing for long, what would be the ultimate solution?

过去,中国所有的发射,都是属于科研试验性质。也就是说,无论是火箭还是卫星,都是科研试验产品,不能像食盐、酱油、红薯、土豆那样随便拿到市场去卖,所有的研制经费都是靠国家拨专款支撑;而且,高科技必然是高投资。

In the past, all of China's launches were of a scientific and experimental nature. That is to say, both rockets and satellites were mede for scientific research and experiments, which couldn't be sold on the market like salt, soy sauce, sweet potatoes and potatoes, because all research and development funds came from special funds allocated by the state.

但是,如果能发射外国卫星,就属于商业性质的发射,就是一种不出国门的高技术服务。换句话说,中国的高科技就可以从原来的科研试验轨道,一下转移到商品经济的轨道。除了壮国威、壮军威、鼓士气,还可创造经济价值,赚取大量外汇。而中国改革开放后,要引进大量的先进技术、先进设备,急需的正是外汇!

However, the launch of foreign satellites was of a commercial nature, as a high-tech service at home. In other words, China's high-tech could transferred from the stage of scientific research and experiment to the stage of the commercial economy. In addition to strengthening national prestige, military prestige and morale, it would also create economic value and earn a large amount of foreign exchange. After China's reform and opening up, which meant a large amount of advanced technology and equipment would be introduced, what was urgently needed was nothing less than foreign exchange!

同时,发射外国卫星,是一种商业性质的国际技术交流与合作。通过这种交流与合作,中国的发射队伍和测控队伍,可以开阔眼界,获得实践和提高业务水平的机会,从中学到不少宝贵的经验,借以改进不足,促进自身技术水平的发展。

Besides, launching foreign satellites turned to be a commercial international technical exchange and cooperation. Through such exchanges and cooperation, China's launching and tracking, testing and controling teams could broaden their horizons, gain opportunities to practice and improve their professional skills, and learn a lot of valuable experience from them, so as to improve their inadequacies and promote the development of their own technical level.

此外,由于发射外国卫星是商业性质,国外厂商对发射质量的要求必然十分严格,甚至相当苛刻,这就逼着中国的科技队伍必须提升自己,去适应和满足国外市场的要求。

In addition, due to the commercial nature of the launch of foreign satellites, and those strict or even harsh requirements put forward by foreign manufacturers for launch quality, China's technology team was forced to improve themselves and adapt to and meet the requirements of foreign markets.

当然了,既然发射外国卫星是商业性质,就必然要考虑经济效益问题,这就迫使中国从思想观念到思维方式、从技术革新到队伍管理等各个方面,来一次彻底改变。

Moreover, since it was commercialized, naturally its economic benefits should also be considered, which forced China to make a thorough change in all aspects, from ideology to thinking mode, from technological innovation to team management.

因此,发射外国卫星对中国而言,不光是一次技术革命,更是一次思想革命! 1986年7月17日上午,国防科工委和航天部领导在国务院第十三会议室就发射外国卫星问题,向中央财经领导小组专门作了详细的汇报。

Therefore, launching foreign satellites was not only a technological revolution for china, but also an ideological revolution! On the morning of July 17, 1986, leaders of the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense and the Ministry of Aerospace Affairs made a detailed report to the Central Financial and Economic Leading Group on the issue of launching foreign satellites in the 13th Conference Room of the State Council.

很快,国务院、中央军委下达了正式文件,将发射外国卫星列入国家的重点工程。

Soon the State Council and the Central Military Commission issued an official document listing the launch of foreign satellites as a national key project.

于是,有关发射外国卫星的工程、技术及生活等各方面的准备工作,很快在全国展开。仅西昌卫星发射基地亟待抢建的工程,就达十项之多!

As a result, preparations for the launch of foreign satellites in engineering, technology and life soon spread throughout the country. There were as many as 10 projects that needed building urgently just at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center!

十、面对世界的挑战

X. Facing the Challenges from the World

厄运降临时

When Bad Luck Striking

1986年夏,国际空间技术商务会议在美国华盛顿举行。中国代表团怀着忐忑的心情,第一次迈进了这个会场。

In the summer of 1986, the International Space Technology Business Conference was held in Washington, USA. The Chinese delegation entered the venue for the first time with anxiety.

就在这次会上,中国“长征三号”运载火箭第一次在美国、英国、法国、日本、澳大利亚等数十个国家的代表面前正式亮相,并经受了对方各种各样的考验,当然也包括某些刁难。

At this meeting, China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket for the first time was shown to the representatives of the official in the United States, Britain, France, Japan, Australia and other dozens of countries, and withstood the a variety of tests of them, of course, including deliberate harassment.

此后几个月里,美国、加拿大的4家保险公司和17家空间技术公司先后与中国开展了业务联系,20多颗不同类型的卫星开始微笑着向中国靠拢。

Over the past few months, four insurance companies and 17 space technology companies from the United States and Canada had established business ties with China, and more than 20 satellites of different types have begun to approach China.

198年底,中国与美国西联卫星公司签订了用“长征三号”火箭发射“西联六号”卫星的发射订座协议。

At the end of 1986, China signed a reservation agreement with the Western Union Satellite Company of the United States for the launch of the Westar-6 satellite by the Long March 3 rocket.

此外,印度尼西亚、澳大利亚、加拿大、联邦德国和泰国等,则与中国在洽谈之中;而其他一些公司,也表示了要让中国发射卫星的意向。

In addition, Indonesia, Australia, Canada, the Federal Republic of Germany and Thailand were in negotiation with China. Other companies have also expressed their willingness to launch satellites with assistance of China.

中国对外商业卫星发射,可谓形势大好,前景喜人。

It could be said that the situation of China's foreign commercial satellite launch was in good times with a promising future.

然而,竞争激烈的国际航天发射市场毕竟不是什么人都可以随便出入的,更不是任凭中国随意运作的。正当中国在通向国际商业卫星发射市场的路上春风得意并钏足了劲儿拼命往里挤时,一场似乎早已注定的商业危机却悄然降临了。

However, the highly competitive international space launch market was not a place where any country could enter and exit at will, let alone let China develop at will. Just as China was incresingly growing in the the international commercial satellite launch market, a business crisis that seemed to be doomed quietly arrived.

由于国际商业市场中某种微妙的原因,一双双神秘的大手最早伸向的是已经和中国签订了发射订座协议的美国西联卫星公司:不仅银行纷纷拒绝为它提供贷款,所有“绿灯”也突然统统对它关闭。最后,在残酷的商业竞争和无形的外力挤压下,西联卫星公司被迫倒闭!

Due to some subtle reasons in the international commercial market, pairs of mysterious hand first grasped the US Western Union Satellite Company which had signed a launch reservation agreement with China. Not only did banks refuse to provide loans for it, but all the "green lights" is suddenly closed to it. Finally, under the cruel business competition and invisible external coercion, Western Union Satellite Company was forced to collapse!

西联卫星公司倒闭后,美国特雷卫星公司的总裁施瓦兹先生却接过西联卫星公司的六号卫星订座协议,亲自率领几名专家来到中国,坚持继续用中国的火箭为其发射卫星。

After the collapse of Western Union Satellite Company, Mr. Schwartz, president of Trey Satellite Company in the United States, took over the reservation agreement of Western Union Satellite Company's No.6 satellite, personally led several experts to China, and insisted on continuing to use Chinese rockets to launch satellites for it.

施瓦兹先生是位美籍华人,对中国感情极深。他之所以要前仆后继,知难而上,一方面出于某种商业道德的考虑,另一方面则出于对中国的深厚感情。当他千里迢迢来到北京时,中方代表曾提醒他说:“美国西联卫星公司已经倒闭,请您务必慎重行事。”但他说:“正因为西联卫星公司失败了,我才要接着干下去。我这一生最后的愿望,就是要在亚洲地区建立一个庞大的专业卫星通信网络,让亚洲地区的人民,充分享受到中国火箭带给他们的欢乐与幸福。我要用自己的行动来向世界证明,中国的火箭完全能够发射美国的卫星,中国的火箭一定能够打入国际商业发射市场!”

Mr. Schwartz was a Chinese-American who had deep feelings for China. The reason why he took on it with throny difficulties, was that, for one thing, he did that out of some business ethics considerations; for another, out of his deep feelings for China. When he came to Beijing from afar, the Chinese representative reminded him, "Western Union Satellite Company has closed down. Please be careful." But he answered, "It's because of its collapse that I have to go on. My last wish in this life is to build a huge professional satellite communications network in Asia so that the people in Asia can fully enjoy the joy and happiness Chinese rockets bring to them. I want to prove to the world by my own that China's rockets can completely launch US satellites, and that China's rockets will definitely be able to enter the international commercial launch market!"

于是在取得特雷公司的大力支持后,施瓦兹先生开始周游列国、游说八方,最后终于获得了加拿大、澳大利亚等财团的资助,很快与中国草签了协议书,并预付了第一笔定金。之后不久,在北京香格里拉饭店,施瓦兹先生坐在一个月前西联卫星公司总裁签字的同一位置上,挥笔与中国签订了正式合同。

So after obtaining the strong support of Trey Company, Mr. Schwartz began to travel around the world to lobby other countries. Finally, he was funded by consortia such as Canada and Australia. He quickly initialed an agreement with China and paid the first deposit in advance. Shortly thereafter, at the Shangri-La Hotel in Beijing, Mr. Schwartz sat in the same position as the president of Western Union Satellite who had signed a month ago and signed a formal contract with China.

这是中国发射外国卫星的第一个正式合同。

This is the first formal contract for China to launch a foreign satellite.

可惜,特雷卫星公司最终还是和西联公司一样,没有逃脱破产的命运。据说, 当施瓦兹先生收到中止合同的法律文书时,这位六十岁的总裁竟流下了满脸热泪。

Unfortunately, Trey Satellite, like Western Union, could not escape bankruptcy in the end. It is said that when Mr. Schwartz received the legal documents to terminate the contract, the 60-year-old president actually shed tears on his face.

至此,中国好不容易签订的两份正式发射合同就这样作废了。

At this point, the two official launch contracts signed by China with great difficulty were invalidated.

更惨的是,不到一年的时间里,最后除瑞典一家外,国外所有公司与中国签订的发射合同与订座协议,通通退得一干二净。甚至某些过去曾向中国大献殷勤的外商,也纷纷退避三舍。

To make matters worse, in less than a year, all the launch contracts and reservation agreements foreign companies had sighedwith china, except for the Swedish one, were completely withdrawn. Even some foreign businessmen who used to court China also retreated.

这是怎么回事呢?
What was going on?

中国政府自宣布对外承揽卫星发射业务后,世界各国的卫星公司先后来到中国,在北京万源公司、西昌卫星发射基地和西安卫星测控中心等地进行了一系列的参观、访问和洽谈活动。尽管他们不得不承认,中国无论是火箭的设计、研制水平, 还是火箭的发射、测控技术,都还不错。但国外的专家和老板们不是理想主义者, 他们拒绝空谈,只认事实,在没有绝对把握的情况下,是不可能把一个公司的命运随随便便系在中国的裤腰带上的。

Since the Chinese government announced that it would undertake satellite launching business, satellite companies from all over the world came to China one after another and conducted a series of visits and negotiations in Beijing Wanyuan Company, Xichang Satellite Launch Center and Xi'an Satellite TT & C Center. They had to admit that either the design and development level of China's rockets or the technology of launch and measurement and control was good. But for those foreign experts and bosses who were not idealists, they refused to just have a lip service and only believed the facts. It was impossible for them to easily tie the fate of a company to China without absolute certainty.

那么,到底是什么原因致使中国陷入如此难堪的境地呢?
So, what caused China to fall into such an embarrassing situation?

第一,中国火箭发射次数太少。“长征号”火箭尽管已经成功地发射了几颗卫星,但与国外相比,发射的次数太少一只有两三次。由于发射次数少,所以火箭技术缺乏令人充分信服的根据。其可靠程度就难说,也不好预料。

Firstly, China had too few rocket launches. Although the Long March rocket had successfully launched several satellites, compared with foreign countries, the launches were too few--only two or three times. Due to the small number of launches, the rocket technology lacked a fully convincing basis. And the degree of reliability was hard to evaluate and unpredictable.

第二,中国西昌发射场尚未达到国际标准。虽然西昌发射场在中国算是一个最现代化的发射场了,但当年筹建这个发射场时,可能什么都想到了,就是没想到今后有一天中国的火箭会发射外国的卫星。因此,尽管外国人承认中国的发射场具有发射外国卫星的能力,但从实际情况来看,在设施、交通、通信、生活等方面,目前尚未达到国际标准。比如,没有符合国际标准的卫星测试厂房,没有从美国直达西昌的航班,这一点对讲究时间效率的美国人来说非常重要;甚至连一个像样的宾馆也没有。虽说老外们也亲眼看到,西昌发射场确实正在抢建之中,但他们无法相信,如此复杂庞大的工程,中国能在一年时间内抢建出来。

Second, China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center failed to meet international standards. Although the XSLC was considered the most modern launch site in China and everything was taken into consideration when they built the launch site years ago, they didn't expect that one day China's rockets would launch foreign satellites. Therefore, although foreigners recognized that China's launch sites had the capability to launch foreign satellites, the actual situation showed that China's facilities, transportation, communications, and daily life didn't reach international standards. For example, China had no internationallty standardized satellite test plant, and there was no direct flight from the United States to Xichang, which was very important to Americans who valued time efficiency. And there was even no decent hotel. Although foreigners also saw with their own eyes that the Xichang launch site was indeed under construction, they didn't believe that such a complex and huge project could be built in China within a year.

第三,国际保险界对中国火箭缺乏信任。发射商业卫星,属于高投资、高难度、高风险的行业,无论是火箭飞行阶段,还是卫星与火箭分离后从同步轨道到定点静止轨道,每个阶段随时都存在失败的可能,所以国际上有专门的保险公司出面为其担保。但美国、法国近期几次发射失败后,世界不少保险公司严重亏损,最后被迫退出空间保险市场,有的甚至彻底破产。在此情况下,一方面,国际空间发射保险率急剧上涨,由原来的15%上涨到近40%一一即便如此,保险商仍然不愿出面担保;另一方面,国际保险公司对中国火箭的可靠性本来就缺乏认识,再遇上美国、法国的连连失败,就更不愿出面为中国火箭保险了。中国的保险公司又从未担任过空间保险,再加上中国尚无一个完善的保险机构,保险问题便成了一大难题。而只要发射商业卫星,就必须有保险公司承保;没有保险公司承保,万一发射失败,谁来赔钱?

Third, the international insurance community lacked trust in Chinese rockets. Launching commercial satellites is an industry with high investment, high difficulty and high risk. Whether it is the rocket flight phase or the phase of the satellite moving from the synchronous orbit to the fixed point static orbit after its speration with the rocket, each stage may fail at any time, so the international special insurance company to guarantee for it. However, after the recent launch failures of the United States and France, many insurance companies in the world suffered serious losses and were forced to withdraw from the space insurance market, and some even went bankrupt completely. Under such circumstances, on the one hand, the insurance rate for international space launches rised sharply, from 15 percent to nearly 40 percent. Even so, insurers were still unwilling to take out insurance. On the other hand, international insurance companies had a lack of understanding of the reliability of Chinese rockets. Having encountering repeated failures in the United States and France, they were even more reluctant to come forward to insure Chinese rockets. China's insurance companies havd never acted as a space insurance, and China had no a perfect insurance institution, thus insurance became a big problem. But as long as a commercial satellite is launched, it must be insured by an insurance company. Without insurance coverage, who will compensate if the launch fails?

第四,金融界不愿贷款。中国人办事,是钱多多办事,钱少少办事,没钱就不办事。外国人则不同,有钱要办事,没钱也要办事,而且还要办大事。这就是靠贷款。外国商家要购买一颗卫星请人发射,至少需要上亿美元。如此一笔巨款,别无选择,只能靠贷款。但是,当时国际金融界对中国的火箭缺乏了解,或者说不信任,所以不愿轻易为其贷款。

Fourth, the financial community was reluctant to lend. Chinese people always act with the principle that if they have much money, they will do more; if they have little money, they will do less; if they have no money, they will not do anything. Foreigners, on the other hand, they do things whether they have money or not, even they will do great things without enough money. Loans then became the soluition. For foreign businesses, it took at least hundreds of millions of dollars to buy a satellite to launch. Facing such a huge sum of money, there was no choice but to rely on loans. However, at that time, the international financial community lacked understanding, or distrusted of China's rockets, so they were reluctant to lend them easily.

第五,美国卫星出境困难。在美国,卫星属于高技术产品,而高技术产品的出境,必须经美国国务院、国防部、武器出口控制委员会等有关部门批准;此外,还要受到国际巴黎统筹委员会的限制。而巴黎统筹委员会是由英、美、法、德、日等多国组成的一个专管高技术出口的国际性组织,全世界所有高技术产品的出口 , 都要在它那里注册备案;凡是未经批准者,一律不许出境。所以,外商们对中国到底有没有能力打通这一系列的关口,最后搞到卫星出境许可证,持怀疑、观望的态度。

Fifth, it was difficult for US satellites to go abroad. In the united states, satellites are high-tech products, and the exit of high-tech products must be approved by the US State Department, the Department of Defense, the Arms Export Control Committee, and other relevant departments. In addition, it was subject to the restrictions of the International Paris Coordinating Committee for Export to Communist Countries. The Paris Coordinating Committee was an international organization composed of Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Japan and other countries. All exports of high-tech products from all over the world must be registered and put on record with it. Anythting unapproved were not allowed to exit. Therefore, foreign businessmen held a skeptical and wait-and-see attitude to China's ability to clear series of barriers and finally get a satellite exit permit.

第六,西欧某些国家在暗中进行抵制、阻挠。客观地说,不是所有西方国家都欢迎中国进入国际商业市场,甚至有的国家一开始就对中国进行抵制。所以在谈判过程中,他们在一些条款、技术、价格等问题上,总是想方设法出难题;有的还在背后散布一些对中国火箭很不利的言论,甚至不时搞点小动作。

Sixth, some countries in Western Europe secretly resisted and obstructed China. Objectively speaking, not all western countries welcomed China's entry into the international commercial market, and some even boycotted China from the very beginning. Therefore, in the process of negotiation, they always managed to raise difficulties on some issues such as terms, technology, and price. Some even spread behind the scenes some remarks that were very unfavorable to China's rockets, and even sometimes secretly engaged in actions adverse to China.

基于上述六点,外商们纷纷离去,也就不难理解了。

Based on the above six factors, it is not difficult to understand why foreign businessmen left one after another.

对此,中国火箭研究院院长沈辛茹深有体会,他说:“外国公司并不希望我们中国的火箭进入国际市场,成为他们的竞争对手。记得1988年我去法国库鲁发射场参观’阿里亚娜’火箭的第二十五次发射,临走前领导对我说,去了法国要多做工作,多向外商说明,我们一年只提供两枚火箭来发射外国卫星,只作为国际商业市场的一个补充,我们主要是满足国内的卫星发射。带着这个任务,我见到他们就宣传,可得到的反应却非常强烈,也很一致,他们激动地说:’你说得很轻松,中国一年才提供两枚火箭发射,我们一年才八枚火箭呢!’这次给我留下的印象是,我们要进入国际市场,他们不欢迎,绝对不欢迎！”

In this regard, Shen Xinru, president of the China Rocket Research Institute, held a deep understanding. He said, "Foreign companies do not want our Chinese rockets to enter the international market and become their competitors. I still remember in 1988 when I visited the 25th launch of the 'Ariane' rocket at the French launch site in Kurrou, the leaders told me before I left that I should step up lobbying in France and explained to foreign businessmen that we only provided two rockets a year to launch foreign satellites as a supplement to the international commercial market, and that we mainly focused on meeting the domestic satellite launch needs. With such mission, I preached to them as soon as I saw them, but the their response was very strong and consistent. They said with feeling,"you make it sound easy. China only provides two rockets a year for foreign launch, while we only have eight rockets a year!" What impressed me most at that time is that in terms of our entry into the international market, they completely do not support!"

现在的问题是,面对如此困境,中国怎么办?
The question now was that, in the face of such a dilemma, what should China do?

全世界都知道,中国要发射美国卫星。不仅海外华侨、港澳同胞翘首以盼,亿万中国人民也望眼欲穿,而今如此狼狈不堪,如何向中央汇报?怎么向国人交代?

The whole world knew that China would launch an American satellite. Not only were overseas Chinese and compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao looking forward to it, but hundreds of millions of Chinese people were also earnestly awaiting it. But now they were in such a dilemma, how would they explain to the central authorities, and to all Chinese people?

更为严峻的是,动用了上亿元的专款来抢建的发射外星的工程,正处在争时间、抢速度、大干快干拼命干的热烈气氛之中。但现在,生意突然做不成了,这些工程是继续上马,还是悬崖勒马?

More seriously, the extraterrestrial launch project, which was invested hundreds of millions of yuan of special funds to rush to build, was in a warm atmosphere of fighting for time, speed, and hard work. But now, the business came to an abrupt end. Would these projects continue to be built, or would they stop from the brink?

“这是一段最叫人伤心而又难受的日子!”有人后来回忆说,“在这段日子里, 我们顿顿吃不好饭,夜夜睡不着觉。”

This was the most heartbreaking and uncomfortable day! "Someone later recalled," During these days, we couldn't eat well and couldn't sleep day and night.”

发射测控系统部和长城公司的人,无论走到哪里,都会被人问:

Staff of the Launch Measurement and Control Department and the Great Wall Coperation would be asked as wherever they went:

“怎么,听说全砸啦?”
"I've heard it all messed up. Is that true?"

“你们是怎么搞的,没有吃准,咋就乱签合同呢?”
"What's wrong with you? How dare you sign the contract when you were not sure enough?"

“下一步怎么办?是进,还是退?是上马,还是下马?”
"What should we do next? Go ahead or retreat?"

办公室,发射场,饭桌上,电梯里,到处议论纷纷:
Discussions poured in from all directions, in office, at launch site, at the dining table, in the elevator...

“我早就说了,这事办不成!”
"I already told you, this can't be done!"

“花了那么多钱,现在又搞砸了,这简直就是犯罪吗?”
You have spent so much money but now screwed it up again. It's equal to a crime!"

“早知今日,何必当初呢！老老实实待着,不比啥强?我看都是吃饱了撑的！”
"If you had known this, you wouldn't have done it. Shouldn't it be the best to just stay in your place? I think you're so idle as to get involved in this!"

有人询问,有人感叹,有人抱怨,有人指责,甚至还有人指着鼻子骂娘。
Some people asked, some sighed, some complained, some accused, and even pointed to the nose to curse.

是的,用中国的火箭发射外国卫星,是中国人的一件大事。身为火箭故乡的子孙,谁不关心?谁不着急?发点牢骚,讲点怪话,可以理解,也很正常。

Yes, it is a great event for the Chinese people to launch foreign satellites with Chinese rockets. As childs of the rocket's hometown, who could be totally indifferent? So it was resonable and normal to complain or take a cheap shot.

问题是,面对善良的人们,有苦难言的航天专家们能说什么呢?

The question was, in the face of good people, what could the space experts who were suffering say?

1985年初,欧洲航天界一位权威人士就说过:中国的火箭进入国际商业市场, 至少需要5年。

In early 1985, an authoritative figure in the European space industry said that it would take at least five years for China's rockets to enter the international commercial market.

说这话的人,叫吉普森仁。
The man who said this was called Gibson Ren.

吉普森仁是欧洲空间局第一任局长,国际宇航联合会副主席。欧洲空间联合共同体,就是在他的倡导下建起来的。这是一位对中国的航天事业有过积极贡献的英国人。1984年春天,在日本东京召开的国际宇航联合会上,中国也是在他的支持下迫使台湾退出,オ正式加入国际宇航联合会的。

Gibson was the first director of the European Space Agency and vice-president of the International Astronautical Federation. The European Space Union was founded under his initiative. This was an Englishman who has made positive contributions to China's space industry. In the spring of 1984, at the International Astronautical Federation held in Tokyo, Japan, China also forced Taiwan Province to withdraw with his support and officially joined the International Astronautical Federation.

1985年初,孙家栋副部长和乌可力到欧洲各国进行卫星发射市场的调研时, 首先对他进行了私访。

In early 1985, when Vice Minister Sun Jiadong and Wu Keli went to European countries to investigate the satellite launch market, they first paid a private visit to him.

那是巴黎一个很美的夜晚,吉普森仁将孙家栋和乌可力迎进他的小别墅。几句寒暄后,他便从地窖里拿出十几种世界名酒,请两位中国老朋友入席。

It was a beautiful evening in Paris, and Gibson welcomed Sun Jiadong and Ukolai into his villa. After a few words of greeting, he took out more than a dozen world famous wines from the cellar and invited two old Chinese friends to the table.

吉普森仁的夫人是位钢琴家,为了助兴,特意为两位中国朋友弹奏贝多芬的《命运交响曲》。吉普森仁酒量过人,且有收藏名酒的嗜好,地窖里存有几千瓶世界名酒。孙家栋喝酒不怎么样,但乌可力是海量,因此彼此喝得很是痛快。

Gibson Ren's wife, a pianist, specially played Beethoven's Symphony of Destiny for the two Chinese friends to liven things up. As a man with extraordinary alcohol tolerance and a hobby of collecting famous wine, there were thousands of bottles of world famous wine in Gibson's cellar. Sun Jiadong was not good at drinking, but Wu Keli was the opposite, so they drank freely with great joviality。

席间,孙家栋谈起中国火箭打入国际市场一事,吉普森仁听后很激动,说:“中国火箭若能打入国际市场,当然是好事。不过我要提醒你们的是,火箭发射打入国际商业市场,是件非常困难的事。因为火箭发射是高保险、高投资,用户选择的条件是十分苛刻的。”

During the dinner, When Sun Jiadong talked about the Chinese rocket's entry into the international market, Gibson Ren was very excited, and said: "If Chinese rockets can enter the international market, of course, is a good thing. But I want to remind you that it is very difficult for the rocket launch to penetrate the international commercial market. Because the rocket launch is involved in high insurance and high investment, so the conditions to choose users are very demanding.

孙家栋说:“我们对这方面确实还缺乏了解。”
Sun Jiadong said: "We really lack understanding in this regard."

吉普森仁说:“我们的'阿里亚娜’火箭当初面临的是美国航天飞机的竞争,所以一开始采用的是免费发射的办法,接着又用低价格为对方发射了两发,最后オ打入国际市场的。这就像卖东西,让你先尝尝味道怎么样,然后再谈价格,再说交易。”

Gibson said: "Our 'Ariane' rocket was originally faced with competition from the US space shuttle, so we took the method of free launch at first, then launched two rockets for our cooperation partner at a low price, and finally entered the international market after that. It's like selling things in that the shopper lets you taste first, and then talks about the price, and then the deal."

乌可力说:“您认为中国的火箭打入国际市场,有希望吗?”

Wu Keli asked: "Do you think there is any hope for China's rockets to enter the international market?"

吉普森仁说:“中国的火箭要打入国际市场,我相信可以办到;但是,现在你们的问题是没有经验,而且面临的又是美国和法国这两个非常强大的竞争对手,因此要有长期的打算。”

Gibson said: "I think China can make it. However, your problem now is that you have no experience, and you are facing two very strong competitors, the United States and France, so you should have a long-term plan."

“大概需要多少年啊?”乌可力举起酒杯,急不可待地问了一句。

"How long will it take?" Wu Keli raised his glass, and asked reanestly.

吉普森仁也举起酒杯,却停了停,说:“依我之见,恐怕至少需要5年!”

Gibson Ren also raised his glass, but paused, saying: "in my opinion, I'm afraid it will take at least five years!

后来的事实证明,吉普森仁的预测是正确的。是的,发射外国卫星,并非易事。

Later, it turned out that Gibson Ren's prediction was correct. Yes, launching a foreign satellite was not easy.

截至1990年底,能进入国际商业卫星发射市场的,全世界只有美国和法国,而法国还是靠11个国家的力量オ进入的。它的“阿里亚娜”火箭打入国际市场,前后用了 8年时间。甚至连苏联那样的航天大国,至今还板着委屈的面孔,被冷落场外。

By the end of 1990, only the United States and France had access to the international commercial satellite launch market, and it was the strength of 11 countries that helped France enter. It took eight years for Ariane rocket to enter the international market. Even a space power like the Soviet Union still was left out feeling wronged and not convinced.

再说,商业卫星发射市场,已被美国等航天大国垄断了 20多年,其甜头妙不可言,他们当然还想继续垄断下去,绝不希望有第三者来抢饭碗。所以在通向西方人把守的国际商业市场的道路上,暗藏着温柔的利剑和美丽的陷阱,中国简直防不胜防。

Moreover, the United States and other space powers had monopolized the commercial satellite launch market for more than 20 years, from which they obtained too many benefits. Consequently, they wanted to continue to monopolize the market and never wanted others to get in on the act. Therefore, on the road to the international commercial market guarded by Westerners, there were gentle swords and beautiful traps, which China was simply impossible to prevent.

此外,中国是第一次踏进西方人统领的禁区,别说经验,连教训都没有;加上国门封闭太久,刚一打开,就急于挤进国际商业发射市场。这一急,当然就会摔跟斗。

In addition, this was the first time that China stepped into a forbidden zone led by westerners, and there was not even a lesson to be learned, let alone experience. After our national gate being closed for too long, we were eager to squeeze into the international commercial launch market as soon as it was opened again. A fall was inevitable when one was in a hurry.

所以说,中国想一下子就挤进国际卫星发射市场,是不现实的。

Therefore, it was unrealistic for China to squeeze into the international satellite launch market at once.

但是,面对如此困境,中国航天决策者们一致认为,发射外国卫星的工程绝不能下马,不管有多大的困难和阻力,一定要坚持下去!

However, in the face of such difficulties, China's aerospace policy makers unanimously believed that the project of launching foreign satellites must not be aborted, and no matter how difficult and resistant it was, it must be continued!

因为中国正面临着一个开放的世界。发射外国卫星,既是改革开放的一个伟大壮举,也是中国科技史上的一次重大革命。而历史的经验一再证明,机会是非常重要的,如同维纳斯的断臂,一旦失去,便永远无法续接。所以,在科学技术发生重大变革的关键时刻,一个国家只有利用科学技术的先进成果,抓住时机,才能实现腾飞。中国近几百年之所以落在了世界的后面,其中一个很重要的原因,正是在科学技术上错过了几次腾飞的机会。例如:

Because China was confronted with an open world. Launching foreign satellites was not only a great feat of reform and opening up, but also a major revolution in China's scientific and technological history. Historical experience has repeatedly proved that opportunity is very important, just like Venus's broken arm, once lost, it can never be renewed. Therefore, at the critical moment when major changes are taking place in science and technology, only by making use of the advanced achievements of science and technology and seizing the opportunity can a country achieve rapid development. One of the most important reasons why China fell behind the world in recent hundreds of years is that it has missed several opportunities to take off in science and technology. Here are examples.

—明末清初之际,中国历史上兴起了第一次科技革命。当时,江南一带商品经济勃勃兴起,在手工业中出现了资本主义萌芽,这与欧洲最早的资本主义国家几乎同时起步。就在这时,以意大利人利玛窦为首的西方传教士来到中国,带来了天文学、地理学和火器等西方近代科学技术。于是,中西方两种科学技术产生了巨大的接触与碰撞,使中国长期以来死气沉沉的科学技术第一次出现了复苏的景象。遗憾的是,由于封建社会的重压,中国科技的翅膀最终还是没有展开。而远在欧洲的英国,这时却抓住了历史赐予的大好时机,迅速赶超了意大利和荷兰,一跃而成为世界头号工业大国。

At the end of Ming Dynasty and the beginning of Qing Dynasty, the first scientific and technological revolution arose in China. At that time, the commodity economy flourished in the south of the Yangtze River, and capitalism began to sprout in handicraft industry, which started almost at the same time as the earliest capitalist countries in Europe. At this time, western missionaries headed by Italian Matteo Ricci came to China with western modern science and technology such as astronomy, geography and firearms. As a result, the two kinds of science and technology in China and the West experienced an indepth contact and a violent collision, thus China's long stagnant science and technology has shown signs of recovery for the first time. Unfortunately, due to the oppression of the feudal society, the wings of China's science and technology failed to expand in the end. Britain, as far away as Europe, seized the great opportunity given by history, quickly overtook Italy and the Netherlands, and became the world's largest industrial power.

—19世纪60至90年代,中国兴起洋务运动之时,正是世界第二次科技革命爆发之际。当时,中国的科技在沉沦了100多年之后,爆发出新的活力。但终因内外交困,国力贫弱,腾飞的翅膀最终还是无カ起飞。

Then, from the 1860s to the 1890s, when the Westernization Movement began in China, it was at the time of the outbreak of the second scientific and technological revolution in the world. During that period, a new vitality of China's science and technology broke out after more than 100 years of stagnation. However, due to domestic and diplomatic difficulties and the weakness of our country, we finally failed to take off.

—19世纪末,西方爆发了以相对论和力学为标志的科学革命,继而在20世纪四五十年代又兴起了第三次技术革命浪潮。本来,中国的民族资本主义这时已有一定的发展,可惜因战火纷飞的社会环境和贫困落后的经济,最终失去大好时机。

At the end of the 19th century, the scientific revolution marked by the theory of relativity and mechanics broke out in the West, and then the third wave of technological revolution arose in the 1940s and 1950s of the 20th century. China's national capitalism could have developed to a certain extent at this time, but unfortunately, due to the war-torn social environment and the backward economy, it finally lost the good opportunity.

—1949年之后,本来1956年至1966年是中国科技发展的“黄金时代”。那时,单就航天技术而言,中国与西方的差距并不遥远;而日本在某些方面还落在中国的后面。但“文化大革命”一场浩劫,竟长达10年!等中国从噩梦中醒来,世界科技的车轮早已滚滚向前。甚至与中国几乎处于同一起点的日本,也一跃而起,比中国早一个月发射了第一颗人造卫星!

The period from 1956 to 1966 was originally the "golden age" of China's technological development. At that time, in terms of space technology alone, the gap between China and the West was not far away, and Japan was also left behind in some aspects. But a catastrophe called the "Cultural Revolution" lasted for 10 years! When China woke up from the nightmare, the wheels of world technology had already rolled forward. Even Japan, which was almost at the same starting point as China, took off and launched its first artificial satellite one month earlier!

那么今天,当世界科技革命的大潮再次将中国推到时代的十字路口时,中国能否背水一战,抓住这一大好时机呢?

So today, when the tide of the world's scientific and technological revolution once again pushed China to the crossroads of the times, could China fight back and seize this great opportunity?

1988:希望与危机同行

1988: Hope Coming with Crisis

历史是个魔术大师,总让人难以捉摸。

History is a master of magic, always elusive.

当岁月的日历翻到1988年时,世界航天的局势又发生了奇妙的变化。这一年,世界航天事业东山再起,重振雄风,全世界一下就发射了 125颗不同的卫星。其中,苏联100颗,美国1I颗,欧洲空间局7颗,中国4颗,日本2颗,以色列1颗。

When the calendar of years turned to 1988, the world space situation changed wonderfully again. This year, the world's space industry made a comeback and regained its vigor, with 125 satellites launched in the whole world. Among them, 100 satellites belonged to the Soviet Union, 11 to the United States, 7 to the European Space Agency, 4 to China, 2 to Japan and 1 to Israel.

此外,美国航天飞机恢复了发射功能;苏联“暴风雪号”航天飞机首次发射成功;法国“阿里亚娜”火箭重整旗鼓并连续进行了 7次发射,将14颗不同国家的通信卫星送入了太空。而且,1988年6月15日,“阿里亚娜一4 ”型火箭首次发射成功,为法国争夺国际卫星发射市场又提供了一种新的运载工具。

In addition, the US space shuttle resumed its launch function; the Soviet Space successfully Launched the Space Shuttle Blizzard for the first time. The French's "Ariane" rocket reshowed and had seven consecutive launches, sending 14 communication satellites from different countries into space. Moreover, on June 15, 1988, the first successful launch of the Ariane-4 rocket provided France with a new vehicle for competing for the international satellite launch market.

让人吃惊的是,在欧洲空间局频繁的活动下,截至1990年,“阿里亚娜”火箭已夺取50%的国际卫星发射市场,各国的发射订座已排到了1991年,获利150亿法郎。而且,为提高在国际市场的竞争能力,法国还压低了“阿里亚娜”火箭的发射价格。

Surprisingly, the activities of the European Space Agency were so frequent that by 1990, the “Ariane" had captured 50% of the international satellite launch market, with national launch bookings up to 1991 and a profit of 15 billion francs. Moreover, in order to improve its competitiveness in the international market, France also lowered the launch price of the Ariane rocket.

这种咄咄逼人的世界航天局势,对中国不仅是挑战,更是威胁!

This aggressive world space situation was not only a challenge to china, but also a threat!

然而,“物竞天择,适者生存”。

However, everything follows the rule of "survival of the fittest in natural selection".

外国公司纷纷退出,虽然对中国是当头一击,但中国航天人却认真反省,吸取教训,不断改进。比如,外国专家看了中国发射场,提了许多建设性的意见;外商谈判中对发射提出这样那样的要求；中国通过到国外参观学习,也长了不少见识。这样一来,中国航天人渐渐明白:中国的火箭要想打入国际商业发射市场,在技术、生活设施等各方面必须具备哪些符合国际标准的条件。于是中国一边继续加紧同国外有关厂商的业务联系,一边狠抓发射场的技术和生活设施的建设。

Although the consecutive back-pedallings of foreign companies was a blow to China, the Chinese astronauts seriously reflected on themselves, learned lessons, and continuously improved. For example, foreign experts put forward many constructive suggestions when they saw China's launch sites. In the negotiations, foreign businessmen made various demands for the launch. China also gained a lot of experience by visiting and studying abroad. In this way, Chinese astronauts gradually understood that if China's rockets wanted to enter the international commercial launch market, they must have certain conditions meeting international standards in terms of technology and living facilities. Therefore, while continuing to step up business ties with relevant foreign manufacturers, China also paid close attention to the construction of technology and living facilities at launch sites.

而与此同时,有关部门也采取了许多积极的措施,譬如,中国人民保险公司愿冒着风险,以国际市场优惠价格为外商提供经济保险;中国海关决定对入境的外国卫星实行免检政策;中国人民银行对发射外国卫星所需的贷款,表示尽力给予保证;负责发射设施改造和工程兴建的设计部门以及施工单位,也愿意通力合作,拼命苦干,确保按期完成任务;等等。

At the same time, the departments concerned also took many positive measures. For example, the People's Insurance Company of China ran risks for providing economic insurance for foreign businessmen at preferential prices in the international market; China Customs decided to implement an inspection exemption policy for foreign satellites entering the country; the People's Bank of China indicated that it would do its best to guarantee the loans needed for launching foreign satellites; the design departments and construction units responsible for the renovation and construction of the launch facilities were also willing to cooperate with each other and work hard to ensure the completion of the task on schedule.

1988年3月7日,“长征三号”火箭又将一颗通信卫星成功送入太空。世界的目光,再次转向中国。

On March 7, 1988, the Long March 3 rocket successfully launched another communications satellite into space. The sight of the world once again cast to China.

据说,一年前,当外商纷纷退出中国时,西方一位记者曾打了一个比喻,说中国的“长征三号”火箭就像一只又大又肥的螃蟹,刚刚摆上国际餐桌时,各国卫星公司的老板们纷纷伸长了鼻子,抢着去闻香味,尽管个个垂涎三尺,却又谁都不敢先尝第一口。

It was said that one year ago, when foreign businessmen withdrew from China one after another, a western reporter once made an analogy. He said China's "Long March 3" rocket was like a big, fat crab. When it was just put on the international table, the bosses of the satellite companies elongated nose and vied to smell the fragrance. Although evryone was salivating, no one dared to taste the first bite.

没想到,一年后,终于走来一个敢尝第一口“螃蟹”的人。这个敢尝第一口“螃蟹”的人,便是而今誉满全球的亚洲卫星公司。

Unexpectedly, a year later, the one who dared to taste the first bite of "crab" finally arrived. That was the globally renowned Asian satellite company these days.

亚洲卫星公司是在香港注册的一家卫星公司,它由英国大东电报局、中国国际信托投资公司、香港和记黄埔公司三家共同投资,并各持相等股份。由于三家公司均有雄厚的资金和技术专长,所以不惜巨款,冒着极大的风险,购买了美国休斯公司的“亚洲一号”卫星,第一个让中国的“长征三号”火箭将其送入太空。

AsiaSat, a satellite company registered in Hong Kong, was jointly invested by Cable and Wireless, China International Trust and Investment Corporation and Hutchison Whampoa. With strong capital and technical expertise, these three companies took risks to buy the “AsiaSat 1” satellite produced by Hughes at the expense of money, as the first to let China's "Long March 3" rocket carry it into space.

1988年9月9日,通过中国多方面的努力,美国国务院正式批准用中国火箭发射3颗美国通信卫星的计划。

On September 9, 1988, through China's efforts in various aspects, the US State Department officially approved the plan to launch three US communication satellites with China-made rockets.

这是有史以来美国政府第一次批准由一个社会主义国家发射美国卫星的计划。

It was the first time in history that the U.S. government had approved a plan to launch a U.S. satellite from a socialist country.

为此,中国外交部发言人在当天发表声明说:“美国的卫星运到中国发射,安全是有保证的。”并在答记者问时,再次表示:“中国对美国政府支持中国为外国提供卫星发射服务表示赞赏。”

To this end, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the same day: "The safety of the U.S. satellite is guaranteed when it is transported to China for launch. In response to a reporter's question, he said again: "China appreciates the US government's support for China's satellite launching services to foreign countries.

但是,这仅仅是事情的开始。

However, this is just the beginning of everything.

十一、外交场上的风云

Chapter Ⅺ The Volatile Situation of Diplomacy

1988年11月24日,中国谈判代表团前往美国进行第二轮关于商业卫星发射服务问题的会谈,代表团团长孙家栋。

On November 24, 1988, the Chinese negotiating delegation headed by Sun Jiadong went to the United States for the second round of talks on commercial satellite launch services.

这天,航空航天部部长林宗棠、副部长刘纪原亲临机场送行。临上飞机时,刘纪原握住孙家栋的手,一再嘱咐说:“这次谈判,无论遇到多大的困难与阻力,只能成功,不可失败!”

On this day, Lin Zongtang, Minister of the Ministry of Aviation Industry, and Vice Minister Liu Jiyuan personally saw them off at the airport. Before boarding the plane, Liu Jiyuan took Sun Jiadong's hand and repeatedly instructed: "No matter how difficult and challenging the negotiation may be, you must make it!"

飞机起飞时,清晨的阳光洒满北京首都机场。机场上,送行的人群使劲地挥动着祝愿的手臂;其中两位女士,眼里还含着泪水。

When the plane took off, the early morning sun filled the Beijing Capital Airport. At the airport, the people who saw them off waved their blessing arms vigorously. Among them were two women whose eyes were filled in tears.

发射外国卫星,看起来好像只是一次国际性的商业活动,但实际上除了两个公司之间要签订有关合同外,两国政府之间还必须签署正式的协议文件。

Launching a foreign satellite seemed like an international commercial activity, but in fact, in addition to the relevant contracts signed between the two companies, the two governments must also sign formal agreement documents.

这就需要谈判。
Then negotiation was required.

此次谈判,若是成功,“亚洲一号”卫星的出境许可证便可颁发;倘若失败,则一切就此结束!

The negotiations, if successful, the exit permit of the “AsiaSat 1” satellite would be issued; on the contrary, it would be the end.

因此,中国代表团此次出征,不管是飞机上的谈判代表,还是飞机下的送行人员,无不感到深深的忧虑与担心。

Therefore, whether the negotiators on the plane or the people off the plane all felt deep anxiety and worry about the delegation.

10月初,中国航空航天部起草了一封信函,通过中国驻美大使韩叙先生转交给美国国会。在这封信中,主要阐明了中国卫星发射进入国际商业市场的理由。

In early October, the Ministry of Aviation Industry of China drafted a letter and forwarded it to the US Congress via the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Han Xu. In this letter, the main reasons for China's satellite launch to enter the international commercial market were explained.

美国国会收到中方信函后,由美国空间委员会主席罗伯特・罗埃先生召集国会有关人员讨论了中方的意见,然后将国会意见提交里根政府。里根在原则上表示同意,但要求中美双方必须就如下三个问题进行会谈:

After the US Congress received the letter from China, Mr. Robert Roe, chairman of the US Space Committee, convened relevant personnel of the National Committee to discuss the Chinese views, and then submitted the congressional views to the Reagan Administration. Reagan agreed in principle, but demanded that China and the United States hold talks on the following three issues.

第一,卫星是高技术出口,中方如何保证其技术安全;

First, satellites are high-tech exports. How can China ensure their technical safety?

第二,中国不属于联合国空间责任条约国,万一火箭发射失败,危及第三方国家,如何承担责任;

Second, China is not one of the United Nations Space Responsibility Treaty Partners. In case the rocket launch fails and endangers third-party countries, how can China assume responsibility?

第三,有关卫星发射中的商务问题,必须落实到具体的条款中。

Third, commercial issues related to satellite launches must be implemented in specific provisions.

于是,10月中旬,中美两国政府代表团在北京钓鱼台,就卫星技术的安全问题和卫星发射的责任问题,举行了第一轮会谈。

Therefore, in mid-October, Chinese and American government delegations held the first round of talks on the safety of satellite technology and the responsibility of satellite launch in Diaoyutai, Beijing.

会谈中,双方各持一个谈判稿。几轮谈判下来,中美两国政府终于达成一致意见,签订了关于《卫星技术安全》和《卫星发射责任》两个协议备忘录。

During the talk, both sides held a negotiating draft. After several rounds, the Chinese and US governments finally reached an agreement and signed two memorandums of agreement on "Satellite Technical Safety" and "Satellite Launch Responsibility."

而与此同时,全国人大常务委员会也通过了中国加入“外层空间”三个条约的决议,为“亚洲一号”卫星的发射奠定了相互信任的基础,并具备了可靠的法律保证。

At the same time, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress also adopted a resolution on China's accession to the three treaties on "outer space," laying a foundation for mutual trust and providing reliable legal guarantee for the launch of the "Asia-1" satellite.

可惜,此次谈判最终未达成一致协议,故两国政府的谈判桌,又从北京搬到了美国。

Unfortunately, no agreement was reached in the end, so the negotiating table between the two governments was moved from Beijing to the US.

飞机穿破云层,在12000米的高空翱翔。

The plane pierced through the clouds and soared at an altitude of 12,000 meters.

飞机下方,就是波涛滚滚的太平洋,但飞机上的中国代表团所有成员,谁也顾不上去看一眼。

Below the plane were waves rolling in the Pacific Ocean, but all the members of the Chinese delegation on the plane were to busy to look out of the window.

本来,10月在北京谈判结束时,双方约定,这次在美国的谈判,由美方先拿出一个谈判意见稿,作为谈判的基础。但不知何故,美方迟迟未将意见稿寄出。后几经催促,直到11月22日下午,中方オ收到美方寄来的谈判稿。可中方打开谈判稿一看,意见相差甚远。本想推迟谈判,但机票已经定好,只好匆匆启程。

As agreed by two sides, at the end of the talks in Beijing in October, the US side should have produced a draft of negotiation opinions first as the basis for the talks in the United States. However, for some reason, the US didn't send out the opinion draft. After urging them for several times, the Chinese delegation didn't recieve the negotiation draft sent by the US side until the afternoon of November 22. However, when the Chinese delegation unfolded the draft, only to find distinctly differenct views. They wanted to postpone the negotiations, but the ticket had been booked, so they had to leave in a hurry.

为了在这次谈判中争取主动,一上飞机,中国代表团便分三个小组,对美方提交的谈判稿进行修改。小组修改完之后,再交到孙家栋的手上。

In order to gain the initiative in this negotiation, the Chinese delegation divided into three groups to revise the negotiation draft submitted by the US as soon as they boarded the plane. After the team revised it, it was handed over to Sun Jiadong.

孙家栋是此次赴美代表团的团长。此刻,他靠在舷窗前,正逐字逐句地推敲着美方拟定的谈判稿。

Sun Jiadong was the head of the delegation to the United States. At the moment, he leaned against the porthole and was deliberating word for word on the negotiation draft the US submitted.

孙家栋是东北辽宁人。1950年,尚未从哈军工毕业。他便参了军,成为空军志愿军一名年轻而出色的翻译官。1952年,他赴苏联茹柯夫斯基空军工程学院深造。在6年的学习中,他因各科成绩优异,荣获苏联茹柯夫斯基空军工程学院金质奖章。

Sun Jiadong is a native of Liaoning Province in Northeast China. In 1950, he had not graduated from PLA Military Institute of Engineering. Then he joined the army and became a young and outstanding translator in the Air Force Volunteers. In 1952, he went to the Soviet Union Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering College for further study. During his six years of study, he was awarded the Gold Medal of the Soviet Union's Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy for his outstanding achievements in all subjects.

1958年,孙家栋回国,因他俄语出色,常作为高级翻译陪同中国代表团前往苏联进行有关谈判。1982年,他作为中国代表团副团长,出席了联合国空间代表大会;1984年,他作为中国代表团副团长,先后同英国、法国、联邦德国和意大利进行有关空间合作的谈判;1986年,他同巴西进行关于中巴资源卫星合作的谈判。因此在国际谈判席上,堪称一位经验丰富的高手。

In 1958, Sun Jiadong returned to China. Because of his excellent Russian, he often accompanied the Chinese delegation to the Soviet Union as a senior translator for relevant negotiations. In 1982, as the deputy head of the Chinese delegation, he attended the United Nations Space Representative Conference. In 1984, as deputy head of the Chinese delegation, he successively held negotiations on space cooperation with Britain, France, Federal Republic of Germany and Italy. In 1986, he attended the negotiation with Brazil on cooperation between China and Brazil in resource satellites. Therefore, in the international negotiation table, he could be called an experienced player.

孙家栋宽宽的额头,胖胖的脸,留着一个小平头。他能言善辩,口才极好,特别能讲故事。他肚子里似乎装有一个故事公司,一讲便是一个系列。无论多么重大复杂的事情,他只要讲一个小小的故事,便可让你一清二楚。并且,每当讲话时,孙家栋的脸上总是洋溢着一种充满智慧与慈善的微笑。这种微笑,能让你获得一种信任,感到一种轻松,留下很难抹去的印象。

Sun Jiadong has a broad forehead and a fat face, with a screw hair. He is eloquent and articulated, especially good at telling stories. There seems to have a story company in his mind, and stories are always told in series. No matter how important and complicated things are, you will understand everything after he tells you a small story. Moreover, whenever he speaks, Sun Jiadong always wears a smile full of wisdom and charity, which always gives you a sense of trust, a sense of relief, and leaves an impression that is hard to erase.

但此刻,孙家栋的脸上毫无笑容,全是忧虑。等他合上谈判稿,抬起头来,将疲惫的目光投向窗外时,旧金山已近在眼前。

But now, his face was full of worries instead of a smile. When he closed the draft, looked up, and looked out the window, San Francisco was just around the corner.

华盛顿。美国总统商务代表处。
Washington, DC. The President Business Office of the United States.

这是一幢充满商业气息的简易小楼。中国代表团到华盛顿的第二天,双方便在此摆开了谈判的阵容。

This was a simple building full of commercial flavor. The day after the Chinese delegation arrived in Washington, the two sides laid out the lineup for negotiations.

美国总统商务代表处,是总统府下设的一个商务机构。世界各国同美国的各种贸易活动,都必须与美国总统商务代表处洽谈后,再由商务代表处向总统直接报告。

The President Business Office of the United States was a business organization under the President Palace. All kinds of trade activities between other countries and the United States must be negotiated with the President Business Office of the United States, and then reported directly to the President by the Business Representative Office.

中国代表团11月25日抵达旧金山后,一下飞机,便用了一个下午和一个晚上的时间,对美方的谈判稿再次进行了复议、修改,并将修改后的中文稿译成了英文。第二天下午,又从旧金山赶到华盛顿。一到华盛顿,马上找到中国驻美大使馆大使韩叙先生,就此次谈判一事,专门向他做了汇报。

After arriving in San Francisco on 25 november, the Cinese delegation spent one afternoon and one night on the plane reviewing and revising the US draft and translating the revised Chinese version into English. The next afternoon, they went to Washington from San Francisco. As soon as they arrived in Washington, they immediately found Mr. Han Xu, Ambassador of the Chinese Embassy in the United States, and gave him a special report on the negotiations.

韩叙是中国第一任驻美大使,在美国政界享有很高的威望。早在五六十年代, 他作为周恩来总理政府代表团的随行人员,参加过1954年和1961年的日内瓦会议、1955年的万隆会议,出访过欧亚11国;曾参与接待了大量来访的各国元首或政府首脑,比如197I年基辛格访华,1972年尼克松访华,参与1982年中美“八一七公报”的后期谈判以及1984年两国首脑的互访等。1982年出任中华人民共和国外交部副部长,1985年出任中国驻美国大使。

Han Xu was China's first ambassador to the United States and enjoyed high prestige in the US political arena. As early as the 1950s and 1960s, as an entourage member of premier Zhou Enlai's government delegation, he participated in the Geneva Conference in 1954 and 1961, the Bandung Conference in 1955, and visited 11 European and Asian countries. He has been involved in recieving a large number of visiting heads of state or government, such as Kissinger's visit to China in 1971 and Nixon's visit to China in 1972. He also participated in the late-stage talks of the August 17 Communiqué between China and the United States in 1982 and the exchange visits between the heads of state of the two countries in 1984. In 1982, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, and in 1985, he was appointed Ambassador of China to the United States.

韩叙大使听了代表团汇报的情况后,和代表团商量,决定第二天就开始与美方谈判。

After listening to the report of the delegation, Ambassador Han Xu discussed with the delegation and decided to start the negotiation with the US the next day.

当晚,代表团在大使馆就第二天谈判的有关对策,再次进行了讨论。

That night, the delegation discussed again at the embassy on the relevant countermeasures for the coming negotiations.

代表团成员中,有一位叫王秀亭的女士,因一路匆忙,昼夜加班,头发乱得不成样子也顾不上。大使馆的理发员小王发现后,主动找上门来,要为王秀亭烫发。小王说:“明天就要谈判了,应该打扮得漂漂亮亮的。让美国人好好看看,咱们中国女谈判家的形象!”于是,小王连夜为王秀亭烫了一个漂亮的“东方式”。

Among the members of the delegation, there was a woman named Wang Xiuting, who worked overtime day and night and was too busy to fix her hair. After Wang, the barber of the embassy, found it, he took the initiative to come to the door and perm Wang Xiuting. Wang said, "You're going to negotiate tomorrow. You should dress up beautiful. Let the Americans have a good look at the image of our Chinese female negotiators!" So, Wang gave Wang Xiuting a beautiful "Oriental" perm overnight.

第二天一早,中美双方拉开了谈判的序幕。
In the early morning the next day, China and the United States kicked off the negotiation.

美方代表团可谓实力雄厚。团长是尤金・麦卡里斯特,首席谈判代表是威克逊。威克逊是一位经验丰富、有着多年外交工作经历的谈判老手。美国同国外的所有商务联系,几乎都是由他出面进行主谈,因而在西欧诸国享有盛名。

The US delegation was strong. The head of the delegation was Eugene McAllister, and the chief negotiator was Wickson. Wickson is an experienced negotiator with rich diplomatic experience. All the business contacts between the United States and foreign countries were almost always conducted by him, and thus he enjoyed a high reputation in Western Europe.

美国人似乎天生富有幽默感。这天,中美双方代表在谈判席上刚一握手相见, 威克逊便指着楼下的房间,对中方代表说: “尊敬的中国朋友们,你们远道而来,请允许我向你们表示诚挚的欢迎!不过, 在谈判前,我想提醒一句:你们知道我这楼下过去是干什么的吗?”

Americans seem to have a natural sense of humor. On this day, as soon as the representatives of China and the United States shook hands at the negotiating table, Wickson pointed to the room downstairs and said to the Chinese representative: "Dear Chinese friends, you have come from afar, please allow me to express my sincere welcome to you! But, before the negotiation starts, I'd like to remind you that if you know the role of the downstairs in the past?"

中方代表看了看,不知所以然。
The Chinese representative looked at it, perplexed.

“告诉你们吧,”威克逊说,“在美国南北战争时期,这儿曾是专门关押俘虏的地方！”
"Let me tell you," Wickson said,"this was a place for prisoners during the American Civil War!"

“关押俘虏的地方?”中方代表更是不解。
"For prisoners?" the Chinese representative was even more puzzled.

“是的。”威克逊说;你们这次谈判要是输了,我就把你们留在楼下啦!”说罢, 威克逊笑了。

"Yes," said Wickson, "if you lose this negotiation, I'll leave you downstairs!" Wickson laughed after saying that.

中方代表这オ恍然大悟。
The Chinese representative suddenly understood.

“尊敬的威克逊先生,”孙家栋笑眯眯地接过话茬道,“这次我们谈判要是赢了呢?”

"Dear Wickson," said Sun Jiadong with a smile, "but what if we win?"

“那……那就把我关在楼下!”威克逊说罢,哈哈大笑起来。

"Then... you can lock me downstairs!" Saying that, Wickson burst into laughter.

“我看呀,”上官世盘插话道,“最好的结局,是谁都不要被关在楼下。”

"In my view," interrupted Shangguan Shipan, "the best outcome is that no one should be locked downstairs."

“对对对,睡席梦思毕竟比躺地板强!”威克逊说完,双方代表都笑了。

"That's right! Sleeping on the mat is better than lying on the floor after all!" Wakeson said, and representatives from both sides laughed.

威克逊的开场白,看似一个玩笑,但中方代表分明预感到,这是对方有意发出的一个挑战信号,此次谈判,绝不会轻松。

Wickson's opening remarks seemed to be a joke, but the Chinese representative clearly sensed that this was a challenge signal deliberately sent by the US. The negotiation would not be easy.

果然,第一个回合下来,美方便占了上风。
As expected, in the first round, the US gained the upper hand.

美方在谈判中说:中国的火箭不应进入国际市场,因为有国家力量的支持;而美国的火箭公司是商业性的私人公司。这违背了平等竞争的商业原则,不符合一般商业规律。

During the talks, the US said that China's rockets should not enter the international market because they were supported by the country, but the US's rockets companies were commerce-related and privately owned. This violated the business principle of equal competition and did not conform to the general business law.

美方在谈判中还说:中国的火箭发射价格太低,是利用倾销价格进入国际市场,这就扰乱了国际市场价格。此外,中国在挤进国际卫星发射市场的过程中,某些做法不符合商业规则。

The US also said that China's rocket launch was too cheap. China used dumping prices to enter the international market, which disturbed the international market price. In addition, some of China's practices in the process of squeezing into the international satellite launch market were not in line with commercial rules.

此次谈判,由于一开始是以美方的谈判文本为基础,加之中方代表团又是第一次触及此类问题,所以一涉及对外发射服务中的国际贸易问题,中国代表团就感到很陌生,一下子处于被动局面。

Since the negotiations were based on the US's negotiation text at the beginning, and it was the first time that the Chinese delegation touched on such issues, the Chinese delegation was unfamiliar with international trade in foreign launch services, thus suddenly being in a passive situation.

中方出师不利,有人面露尴尬,有人忐忑不安。

The Chinese side did not get off to a good start. Some were embarrassed and some uneasy.

而恰在这时,中方的主谈人又不幸病倒。

And just at this time, the chief negotiator of the Chinese delegation unfortunately fell ill.

下一步怎么办?
What should they do next?

谁来接替原来的主谈人?
Who was going to replace the original chief negotiator?

当晚,中国代表团第一次出现了集体失眠。
That night, the Chinese delegation experienced insomnia together for the first time.

身为团长的孙家栋自然更是睡不着了,本来就发白的头发一夜间仿佛又白了许多。他深知这次谈判的重要,清楚一旦谈判失败,后果是什么。

As the head of the delegation, Sun Jiadong was unable to sleep, either. His already gray hair seemed to have turned much whiter overnight. He was well aware of the importance of this negotiation and knew what the consequences would be if the negotiation failed.

中国的火箭要发射美国的卫星,无论是在国内还是国外,呼声都越来越高。前天,他刚到美国,就接到不少美籍华人打来的电话,纷纷询问中国代表团这次谈判情况,并向他表示鼓励与祝愿。有的在电话里当即表示说:“一定尽全力支持中国谈判代表团!”有的在电话里满含深情地说:“中国的火箭只有成功地走向了世界, 我们这些海外的华人才能真正抬得起头,挺得起腰杆!”

China's rockets to launch American satellites, whether at home or abroad, arouse increasing calls. The day before yesterday, as soon as he arrived in the US, he received many calls from Chinese Americans who asked about the talks and expressed encouragement and wishes to him. Some immediately said on the phone: "We will do our best to support the Chinese delegation!" Some of them said on the phone with deep feelings: "Only when China's rockets successfully go to the world, can we overseas Chinese really lift our heads and stand up!"

孙家栋再也无法入睡了。他把代表团全体成员召集起来,再一次认真研究了美方的谈判文本,然后具体拟定了第二天的谈判对策。鉴于原主谈人生病,他又果断决定:由上官世盘出任主谈人。

Sun Jiadong couldn't sleep anymore. He called together all the members of the delegation, once again carefully studied the US's negotiation text, and then worked out the specific countermeasures for the next day's negotiation. In view of the original chief negotiator was ill, he quickly decided to assign shangguan ShiPan as the original negotiator.

第二天,上官世盘的发言,有礼有节,不仅情感真挚,而且在外交分寸的把握上恰到好处,游刃有余。于是局面开始发生好转。

The next day, Shangguan Shipan's speech was polite and restrained, not only sincere in emotion, but also just right in grasping diplomatic discretion. So the situation began to improve.

第二个回合,双方打了个平局。
In the second round, the two sides played a draw.

谈判仍在继续,且越谈越难。
Negotiations were still continuing and became more and more hard.

20天时间,一晃而过。
Twenty days passed in a flash.

谈判,从第一稿,谈到第十稿。
Negotiations rolled from the first draft to the tenth draft.

1988年12月17日,孙家栋终于代表中国代表团草签了中美两国政府间的最后一个协议文件一《关于商业发射服务的国际贸易问题协议备忘录》。

On December 17, 1988, Sun Jiadong, on behalf of the Chinese delegation, finally initialed the last agreement document between the governments of China and the United States, the Memorandum of Agreement on International Trade in Commercial Launch Services.

中国代表团离开美国那天,美方代表团的团长尤金・麦卡里斯特前往机场送行。麦卡里斯特握着孙家栋的手,说:“孙先生,这次谈判我什么都想到了,但就是有一点没想到。”

On the day the Chinese delegation left the United States, Eugene McAllister, head of the US delegation, went to the airport to see them off. McAllister held Sun Jiadong's hand and said, "Mr. Sun, I've thought of everything except one point in this negotiation."

孙家栋问:“哪一点没想到?”
"What?" asked Sun Jiadong.

麦卡里斯特说:“你们竟然在飞机上就将谈判文本改了一稿!”
McAllister said,"You had changed the negotiation text on the plane!

孙家栋忍不住笑了,说:“麦卡里斯特先生,我们这也是被你们逼上梁山的啊!” 麦卡里斯特说:“中国代表团不仅效率高,谈判水平也高。我祝贺你们!”

Sun Jiadong couldn't help but laugh and said, "Mr. McAllister, we were also forced to do that because of you!" McAllister replied, "The Chinese delegation is not only efficient, but also has a high level of negotiation. Congratulations!"

孙家栋说:“祝愿我们下一步的合作顺利进行!”
Sun Jiadong said: "I wish our next cooperation successful!

麦卡里斯特说:“好,希望如此。”
"Well, I hope so," McAllister said.

北京。首都机场。

Beijing. Beijing Capital Airport.

这一天,以刘纪原为首的欢迎中国谈判代表团凯旋的队伍,早在机场等候多时。

On this day, the team headed by Liu Jiyuan to welcome the triumphant Chinese negotiating delegation waited at the airport for a long time.

中国谈判代表团乘坐的飞机刚一着陆,人群中就传来一片欢呼声。

As soon as the plane of the Chinese negotiating delegation landed, a cheer burst from the crowd.

孙家栋率先走出机舱。他一边向迎接的人群挥手致意,一边匆匆走下舷梯,然后抢先握住刘纪原的手,第一句话就说:“老刘,谈判成功了！”

Sun Jiadong went out of the cabin first. He waved to the welcoming crowd, hurried down the gangway and competed to hold Liu Jiyuan's hand. His first sentence was, "Lao Liu, we succeed!"

望着孙家栋明显消瘦的脸庞,刘纪原副部长笑了:“当然成功了,你不想想,你们身后站着一个强大的中华人民共和国!”

"Surely," looking at Sun's visibly emaciated face, Liu Jiyuan said with a smile, "because behind you stands a powerful country--People's Republic of China!"

十二、布什:不愿得罪十亿中国人

Ⅻ: Bush: Unwilling to Offend 1 billion Chinese

1989年1月23日,北京人民大会堂江苏厅。

January 23, 1989, in the Jiangsu Hallof the Great Hall of the People, Beijing.

下午4时,中国长城工业公司副总经理乌可力代表中方,亚洲卫星公司执行总裁薛栋代表用户,签署了关于用中国“长征三号”运载火箭发射“亚洲一号”卫星的正式合同。

At 4:00 p.m., Wu Keli, deputy general manager of the China Great Wall Industry Corporation, on behalf of China, and Xue Dong, executive director of the AsiaSat Corporation, on behalf of the user, signed a formal contract on launching the AsiaSat-1 satellite with China's "Long March-3" carrier rocket.

全国人大常委会副委员长荣毅仁,国务委员邹家华和国防科工委、航空航天部负责人出席了隆重的签字仪式。

Rong Yiren, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, Zou Jiahua, State Councilor, and responsible persons of the COSTIND and the Ministry of Aviation Industry attended the grand signing ceremony.

当晚,在人民大会堂宴会厅举行庆祝宴会。300余名中外来宾和记者,济济一堂,频频举杯。

In that evening, a celebration banquet was held in the banquet hall of the Great Hall of the People. More than 300 Chinese and foreign guests and journalists gathered together and raised their glasses from time to time.

迷人的灯光,成功的笑脸,舒心的乐曲,飘香的茅台,整个人民大会堂宴会大厅,洋溢着浓浓的喜庆气氛。

Charming lights, smiling faces because of success, soothing music, fragrant Maotai spirit created a thick festive atmosphere filling the banquet hall of the Great Hall of the People.

乌可力端着酒杯,穿梭于各个座席之间,与外宾们频频碰杯。乌可力不仅在外交场上是一位谈判能人,在酒席上也是一位常常压倒对手的强者。年轻时,他一仰脖子,能灌下两斤白干;现在,一斤白酒,依然不在话下。

Wu Keli carried the wine glass, shuttled between the seats, and frequently clinked glasses with the foreign guests. Wu Keli was not only a negotiator on the diplomatic field, but also a strong man who often overpowered his opponent at the banquet. When he was young, he lifted up his neck and could fill two jin in vain; now, one jin was also a piece of cake. (1 jin is equivalent to 0.5 kilogram)

据说,有一次在联邦德国谈判时,联邦德国卫星专家听说乌可力是位蒙古族汉子,特能喝酒,便拿出几瓶84度的酒,要与他豪饮一番。乌可力也不客气,端起酒杯,与他连连对碰。结果,这位号称“海量”的联邦德国专家刚喝下三杯,便放下酒杯,拱手承让道:“乌先生不仅谈判是这个（竖大拇指）,喝酒也是这个（竖大拇指）, 佩服,佩服!”

It was said that once in the Federal Republic of Germany negotiations, when their satellite expert heard that Wu Keli was a Mongolian man and was a good drinker, he took out a few bottles of 84 degrees of wine, to imbibe with him. Without demur and hesitation, Wu Keli raised his glass and exchanged blows with him frequently. Unexpectedly, the Federal Republic of Germany expert with so-called "enormous capacity for liquor" just drank three cups, then put down the wine cup, clasping his hands together and said with admiration: "Mr Wu is not only ... in the negotiations (giving a thumbs-up), but also ... in drinking (giving a thumbs-up). I admire a lot!"

可今天,乌可力刚喝下第八杯茅台,便有些醉眼蒙咙,一种疲劳之感频频袭来。

But today, Wu Keli was a little drunk with a feeling of fatigue hitting him frequently after he just drank the eighth cup of Maotai.

他,实在太累了……
He was ... really tired.

从提议发射外国卫星,到今天正式签订发射合同,整整5年。

From the proposal to launch foreign satellites to the formal signing of the launch contract today, it has taken five years.

5年来,为了把中国的火箭打入国际商业市场,乌可力的足迹几乎遍布全球。从亚洲到美洲,从美洲到欧洲,他跑了 30多个国家和地区,光乘坐飞机的时间就有 4200多个小时,共计行程90多万公里！

In the past five years, in order to bring Chinese rockets into the international commercial market, Ukeli traveled almost all over the world. From Asia to the Americas, from the Americas to Europe, he traveled to more than 30 countries and regions. He spent more than 4,200 hours by plane alone, with a total journey of more than 900,000 kilometers!

1988年,为了卫星等谈判之事,有一次他从中国飞到洛杉矶,再从洛杉矶飞到巴西;从巴西飞到联邦德国,再从联邦德国飞到伊拉克;从伊拉克飞到巴西,再从巴西飞回中国。连续一个星期,几乎全是在上万米的高空中度过的。

In 1988, for the sake of negotiations on satellites, he once flew from China to Los Angeles and then from Los Angeles to Brazil; then fly from Brazil to Federal Germany, and next from Federal Germany to Iraq; from Iraq to Brazil, and then fly back to China from Brazil. For a week in a row, almost he spent all his time in the tens of thousands of meters high in the air.

当然,还有比累更令他难受的事情。

Of course, there were more than tireness to make him uncomfortable.

1986年,他带领中国代表团去加拿大考察,与某卫星公司洽谈有关发射的问题。按国家规定,出国考察人员每人每天费用只有52美元,显然不可能去住四星级、五星级的宾馆。因为这样的宾馆,一晚上就是250美元。于是他和代表团成员住进了加拿大最普通、最便宜的旅店一“大马店”。

In 1986, he led the Chinese delegation to Canada to investigate and discuss with a satellite company about the launch. According to state regulations, the daily cost of each person on an overseas inspection tour was only 52 US dollars, which obviously made it impossible to stay in a four-star or five-star hotel. For a hotel like this costed $250 one night. So he and the delegation members lived in one of the most common, the cheapest hotels in Canada, where they had to sleep with many people together, crowded and uncomfortable.

有一天,乌可力打电话跟那家卫星公司联系,希望能派车接他们去公司洽谈。那家卫星公司问他们住在什么地方,乌可力把住址告诉对方后,那家公司并没有来人,而是派了两辆出租车过来。

One day, Wu Keli called to contact the satellite company, hoping that they could send a car to pick them up to the company to negotiate. The satellite company asked where they lived, and after Wu Keli told the other party the address, the company did not send anyone over, but sent two taxis.

更令人气愤的是,他们到了公司后,别说公司董事长出面接待,就连一个副经理都没露面,只派了一个科员出来应付了几句,便起身送客。

What's even more infuriating was that when they arrived at the company, there was even no deputy manager to recieve them, let alone the chairman. Only one staff member came out to perfunctorily say a few words and then stood up to see off the guests.

在回来的路上,乌可力一言不发,心里生着闷气。出租车司机是位侨民,见乌可力愁眉苦脸,便问了一句:“先生,你们是干什么的?”

On the way back, Wu Keli said nothing and was in a sulk. "What are you doing here, sir?" Seeing Wu Keli's sad face, the driver asked, who was an overseas Chinese.

乌可力一听司机会说中国话,一下多了几分亲近,说:“我们是中国卫星发射代表团的,这次来加拿大,是谈发射卫星业务的。”

As soon as Wu Keli heard that the driver could speak Chinese, he became a bit closer and said, "We are from the Chinese satellite launch delegation. This time we are coming to Canada to discuss satellite launch business."

“什么?!你们是卫星发射代表团的?”出租车司机突然一个急刹车,脸上露出惊讶与疑惑。

"What?! You are from the satellite launch delegation? "The taxi driver suddenly braked sharply, his face showing surprise and doubt.

“怎么啦?”乌可力说。
"What's the matter?" asked Wu Keli.

出租车司机说:“坏了,这家公司把你们当成骗子了!”
The taxi driver said,"Awful. This company treats you like a liar!"

乌可力愣了 :“什么,骗子?不可能,我们的确是中国卫星发射代表团的,怎么会是骗子呢?”

Wu Keli was stunned and said, "What, liars? That's impossible. We are indeed members of the Chinese satellite launch delegation, how could we be scammers?"

出租车司机这オ说道:“你知道你们住的大马店,是咋回事吗?”

Then the driver asked, "Do you know anything about the caravansary you lived in?"

乌可力说:“不知道。我们只知道它便宜。”

"No," he said. "We just know it's cheap."

出租车司机说:“加拿大的大马店,是过去赶大车的马夫住的地方。你们想想, 哪有堂堂中国卫星发射代表团住这种地方的?瞧你们这副寒酸样,他们能不把你们当骗子吗?”

The taxi driver continued: "Canada's caravansary is the place where the driver cart groom lived in the past. Think about it, how can a Chinese satellite launch delegation live in such a place? They must have treated you as scammers because of your shabby demeanor!"

听罢出租车司机的分析,乌可力恍然大悟。本想发泄一通,却又一句话也说不出来。

After listening to the analysis of the taxi driver, Wu Keli suddenly realized. He originally wanted to vent, but couldn't say a word.

当晚,乌可力来到中国驻加拿大大使馆,找到大使说:“由你们大使馆出面发请帖,明天我要请客!”

That night, Wu Keli came to the Chinese Embassy in Canada and found the ambassador, saying,"Please send out the invitation in the name of the embassy. Tomorrow will be my treat!"

大使见乌可力脸色不对,忙问:“怎么了?请什么客?”

"What happened? What treat?" He asked, noticing Wu Keli's strange expression.

乌可力说:“我要把加拿大所有大的卫星公司的总裁全部请来,让他们见识一下,中国卫星发射代表团到底是地道的正牌货,还是江湖骗子！”

Wu Keli answered, "I want to invite all the presidents of all the large satellite companies in Canada and let them know if the Chinese satellite launch delegation is a real one or a charlatan!"

第二天,加拿大各大卫星公司的总裁准时来到大使馆。中国驻加大使和乌可力等,依次站在大使馆的门前,同前来赴宴的大老板们一一握手。

The next day, the presidents of Canada's major satellite companies came to the embassy on time. The Chinese ambassador to Canada and Wu Keli and others stood in front of the embassy in a line and shook hands with the bosses who came to the dinner.

席间,乌可力端着酒杯,故意走到冷落他的那家公司的总裁面前。翻译忙向那位总裁介绍说:“这是中国商业卫星发射服务代表团副团长乌可力先生!”乌可力举起酒杯,理了理贺龙式小胡子,说:“总裁先生,我们今天第一次幸会,来,喝上几杯!”乌可力说罢,一仰脖子,咕咚咕咚,一连灌下三大杯。

At the banquet, Wukeli deliberately walked up to the CEO of the company that ignored him, holding a glass of wine. "This is Mr. Wu Keli, Deputy Head of the Chinese Commercial Satellite Launch Service Delegation!" The translator hastened to introduce him to the CEO. Wu Keli raised his glass, trimmed his Long style mustache, and said, "Mr. President, it's my pleasure to meet you for the first time today. Come and have a few drinks!" Having said that, Wu Keli raised his neck and gulped down three cups in a row.

后来有人说,单凭乌可力那喝酒的气势,便把对方震得目瞪口呆!

Later on, some people said that relying solely on Wu Keli's drinking demeanor greatly shocked the CEO!

第二天,那家公司的总裁给乌可力打来电话,要回请中国商业卫星发射服务代表团,并在电话里简单表示说,愿意用中国的火箭发射他们的卫星。

The next day, the president of the company called Wu Keli to invite the Chinese commercial satellite launch service delegation, and said on the phone that they were willing to launch their satellite with a Chinese rocket.

是的,5年奋斗,5年辛酸,5年风风雨雨,5年坡坡坎坎。今天,中国终于签订了第一个正式发射合同,乌可力当然欣慰不已。

Yes, five years of struggle, five years of bitterness, five years of ups and downs, five years of ups and downs. Today, China finally signed its first official launch contract, which made Wu Keli pleased.

于是,乌可力又端起酒杯,走到亚洲卫星公司执行总裁薛栋先生面前,感叹地说:“来,薛先生,为了今天的合同,为了下一步合作成功,我俩再干一杯!”

So, Wu Keli raised his glass again and walked up to Mr. Xue Dong, the CEO of Asia Satellite Company, exclaiming, "Come on, Mr. Xue. For today's contract, for the success of our next cooperation, let's drink another toast!"

“好!”薛栋先生举起酒杯,一饮而尽。
"Of course!" Mr. Xue Dong raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp.

接着,薛栋先生斟满一杯茅台,高高举起,乘兴向在场的各位嘉宾和新闻记者们宣布道: “各位女士们、先生们,中国是火箭的故乡,’长征号’系列火箭可靠性强,有很高的信誉。我愿意在此宣布,我们从美国休斯公司购买的‘亚洲一号’卫星,将在明年初由中国的’长征三号’运载火箭发射到预定轨道!”

Then, Mr Xue Dong filled a cup of Maotai, holding it high, announced to the presence of the guests and journalists on an impulse: "Ladies and gentlemen, China is the home of rockets. The 'Long March' series rockets are highly reliable and have a high reputation. I would like to announce here that the 'Asia-1' satellite we purchased from the Hughes Company of the United States will be launched into the scheduled orbit by China's 'Long March-3' carrier rocket early next year!"

薛栋先生话音刚落,全场立即响起一片掌声。

As soon as Mr. Xue's voice fell, the audience immediately burst into applause.

然而,正当“亚洲一号”卫星的发射工作逐步往前推进时,1989年那个火热的夏天,中国震惊世界的政治风波发生了！

However, just as the launch of the "Asia-1" satellite was gradually advancing, in the fiery summer of 1989, a political turmoil in Chian which shocked the whole world occurred!

于是,本来美国政府已经同意发放的卫星出境许可证,立即遭到冻结。

As a result, the satellite exit permit that the US government had agreed to issue was immediately frozen.

没有许可证,美国的卫星不能插翅飞到中国,无疑等于取消这次发射。

Without a permit, the US satellite could not fly to China with wings, which would undoubtedly mean canceling the launch.

而就在这时,国外有的卫星发射服务商乘虚而入,想挖走“亚洲一号”卫星的发射业务;法国的“阿里亚娜”火箭也再次降低发射价格;甚至有的客商还明确表示,不惜一切代价,也要从中国手上夺走这颗卫星,另找发射的主人！

At this time, some foreign satellite launch service providers took advantage of the opportunity to poach the launch business of "Asia No.1" satellite; France's Ariane rocket has also lowered its launch price again; Even some businessmen have made it clear that they would snatch this satellite from China at all costs and find another owner to launch it!

这对中国来说,无疑又是沉重一击！

This was undoubtedly another heavy blow to China!

几年来,为了拿到“亚洲一号”卫星的发射许可证,中国外交部、中国驻美大使馆、中国航空航天部以及中国卫星发射测控系统等,通过各种渠道,采用各种方式, 向美国政府和国际巴黎统筹委员会做了大量难以描述的工作。

Over the past few years, in order to obtain the launch license of "Asia-1" satellite, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese Embassy in the United States, the Chinese Ministry of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Chinese Satellite Launch Control System had done a lot of indescribable work to the US government and the International Paris Coordinating Committee through various channels and in various ways.

几年来,为了拿到“亚洲一号”卫星的发射许可证,航空航天部部长林宗棠远涉重洋,找英国、美国、联邦德国、意大利等国的大使,让他们向各国政府反映中国的情况,然后各国政府再向巴黎统筹委员会反映中国的情况,最后好不容易オ形成国际舆论,促使美国政府和巴黎统筹委员会同意发放“亚洲一号”卫星的许可证。

Over the past few years, in order to get the launch license of "Asia-1" satellite, Minister of Aeronautics and Astronautics Lin Zongtang had traveled far and wide to find ambassadors from Britain, the United States, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy and other countries. He asked them to reflect China's situation to the governments of various countries, and then the governments of various countries to reflect China's situation to the Paris Coordinating Committee. Finally, the international public opinion that formed with great difficulties prompted the US government and the Paris Coordinating Committee to agree to issue the license for "Asia-1" satellite.

可万万没想到,万事俱备,只欠东风,眼看离成功只有一步之遥,又要擦肩而过。

But unexpectedly, when it was only one step away from success it seemed to pass by.

13,在西方人的眼里,是一个不吉利的数字。
13, for westerners, is an unlucky number.

但1989年的12月13日,对中国人来说,却是一个可喜的日子。
But December 13, 1989, for Chinese, is a happy day.

这一天,经中国驻美大使馆与美国有关当局联系后,孙家栋副部长为“亚洲一号”卫星的许可证一事,专程赶往美国,同美国国会议员、美国空间委员会主席罗伯特罗埃以及美国国务院代理助理克里斯托弗•汉金进行会谈。

On the same day, after the Chinese Embassy in the United States contacted the relevant US authorities, Vice Minister Sun Jiadong made a special trip to the United States for talks with US Congressman Robert Troyer, Chairman of the US Space Committee, and Acting Assistant to the US State Department Christopher Hankin on the issue of the "Asia-1" satellite license.

1989年10月5日,林宗棠部长曾在北京钓鱼台国宾馆三号楼,同美国大使和美国科技参赞就卫星许可证一事,进行过一次专门的会谈。美方当时表示,对中国的心情表示理解,愿意及时将中国的意愿转告美国政府。

On October 5, 1989, Minister Lin Zongtang held a special meeting with the US Ambassador and the US Science and Technology Counsellor on the issue of satellite licenses at the No. 3 Building of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. The US delegation said at that time that it understood China's feelings and was willing to convey China's wishes to the US government in a timely manner.

但是,由于离合同所签订的发射日期越来越近,而且“亚洲一号”卫星许可证又是有期限的,所以为防止夜长梦多,节外生枝,孙家栋副部长决定再次亲赴美国, 促使“亚洲一号”卫星许可证尽快得以落实。

However, as the launch date of the contract was getting closer and closer, and the "Asia" satellite license had a time limit, in order to avoid possible troubles, Vice Minister Sun Jiadong decided to go to the United States again, to promote the "Asia" satellite license to be implemented as soon as possible.

孙家栋同美方的这次会谈,是在相对平静的气氛中进行的,而且双方都显得真挚与坦率。

The talk this time between Sun Jadong and the US were conducted in a relatively calm atmosphere, and both sides appeared sincere and frank.

会议一开始,罗伯特罗埃先生便坦诚地说:“中国与美国打交道,不能只与行政当局打交道,还要和议会打交道。美国期待中国采取行动的信号,这将是极其重要的,愈早发生愈好。两国人民之间误解的消除,将有助于增进政府、议会间的了解。”

At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Robert Roe said frankly: "If China try to make contact with the United States, you can not only deal with the executive authorities, but also with the parliament. The United States waits for the signal from China to take action, which will be extremely important, and the sooner it happens, the better it will be. The elimination of misunderstandings between the two peoples will help enhance understanding between the governments and parliaments of the two countries.

片刻,罗伯特・罗埃继续说道:“新的一年马上就要到了,人们在旧的一年快结束时都愿意进行反思,愿意做出妥协。如果能采取某种行动,对于中美之间的友谊的恢复实在是太重要了。我们期待着能到中国去访问。”

A moment later, Robert Roe continued,"The new year is coming. People are willing to reflect and compromise at the end of the old year. If we can take certain action, it will be very important to the restore the friendship between China and the United States. We are looking forward to visiting China."

接下来,国务院代理助理汉金说:“我们非常清楚’亚洲一号’卫星许可证的期限,目前高层正在做决断。我们知道时间不多了,但具体发放许可证的日期还不太清楚。本月15日发放'亚洲一号’卫星许可证是一个大概的时限。我们正在考虑, 最高层也在积极考虑,在此特提请中国政府予以注意。”

Next, Han Jin, Acting Assistant to the State Council, said, "We are very clear about the duration of the Asia-1 satellite license, and the decision is being made at the top. We know time is running out, but it's not quite clear exactly when the permit will be issued. The 15 th of this month is an approximate time limit for issuing the license for Asia-1. We are considering it, and the highest level is also actively considering it. I would like to draw the attention of the Chinese government."

孙家栋听了美方的发言,首先表示感谢,然后强调说:“'亚洲一号’卫星许可证的发放,牵涉发射场各项具体准备工作的安排与实施。为了确保明年4月能够发射,卫星必须在2月运往西昌发射场,现在时间已经相当紧迫了。”

After listening to their speech, Sun Jiadong first expressed his gratitude and then stressed, "The issuance of the license involves the arrangement and implementation of various specific preparations for the launch site. In order to ensure that it can be launched in April next year, the satellite must be transported to the Xichang Launch Center in February. Now the time is quite tight."

孙家栋说完,停顿了一下,继续说道:“至于中国发生的事,我国政府领导人已清楚地向美国朋友做了介绍。为了取得美国人民和议会的了解与支持,也一再做了阐明。最近美国已派特使对中国做了访问,会晤了包括邓小平在内的中国领导人,这对某些问题的解决是有益的。我希望能按他们商量的意见,一步一步地去做。”

After Sun Jiadong finished speaking, he paused for a moment and then continued, "As for what happened in China, the leaders of our government have made it clear to our American friends. To gain the understanding and support of the American people and Congress, it has also repeatedly clarified. Recently, the United States has sent special envoys to visit China and met with Chinese leaders including Deng Xiaoping, which is beneficial to the solution of some problems. I hope we can do it step by step according to the outcome of meeting."

最后,罗伯特・罗埃先生表示,“亚洲一号”卫星许可证一事,一定尽快予以答复。

Finally, Mr. Robert Roe said that he would definitely respond to the issue of the "Asia-1" satellite license as soon as possible.

会谈结束后,罗伯特・罗埃先生当即向美国国会做了报告。
Immediately after the talks, Mr. Robert Roe made a report to the United States Congress.

据说,当美国政府最后商定是否给中国发放“亚洲一号”卫星许可证时,会场上出现了两种不同的意见。值此关键时刻,布什总统起身走到窗前,沉思片刻,而后望了望东方,转身轻轻说了一句:

It was said that when the U.S. government finally negotiated whether to grant China a license for the "Asia-1" satellite, two different opinions appeared at the meeting. At this critical moment, President Bush stood up and walked to the window, pondered for a moment, then looked east, turned around and said softly:

“我不愿得罪十亿中国人!”

"I don't want to offend billions of Chinese people."

于是,1989年12月16日,美国白宫发言人菲茨沃特正式宣布:布什总统今天批准了“亚洲一号”卫星（及其他两颗卫星）的出口许可证。

So, on December 16, 1989, the White House spokesman Fitzwater officially announced that President Bush today approved an export license for the Asia-1 satellite (and two others).

这项决定是基于美国的国家利益做出的,因为它将为美国公司赢得3亿美元的生意!

The decision was made in the national interest of the United States because it would win US companies $300 million in business!

尾声：走向新大陆

The End: Coming to the New World

一个月后。

A month later.

美国洛杉矶长滩。休斯公司总部大楼。

Long Beach, Los Angeles, USA. Hughes Company headquarters building.

这是一个阳光温和的上午。孙家栋和乌可力款步走进休斯公司副董事长鲍夫曼先生的办公室。鲍夫曼先生急忙迎出,张开热情的臂膀,同两位中国友人紧紧拥抱。

It was a mild sunny morning. Sun Jiadong and Wu Keli walked slowly into the office of Mr. Bowman, Vice Chairman of Hughes Company. Mr. Baufman hurried out to greet him, warmly opening his arms and tightly hugging his two Chinese friends.

鲍夫曼:“孙家栋先生,祝贺你们啊!”
Baufman said, "Mr. Sun, congratulations to all of you!"

孙家栋:“鲍先生,也祝贺你们啊!”
"Thank you. Congratulations too, Mr. Baufman."

鲍夫曼:“你们发射上天的卫星,现在工作得很好！”

Baufman said, "The satellite you launched into the sky is working very well now!"

孙家栋:“是吗?那太好了!鲍先生,您对中国的这次发射,不知有何评价?”

Sun replied, "Really? That's great! Sir, so what is your evaluation of China's launch this time?"

“太棒了!”鲍夫曼伸了伸大拇指说,“我个人认为,中国这次有三点干得非常漂亮。”

"That's great!" Baufman said with a thumbs up."Personally, I think China did three things very well this time."

“哦,请问有哪三点?”孙家栋问。
"Oh, what are they?" asked Sun Jiadong.

鲍夫曼说:“一是气象预报准确;二是发射时间准,说9点半发射就9点半发射;三是卫星入轨精度高。而且,发射成功后,向我方报轨道参数也非常及时!”

Baufman answered: "Firstly, the weather forecast was accurate; secondly, the launch time was accurate and it launched on time at 9:30 pm as scheduled; thirdly, the satellite's entry into the orbit was highly accurate. Moreover, after the successful launch, the orbital parameters were reported to us in a timely manner!"

孙家栋问:“卫星入轨的偏差数测算出来了吗?”
Sun Jiadong asked, "Have you got the satellite obrital deviations?"

鲍夫曼说:“测算出来了。本来按我方原来的要求,不能超过100公里,但经我们的测量结果表明,只偏差了 54公里。后来我们又做了进一步计算,实际只偏差了9公里！这个数据,是我们休斯公司发射的80多颗卫星,入轨精度最高的一次!”

"It's done," said Boffman. "Our original request was not to exceed 100 km, but our measurements showed that there is only a deviation of 54 km. Then we did a further calculation and found that the actual deviation is only 9 km! This data manifestified that this satellite is of the highest accuracy of its entry among over 80 satellites we Hughes Company has launched!"

鲍夫曼一说完,便激动地站了起来,来回地踱着步子。

As soon as Baufman had finished, he stood up excitedly and paced back and forth.

这时,休斯公司另一位主管卫星工作的高级助理也兴奋地说:“休斯公司自从 1962年开始发射第一颗卫星到今天,我一直是参与者。这么多年来,还从未发射过这么高精度的卫星。方オ董事长说到的三个方面的情况,已在我们公司传为佳话!”

At this time, another senior assistant in charge of satellite work at Hughes also said excitedly: "I have been a participant in Hughes' first satellite launch since 1962. Over the years, there has never been such a highly-precise satellite launch. The three aspects mentioned by Chairmanjust now have been greatly appreciated in our company!"

“是吗?”孙家栋站了起来。
"Really?" Sun Jiadong stood up.

“是的,是的！”鲍夫曼先生接着说道,“这些日子以来,我们一直在兴奋地谈论着中国的这次发射。有人说,中国是个神秘的国家,也是一个很神奇的国家。有些看起来很容易办的事情,就是办不好;但有些很复杂的事情,比如像这次发射’亚洲一号’卫星,条件这么差,时间如此仓促,却居然干得如此漂亮！而且速度之快、效率之高,令人吃惊！甚至在计划上还撵着美国人走,逼着美国人提前。过去,我们是竖一个大拇指;现在,我们是竖两个大拇指!”

"Yes! That's true!" continued Mr. Boffman."We've been talking excitedly about the Chinese launch these days. Some people said that China was a mysterious country, but also a very magical country. Some things that seemed easy to do were just not done well. But some very complicated things, such as the launch of the 'Asia-1' satellite, with bad conditions and , were actually done so beautifully! And your speed and efficiency was amazing! Even in terms of planning, you drove Americans to accelerate and forced them to advance. In the past, we gave you one thumb-up; but now, you deserve two!"

鲍夫曼先生说完,双手伸出大拇指,比画着走到20层楼高的窗户前,哗地拉开了天蓝色的纱幔。

Saying that, Mr. Boffman, with his thumbs up, walking to the window of the twenty-story building, and drew the sky-blue gauze curtain.

窗外,人流如潮,云层似海。孙家栋仿佛看见,一轮鲜活的太阳,正从东方的地平线上缓缓升起。

Out of the window were people like tide, and clouds like the sea. Sun Jiadong seemed to see that a lively sun was rising slowly from the eastern horizon.

是的,历史记住了1990年4月7日。

Yes, April 7, 1990 was engraved in history.

在中国“长征三号”火箭腾飞的一刹那,全世界都感到了中国的分量,同时也感到了人类智慧与力量的伟大。20世纪末,中国以自己的实力,又一次显示了自己的存在;中国以新的形象,再一次受到世界的瞩目!“亚洲一号”卫星的冲击波, 很快就传遍了地球这个小小的村落。

At the moment when China's "Long March 3" rocket took off, the whole world felt the weight of China, but also felt the greatness of human wisdom and strength. At the end of the 20 th century, China once again showed its own existence with its own strength; China has once again drew the attention of the world with its new image! The impact of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite soon spread to this small global village.

美国休斯公司一位负责人说:“这次发射成功,是美、中在太空方面长期合作的开端,并将成为继续改善美、中两国人民关系的基础。”

"The successful launch is the beginning of a long-term Sino-US cooperation in space, and will serve as the basis for further improving the relations between the peoples of the United States and China," said an official with Hughes.

联邦德国的德新社驻京记者报道说:“这次卫星发射意味着中国以其经过考验的运载火箭进入国际卫星商业市场,与美国人和欧洲人竞争的努力取得突破。中国的卫星发射技术被外国专家认为是可靠的。中国的口袋里已经装着另外一些外国卫星的发射合同。”

"The satellite launch represents a breakthrough in China's efforts to enter the international commercial satellite market with its proven launch vehicle and compete with the Americans and Europeans," said the a correspondent from Deutsche Presse Agentur who was based in Beijing. China's satellite launching technology is considered reliable by foreign experts. China already has signed other foreign satellite launch contracts.

泰国《中华日报》发表社论说:“事实证明,中国发射卫星技术优异,而收费比西方国家便宜,将有更强的竞争力。”

"It has been proved that China's satellite launch technology is excellent, and the cost is cheaper than that of Western countries, which brirngs it stronger competitiveness," commented an editorial in Tong Hua Daily News.

英国《泰晤士报》报道说:“中国火箭将美国卫星送入太空轨道,这表明中国已经成为国际航天工业中一个重要的商业竞争者。”

The British newspaper The Times reported: "The Chinese rocket sent a US satellite into space orbit, which shows that China has become an important commercial competitor in the international space industry."

美国《基督教科学箴言报》报道说:“对中国来说,’亚洲一号’卫星的成功发射,不仅是一项技术成就,还是一项重大的外交成就。”

The Christian Science Monitor of the United States reported: "For China, the successful launch of the Asia-1 satellite is not only a technological achievement, but also a major diplomatic achievement.

日本东京消息说:“中国发射的’亚洲一号’卫星,作为一颗超越亚洲各国和地区间的’政治篱笆’,象征信息国际化的卫星而引人注目。”

"The “AsiaSat 1” satellite launched by China has attracted attention as a satellite that transcends the 'political fence' between Asian countries and regions and symbolizes the internationalization of information," said a report from Tokyo, Japan.

苏联《消息报》发表评论说:“中国第一次把美国卫星送入轨道,说明中国长城公司终于开辟了这条通往国际商业服务市场的艰难道路,开辟了亚洲远程通信和通信发展的新阶段。亚洲问题专家相信,’亚洲一号’今后将于亚洲国家生活的各个方面一社会、实业和经济产生影响。”

The Soviet newspaper Izvestia commented: "China's first launch of an American satellite into orbit shows that the Great Wall Company of China has finally paved a throny road for the international commercial service market and opened up a new stage in the development of telecommunications and communications in Asia. Experts on Asian issues believe that AsiaSat 1 will have an impact on all aspects of Asian life--society, industry and economy.

一位香港人士说:“这次发射终生难忘。这不单是一次技术性发射,它提高了中国的威望,使人们看到了中国的高技术形象。国内有这么好的技术,我们要研究投资的可行性问题。比如在香港搞卫星制造业,利用内地的技术人才,利用香港的地位和资金搞合作。”

A Hong Kong source said: "This launch will be unforgettable. This is not only a technical launch. It has increased China's prestige and made people see China's high-tech image. Having such good technology, we should study the feasibility of investment. For example, to engage in satellite manufacturing in Hong Kong. Make use of skilled personnel from the mainland, and Hong Kong's position and capital to engage in cooperation."

然而,中国火箭发射国外的商业卫星,东方与西方携手架设空间桥梁,这毕竟还是第一次。严格说来,在通向国际商业发射市场的道路上,中国オ迈出了一小步。一切还刚刚开始,也仅仅是开始。

However, it was the first time that Chinese rockets launched foreign commercial satellites, jointly build space bridges with western countries. Strictly speaking, China has just taken a small step on the road to the international commercial launch market. Everything just began, and it was just a beginning.

美国让中国发射卫星,除了信任中国的航天技术外,还有诸多因素,比如价格便宜。如果我们就此关起门来,夜郎自大,只见长城,不见世界,甚至将此事作为一种民族的炫耀,满足民族虚荣心,那未免也太浅薄了!

As for the resaons why the United States let China launch satellites, in addition to trusting China's space technology, there are many other factors, such as cheap prices. If we closed the door with arrogance, not exchanging with the world, and even considerd this as a kind of national event to show off so as to satisfy the national vanity, that was too shallow!

此时离21世纪还有10年!

At that time, there were still 10 years left until the 21st century!

已故现代航天之父布劳恩曾大胆预言:“21世纪,将是在外层空间进行科学活动和商业活动的世纪,是载人星际飞行和开始在母星地球之外建立永久性人类立足点的世纪。”

Braun, the father of modern space, who was passed away, once boldly predicted: "The 21st century will be the century of scientific and commercial activities in outer space, the century of manned interstellar flight and the beginning of the establishment of permanent human footprints outside the mother planet Earth."

是的,科技已经改变了我们的生活。原子弹早把人类的命运紧紧绑在了一起; 通信卫星的升天,已把偌大的地球变成了一个小小的村落;当第一枚威武的火箭撞开通向宇宙的大门后,人类便发现,自己赖以生存的这个星球,原来竟是如此的孤独、渺小和可怜!

Yes, technology has changed our lives. The atomic bomb has already tightly bound the fate of humanity together; The ascent of communication satellites has transformed the vast earth into a small village. When the first mighty rocket smashed the door open to the universe, human beings then found that the planet they relied on for sueviva turned out to be so lonely, small and poor!

而地球一这个人类的母星球,如今已是遍体伤痕,岌岌可危。人口、资源、环境、粮食、能源等问题,如同五条粗壮的绳索,紧紧勒住了人类的喉咙。生存与发展,将是未来的主题。战争,已不再是人们重视的热点。人们着眼关注的,是未来历史进程中,人类如何在新的世界和新的生存空间中和谐共处,生存发展。

And earth, the mother planet of mankind, is now covered in scars and in jeopardy. Issues such as population, resources, environment, food, and energy are like five thick ropes that tightly hold the throat of mankind. Survival and development will be the theme in the future. War is no longer a hot spot that people attach importance to. What people pay attention to is how human beings can coexist harmoniously and survive and develop in the new world and new living space in the future historical process.

于是,开拓天疆,造福人类,成为世界响亮的口号,成为历史赋予人类神圣而伟大的使命。尽管我们只有一个地球,但生活在这个地球上的50亿同类,有一个共同的未来！因为宇宙空间将是人类另一个美丽的家园,随着航天技术的不断发展, 人类走进宇宙母亲的怀抱,将越来越近,越来越近。

Therefore, exploiting the space and benefiting mankind have become the resounding slogan of the world and the sacred and great mission entrusted to mankind by history. Although we have only one Earth, the 5 billion people who live on this Earth share a common future! Because space will be another beautiful home for mankind. With the continuous development of space technology, mankind will be getting closer and closer to the embrace of the mother universe.

进军宇宙,开拓空间的战略,早已受到世界各国的关注,更受到美国政府的高度重视。早在1984年初,里根总统在国情咨文中,便首次将开拓宇宙空间列入国家的战略目标,并将建立一个永久载人空间站,计划于1992年送入太空。

The strategy of marching into the universe and exploiting space has long been the concern of all countries in the world, and it has been highly valued by the US government. As early as early 1984, in his State of the Union Address, President Reagan listed the exploration of outer space as a national strategic goal for the first time and planned to build a permanently manned space station to be launched into space in 1992.

1985年,里根总统还宣称:开拓和利用太空,是美国的第二次革命,是一场把知识和空间的边疆向后移,从而使我们达到进步和新高度的革命,更是一场把世界和平和人类自由的美好希望带到地球之外的革命。

In 1985, President Reagan also declared that the exploration and utilization of space was the second revolution in the United States, a revolution that pushed back the frontiers of knowledge and space, thus bringing us to new heights of progress, and even more so, a revolution that brought the bright hopes of world peace and human freedom off the Earth.

当然,探索宇宙、开拓空间的伟大事业,绝不是一个民族、一个国家的事情,也不是一天、一年或者一个世纪的问题,而需要的是全人类世世代代的共同合作与奋斗！

Of course, the great cause of exploring the universe and opening up space is by no means a matter for a nation or a country, nor is it a matter of a day, a year or a century. What is needed is the common cooperation and struggle of all mankind from generation to generation!

今天,中国与美国,东方与西方,第一次成功地在25亿亚洲人头顶的上空,架起了一座空间文明的桥梁。相信在世界的明天,全人类也将携手并肩,踏着阳光的阶梯,向着宇宙隆隆挺进!宇宙间一切的一切,时空中所有的所有,都将在地球纪元2000年后,逐一向人类一一展现。

Today, for the first time, China and the United States, East and West, have successfully erected a bridge of space civilization over the heads of 2.5 billion Asians. It's believed that in the future, all humanity will join hands, step on the ladder of sunshine, rumbling into the universe! Everything in the universe, in space and time, will be presented to humanity one by one after the Earth era in the year 2000 AD.

那时,太阳将不再是红色,月宫将不再会清寒。人类大踏步走进的,必将是一个远比地球更加美好的大同世界!

At that time, the Sun will no longer be seen red, the Lunar Palace on the Moon will no longer be desolate. What mankind strides into is bound to be a world far more beautiful than the Earth!

（原载《当代》1991年第1期）

(Originally Published in Dangdai Bimonthly, vol.1, 1991)

==卷四：6.闪着泪光的事业==

闪着泪光的事业

The Career Shining with Tears

——“和谐号”:“中国创造”的加速度

--"China Railway High-speed": the acceleration of "Made in China"

蒋巍
Jiang Wei

为什么我的眼里常含泪水?

Why am I always in my eyes brimming tears？

因为我对这土地爱得深沉……

Because I love the Land so dearly…

—艾青

- Written by Ai Qing -Translated by Xu Jingcheng

引子

Primer

20世纪70年代,一位西方政要访问中国时登上长城,他看到一个古老大国的沉雄奇伟,也看到一个民族的封闭与落后。归国后他发出这样一句感慨:“一个停滞的民族是没有前途的。”
In the 1970s, when a western political figure visited China and climbed the Great Wall, he saw the magnificence and splendor of an ancient big country as well as the isolation and backwardness of a nation. After returning to his country, he said with emotion, "There is no future for a nation that is stagnant."

1978年那个静悄悄的雪夜,地球似乎突然晃了晃,整个世界都感觉到来自东方大陆的震动。一位睿智的中国老人靠在中南海的沙发上,他目光深邃,沉思良久,做出这样一个判断:中国不改革开放,不发展经济,不改善人民生活,只能是死路一条。
On that quiet snowy night in 1978, the Earth seemed to shake suddenly, and the whole world felt the vibration from the eastern continent. A wise old Chinese man leaned on the sofa in Zhongnanhai. His eyes were deep and he pondered for a long time. Then he made a judgment that if China did not reform and open up, not develop its economy, and not improve people's lives, it could only come to a dead end.

从此,中国进入改革开放的新时期。从此,中国铁路进入一个崭新的历史阶段。
Since then, China entered the new period of reform and opening up. Since then, China's railway entered a new historical stage.

八九十年代,铁道部挥师塵战,先是“南攻衡广,北战大秦,中取华东”,后来又 “强攻京九、兰新,速战宝中、侯月,再取华东、西南”,中国铁路版图的红色箭头有了强劲的延伸。
In the 1980s and 1990s, The Ministry of Railways dispatched a large number of personnel to specialize in railway construction. At first, the construction of Hengyang-Guangzhou section of Beijing-Guangzhou Railway was resumed in the south; then the Datong-Qinhuangdao Railway was built in the north; the Shangqiu-Hefei-Hangzhou High-speed Railway, which is called the second channel project in East China, was under construction in the central region. Later, they constructed the Beijing-Kowloon Railway and the Lanzhou-Xinjiang Railway regardless of obstacles, quickly completed the construction of the Baoji-Zhongwei Railway and the Houma-Yueshan Railway, and then built the railways in East China and Southwest China. As a result, the red arrow of China's railway map had a strong extension.

2008年6月24日,“中国速度史”上一个闪闪发光的日子。那天有雨,乌云密布,但耀眼的闪电不在空中而在地上,那就是中国铁路最新的“形象大使”一造型优美时尚的乳白色“和谐号”。司机李东晓浓眉长目,体形壮硕,身着笔挺制服, 衣袋里装着“中华人民共和国铁道部CRH3型动车组第0001号驾驶证”,号称“中国一号铁路司机”。此刻他手握操纵杆,稳稳上推,列车渐渐加快,城镇绿野飞速向后掠过。铁道部的相关同志屏息注视着驾驶室内不停闪烁的屏幕,显示时速的数字不断跳跃冲高,人们的心跳也不断加速:150,200,250,300,350
June 24, 2008 was a sparkling day in the "China speed history". It was raining, and the clouds were thick, but the dazzling lightning was not in the air but on the ground. That was the latest "image ambassador" of China Railway, a beautiful and fashionable ivory "China Railway High-speed Train (CRH)." The driver Li Dongxiao, with thick eyebrows and long eyes, was muscular, dressed in a straight uniform, and in his pocket was the "CRH 3 EMU No. 0001 Driver's License of the Ministry of Railways of the People's Republic of China," who was known as "China's No.1 Railway Driver." At the moment, he held the joystick and pushed it up steadily. The train gradually accelerated, and the green fields of the town flew backward. The relevant comrades of the Ministry of Railways held their breath as they watched the flickering screens in the cab. As the number to manifest the speed continued to jump up, people's heart rate is also accelerating: 150, 200, 250, 300, 350

“今天天气不好,不要冲了!”铁道部总工程师何华武大声对司机李东晓说。他的声音激动得有些喑哑,但这句话已被淹没在热烈的欢呼声和掌声中。394.3 公里一由国产动车组创造的中国高铁最高时速纪录诞生了。
"The weather is bad today, don't rush!" He Huawu, the chief engineer of the Ministry of Railways, loudly said to the driver Li Dongxiao. His voice was hoarse with excitement, but this sentence was submerged in the warm cheers and applause. 394.3 km/h--the record for the highest speed of China's high-speed rail was created by domestic EMU.

这样的速度,插上翅膀就可以起飞了!
At this speed, it can take off with wings!

笑声和掌声中,在场所有的铁路人都泪光闪闪。
In the laughter and applause, all people there engaging in railway-development were in tears.

“中国高铁速度”的第一座里程碑昂然崛起!
The first milestone of "China's high-speed railway speed" was rising!

29分43秒,“和谐号”抵达天津,比开车从北京的东直门到西直门还快。后来北京市长对天津市长笑说:“看来我是你的北郊了。”天津市长笑答:“不,我是你的海边了。”
It only took 29 minutes and 43 seconds for "CRH" to arrive in Tianjin, faster than driving from Beijing's Dongzhimen to Xizhimen. Later, the mayor of Beijing smiled at the mayor of Tianjin and said, "It seems that Beijing becomes the northern suburbs of Tianjin." The mayor of Tianjin replied with a smile, "No, I am your seaside."

三十年河东,三十年河西。从牛背上的中国到高铁上的中国,最伟大的变化就是:速度。“中国速度”已成为中国发展的代名词。“和谐号”诞生的速度和它创造的速度,让整个世界为之震动。大洋彼岸的白宫就被惊动了,奥巴马总统在他的第一部国情咨文中这样表述他的心情:“我们没有理由让欧洲和中国拥有最快的铁路。”
Affluence one day, the gutter the next. From China on the back of a cow to China on the high-speed railway, the greatest change is speed. "China speed" has become synonymous with China's development. The speed of CRH's birth and the speed it created shocked the whole world. The White House on the other side of the ocean was shocked. President Obama expressed his feelings in his first State of the Union Address as follows: "We have no reason to let Europe and China have the fastest railways."

一、涌动的人潮:“中国之梦”和“中国之痛”

Ⅰ. Surging Crowds: "China's Dream" and "China's Pain"

仿佛一夜之间,南国一个贫穷破败的小渔村忽然变成梦幻般绚丽的大都市。那是世界上最年轻的大都市。
As if a poor and dilapidated small fishing village in the south suddenly became a dreamy and gorgeous metropolis overnight. It is the youngest metropolis in the world.

就是它创造的“深圳速度”,唤醒了亿万农民的渴望与梦想:打工去,赚钱去! 农民们扛起简单的行李卷,从乡村的泥泞小路跋涉到长沙、贵阳、成都、郑州等中西部的大小车站,然后坐在行李卷上茫然四顾。其中很多人没有预定的目的地,只要买到向东向南的车票,扛起行李就出发。于是在改革开放的中国,形成人类文明史上一个前所未有的奇观:范围最广、规模最大、持续时间最长的人口大流动。30年来,亿万脸色苍黑的农民工汇集成全球最壮阔的“候鸟群”,一年一度,春节前“回巢”,春节后“南飞”,在中国版图上像海浪一样潮涨潮落、涌来涌去。他们在追寻和创造文明的同时,也领悟和接受着文明。
It was the "Shenzhen speed" this metropolis created that awakened hundreds of millions of farmers' desires and dreams: to work! To make money! The farmers carried simple luggage, trudged from the muddy roads in the countryside to the large and small stations in the central and western parts of Changsha, Guiyang, Chengdu, Zhengzhou, where they sat on the luggage rolls, looking around blankly. Many of them had no destination. They set off with their bags as soon as they bought tickets to the east or south. Therefore, in the period of reform and opening up in China, an unprecedented spectacle in the history of human civilization formed. This was the widest, largest and longest-lasting population movement. Over the past 30 years, hundreds of millions of dark-faced migrant workers have gathered into the world's most magnificent "migratory bird colony." Every year, they "returned to their nests" before the Spring Festival and "flied south" after the Spring Festival. They were like the waves on the Chinese territory, ebbing and flowing, coming and going. While they pursued and created civilization, they also understood and accepted civilization.

这是20世纪80年代以来充满生机和诱惑的“中国之梦”。但是,或许没有多少人意识到,正是这个令人振奋的“中国之梦”,同时造就了一个范围最广、规模最大、持续时间最长的“中国之痛”。

This is the "China's Dream" that has been full of vitality and temptation since the 1980s. However, perhaps not many people realized that it was this exciting "China's Dream" that also created the "China's Pain" of the widest scope, largest scale and longest duration.

你听到了吗?多少年来,延伸在全国各地的两条钢轨一直在颤抖和呻吟！你看到了吗?那么多铁路员工在谈到自己和同事的辛劳、付出和牺牲时,谈到家庭、老人和孩子时,眼里都闪着痛楚的泪光。新时期以来,在中国,大概没有任何一个行业,像铁路这样承受着巨大的压力,付出极大的努力,却又遭受着无尽的责难。他们半委屈半幽默地说:“我们累个半死,又给骂个半死……”

Hve you heard that? For years, the two rails that stretched across the country have been shaking and groaning! Have you seen that? Tears of pain were flickering in the eyes of so many railway staff when they spoke of the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of themselves and their colleagues, and when they spoke of their families, the elderly and children. Since the new era, in China, there was probably no industry like the railway, which was under great pressure, making great efforts, but also suffering from endless censure. "We are tired, and we was almost scolded to death," they said, partly wronged and partly humorously.

中国铁路无愧于“国脉”的光荣称号。那时,它仅占世界铁路营业里程的6%, 却承载了世界铁路25%的运输量。全国85%以上的木材和石油,80%以上的钢铁和冶炼物资,60%以上的煤炭和大部分“三农”物资,都是通过铁路运输的。但是, 国门打开之初,当我们好奇地张望这个陌生世界的时候,让一些人最眼热、最心跳的不是铁路,而是民航、高速公路和互联网一一民航更快,高速公路更便捷,有了互联网就不用出差了:这オ叫信息化和现代化!至于叮当作响、老旧不堪、趴在轨道上喘粗气的火车,一些人认为它已经沦为“夕阳产业”,未来只有等着进博物馆了。

China Railway is worthy of the glorious title of "National Pulse." At that time, it accounted for only 6% of the world's railway mileage, but carried 25% of the world's railway traffic. More than 85% of the country's timber and oil, more than 80% of the steel and smelting materials, more than 60% of the coal and most of the materials about "agriculture, the countryside and farmers", were transported by rail. However, at the beginning of opening the national gate, when we curiously looked at this strange world, what made people most envious and heart-beating was not railways, but the civil aviation, expressway and Internet. Civil aviation was faster, the highway was more convenient, there was no need to be away on official business with the Internet: this was what we called the informatization and modernization! As for the tinkling, old, panting train on the track, some people thought it became a "sunset industry," only waiting for the future in the museum.

一批批从欧美购入的飞机在各大城市间翱翔起落,一条条高速公路在大江南北迅速延伸,但穿行于群山荒野和城市里隔着斑驳老墙的铁路,似乎成了“被爱情遗忘的角落”,延伸在蒸汽机车喷出的团团白雾之中……

Batches of planes purchased from Europe and the US took off and landed in large cities one after another, and highways rapidly extended south and north of across the world. But the railway, through the mottled old walls of the mountains and cities, seemed to be "a corner forgotten by love," stretching out in the clouds of white mist spewed by the steam locomotive...

但是,“国脉”在艰难地、坚忍地默默运行着,因为亿万民工和普通百姓需要它!日夜不停地运往全国各地的煤炭、矿石、木材和石油需要它!来自城镇、乡村并享受半票优惠待遇的大学生们（这在世界上是独一份）需要它！在冰冻灾害、汶川地震、玉树地震等大灾大难中,驰援军队、救灾物资、运送伤员需要它！现代文明史上一年一度的人口大流动、中国最独特的社会景观一春运需要它！

However, the "national lifeline" was running silently and stoically facing great difficulties, because hundreds of millions of migrant workers and ordinary people needed it! The coal, ore, timber and oil that were shipped around the country day and night needed it! College students from town, country and on a half-ticket deal (which is unique in the world) needed it! In the great disasters such as the Ice Disaster in 2008, the Wenchuan Earthquake, and the Yushu Earthquake, the rescue army, relief supplies, and transportation of the wounded need it! The annual population flow in the history of modern civilization and China's most unique social landscape--the Spring Festival travel rush need it!

那一幕记忆犹新

That Scene Still Fresh in Memory

哓当,哓当……冬夜的冷风中,刚刚参加工作的列车员小曾（后为广铁集团干部）抱着一位旅客发高烧的1岁女儿落泪了,他一筹莫展。他服务的是棚车,俗称 “闷罐车”。20世纪八九十年代春运期间,因客车数量不足,只好临时用货运棚车来装人,一节车厢里塞进二三百人,挤得像沙丁鱼罐头。地板上铺些稻草,角落处打个洞就算“方便”的地方。列车员的“服务工具”主要是手电、钳子和铁丝。入夜,小曾一定先用手电检查一下旅客的安全和状态,再用铁丝把大铁门拧死,以免中途有人想透透气被甩下去。因为车厢里人太多,想“方便”都无法移动,大家只好在黑暗中就地解决。小曾只能站着喊着,或者像走过瓜地一样,跨过席地而坐的旅客们的脑袋进行服务,等到中途有人下车了,他才能在稻草铺上歇歇……

Choo, choo... In the cold wind of winter night, the conductor little Zeng who had just begun to work (later worked as a cadre of Guangzhou Railway Group) held a passenger's 1-year-old daughter who ran a high fever, helpless with tears trickling. His worked in the boxcar, commonly known as "stuffy tank car." During the spring festival travel rush in the 1980 s and 1990 s, due to the shortage of passenger cars, freight boxcars were temporarily used to carry people. Two or three hundred people were crammed into a carriage, packed like sardines. A little straw on the floor and a hole in the corner was a place to relieve oneself. The conductor's "service tools" were mainly flashlights, pliers and wire. At night, little Zeng must first checked the safety and status of the passengers with a flashlight, and then used the iron wire to twist the iron gate, so as to avoid those who wanted to breathe halfway being thrown down. There were so many people in the carriage that they could not move when they wanted to pee, so they had to do it on the spot within the darkness. Little Zeng could only stand and shout, or step over the heads of the passengers sitting on the floor to serve as if he were walking through a melon field. He couldn't rest on the straw bed until someone got off the bus halfway,

那一幕惊心动魄

The Scene Being Thrilling

2008年春,冰冻灾害席卷南国,广州地区聚集了 350万等待回家的旅客大军。春节前10天,仅广州站就拥入200万人。站前广场上,每平方米平均站8个人以上,体重轻的脚都悬空了,几昼夜动弹不得,想出都出不来。有的孩子挤晕了,旅客们就高举双手组成长长的“天桥”,把孩子传出来。时间长了,人海昏昏欲睡,浪潮般东倒西歪。铁路和部队、武警派出上万人,手挽手在外围组成六道铁壁铜墙。一会儿,半睡半醒的几十万人一齐向南歪倒,过一会儿又向北歪倒,只要外围用血肉组成的“长城”顶不住,一旦被冲垮,多少人将被踩踏在地……有时,心情焦灼的几十万旅客激动亢奋起来,一起高喊着“回家!回家!”,向站前候车室潮涌而去,咆哮的人浪、声浪、气浪如怒海狂涛,难以遏止。“长城”们被撞得头破血流,但他们仍然手挽手肩并肩,好言劝解,屹立不倒。登车而去的旅客们可以吃喝和睡觉了, 而“血肉长城”不吃不喝不睡,夜以继日地挺立在人民的周围,守护着生命的价值。以至于铁道部不得不下达了一道死命令:“让大家轮流休息,每人每天不得少于2 小时!”

In the spring of 2008, the ice disaster swept through the Southern China, and 3.5 million tourists waiting to go home gathered in Guangzhou. Ten days before the Spring Festival, Guangzhou Railway Station alone was filled with 2 million people. On the square in front of the station, an average of eight people stood per square meter, and the feet of the light were even suspended, unable to move for days and nights, and could not come out. Some children lost cosciousness, so the passengers held up his hands to form a long "bridge" to pass the children out. After a long time, the sea of people were sleepy, staggering like a wave. The railway, the army and the armed police sent tens of thousands of people, arm in arm, formed six iron walls in the periphery of the crowd. Sometimes the half-asleep hundreds of thousands of people fell together to the south, and next to the north. Once the periphery of the "Great Wall" composed of flesh and blood collapsed, it couldn't be imagined how many people would be trampled on the ground... Sometimes, hundreds of thousands of anxious passengers got excited and shouted "Go home! Go home!", rushing to the waiting room in front of the station. The roaring people waves, sound waves, and air waves were like the raging waves of the sea, which were difficult to stop. Although the "Great Wall" were injured,and bleeding, they still firmly stood arm in arm, side by side, exhortating with kind words. Passengers boarding the train could eat, drink, and sleep, but the "Great Wall of Blood and Flesh" stood around the people day and night, guarding the value of life. In response, the Ministry of Railways issued an compulsory order, " Everyone should take turns to rest, at least 2 hours a person per day!"

客运员高惠英刚做过心脏搭桥手术,每天引导十几万旅客排队上车,春运结束回家后,鞋子被踩得变了形,袜子只能用剪刀一块块剪下来,因为和血肉模糊的脚粘在一起了。

Passenger attendant Gao Huiying had just undergone heart bypass surgery and guided over 100,000 passengers to queue up and board the train every day. When she returned home after the Spring Festival travel rush, her shoes were trampled out of shape, and the socks could only be cut off piece by piece with scissors, because they were stuck to the bloody feet.

电路中断,信号灯失灵,张权林顶着严寒,手挥信号旗在风雪中挺立了整整I8 个小时。第二天接班的李建强赶到时,浑身凝着霜雪的“冰制信号灯”张权林砰地摔倒在地,已不能弯曲的手仍然保持着举旗的姿势,李建强抱着严重冻伤的战友大哭不止……

With the circuit interrupted and the signal lamp broken, Zhang Quanlin stood upright in the snow for 18 hours with the signal flag in his hand. The next day when Li Jianqiang came on duty, Zhang Quanlin, an "ice light" covered with frost and snow, fell to the ground with a thump, whose hands unableed to bend anymore but still maintained a flag posture. Li Jianqiang cried with his severely frostbitten comrade in arms...

2月6日大年三十上午,集中在广州站的200万旅客终于全部被安全送走,站前广场空空荡荡,只有旅客扔下的行李和被踩掉的鞋子堆积如山。一些筋疲力尽、依然守在广场上的工作人员歪靠在栅栏上就睡着了,很多媒体的年轻记者目睹这一幕都掉了泪。他们说:“你们创造了世界铁路史上的奇迹!”

On the morning of February 6, the New Year's Eve, after 2 million passengers concentrated at Guangzhou Station all were finally safely sent away, the square in front of the station was empty, with only the luggage thrown down by passengers and the shoes trampled off piled up like mountains. Some of the exhausted staff who were still in the square fell asleep leaning against the fence. Many young reporters in the media witnessed this scene and shed tears. They said,"You have created a miracle in the world's history of the railway!

那一幕令人心痛——

The Scene Being Painful

因风雪阻隔,西安至广州的L307次列车被困在湖南益阳境内的一个小站望。断水断电断粮,乘务员的进餐停了,休息车的供暖停了,自备的厚衣服给老人和孩子披上了。没水,19名列车员带上水桶和脸盆,冒着风雪,在列车和农家小院的300米距离之间组成一条传水人链;黑夜中,厨师杨大伟带人摸索到附近村庄, 总算买到350斤大米和一些面条、蔬菜（一棵白菜卖到20元啊！），4个小时后扛回列车。一批盒饭做好了,两天两夜没有进餐的列车组人员一盒未动,而是像押送钞票一样,前面乘警开路,车长负责殿后,中间列车员护送着一车水一车盒饭,他们宣布:“首先保证老人和孩子进餐!”

The L307 train from Xi 'an to Guangzhou was trapped at a small station in Yiyang, Hunan Province, due to the blizzard. The water, electricity and food were cut off. The attendants stopped eating and put their own thick clothes on the elderly and children because the heating of the rest car went off. Without water, 19 train attendants brought buckets and washbasins, braved the wind and snow, and formed a water transmission chain between the train and the farmyard at a distance of 300 meters. In the night, chef Yang Dawei led people to the nearby village, managed to buy 350 catties of rice and some noodles, vegetables (a cabbage sold to 20 yuan!) and took 4 hours to carry them back to the train. A batch of boxed meals were ready, and the train crew members who had not eaten for two days and two nights did not open one box. Instead, they seemed to be escorting banknotes. The front guard led the way, the conductor was at the end, and the conductor escorted carts of water and boxed meals in the middle. They announced, "We must ensure that the elderly and children can eat first!"

受阻第四天,旅客们的忍耐力已经超出极限,哭声、喊声、叫骂声响成一片。他们觉得,两条轨道好端端地摆在那儿,火车不动,就是列车长“怕出事,磨洋工”。一群人围住车长发泄着满腔怒火,制服被撕碎了,帽子被掀掉了。几位女列车员用身体挡住那些失控的拳头,她们哭着喊:“你们以为就你们想家啊?我们车长的2 岁女儿已经生病住院了;我们厨师刚刚接到岳母病危的电话;为了大家能吃上饭, 我们乘务员已经两天没吃一口饭了!你们怎么能这样?”

On the fourth day of the obstruction, the passengers came to the end of their patience, and there was a mixed sound of crying, shouting and cursing. They thought that the two tracks were perfectly lied. The only reason why the train did not move was that the conductor was afraid of an accident and thus laying down the job. A group of people surrounded the conductor to vent their anger, whose uniforms were torn and whose hat was lift off. Several female attendants blocked those uncontrollable fists with their bodies, crying and shouting, "Do you think you're the only ones who wanted to go back home? Our conductor's 2-year-old daughter has been ill in hospital; our chef just received a call telling him his mother-in-law is dying. In order to ensure that everyone can have a meal, we attendants have not had a bite of food for two days! How can you do this?"

车长的眼圈也红了,他平静地说:“其实,我们大家都是同样的心情,如果有什么不同,那就是我们肩上还有一份责任!如果你们觉得打我一下骂我一句就能解气、就能回家的话,那就打吧,骂吧。”

The driver's eyes turned red and he calmly said, "Actually, we all share the same feelings. If there is any difference, it is that we still have a responsibility on our shoulders! If you think that you can relieve your anger and go home by beating me and scolding me, then just beat me and scold me."

铁路人坦率地说,春运对他们而言就是一场灾难,年年躲不过。为尽可能缓解春运期间“ 一票难求”和“黄牛党”倒票的问题,从电话订票、团体订票、上门送票, 再到2010年在广州、成都试行的“实名制”,中国铁路人绞尽脑汁,想尽了一切办法,同时他们给自己制定了世界上最严格的管理制度:售票员的手机禁止带入工作室,禁止内部人“走后门”购票,等等。2009年春运,广铁一位售票员为亲戚从内部购买了一张全价票,上午发生的事,下午她就被警告处分并调离现职。她是哭着走的。

The railway staff frankly said that the Spring Festival trvel rush was a disaster for them, which they couldn't avoid every year. In order to alleviate as much as possible the problem of "one ticket is hard to get" and "scalpers" scalping tickets during the Spring Festival trvel rush, Chinese railway people racked their brains and tried everything to do, from telephone booking, group booking, door-to-door delivery of tickets, to the "real name system" tried out in Guangzhou and Chengdu in 2010. And they set themselves the strictest management system in the world: ticket sellers' mobile phones were prohibited from being brought into studios, insiders were prohibited from buying tickets through the back door, and so on. In the Spring Festival travel rush in 2009, a conductor of Guangzhou Railway bought a full-price ticket for her relatives from inside. It happened in the morning, and she was warned and transferred from her current position in the afternoon. She was crying when he left.

承受着世界上最大运输压力的中国铁路人不愧为一支铁军。他们是一群把“家”安在轨道上的人;他们是送人民回家过年而自己不能回家过年的人;他们是扛着压力、咬碎委屈而把微笑送给群众的人。他们从事的是“闪着泪光的事业”。

Under the pressure of the world's largest transportation of Chinese railway people deserves to be an iron army. They are a group of people who set their "home" on the track; They are a group of people who send others home in the holiday but they themselves can't; They are the people who bear the pressure, bite the grievance but give the smile to the masses. They are engaged in the "the career with tears".

二、从“加快”到“跨越”:中国等不及了!

Ⅱ. From "Speeding up" to "Leaping Over": China Can't Wait Anymore!

一个人口最多、发展速度最快的大国,坐在两条脆弱而行驶缓慢的轨道上,那不就是“大象走钢丝”吗? 2002年,中国火车平均时速只有50多公里。全国铁路日装车请求量最高达到30万辆,铁路只能提供!0万辆左右。中国铁路无疑处于泰山压顶、四面楚歌的巨大压力之下。无论铁路人付出怎样巨大的辛劳与牺牲,赔上多少委屈和笑脸,只要“一票难求、一车难求”的现象不能从根本上扭转,人们怨气冲天甚至跳脚骂娘就是不可避免的。

A big country with the largest population and the fastest growth rate, sitting on two fragile and slow tracks, is it not tantamount to "an elephant walking a tightrope"? In 2002, the average speed of trains in China was only over 50 kilometers per hour. The national railway daily loading request volume reacheed 300,000 vehicles, but the railway could only provide about 100,000. There is no doubt that China's railway industry was under the huge pressure from all aspects. No matter how much great hard work and sacrifice the railway staff paid, how many aggrieved and smiling faces they showed, as long as the phenomenon that "it was hard to get a ticket and to board a train" couldn't be fundamentally reversed, people‘s rage and even their curses were inevitable.

现实不相信眼泪,需求不相信眼泪,市场不相信眼泪。

Reality can't be better with tears, demand can't be satisfied by tears, and the market can't changed by tears.

历史已经到了这样的时刻:站在新世纪的大幕前,望中华大地风起云涌,千帆竞发,百舸争流,积重难行的中国铁路究竟向何处去?铁路人必须做出选择,必须向人民、向时代提交自己的答卷了。

The history already reached such a moment: standing before the curtain of the new century, where on earth would China's railways, which had numerous competitors and had too many ills to develop, go? The railway staff had to make a choice, to submit their own answers to the people and the times.

要加快发展,要跨越发展,中国已经等不及了 !国家需要重如山,人民利益高于天。为实现铁路的跨越式发展,200万铁军誓师出征,开始了一场排山倒海的大决战。

It was time to speed up and realize a leapfrog development. China couldn't wait anymore! The country's needs were as heavy as a mountain, and the interests of the people were higher than the sky. In order to realize the leap-forward development of the railway, 2 million iron soldiers vowed to go for a gigantic and decisive battle.

提速,提速,再提速!从1997年4月到2007年4月,中国铁路共进行了 6次大提速。I〇年间,纵横全国的主要干线时速相继提升到120公里、160公里乃至200 公里以上,催逼得国人走路似乎也快了许多。登上流线型的“和谐号”,人们忽然有了许多新鲜感和愉悦感。看来,“老土”的铁路人终于和时代接轨了,“一站直达” “タ发朝至” “旅游专列”等等,成了那几年的流行语,女列车员们的服务与微笑也变得分外温情和靓丽。第六次大提速时,曾担任京津既有线时速200公里动车组首任列车长,后又担任京津城际铁路时速350公里动车组第一任列车长的徐颖, 见证了中国铁路从提速到高速的巨大变化。徐颖身材高挑,容貌姣美,服务细致入微,是网上的明星级人物,人气极旺,堪称中国高铁的“形象大使”。“和谐号”驶过的第一个母亲节,她和同事们向所有“母亲旅客”赠送了 5000朵康乃馨。旅客们高兴地对她说:“姑娘们和空姐绝对有一拼了,我们就叫你们’动姐’吧!”

Speed up, speed up, speed up! From April 1997 to April 2007, China's railways have carried out six major speed-ups. In the past 10 years, the speed of the main trunk lines across the country has increased to 120 kilometers per hour, 160 kilometers per hour and even more than 200 kilometers per hour, seeming to force the Chinese people to walk much faster. On the streamlined "CRH", people suddenly felt a lot of freshness and pleasure. It seemd that the "old-fashioned" railway staff finally caught up with the times. Phrases such as"arriving straight without transfer","setting off in the morning and arriving in the evening", "special travel train" and so on, became the catchphrase in those years. The service and smiles of the female conductors also became particularly warm and beautiful. During the sixth speed-up, Xu Ying, who served as the first conductor of the 200 km/h EMU on the existing Beijing-Tianjin Railway and later served as the first conductor of the 350 km/h EMU on the Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Railway, witnessed the great changes from speed-up to high-speed in terms of Chinese railways. Xu Ying, tall and beautiful, who provieded meticulous service, was a very popular star on the Internet, and she could be rated as the "image ambassador" of Chinese high-speed railways. On the first Mother's Day the CRH experienced, she and her colleagues presented 5,000 carnations to all "mother travellers". The passengers happily said to her, "You girls are comparable to flight attendants, so let's call you 'EMU attendants'!"

天上有空姐,地上有动姐,我们的生活变得分外美丽了。

There are stewardesses in the air and EMU attendants on the ground, which makes our lives exceptionally beautiful.

但是,没多少人知道,在6次大提速的背后,铁路人付出了何等艰辛的努力！在遍及高山平原、穿越江河峡谷的线路上,所有客货列车都在紧张地运行,所有时限都不得突破。因此,沿线换枕、换轨、换岔和线涵桥隧的整治工程、电气化改造工程,大都必须在下半夜,在列车行驶的间隙当中插空进行。数十万建设大军就这样默默无闻,夜战数年。一列列灯火通明的客车风一样掠过,没人知道他们的名字, 甚至没人看到过他们的身影。

However, not many people know that behind the six major speed-ups, the railway staff have made great efforts! All passenger and freight trains were running busily on the route across the mountains and plains, the rivers and canyons, and all time limits were not allowed to be broken. Therefore, the renovation works of sleeper replacement, rail replacement, turnout replacement, culvert, bridge and tunnel along the line, and the electrification transformation couldn't be carried out untill the middle of the night in the intervals between trains. Hundreds of thousands of constructors insisted on the night war like this for several years, unknown all the way. A row of brightly lit buses passed by in the wind, but no one knew their names, or even saw their figures.

为适应大提速,必须精简铁路沿线层层叠叠的管理机构。2005年3月18日, 那是个悲壮的日子。在全路电视电话会议上,铁道部正式宣布,从即日起撤销43 个铁路分局,由四级管理改为三级管理。一夜之间,数万名科以上干部进“待业”状态,许多对政治前途抱有热望的青年干部和“后备干部”,自此加入“等待重新分配工作”的行列。但他们是经过“铁律”训练出来的人。他们忍下巨大的痛楚与失落,需要继续在岗位上尽责的,就默默守在岗位上;不需要的,就默默清理好自己的办公桌,走上新的岗位。经历了涉及人数如此之多、牵动面如此之广的体制性 “大手术”,那个夜晚,中国铁路安然无恙,稳如泰山,安全正点！

To adapt to the great speed-up, it was necessary to streamline the management organizations along the railway. March 18th, 2005 was a solemn and stirring day. The Ministry of Railways officially announced at a national teleconference that 43 railway sub-bureaus would be abolished from four levels of management to three levels as of today. Overnight, tens of thousands of cadres above the section-level became unemployed. Many young cadres and "reserve cadres" with high hopes for political future have since joined the ranks of "waiting for reassignment of work". But they were trained by the "iron law." They endured great pain and depaertment, and those who had to continue to fulfill their duties silently stuck to their posts; and those who didn't, just silently cleaned up their own desks and took on a new post. Having experienced a major surgery involving such a large number of people and affecting such a wide range of areas, Chinese railways still arrived on time, safe and sound!

2002年,中国铁路营业里程为7. 2万公里,人均铁路长度仅为5.5厘米,“还不如一根香烟的长度”。如此严峻的现实意味着,仅靠现有铁路提速是远远不够的, 必须加快速度,建设更多的运量大、能耗低、占地少的现代化高速铁路！大决战的前夜,几间堆满国内外资料的“暗无天日”的房间一全世界的“铁路”从最落后到最现代的都装在里面了。铁道部精英云集,全员出动,茶杯里泡着让人亢奋的浓茶,烟缸里插着不睡觉的烟蒂,墙上挂着巨大的中国地图。历经几个月智慧与勇气、激情与思考、技术与梦想的激烈碰撞,房间里云遮雾罩,火花四射,键盘山响,图纸纷飞,墙上的中国地图用红蓝铅笔画了那么多穿山越岭、粗重有力的线条……

In 2002, the mileage of China's operational railway was 72,000 kilometers, and the per capita railway length was only 5.5 cm, "not as long as a cigarette." Such a grim reality meant that it was far from enough to speed up only by the existing railways, we must speed up the construction of more modern high-speed railways with large capacity, low energy consumption and small footprint! On the eve of the battle, a few "dark" rooms were filled with domestic and foreign information, which covered the "railways" all over the world from the most backward ones to the most modern ones. The Ministry of Railways owned quite a few elites, and all the them devoted thenseleves to the battle. The tea cups were filled with exciting strong tea, the awake cigarette butts stuck into the ashtrays, and the huge map of China was hung on the wall. After months of fierce collision of wisdom and courage, passion and thinking, technology and dream, the room was shrouded in somg, where sparks splashed, keyboards sounded, drawings and papers flew, and the map of China on the wall was drawn with red and blue pencils with so many thick and powerful lines crossing mountains and ridges.

入秋,国家发改委会同铁道部将一份关于铁路发展规划的建议送达国务院。 2004年1月7日,国务院常务会议讨论并原则通过了《中长期铁路网规划》。这是大力推进铁路建设的纲领性文献。

In the autumn, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Railways would send a proposal on railway development planning to the State Council. On January 7, 2004, the executive meeting of the State Council discussed and adopted in principle the Medium and Long-Term Railway Network Planning. This was a programmatic document to vigorously promote railway construction.

号角已经吹响,道路已经指明。规模空前的铁路建设大潮澎湃而起,中国铁路实现“陆地飞行”的历史时刻即将到来!

The trumpet has sounded, and the way has been made clear. The unprecedented railway construction tide surging, the historical moment Chinese railways to achieve "land flight" was coming!

三、中国“高铁模式”:没有失败者的大国博弈

Ⅲ. China's "High-Speed Railway Pattern": the Big-Power Game Without Losers

2004年1月,49岁的何华武出任了铁道部总工程师。

In January 2004, 49-year-old He Huawu became chief engineer of the Ministry of Railways.

他出生于四川省资阳市一个宁静的小镇,每天走在上学路上和夜里睡觉时,他能听到的最瞭亮的声音,也是小镇上唯一代表工业文明的声音,就是成渝线上隆隆而去的火车声,那雄壮的汽笛声仿佛是对他青春之梦的召唤。因此,上大学、读硕士,他都毫不犹豫地选择了铁路专业。接受高铁任务的那个夜晚,何华武对身患胃癌、体质极为虚弱的妻子说:“以后工作会比现在更忙了,我恐怕抽不出多少时间来照顾你了,孩子也在读大学,我们都伸不上手,你可要照顾好自己啊!”同为铁路人的妻子泪水盈盈地说:“你去忙吧,我理解,我会照顾好自己的……”

He was born in a quiet town in Ziyang City. Every day on the way to school and when he slept at night, he could hear the loudest and clearest sound, and it was also the only sound that represented industrial civilization in the small town. It was the rumble of the train on the Chengdu-Chongqing Line, and the magnificent whistle seemed to call for his dream of youth. Therefore, when he went to college and studied for a master, he chose the railway major without hesitation. On the night when he accepted the high-speed railway mission, He Huawu said to his wife, who was suffering from stomach cancer and was extremely weak, "The work will be more arduous than now, and I'm afraid I won't have much time to take care of you. Children are in college, and we can't help them. You must take good care of yourself!" His wife, who was also a railway worker, said tearfully,"Just go for work. I can understand. I will take good care of myself..."

何华武唯一能做的,就是给妻子备下一些方便食品,然后毅然走向紧张繁忙的高铁建设现场。从选址到组织重大工程攻关,从主持关键技术试验到论证各种建设方案,何华武全身心投入崭新的高铁事业之中。京津城际铁路通车之后,何华武专门陪妻子登上“和谐号”,让妻子体验一下今日中国的“高铁速度”。妻子兴奋得两眼炯炯闪光,那驾风驭电的速度是丈夫的梦想,也是她的梦想啊……

The only thing He Huawu could do was to prepare some convenient food for his wife, and then resolutely went to the busy high-speed railway construction site. From site selection to organizing major project tackling, from presiding over key technology tests to demonstrating various construction schemes, He Huawu devoted himself to the brand-new high-speed railway industry. After the Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Railway was opened to traffic, He Huawu specially accompanied his wife to board the "CRH" so as to let his wife experience the "high-speed railway speed" in China today. His wife's eyes sparkled with excitement because the speed of driving the wind and electricity was her husband's dream, as well as her dream.

在北京城市建设规划中,北京南站原本没有如此宏大的规模。正是京津城际铁路和京沪高速铁路的建设,催生了京南这座富于流线美、闪耀着人文光辉的椭圆形建筑。能容纳上万人的宽阔候车区,进出方便快捷的无障碍通道,能发电、采光、保温、隔热的5700块太阳能板,把城市地铁、轻轨、公交、出租全部纳入“内循环”的精妙设计……这一切都闪耀着以人为本的熠熠光辉,使北京南站成为中国高铁“皇冠上的明珠”。当然,还有新建的武汉站、广州南站、上海虹桥站……在迅速延伸的高速线上,一座座各具特色、造型优美的现代化建筑拔地而起,犹如五线谱上一个个华美的音符,共同汇聚成一首凝固的“交响乐”。

According to Beijing's urban construction planning, Beijing South Railway Station could not have had such a grand scale. It is the construction of the Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Railway and the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway that gave birth to this oval building in the south of Beijing, which is full of streamline beauty and shining with humanistic brilliance. The wide waiting areas capable of accommodating tens of thousands of people, barrier-free passages for convenient and quick access, 5,700 solar panels for power generation, light collection, heat preservation and heat insulation, bring all urban subways, light rails, buses and taxis into the exquisite design of "internal circulation." All these are shining the glory and brilliance of people-oriented, which makes Beijing South Railway Station become "the pearl on the crown" of Chinese high-speed railways. Of course, there are newly-built Wuhan Railway Station, Guangzhou South Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station... In the high-speed railways with rapid expansion, modern buildings with distinctive features and beautiful shapes have sprung up like magnificent notes on the staff, converging together into a frozen "symphony".

2004年4月,国务院召开专题会议,就发展高速铁路和机车装备问题提出一个重大指导方针:“引进先进技术,联合设计生产,打造中国品牌。”在“中国铁路”这个世界最大的棋盘上,一场需要深谋远虑、大智大勇的大国博弈开始了。

In April 2004, the State Council held a special meeting during which they put forward major guidelines for the development of high-speed railways and locomotive equipment: "Introduce advanced technology, joint design and production, to create a Chinese brand." On the world's largest chessboard named the "Chinese Railway", a game of great powers that required foresight and great wisdom and courage began.

中国决定海纳百川,博采众长,走“引进消化吸收再创新”的技术道路。于是, 掌握和代表着当今世界高铁技术制高点的四大跨国集团一德国西门子、法国阿尔斯通、日本川崎重工和加拿大庞巴迪纷至沓来,进入中国的旋转门。红地毯上出演了真诚而热烈的美酒加咖啡的欢迎仪式,中国东道主们个个西装革履,彬彬有礼一因为他们都是地道的“学生辈”。改革开放以来,铁道部的诸多领导和高层技术人员都曾到这几个国家或留学,或考察访问,或参加相关学术会议。那时,他们还年轻,坐在西方的高速列车上,风一样的速度让他们眼界大开,激动不已一火车原来可以跑得这样快呀,“火车跑得快,全靠车头带”的模式原来可以改变,牵引动力可以分散到各个车厢啊!他们不断向东道主表达着真诚的敬意,同时又觉得脸上一阵阵潮红,中国的火车何年何月才能赶上西方的速度啊?

China decided to learn widely from others' merits, take the technology approach of "introduction, digestion, absorption and innovation". As a result, the four major multinational groups, Siemens of Germany, Alstom of France, Kawasaki Heavy Industries of Japan and Bombardier of Canada, which mastered and represented the commanding heights of high-speed railway technology in the world today, came one after another to enter China's revolving door. On the red carpet, there was a sincere and warm welcome ceremony with wine and coffee. The Chinese hosts were all dressed in suits and leather shoes, and behavioured politely because they were all authentic "students". Since the reform and opening up, many leaders and senior technical personnel of the Ministry of Railways had gone to these countries to study, visit, or participate in relevant academic conferences. At that time, they were still young, sitting on the high-speed train in the Western world, and the speed as fast as the wind broadened their horizons and excited them. To their surprises, the train could run so fast; the mode of "to run fast all depending on the headstock of the train" could be changed and the traction power could be distributed to various carriages! They constantly express the sincere respect to the host, at the same time, they flushed because they had no confidance in how long China's train would take to catch up with the the Western world.

可以肯定,当时他们谁都没有预料到,这个激动人心的时刻来得这样快,这个伟大的历史使命竟然是在自己的手上完成的。改革开放,为他们缔造人生辉煌提供了千载难逢的机遇!

It was sure that, at that time, none of them had predicted that this exciting moment came so fast, and this great historical mission was completed in his own hands. Reform and opening up provided them with lifetime opportunities to create a brilliant life!

那是2004年初夏的早晨,学生和老师分坐在谈判桌两侧。中国“学生”们注意到,座中的德国老师们不仅鼻子最高,神情也相当倨傲。他们确实有恃オ傲物的资本一德国高铁堪称世界一流,他们的精密制造技术也一向是称雄世界、无可匹敌的。

It was an early summer morning in 2004, students and teachers sitting on either side of the table. The Chinese "students" noticed that the German teachers in the seats not only had the highest noses, but also had rather arrogant expressions. They did have the qualification to be arrogant--the German high-speed railway was rated as world-class, and their precision manufacturing technology always played a leading and incomparable role in the world.

中方郑重表示,希望引进各国高铁机车车辆制造的先进技术,不过,铁道部明确表示:“参观过故宫的外国朋友都知道,进入中国大门是有门槛的。我们的政策是:中国铁路市场不搞‘诸侯混战’,只有一个买主,就是铁道部。从整车技术到任何一个零部件,都由铁道部代表中国政府,统一招标,统一向制造商下订单。要进入中国铁路市场,必须实行关键技术全面转让,必须使用中国品牌,实行本土化生产,必须价格合理……”

The Chinese side solemnly expressed they hoped to introduce advanced technologies for manufacturing high-speed locomotives and rolling stock from other countries. However, the Ministry of Railways clearly said, "Foreign friends who have visited the Forbidden City know that there is a threshold to enter China. Our policy is that in Chinese railway market exists no chaotic competition among multiple parties. There is only one buyer, that is, the Ministry of Railways. From the full vehicle technology to any spare parts, the Ministry of Railways on behalf of the Chinese government will organize to bid and to place orders to manufacturers. To enter our Chinese railway market, it's required to implement the key technology transfer, to use the Chinese brand, to realize the localization of production, and to fix a reasonable price..."

行事谦恭的日本人频频点头,性情浪漫的法国人报以灿烂的微笑,表情深沉的加拿大人不动声色,只有盛产哲学家的德国人保持着“哲学式”的孤傲。在他们看来,一流的德国高铁技术是中方非买不可的。不过,两个月后,铁道部一位小科长十分同情地对西门子公司谈判代表说:“可惜啊,你们德国人长着方脑袋!”

The humble Japanese nodded frequently, the romantic Frenchman smiled brightly, the Canadian with a deep expression remained calm, and only the Germans, who were rich in philosophers, maintained a "philosophical" aloofness. In their view, the first-class German high-speed railway technology was something that China had to purchase. However, two months later, a small section chief of the Ministry of Railways said sympathetically to the Siemens' negotiator: "Unfortunately, you Germans are too inflexible!"

德国人不好意思地笑了,那笑容分明含着几丝苦涩一一因为他们出乎意料地出局了。

The Germans wore embarrrassing smiles, which showed clear bitterness to some extent because they were unexpectedly out of the game.

那些日子,长春客车公司同时拉住法国阿尔斯通和德国西门子分别谈。那意思很明白,谁的价格优惠就跟谁合作。但过于自信的德国代表根本没把法国对手看在眼里,也完全不考虑中方意愿方脑袋”和大鼻子挺得高高的,就是不肯变通,咬住每列原型车单价3.5亿元人民币、技术转让费3.9亿欧元的天价,死不松口。

In those days, Changchun Passenger Car Company talked with Alstom of France and Siemens of Germany respectively. Their intention was clear that they would cooperate with the one who offered the cheapest price. However, the overconfident German representative did not take the French opponent seriously at all and did not consider the wishes of China at all. Raising their square heads and big noses high, they were reluctant to be flexible, and adhered to the unit price of 350 million yuan per column prototype, and the technology transfer fee of 390 million euros sky-high price without any concession.

他的一口价就是“底线”,天下哪有这么做生意的?

His buy-it-now price just was his "bottom line", but who ran a business like him in the world?

所有谈判进程当然都在铁道部的密切掌控之中。开标前夜,即2004年7月27 日,双方依然没有达成协议。关键时候,必须由总エ何华武出面了,他把话说得语重心长,直截了当:“作为同行,我们对德国技术是非常欣赏和尊重的,很希望西门子成为我们的合作伙伴,但你们的出价实在不像是伙伴,倒有点儿半夜劫道、趁火打劫的意思。我可以负责任地表明中方态度:你们每列车价格必须降到2. 5亿人民币以下,技术转让费必须降到1.5亿欧元以下,否则免谈。”

All the negotiation process was, of course, under the close control of the Ministry of Railways. On the eve of the bid opening, that is, on July 27,2004, the two sides still did not reach an agreement. At this critical moment, it was necessary to let Chief Engineer He Huawu come forward, who spoke with sincerity and bluntness, "As your colleagues, we appreciate and respect the German technology very much, and hope that Siemens can be our partner. However, your bid is really not in line with what a partner will do, but seemd like a robbery in the middle of the night to some extent. I can responsibly state China's position: the price of each train must be reduced to less than 250 million RMB, and the technology transfer fee must be reduced to less than 150 million euros, or there's no need for discussion.

德方首席代表靠在沙发椅上,不屑地摇摇头:“不可能。”

The chief representative of the German side leaned against the sofa chair and shook his head disdainfully, saying, "Impossible."

何华武坚定地说:“中国人一向是与人为善的,我不希望看到贵公司就此出局。何去何从,给你们五分钟,出去商量吧。”

He Huawu said firmly: "The Chinese have always been kind to others. I don't want to see your company out because of this. Well, we'll give you five minutes to go out to discuss."

“方脑袋”确实像个撬不开的钱匣子,商量回来,脑袋仍然很“方”,没有一点变通的余地。中方翻译都忍不住了 ,他瞅瞅何华武的眼色,然后礼貌地说:“各位可以订回程机票了。”

The "square head" was really like a unbreakable money box. After the discussion, his head was still very "square" for he left no room for changes. The Chinese translator couldn't bear anymore. He glanced at He Huawu's expression and politely said, "You can book your return flight now."

第二天早晨7时,距铁道部开标仅有2个小时,长客宣布,他们决定选择法国阿尔斯通作为合作伙伴,“双方在富有诚意和建设性的气氛中达成协议”。大梦初醒的德国人呆若木鸡。早餐桌上,得意扬扬的法国人品着香甜的咖啡,还不忘幽了德国哥们儿一默:“回想当年的滑铁卢之战,今天可以说我们扯平了。”

At 7:00 a.m. the next day, only two hours before the bid opening held by the Ministry of Railways, Changchun Passenger Car Company announced that they had decided to choose France's Alstom astheir partner. Because "the two sides reached an agreement in a sincere and constructive atmosphere." The Germans who had just woken up from their dreams were stunned. At the breakfast table, the triumphant Frenchman sipped his sweet coffee and joked to his German friends: "Looking back on the Battle of Waterloo, today we are even."

“德国人从中国的旋转门又转出去了”,消息传开,世界各大股市的西门子股票随之狂泄。放弃世界上最大、发展最快的中国高铁市场,显然是战略性的错误。西门子有关主管执行官递交了辞职报告,谈判团队被集体炒了觥鱼。

As the news that Germans were out from China's revolving door spread, Siemens stock plummeted in major stock markets around the world. Abandoning Chinese high-speed railway market, the world's largest and fastest-growing railway market, turned to be a strategic mistake. The relevant executive officer of Siemens submitted a resignation report, and the negotiating team was collectively fired.

不过,西门子知道,他们还有一棵“救命稻草”,即中国北车集团唐山轨道客车公司。富有戏剧性的是,在铁道部这次招标中,雄心勃勃的唐车和野心勃勃的西门子同时“流标”,被关在中国高铁事业的大门之外。

However, Siemens knew that they still had a "lifeline" -- CNR Tangshan Railway Corperation Limited. Dramatically, in this tender held by the Ministry of Railways, ambitious CNR Tangshan and ambitious Siemens at the same time all became abortive tenders, shut out of the door of China's high-speed railway industry.

唐车,始建于清末的1881年,迄今横跨3个世纪,被誉为“中国机车车辆エ业的摇篮”。中国第一台蒸汽机车“中国火箭号”,供慈禧太后乘坐的第一辆专列“銮舆龙号”,就诞生于唐车。中华人民共和国成立后,唐车青春焕发,贡献卓著,但在 1976年唐山大地震中又遭受重创,厂房大面积坍塌,员エ和家属死伤过半,并遗留下由エ厂扶养的“八百孤儿”,活下来的员工也大都深陷丧亲之痛。老厂长说,“八百孤儿”进入结婚年龄以后,他作为唯一的“家长”,参加过的婚礼不计其数,每次都让他喜笑颜开又老泪纵横。大地震之后的唐车似乎再没恢复过元气,干部职エ每月只能领到二三百元的最低生活费,许多人被迫流落到社会上打エ,或者蹲街头卖羊肉串儿。

CNR Tangshan Cooperation Limited has spanned three centuries since its start in 1881 in the late Qing Dynasty, known as "the cradle of China's locomotive and rolling stock industry." China's first steam locomotive "Rocket of China", and the first special train "Palace Car" for the Empress Dowager were born in the TRC. After the founding of the PRC, the TRC was rejuvenated and made outstanding contributions. However, in the Tangshan Earthquake in 1976, the company suffered heavy losses, the factory collapsed in a large area. More than half of the employees and their families were killed or injured, and thus leaving "eight hundred orphans" entrusted to the factory to bring up. Those who survived almost deeply distressed by bereavement. The old factory director said that when "eight hundred orphans" came into the age of marriage, as the only "parent", he attended countless weddings, every time bringing him smile as well as tears. After the earthquake, the TRC seemed to have never recovered. Cadres could only receive a minimum living allowance of two or three hundred yuan per month. Many people were forced to do labor work, or to squat on the streets to sell mutton skewers.

2003年,山雨欲来风满楼,唐车人嗅到浓烈的临战气息。他们搜集了大量国外高铁资料进行学习,并主动送到部里以期引起重视。他们勒紧腰带,组织力量清理环境,翻新厂房,准备迎战。他们还自筹经费造了一辆“高速样板车”,欢天喜地、披红挂彩拉到北京,让部里看看他们是多么积极主动,干劲冲天,志在必得。听说世界高铁技术四大巨头的谈判代表到了国内,他们立即派人联系游说,期望合作。但那时的唐车困难重重,老外根本不理睬他们。倔强的唐车人不甘心,“没有门就跳窗户,没窗户就撞墙” !开标之前,他们费时数月,精心制作了一套一尺多厚的投标书递了上去。

In 2003, the wind sweeping through the tower heralds a rising storm in the mountain. The staff of the TRC smelled a strong smell of war. They collected a large number of foreign high-speed railway materials for study and took the initiative to send them to the Ministry in order to attract attention. They tightenesd their belts, organized forces to clean up the environment and renovated the factory to prepare for the battle. They also used self-raised funds to build a "high-speed model car", and took it to Beijing with great joy after carefully decorated it, in order to show the Ministry how proactive, energetic and ambitious they were. Having heard that negotiators from the world's four major high-speed railway technology giants had arrived in China, they immediately sent people to contact and lobby, hoping to cooperate. But at that time, the TRC faced throny difficulties, and the foreigners just ignored them. The stubborn TRC people didn't gave up. They said, "Jump through the window without a door; crash the wall without a window!" Before the bid opening, they spent months crafting a set of tenders more than a foot thick and handing them over.

2004年7月28日,铁道部开标之日,气氛空前紧张。凌晨3时,眼睛熬得血红的唐车老总王润（后出任北车集团副总工）对结果已经有所预感,他命手下给西门子总部发了一份传真,大意是:如果贵公司在这次招标中出局,我们愿意与你们精诚合作,争取下次机会。文中颇有点儿惺惺相惜、同病相怜的意味。不想放弃中国市场的德国人很快给唐车回了一份传真,算是给自己留了一条“后路”。

On July 28th, 2004, when the Ministry of Railways opened the bid, the atmosphere was unprecedentedly tense. At 3 a.m., Wang Run, the boss of the TRC (later served as deputy chief engineer of CNR Group), had a hunch about the result. He ordered his subordinates to send a fax to Siemens headquarters, to the effect that: if your company is out of the tender, we are willing to cooperate with you sincerely, for the next opportunity. This paper revealed quite a bit of sympathy as a fellow sufferer. The Germans, who did not want to give up the Chinese market, quickly sent a fax back to the TRC, which was regarded as leaving a "posterior approach" for themselves.

这个夜晚,聚集在北京的30多位唐车人无事可干又都没有合眼。睡不着,“我们就像等待宣判的囚犯一样”,女工程师出身的党委副书记孔学云说。上午,派到现场的工作人员终于打来电话,声音极为沉重:“流标了 !”

This night, more than 30 TRC staff gathered in Beijing had nothing to do but couldn't fall asleep. "We were like prisoners waiting to be sentenced," said Kong Xueyun, a female engineer and deputy party secretary. In the morning, the staff sent to the scene finally called with the heavy voice: "We failed!"

所有的努力付诸东流,梦碎了。守在房间里的唐车人全哭了。王润铁青着脸跟大家说:“你们在北京哭个够吧,不过绝不能把这种情绪带回厂里!”过后,王润依然干劲十足,要求全厂振奋精神,不可松懈。他说:“我们还是大有希望的。其一,现在引进的高铁技术时速是200公里,中国的雄心绝不会停止在这个水平上; 其二,西门子的高铁技术是有优势的,只要价格合理,铁道部的大门对它还是敞开的,我们只要抓住西门子就有希望……”

All the efforts were in vain and the dream was broken. The TRC staff who stayed in the room all cried. Wang Run, whose face was ghastly pale, said to everyone, "You can cry enough in Beijing, but you must not bring this emotion back to the factory!" After that, Wang Run was still full of energy and asked the whole factory to cheer up and not relax. He said,"We are still potential. First, the high-speed rail technology introduced now has a speed of 200 kilometers per hour, and China's ambition will never stop at this level; Second, Siemens's 'high-speed railway technology has advantages. As long as the price is reasonable, the door of the Ministry of Railways is still open to it. If we seize Siemens, there will be hope."

孔学云嘲笑他:“你就天天给我们画饼充饥吧!”

Kong Xueyun mocked him and said, "You just feed us on illusions!"

2005年,铁道部启动第二次招标。唐车与西门子同时意识到,对方是自己必须抓住不放的最后一棵“救命稻草”。这回,西门子终于放下身段,同意以每列车 2. 5亿元人民币、技术转让费8000万欧元的价格与唐车合作。

In 2005, the Ministry of Railways launched the second bidding. The TRC and Siemens realized at the same time that the other is the last "straw" must be caught. This time, Siemens finally put down its stance and agreed to offer 2 Cooperate with Tangche for a price of 500 million yuan and a technology transfer fee of 80 million euros.

一举中标！

Winning the bid at one fell swoop!

与德国人第一次出价相比,中方节省了 90亿元人民币采购成本,但中国的“高铁模式”没有失败者,德方也获得一份巨额订单和广阔而统一的中国市场一双赢!

Compared with the German bid for the first time, China saved 9 billion yuan in procurement costs, but with China's "high-speed railway mode", there was no losers. Germany also received a huge order and a broad and unified Chinese market -- a win-win situation!

德国人其实还是很圆滑的。

The Germans are actually very smooth.

四、“山高我为峰”:一个民族的雄心与胸怀

Ⅳ. "Climbing to the Top of a Mountain, I Am the Peak": the Ambition and Mind of a Nation

高速铁路自1964年在日本发端,首开时速210公里的纪录,此后在西方国家走过漫长的40多年发展道路,运营时速一直在250公里上下徘徊。这显然与他们民航和高速公路比较发达、高铁缺少紧迫而巨量的市场需求有关系。而在中国,辽阔的疆土、广阔的市场、人民的需求和高速发展的国民经济,一切让铁路人疲于奔命、泪光闪闪的巨大压力,都转化为助推高铁事业呼啸猛进的强大动力!

Since its inception in Japan in 1964, the high-speed railway has set a record of 210 kilometers per hour for the first time. After that, it has gone through a long development road of more than 40 years in western countries, and its operating speed has been hovering around 250 kilometers per hour. This was obviously related to their relatively developed civil aviation and expressways, and the lack of urgent and huge market demand for high-speed railway. In China, the vast territory, the huge market, the people's demands and the rapid development of the national economy, made the railway staff tired of running. The immense pressure of tears turned into a powerful driving force for the roaring and rapid progress of the high-speed rail industry!

天下争雄,舍我其谁!现在来看看中国高铁令人目眩的发展速度:

The world contend for dominance, who but myself can do it? Now let's look at the dizzying speed of the development of Chinese high-speed railway:

—从2004年、2005年相继引进日本、法国、加拿大和德国的高铁技术,到 2010年3月,中国投入运营的高速铁路长达6552公里,时速和里程都冲到世界第一的位置。

-- Since 2004 and 2005, China has successively introduced high-speed railway technology from Japan, France, Canada and Germany. By March 2010, the length of China's high-speed railways which were operating had reached 6,552 kilometers, ranking first in the world in terms of speed and mileage.

一一时速高达380公里的动车组日前刚刚下线,这是中国创造的高铁运营速度的更高纪录,同时意味着世界上更快的京沪高铁将很快投入运营。

-- The EMU with a speed of up to 380 kilometers per hour had just rolled off the production line several days before, setting a new record for China's high-speed railway operation and indicating that the world's faster Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway would soon be put into operation.

一一时速400公里的检测车、时速500公里的试验高速动车组及相关路网、信号配套系统,正在紧张的研发之中。

-- The test vehicle with a speed of 400 km/h, the test high-speed EMU with a speed of 500 km/h, related road network and signal supporting systems were under intense research and development.

前后不过6年,中国一举跨过发达国家高铁40年的发展道路,创造了后来居上、自主创新、领跑世界的奇迹!

In just six years, China has crossed the 40-year development path of high-speed railway in developed countries in one fell swoop and created a miracle of catching up from behind, independent innovation and leading the world!

一个国家的雄心,会激发出全民族巨大的精神能量。回望高铁6年征程,我们看到,众志成城的举国体制和闻风而动的统一政令,展现出强大的动员力和凝聚力。50多名院士,15万科研人员,150多家核心企业,数百家产业链上的企业,200 万铁路大军,数十万筑路工人,全国各行各业的有识之士和支援团队,一呼百应,呵气成云,攻坚克难,所向披靡……

The ambition of a country will inspire the great spiritual energy of the whole nation. Looking back on the six-year journey of the high-speed railway construction, we can see that the national system of unity and the unified decree as agile as wind have shown strong mobilization and cohesion. People of insight and support teams from all walks of life across the nation, including more than 50 academicians, 150,000 scientific researchers, more than 150 core enterprises, hundreds of enterprises in the industrial chain, 2 million railway troops, hundreds of thousands of road construction workers, etc., have called for hundreds of responses to rally strength and overcome difficulties.

辉煌就这样被创造出来并在祖国大地上迅速延伸。

Glory was created in this way and quickly extended in the motherland.

集中力量办大事,一心一意谋发展一一中国特色社会主义制度的优越性又一次得到验证。

Concentrate on major issues and seek development with one heart and one mind--the superiority of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics has once again been verified.

毫无疑问,中国高铁超乎寻常的发展速度,首先源于我国综合国力的迅速提升,源于几代铁路科研人员的技术积累。但是,还有一个重要的助推力是我们不应当忘记的,那就是发达国家近半个世纪的科学探索和技术研发,给我们提供了一飞冲天的平台。“山高我为峰”一那是因为我们站到巨人的肩膀上了。

There is no doubt that the extraordinary development speed of Chinese high-speed railways is first due to the rapid increase in China's comprehensive national strength and the technological accumulation of several generations of railway researchers. However, there is another important boosting force that we should not forget, that is, the scientific exploration and technological research and development of developed countries for nearly half a century have provided us with a platform to fly to the sky. "Climbing to the top of a mountain, then I am the peak"--that is because we stand on the shoulders of giants.

按照合作协议,青岛四方、唐山客车曾分别派出一批青年工人,到日本和德国学习铝合金车体焊接技术。洋师傅们对中国工人普遍十分友好,认真负责地传授了相关的知识和技术。所有这些工人回国后,无一例外,全部成为企业的技术骨干。青岛工人离开日本时,日本师傅与他们紧紧拥抱,相约再见,洒泪而别。

According to the cooperation agreement, Qingdao Sifang and the TRC sent a group of young workers to Japan and Germany respectively, to learn aluminum alloy car body welding technology. The foreign masters were generally very friendly to Chinese workers and seriously and responsibly imparted relevant knowledge and technology. After these workers returned, without exception, all of them became the technical backbone of the enterprise. When the Qingdao workers left Japan, the Japanese master hugged them tightly. They made an appointment to meet again and bid farewell in tears.

张雪松,唐山客车工人技师,两获“全国技术能手”称号,“河北省十大金牌工人”之一。他从钳工转入数控机床操作,再转入装调维修,每次都成为行内“状元”。这样一位优秀的专家型工人,他的勇于探索的积极性,有一次却遭到德国工人的严厉批评。那天,他趴在焊接机器人下面的地上,正在为排除故障冥思苦想时,耳畔传来一句生硬的德语。张雪松爬出来抬头一看,一个高高瘦瘦的西门子工人紧皱眉头站在面前。德国人看张雪松没有听懂他的话,于是招手叫来一名翻译。

Zhang Xuesong, a worker and technician of the TRC, had twice won the titles of "national technical experts"and "one of the ten gold medal workers in Hebei Province". He transferred from fitter to CNC machine tool operation, and then transferred to the installation and maintenance. Whatever he did, he was always the top one in that industry. Although he was such an excellent expert worker, his enthusiasm for exploration once was severely criticized by the German workers. That day, he was lying on the ground below the welding robot and was thinking about troubleshooting when a blunt German came to his ears. Zhang Xuesong crawled out and looked up, only to find a tall and thin Siemens worker standing in front of him with a furrowed brow. The German realized that Zhang Xuesong did not understand him, so he beckoned to an interpreter.

翻译对张雪松说:“他问你在设备下面干什么。”张雪松说:“设备坏了,我在修设备。”德国工人又问:“你有维修焊接机器人的资质吗?”张雪松摇摇头:“我是负责数控设备维修的……”德国工人严肃地说:“如果你没有维修资质,你就不能维修这台设备,请离开吧。”

The translator told Zhang Xuesong,"He asked what you were doing under the equipment." Zhang Xuesong said, "The equipment is broken. I'm reparing it." The German worker asked again, "Do you have the qualification to repair welding robots?" Zhang Xuesong shook his head, saying, "I am responsible for the maintenance of CNC equipment." The German worker said seriously: "If you don't have a maintenance qualification, you can't repair it. Please go out."

“谢谢你!”面红耳赤的张雪松脱口而出。那是他发自内心的声音,那一刻他深刻认识了德国式的“一切都有规矩,一切都按规矩办”的严谨作风。正是这些看来似乎过于“刻板”的规定和纪律,培育了德国精密制造在世界上的崇高声望。

"Thank you!" Zhang Xuesong blurted it out, flushing with shame. That was his voice from the bottom of his heart, and at that moment he deeply understood German's rigorous principle that everything has rules; everything is done according to rules. It is these seemingly too "rigid" rules and disciplines that have nurtured the high reputation of German precision manufacturing in the world.

唐车因此在全厂展开一个学习运动,要求广大员工全面学习、模拟和落实德国严格、严谨、严密的工作方法和工作作风。

Therefore, the TRC launched a learning campaign in the whole plant, requiring the majority of employees to comprehensively learn, simulate and implement the strict, rigorous and rigorous working methods and work style of Germany.

日本川崎重工的专家和技术工人进入青岛四方以后,也让四方人耳目一新,深受震动。过去中国工人把机车线路接上头并保证无差错,就算完活了,日本专家却要求线路配管一定要“横平竖直”。日本工人到达工作点,首先铺开一块布,把工具按顺序排好,工作结束,再按顺序裹起来带走,一样不会丢失。而中国工人用一个大背篓,用什么掏什么,干完稀里哗啦一装,走人。一把钳子就这样遗忘在动车组车厢里。为此,日本专家石野主动召集中国工人开了个班组会,他严肃地说,把工具忘记在产品里,“就像医生做手术把钳子刀子遗忘在病人肚子里”。深受教育的青岛四方,为此在全厂轰轰烈烈开展了一场长达半年的“向不良习惯说不”的运动,厂报记者每天四处抓拍中方工人随意、粗放的行为表现,登报示众,进行批评。工人们说,平时没感觉,登报一对比,“真是惊出一身冷汗” !

After the experts and technical workers of Kawasaki Heavy Industries of Japan entered Qingdao Sifang, they also made the Sifang staff refreshing and deeply shocked. In the past, after Chinese workers connected to the locomotive line, if there was no errors, then the work was considered done. Japanese experts, however, asked the line pipings must be "horizontal and vertical." When Japanese workers arrived at the work site, they first spread out a piece of cloth, and then lay out tools in order. When they finished and then wrapped tools up in order and took away so that nothing would be lost. But Chinese workers always took a big basket to pick up whatever they used. When finishing they just put all tools in it and left. A pair of pliers was thus forgotten in the carriage of the EMU. For this reason, Japanese experts Ishino took the initiative to convene a group meeting of chinese workers. He seriously said that leaving the tool in the product was just "like a doctor leaving the knife in the patient's stomach in a surgery". Qingdao Sifang, who is deeply educated, launched a campaign of "saying no to bad habits" for half a year in the whole plant. The reporters of the factory newspaper captured the random and extensive behavior of Chinese workers everywhere every day, and published them in the newspaper for public display and criticism. The workers said that they didn't notice that at all in daily life, but when printed and compared in the newspaper, "I'm really in a cold sweat!"

在长期的合作中,中国工人和外国专家结下深厚的友谊,过年过节,德国专家被请到家里一起包饺子,法国人、加拿大人被请到联欢派对上跳舞唱歌。在青岛四方工作的日本专家归国后,有些人借休假之机,还自费到青岛来看望他们的中国 “师兄弟”。看到中国工人夜以继日地奋战,德国专家布拉赫激动地跑进唐车领导人办公室,强烈要求安排工人休息。看到中国工人那么辛苦,一些德国人不计报酬,和中国工人一起加班……

During the long-term cooperation, Chinese workers and foreign experts have forged profound friendship. During festivals, German experts would be invited to make dumplings at home, and French and Canadians would be invited to dance and sing at the party. After the Japanese experts who worked in Qingdao Sifang returned home, some took the opportunity of vacation and came to Qingdao at their own expense to visit their Chinese "professional brothers." Seeing Chinese workers fighting day and night, German expert Brahe excitedly ran into the office of the leader of the TRC to strongly demand that the workers be arranged to have a rest. Seeing how hard the Chinese workers worked, some Germans worked overtime with them without any reward.

唐车建厂129年,青岛四方建厂110年,都是中国民族工业和产业工人生长发育的“摇篮”。但是,面对西方数百年工业文明打造的科学精神、优良素质和严谨作风,中国铁路人看到自己的巨大差距并用心学习、奋起直追,这无疑是我们更为重要、更具长久意义的收获。

The TRC and Qingdao Sifang have been the "cradles" of Chinese national industry and industrial workers for 129 years and 110 years respectively. However, in the face of the scientific spirit, excellent quality and rigorous style built by the western industrial civilization for hundreds of years, Chinese railway people saw the huge disparity and studied hard and caught up, which is undoubtedly our more important and more lasting harvest.

和平、发展、合作是当今时代的主题。谈判桌上的讨价还价、唇枪舌剑都是“各为其主”,不必苛责。虚怀若谷,海纳百川,始终保持清醒的头脑,善于学习借鉴世界各国的文明成果和发达国家的先进经验,オ是一个伟大民族的胸怀和希望所在。

Peace, development and cooperation are the themes of the present era. The bargaining and verbal arguments at the negotiation table are "all for their own countries" and there is no need to be harsh. Only by being humble and inclusive, always maintaining a clear mind, and being adept at learning from the achievements of civilizations and advanced experiences of developed countries around the world are the embodiments of the aspirations and hopes of a great nation.

五、让闪电掠过大地:中国铁路人在行动!

Ⅴ. Let the Lightning Pass Through the Earth: the Chinese Railway Staff in Action!

引进消化时速200公里动车组技术一自主研发时速350公里动车组一创新研制时速380公里动车组一6年时间,中国高铁完成了惊人的“三级跳”。

We have introduce and mastered the technology of EMU with speed of 200 km/h; researched and developed by ourselves the EMU with a speed of 350 km/h; innovated and developed the EMU with a speed of 380 km/h. In the past six years, Chinese high-speed railway has completed an astonishing "triple jump".

高铁是当代新技术、新材料、新工艺集大成的产物,除了没有翅膀（却多了两条信息化、现代化的轨道）,其复杂程度几乎与航空航天技术不相上下。让中国高铁运营速度冲到世界第一,没有强大的自主创新能力是不可能办到的。

High-speed railway is the product of contemporary new technologies, new materials and new processes. In addition to having no wings (but having two more tracks of informatization and modernization), its complexity is almost equal to that of aerospace technology. Without strong independent innovation capabilities, it is impossible for China's high-speed railway to achieve the world's fastest operating speed.

——那个夜晚,在千里冰封、万里雪飘的塞北大地,赵明花“冻成了冰棍儿”。 2007年冬,京哈线上的一列动车组在行驶中因突然断电而停车。长客副总工程师赵明花立即带领一批专家赶往现场了解情况。旅客安全“摆渡”登程之后,浓浓夜色中,只剩下孤零零、空荡荡的动车组。这位身体单薄、性情文静的朝鲜族女性与同事们一起登上车顶,查找故障原因,测试各种数据,最后认定:速度飞快的动车组从北京到哈尔滨,经历了急剧变化的温差,造成车顶出现冷凝水,导致电路短路。赵明花和同事们意识到:“这肯定不是偶然的事情,如果不从内部结构上加以防范, 在高寒地区有可能经常发生!”由赵明花主持的一个设计团队迅速组成,几个月之后,一项动车组电器内部构造的创新设计完成了,从根本上杜绝了冷凝水断电故障。一个看似偶然的事故,激发出一项中国创新!

--That night, in the frozen, snowy land of the Northern land, Zhao Minghua "frozen into a popsicle". In the winter of 2007, an EMU on the Beijing-Harbin Railway halted due to sudden power failure. Zhao Minghua, deputy chief engineer of Changchun Passenger Car Company, immediately led a group of experts to the scene to know more about the situation. After the passengers boarded safely, only the lonely and empty EMU was left in the thick night. This thin, quiet Korean woman climbed onto the roof with her colleagues and finally identified the cause of the breakdown after testing various data. It was because that the fast-moving EMU, from Beijing to Harbin, experienced a sharply changing temperature difference, which caused condensation on the roof, thus leading to a short circuit. Zhao Minghua and her colleagues realized, "This can't be an accident. If we don't prevent from the internal structure, it may be common in the cold region!" A design team chaired by Zhao Minghua quickly formed. A few months later, an innovative design of the internal structure of the EMU electrical appliance was completed, fundamentally eliminating the condensate power failure. A seemingly accidental accident unexpectedly inspired a Chinese innovation!

2009年圣诞节前夕,穿越英吉利海峡海底隧道的“欧洲之星”高速列车遭遇大雪天气,进入隧道后因冷凝水浸漫导致断电,4列列车被堵在隧道里动弹不得,“欧洲之星”被迫停运3天。赵明花看到这则新闻,感慨地对同事们说:“幸好我们早有发现、早做预防了!”

On Christmas Eve, 2009, the Eurostar high-speed train crossing the Channel Tunnel encountered heavy snow. After entering the tunnel, the power was cut off due to condensate flooding. Four trains were stuck in the tunnel and could not move. The Eurostar was forced to stop for three days. Zhao Minghua saw the news and said to his colleagues with emotion: "Fortunately, we have found out and prevented it early!"

——高铁“水土不服”的难题就是多。北方有冰冻,南方又多雨。飞驰在武广线的动车组,面临着长时间的雨季漏水和潮湿浸润的问题,在唐车副总工程师杜会谦的主持下,又一项防雨防潮的创新设计诞生了。

--There were so many difficulties in the "acclimatization" of high-speed railway. There is ice in the north and rain in the south. The EMU speeding on the Wuhan-Guangzhou Railway was facing the problem of water leakage and moisture infiltration in the rainy season for a long time. Under the lead of Du Huiqian, deputy chief engineer of the TRC, another innovative design of rain and moisture resistance was born.

南辕北辙,各有高招!

Althoug the south and the north are opposite, each can find its own solution!

——赵秀丽“叫板”两条大汉的故事,是高铁建设工地上的一段佳话。2005年 7月,京津城际铁路开工建设,中铁六局丰桥公司承担了 14910块无砕轨道板的预制任务。轨道板是无砕轨道结构体系中最基本、最重要的部件,精度要求非常高。按德国工艺要求,轨道板必须用超细水泥制作,而国内尚无厂家能够生产,如果全部进口,不仅价格昂贵,工期也很难保证。

-- The story of Zhao Xiuli calling the shots of two big men is a much-told story at high-speed railway construction sites. In July 2005, the construction of Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Railway started, and Fengqiao Company of China Railway Sixth Engineering Group Co., Ltd. undertook the pre-production task of 14,910 ballastless track slabs. Track slab is the most basic and important component in the ballastless track structure system, with very high accuracy requirements. According to the German process requirements, the track plate must be made of superfine cement, and there was no domestic manufacturers producing that. If we relyed entirely on imports, not only would it be expensive, but it would also be hard to guarantee the construction period.

一个受制于人的大难题横在高铁人面前。丰桥公司副总工程师赵秀丽跑遍华北各大水泥厂,动员游说厂方进行试制。一次次试验的失败,令多家水泥厂先后告退,只有一家还在犹豫不决。厂长是个膀大腰圆的汉子,赵秀丽对他说:“你一个大男人,还不如我坚强吗?”几个月后,符合国际标准的高规格水泥终于试制成功,实现了原材料国产化的重大突破,仅此一项,为丰桥公司节约资金1500多万元。

A big problem that was controlled by others lied in front of the high-speed railway people. Zhao Xiuli, deputy chief engineer of Fengqiao Company, visited all the major cement plants in North China to mobilize and lobby the factory for trial production. The repeated failures of experiments led to the retirement of multiple cement factories, with only one still hesitating. The factory director was a tall and sturdy man. Zhao Xiuli said to him, "You're a man, aren't you as determined as me?" A few months, the high-specification cement that conforms to the international standards was finally successfully produced, which realized a major breakthrough in the localization of raw materials. This alone saved more than 15 million yuan for Fengqiao Company.

但是,赵秀丽的思考与探索没有停止。超细水泥不仅成本过高,而且耐久性差。能不能用改进的国产普通水泥替代呢?她和同事们废寝忘食,反复研究试验, 寻找最佳配比和路径。京沪高铁开工以后,赵秀丽找到山东一家水泥厂,厂长一听她对水泥成分的新要求,吓了一跳,连连摇头说:“我们的产品已经达标,不愁市场。你的要求我们做不到,算了。”赵秀丽向他介绍了中国高铁的宏伟计划,说:“高铁市场这么大,要是把新型国产水泥搞出来,将带来源源不断的效益,你连这点雄心壮志都没有吗?”

However, Zhao Xiuli didn't stop thinking and exploring. The superfine cement is not only expensive, but also poor in durability. Could we use improved domestic ordinary cement instead? She and her colleagues toiled away at repeatedly studying and experimenting to find the best ratio and path. After the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway started constructing, Zhao Xiuli found a cement plant in Shandong. Upon hearing her new requirements for cement composition, the factory director was startled and shook his head repeatedly, saying, "Our products have already met the standards, and we don't worry about the market. We can't do what you're asking. So we are not to do it." Then Zhao Xiuli introduced the grand plan of Chinese high-speed railway to him and said: "The high-speed railway market is so big. If you make new domestic cement, it will bring you endless benefits. Do you not even have this ambition?"

这位山东大汉热血沸腾了。经过数百次反复试验,又一项创新成果一一国产新型“绿色高性能水泥”问世,世界一流的无砕轨道板诞生了,为企业节省投资 7000万元,更为今后中国高铁大发展提供了充足可靠的材料保障！

Hearing this, this Shangdong man felt a boiling passion. Through hundreds of repeated tests, another innovative achievement - new domestic "green high performance cement" came out, and the world's first-class track plate was born, saving 70 million yuan for enterprises, and providing sufficient and reliable material guarantee for the future development of high-speed railway in China!

一一中国幅员辽阔,地形、地质之复杂是国外同行不曾遇到的。郑州至西安, 是全世界唯一建造在黄土地带的高铁,何华武说:“黄土缺少支撑力,遇雨就沉降变形,像水浸过的面包一样。”高铁路基架在这样的土质上,如果固化不好,轨道就变成“面条”了。十几位院士和一批专家汇集到黄土高坡上“集体会诊”。就凭着这样的集体智慧和创新勇气,郑西线的湿陷性黄土地基、武广线的岩溶地基、广深港和甬台温的淤泥地基、合宁的膨胀地基、哈大线的高寒软土地基等高铁修建难题, 都被中国铁路人一一攻克,并实现了“零”沉降!

-- With a vast territory, China has such a complex topography and geology that foreign counterparts have never encountered. The railway from Zhengzhou to Xi'an was the only high-speed railway built in the loess area in the world. He Huawu said, "The loess is lack of support, so it sinks and deforms in the rain, like a piece of bread soaked in water." Built on such soil, if the foundation of the high-speed railway is not well solidified, the track will become "noodles". More than a dozen academicians and a group of experts gathered on the loess plateau for "collective consultation". With this kind of collective wisdom and innovation courage, the collapsible loess foundation of Zhengzhou-Xi'an Railway, the karst foundation of Wuhan-Guangzhou Railway, the sludge foundation of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Railway and Ningbo-Taizhou-Wenzhou Railway, the expansive foundation of Hefei-Nanjing Railway, the severely-cold soft foundation of Harbin-Dalian Railway and other high-speed railway construction problems have been overcome by Chinese railway staff one by one, and achieved "zero" settlement!

再来看看空中的创新。

Now let's focus on innovation in the air.

2009年12月9日,在武广线试运行过程中,中国动车组以“双弓重联”的方式,创造了时速394.2公里的速度,这是当时的又一项世界级的新纪录!

On December 9, 2009, during the trial operation of the Wuhan-Guangzhou Railway, the Chinese EMU set a speed of 394.2 km/h in the "double bow reconnection" style, which was another world-class new record at that time!

所谓“双弓重联”,就是将两列动车组共16节车厢联挂运行,上部同时升起两个受电弓,从空中的接触网导线获取动力。这种大编组联挂,无疑会大大提高运输效率。但这绝不是“ 1 +1 =2”的简单等式,因为列车前弓高速冲击接触网后,会引起接触网的振动,使后弓与导线的“密贴跟随性”（专业术语称之为“弓网耦合”）大为降低,剧烈的振动有可能造成后弓离线、撞线,产生大量火花,严重的时候可能会出现烧线、刮弓,引发重大故障。此前,仅有西门子在西班牙高速铁路上做过“双弓重联”试验,尚未在正式运营中应用。

The so-called "double pantograph reconnection" means that 16 carriages of two EMUs are coupled for operation, and two pantograph are raised at the top at the same time to obtain power from overhead catenary wires. This type of large formation coupling will undoubtedly greatly improve transportation efficiency. But this is by no means simple equation of "1 + 1 = 2" , because the high-speed impact of the front pantograph and catenary will lead to the vibration of the catenary, and thus ”the coupled pantograph-catenary“ will be greatly reduced. The violent vibration may cause the rear pantograph off the line and hit the line with a large number of sparks. In severe cases, burning of wires and scraping of bows may occur, leading to major malfunctions. Previously, only Siemens had conducted the test of locomotive double heading with two pantographs on high-speed railways in Spain and had not yet been applied in formal operation.

中铁电气化局年轻的副总工程师董安平率领他的团队,承担了攻克“双弓重联”这一世界性难题的重任。回忆这段艰辛的历程,董安平感慨良深,他说,中铁电气化局是个老企业,搞了几十年电气化铁路建设,过去把导线一挂,平直度差个一两公分无所谓,只要不出现波浪弯和扭面,跑起来不打火就算万事大吉。武广高铁建设按标准要求,导线在1米长的范围内平直度不得超过0.1毫米。中国这些架线老手必须从零开始,在上千公里的辽阔线路上,那些粗糙的大手仿佛在一针一线地“绣花”。完工之后经检测,武广线牵引导线的平直度平均达到0.05毫米,比头发丝还细。这不仅是工程质量、技术水平的质的飞跃,更是中国工人在素质、理念、作风上的跨越性进步!

Dong Anping, the young deputy chief engineer of China Railway Electrification Bureau Group (EEB), led his team to undertake the task of overcoming the worldwide problem of "locomotive double heading with two pantographs". Recalling this arduous journey, Dong Anping had much to say. He said that the EEB was an old enterprise. It has been engaged in the construction of electrified railways for decades. In the past, once the wire is hung, a difference of one or two centimeters in straightness did not matter. As long as there were no wave bends or twisting surfaces, and the train could run without sparking, it was fine. According to the standard requirements for Wuhan-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway, the straightness of the conductor within 1 meter shall not exceed 0.1 mm. These Chinese stringing veteran must start from scratch in the thousands of kilometers of the vast line. They seemed to be "embroidering" stitch by stitch with those rough hands. After completion, it was tested that the straightness of the traction wire on the Wuhan Guangzhou Line reached an average of 0.05 millimeters, which is thinner than the hair. This is not only a qualitative leap in engineering quality and technical level, but also a leap forward in the quality, philosophy and style of Chinese workers!

高铁系统对导线性能的要求是极高的:一是要有足够的硬度,受电弓几十万次与它高强度、高频率的摩擦,硬度不够、耐磨性低是不行的;二是必须有很高的导电率。但在金属材料学中,强度和导电率恰恰是一对矛盾体:强度越高,导电性越差; 导电性越高,强度越差。比如铜比铁软,导电性却比铁高。

High-speed railway systems extremely and strictly requires the conductor performance: For one thing, it must be hard enough, because the pantographs will be rubbed with it hundreds of thousands of times with high strength and high frequency, the low hardness and low wear resistance will make it unbearable. For another, it must have a high conductivity. However, in metal materials science, strength and conductivity are just a pair of contradictions: the higher the strength, the worse the conductivity. For example, copper is softer than iron, but its electrical conductivity is better than iron.

那么,能不能找到一种新的合金材料,两种性能都能得到足够的保证呢?董安平知道,20世纪80年代,日本研制出一种性能良好的PSC导线,于是他向日本有关方面表示,希望引进这个技术。日方专家经过内部讨论,最后以“我们的技术还不成熟”为由,拒绝了中方要求。毕竟,中国曾是远远落后于他们的角色,如今变成强大的竞争对手,他们必须小心提防了。

So, can we find a new alloy material which guarantees two kinds of properties at the same time? Dong Anping knew, in the 1980 s, Japan developed PSC conductor with a good performance, so he expressed the Japanese authorities his idea to introduce this technology. After internal discussions, the Japanese experts finally rejected the Chinese request on the grounds that "our technology is not yet mature". After all, China used to be far behind them, but now it has become a powerful competitor they must be careful about.

中国高铁发展的前景,又一次遭遇受制于人的瓶颈。董安平的心情久久不能平静,他和同事们开始探寻自主创新之路。一个偶然的机会,他们与浙江大学金属材料研究所所长、博士生导师孟亮教授遇上了。窗外一弯月,桌上几杯茶,海阔天空聊起高铁上的导线,孟教授说,中国航天器上用过一种新材料,他进行过专题研究,还发表过论文。

The prospect of China's high-speed railway once again encountered the bottleneck of being controlled by others. Dong Anping could not be calm for a long time. Then he and his colleagues began to explore the path of independent innovation. By chance, they met with Professor Meng Liang, director of the Institute of Metal Materials of Zhejiang University and a doctoral supervisor. A crescent moon outside the window, a few cups of tea on the table, they talked extensively and freely about the wires on the high-speed railway. Professor Meng said that a new material was used on Chinese spacecraft, which he had conducted specialized research on and published papers.

董安平大喜过望,双手把桌子拍得山响,茶杯都跳起来了。电化设计院总工程师王立天迅速飞往浙江,在孟教授的实验室看到一小块样品,那一刻,他激动得眼泪都涌出来了!“我们成立个合资公司怎么样?”王总当即提议。铁路系统的河北一家制造商闻讯自愿加盟,十几天后合资公司正式启动。

Overjoyed, Dong Anping slapped the table so loudly and hard that the tea cups jumped up. Wang Li, chief engineer of China Railway Electrification Survey Design & Research Institute (EDI), flew to Zhejiang Province quickly. The moment he saw the small sample in Professor Meng's laboratory, he was so excited that tears welled up! "How about establishing a joint venture company?" Mr. Wang immediately proposed. A manufacturer of the railway system in Hebei Province volunteered to join them, and the joint venture was officially launched over ten days later.

年近六旬的孟教授有胃病,试验过程中,他天天靠冷水吞药片顶在第一线;董安平瘦了十几斤,笑称“攻关就是最好的减肥运动”;项目经理何劲松35岁时オ要孩子,为了高铁事业,妻子怀孕5个月时他“离家出走”。孩子渐渐大了,会认爸爸了,妻子只能抱着孩子到公司大厅的光荣榜前,指着何劲松的照片说:“那是爸爸……”

Prof. Meng of nearly sixty suffered from stomach disease. During the test, he just swallowed pills in cold water every day to be on the front line; Dong Anping lost more than ten pounds, laughing that "research is the best weight loss exercise"; Project manager He Jinsong, who had a child at the age of 35, "run away from home" for the cause of high-speed railway when his wife was pregnant for 5 months. His child was gradually getting older and could recognize the father. But His wife could only hold the child to the front of the honor list in the company hall, pointing to He Jinsong's photo and saying, " "That's Dad..."

“中国导线”终于在千里武广线上横空飞架,牵引着“和谐号”高歌猛进。

The "Chinese wire" finally flew horizontally on the Wuhan-Guangzhou Railway of a thousand li, pulling the "CRH" forward with great fanfare.

通信信号是铁路的“神经系统”。从当年“李玉和”式的手摇信号灯,到今天集成创新的数字技术控制,与共和国同龄的中国铁路通信信号集团做出了重大贡献。研发中心总工程师江明那一年32岁,他的话可以代表所有高铁科研人员的心声: “我们的工作很有干头,因为我们解决的都是前人和别人没有解决的问题。”他还有一句更牛的话:“什么难题我们都能找出办法来,主要是时间不够用。唉,人类为什么要睡觉呢?”

Communication signals are the "nervous system" of the railway. From the "Li Yuhe"-style hand-cranked signal lamp to today's innovative digital technology control, China Railway Communication and Signal Group, as old as the Republic of China, has made a significant contribution. Jiang Ming, chief engineer of the R & D center, was 32 years old at that time. His words can represent the voice of all high-speed railway researchers: "We are very motivated because we solve problems that our predecessors and others have not solved." He also said something even more impressive: "We can find a solution to any problem. Having enough time is the key. Alas, why do humans sleep?"

在迅猛前进的高铁事业中,还行进着一个默默无闻的庞大群体一中国新一代知识化、专业化的产业工人。他们全是80后甚至90后,个个朝气蓬勃,英姿勃发。就是这些被父辈视为掌上明珠的独生子女一代,构成中国新一代“铁军”。

In the rapid progress of the high-speed railway industry, there was also an unknown large group of China's new generation of knowledgeable and specialized industrial workers. They are all post-80s or even post-90s, all full of vigor and vitality. It is these only children, who are regarded by their parents as the apple of their eye, that constitute the new generation of China's "iron army".

—“五朵金花”坐在我面前,谈起这些年的艰辛与劳苦,全哭了。她们是青岛四方的“女焊花”:史秀华、曲先华、孙国华、于延伟、崔恩霞。

--"Five Golden Flowers" in the front of me all cried when it came to the sufferings and hardships in these years. They are the "welding belles" of Qingdao Sifang: Shi Xiuhua, Qu Xianhua, Sun Guohua, Yu Yanwei, Cui Enxia.

“和谐号”工程上马之初,还没有机械化焊接设备,由她们负责焊接铝合金车体。从接受任务的第一天开始,她们就成了一群“不要命也不要家的女人”,被不叠、衣不洗、锅不刷了,化妆品扔抽屉里了,几乎天天踏着晨露上班,顶着星光回家, 一进家门骨头就散架了。吃奶的孩子,狠狠心断了奶,扔给老人。上学的孩子,经常一连几个星期见不到妈妈的影子。那天曲先华半夜回家,丈夫去上夜班了,她一进门就听3岁女儿在梦中喊“妈妈”。黑暗中,曲先华坐在床头热泪长流,哽咽不止。

At the beginning of the "CRH" project, there was no mechanized welding equipment, and they were responsible for welding aluminum alloy train body. From the first day of the mission, they became a group of "crazy and home-deserted women". They had no time to fold the quilt, wash clothes and wash the pot, with cosmetics idling in the drawer. They almost step on the morning dew to work every day, went home under the starry light, and their bones almost fall apart as soon as they enter the house. The sucking child was bitterly weaned and threw to the old. Children who went to school often couldn't see their mothers for weeks. That day, Qu Xianhua returned home in the middle of the night, when her husband went to the night shift. As soon as she walked in, she heard her 3-year-old daughter shouting "Mom" in her dream. In the dark, Qu Xianhua sat on the bed with tears flowing down and couldn't stop choking.

她们无数次答应过孩子:“等妈妈忙过这阵子,就带你去公园,看电影。”可她们从未实践过自己的诺言。读小学的孩子批评说:“你是最不守诚信的妈妈!”上大学的孩子说:“放假我再也不回家了,你们都在厂里忙,剩我一个人守着空房子有啥意思!”

"I'll take you to the park and watch a movie when mom finishes the work," they had promised to their children for countless times. But they never practiced their promises. "You are the most unfaithful mother!" criticized the child in primary school. The child in college said, "I won't go home again during the holiday. You're always in the factory. What's the point of leaving me alone to guard the empty house?"

背过身,妈妈怎么也抹不尽滚滚而下的泪水。

Turning back, mothers couldn't wipe away the tears rolling down.

终于有一天不加班了,史秀华乐疯了,脱下工作服就往家跑,跑到家门口才发现自己忘乎所以,拎包和钥匙都锁在工具箱里忘带了,只好敲门。孩子上学,老公在单位,家里只有瘫痪在床多年的老母亲。老母亲挣下床,在地板上爬了近半个小时,オ颤巍巍支撑起来把门打开。门开的那一刻,史秀华抱起母亲,一边往屋里走一边哭。

One day, when she finally didn't have to work overtime, Shi Xiuhua was in ecstasy so that she took off her work clothes and ran home immediately. But when she ran to the door, only to find her bag and keys locked in the toolbox, so she had to knock on the door. Her child was at school, Her husband was in his unit, the only one at home was her old mother who has been paralyzed in bed for many years. Herold mother struggled out of bed, climbed on the floor for nearly half an hour, then trembled prop up to open the door. At the moment the door opened, Shi Xiuhua picked his motherup and cried as she walked into the house.

列动车组有几万个接线头,接线工必须成年累月以跪蹲方式进行工作, 那大概是世界上最枯燥的劳动,一天忙下来眼花缭乱,夜里做梦,满脑子仍然飞舞着五颜六色的线头。唐车接线工高向丽,文静柔弱,走路和说话都是轻轻的。因为长时间跪蹲工作,第一次怀孕不幸流产。但就是她,以惊人的定力创造了两万根接线无差错的纪录。唐车所有接线工都保持着极高的无差错纪录,德国专家说,你们已经超过西门子的水平。

There are tens of thousands of connectors in the EMU, and the wiring workers must work in a kneeling posture for years. That's probably the dullest labor in the world, and the workers are dazzled after a busy day. At night, in their dreams, their brains were still fluttering with colorful threads. The wiring worker Gao Xiangli of the TRC, who was quiet and weak, usually walking and speaking gently. Because of the long-term squatting for work, her first baby was unfortunately aborted. But it was her who created a record of 20,000 wires without errors by virtue of amazing concentration. All the wiring workers in the TRC maintained an uncomparable error-free record. German experts commented that these workers exceeded the level of workers of Siemens.

—身材纤秀、容貌端丽的孙斌斌,是唐车选送到德国培训的首批青年焊工之一,家里三代都是唐车人。中华人民共和国成立初期,唐车制造出第一辆火车头, 上面的毛泽东像就是她爷爷亲手刻制的。好家风培育了一个意志坚定、好学上进的好女儿,孙斌斌在德国顺利通过“国际焊接教师”的资格考试,成为全球第一位获得此项资格的女性。她受邀走上讲台,为西门子培训德国学员一她又成为“中国第一人”。因为她授课耐心细致,德国学员们把好几位本国教师赶走了,说:“你们能上哪儿就上哪儿吧,我们只让中国老师教!”

-- Sun Binbin, who is slim and beautiful, is one of the first young welders selected by the TRC to train in Germany. The three generations of his family are the TRC staff. In the early days of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the TRC made the first locomotive, and the portrait of Mao Zedong on it was carved by her grandfather. Good family style has fostered a determined, studious and progressive good child. Sun Binbin successfully passed the "international welding teacher" qualification examination in Germany, becoming the world's first woman to obtain this qualification. She was invited to the podium to train German students for Siemens, and thus she became "the first person in China." Because of her patient and meticulous teaching, the German students drove several of their teachers away, saying,"Go wherever you can. We're only willing to be taught by Chinese teachers!"

在唐车动车组奋战的第一代优秀青年焊工,都是孙斌斌一手“克隆”出来的。

The first generation of outstanding young welders who fought in the TRC EMU were all "cloned" by Sun Binbin.

一一女工吕开香,两个姐姐在地震中不幸遇难,她成了父亲唯一的掌上明珠。唐车决定送她去德国培训时,父亲老泪纵横,不愿意女儿跑到那么远的异国他乡去,但她还是扔下2岁的女儿,和同厂的丈夫一起踏上征途。从她离家那天起,女儿每天夜里都抱着妈妈的枕头睡觉,而且不允许任何人碰那个枕头,因为枕头上有 “妈妈的味道”。

-- The female worker Lv Kaixiang, whose two sisters died in the earthquake, was the only pearl in her father's eye. When the TRC decided to send her to Germany for training, her father wept and did not want her daughter to go so far to a foreign country, but she still left her 2-year-old daughter and set off on the journey with her husband in the same factory. From the day she left, her daughter slept with her pillow every night, and no one was allowed to touch the pillow, because it smelled like "mother".

说到这里,吕开香泣不成声。

Speaking of this, Lv Kaixiang choked with sobs.

女人是水做的,中国高铁女工们是汗水和泪水做的。但她们无比骄傲和自豪, 她们说:“我们做出了世界上最好最快的动车!”

Women are made of water, and Chinese high-speed railway women are made of sweat and tears. But they were extremely proud of this, saying: "We have made the best and fastest bullet train in the world!“

截至目前,中国南车和北车集团已经出口轻轨动车组成套设备达23亿美元。

Up to now, CSR and CNR have exported complete sets of light railway EMU equipment amounting to $2.3 billion.

无论多么绚丽的梦想,无论多么伟大的设计,当最后一道工序完成时,站在旁边默默擦汗的一定是一群工人。他们是中国高铁真正的钢轨和基石。他们如同春蚕,用自己的爱和生命,默默吐出一条流光溢彩的钢铁的“丝绸之路”。

No matter how gorgeous the dream, no matter how great the design, when the last process is completed, it must be a group of workers who stand by the side silently wiping their sweat. They are the real rails and cornerstones of Chinese high-speed railway. They are like spring silkworms in that silently spit out a colorful steel "Silk Road" at expense of their love and life.

尾声

Epilogue

2009年9月,中华人民共和国成立60周年大庆前夕,北京南站披红挂绿,热闹非凡。铁道部组织全路上万名劳模,登上京津“和谐号”城际列车,以领略中国高铁的建设成就。伴随着速度显示屏上节节上升的红色数字,劳模们站立起来,激动地挥动双臂,齐声高喊,仿佛不是接触网上的巨大电流,而是他们的喊声在推动列车飞速前进。那是“中国创造”的加速度,那是几代铁路人的梦想与追求,那是中华民族走向伟大复兴的激越步伐啊!两鬓飞霜的老劳模老泪纵横,气宇轩昂的青年劳模热泪盈眶……

In September 2009, on the eve of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Beijing South Railway Station was decorated jubilant and lively. The Ministry of Railways organized tens of thousands of model workers across the unit to board the Beijing-Tianjin "CRH" intercity train to appreciate the achievements of Chinese high railway construction. With the rising red numbers on the speed display screen, the model workers stood up, waved their arms excitedly and shouted in unison, as if it was not the huge current on the catenary, but their shouts that were pushing the train forward at full speed. That is the acceleration of "made in China", that is the dream and pursuit of several generations of railway people, that is the agitation of the Chinese nation towards a great rejuvenation! The old model workers with frost on their temples wept, and the young model workers with grand looks burst into tears.

是泪花,也是骄傲与自豪,在他们的脸上闪闪发光。

It was tears and pride that shining on their faces.

十六大以来的8年,中国铁路谱写了辉煌壮丽的篇章:从世界上最快的“和谐号”到地球上海拔最高的青藏铁路,从6次大提速的技术集成创新,到运煤专线大秦线（大同至秦皇岛）创造的世界重载最高纪录一那可是壮观到令人惊叹的景观啊!第一位上线的“和谐号”重载货运列车司机程利甫是西北汉子,英眉朗目, 虎虎生威。他告诉我,大秦线上每天飞驰着95对重载列车,年运量达4亿吨。一列重载列车最高载重达2万吨,编组200多节车辆,总长2.5公里,最高时速120 公里,这意味着大秦线平均每秒飞过去13.7吨煤,如同一条波澜壮阔的煤河,每天源源不断地从大同流到秦皇岛……

In the eight years since the 16th National Congress, Chinese railways have written a glorious chapter: from the world's fastest "CRH" to the world’s highest altitude Qinghai-Tibet Railway; from the technology integration innovation of six speed-ups, to the world's highest record of overloading the coal created by the transport specific line, that is, Datong- Qinhuangdao Railway--that's really a breathtaking sight! The first driver of the "CRH" heavy-duty freight train to go online, Cheng Lifu is a northwest Chinese man who has beautiful eyebrows and strong eyes. He told me that 95 pairs of heavy-haul trains were flying on the Datong-Qinhuangdao Railway every day, with an annual traffic volume of 400 million tons. The maximum load of a heavy-haul train can reach 20,000 tons, with more than 200 carriages marshalled, a total length of 2.5 kilometers and a top speed of 120 kilometers per hour. This means that the Datong-Qinhuangdao line transported an average of 13.7 tons of coal per second, just like a magnificent coal river, flowing continuously from Datong to Qinhuangdao.

中国铁路人终于在大地上画出最新最美的图画。高速、高原、重载、既有线提速等创新成就一鸣惊人,傲立于世,并在国际上一举打响“中国创造”的最优品牌。 “火车一响,黄金万两”,这是国人对轨道交通价值意义最通俗也最精到的概括。到2012年,随着京沪、京广、沪汉蓉、沪昆等“四纵四横”高速铁路网的建成,闪闪发光的高铁将如一条条彩带,把北京和各省会城市紧密联系起来,从“ 1小时生活圈” 到“ 8小时生活圈”,再到西部边疆省区的“ 一日生活圈”，56个民族组成的“中华大家庭”载歌载舞,仿佛都汇聚到辉煌壮丽的天安门广场……

Chinese railway staff finally draw the newest and most beautiful pictures on the earth. High-speed, plateau, overloading, speed up the existing lines and other innovative achievements have made a great coup, unique in the world, and established the best brand of "China-made" internationally at one fell swoop. "When the train rings, countless gold is shining." This is the most popular and profound summary of the value and significance of rail transit by Chinese people. By 2012, with the completion of the "four vertical and four horizontal" high-speed railway network of Beijing-Shanghai Railway, Beijing-Guangzhou Railway, Shanghai-Wuhan-Chengdu Railway and Shanghai-Kunming Railway, the glittering high-speed railways will closely link Beijing with the provincial capitals like ribbons. From the "one-hour life circle" to the "eight-hour life circle," and then to the "one-day life circle" in the western border provinces and regions, the "big Chinese family" composed of 56 ethnic groups sang and danced, as if all gathered in the magnificent Tiananmen Square.

横空出世、光彩熠熠的高铁,成为中国递给世界的一张亮丽名片。国际铁路联盟高速铁路部总监说:“中国正成为全球领跑者,世界铁路的未来在中国。”一位曾在广州车站当过春运志愿者的大学生,在经历和目睹了太多的崇高和感动之后,写下这样一首温情的小诗:

The high-speed rail, which was born suddenly and shone brilliantly, has become a glamorous business card handed to the world by China. "China is becoming a global leader, and the future of world railways lies in China," said the Director of the High Speed Railway Department of the International Railway Union. A college student who once worked as a volunteer during the Spring Festival travel rush at Guangzhou Station, wrote such a warm poem after experiencing and witnessing too much sublime and moving:

有一种车次,千百趟的终点

There's a train, arriving a thousand terminals

都是同一个站名家

With the same name, Home.

有一种运送,千百趟的目标

There's a delivery, running a thousand trips

都是同一个向往团圆

For the same yearning, Reunion

有那么一群铁路人,日夜工作

There's a group of railway staff, working day and night

都是同一个希望——让您回家团圆

For the same desire--to get you home for reunion

因为他们的坚守,因为他们的温暖

Thanks to their persistence, thanks to their warmth

这个除夕不太冷

This New Year's Eve is not too cold

中国铁路人以对国家和人民的勇敢担当、艰难奋斗和炽热情感,在中华大地建立起一座以“无私奉献”命名的历史丰碑。

Chinese railway workers have established a historical monument named "selfless dedication" on the land of China with their brave responsibility, hard struggle, and passionate emotions towards the country and people.

面对这座丰碑,我们充满敬意。

In the face of this monument, we are full of respect.

（原载《人民日报》2010年6月11日）

(Originally published on People's Daily, June 11, 2010)

Report CN EN 08

2023-06-01T08:14:03Z

Zhang Wenqi: /* 卷三：3.飞向太空港 */

Please translate from Chinese to English and use the [[Report_CN_EN#List_of_Common_Terms]]. Also, you can jump back to the course homepage here: [[Chinese_Classics_Translation_Spring_2023]]

=Contents=
1. Translator 胡欣怡 Hu Xinyi《岭南万户皆春色》[[Lingnan Englisch]] Proofreader: 陈彦希 Chen Yanxi (translated until here: https://bou.de/u/wiki/Lingnan_Englisch#.E6.9D.8E.E6.A2.93.E7.8E.89_Li_Ziyu), rest: 76000 characters

2. Translator: 陈彦希 Chen Yanxi《金银潭抗疫纪事》[[Goldbank Englisch]] Proofreader: 李心田 Li Xintian (currently being translated by professionals), 120000 characters

3. Translator: 李心田 Li Xintian [[Report_CN_EN_01]] Proofreader: 廖璐佳 Liao Lujia (currently being translated by professionals), 120000 characters

4. Translator: 廖璐佳 Liao Lujia [[Report_CN_EN_02]] Proofreader: 谢佳玉 Xie Jiayu 《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

5. Translator: 谢佳玉 Xie Jiayu [[Report_CN_EN_03]] Proofreader: 张玉燕 Zhang Yuyan 《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

6. Translator: 张玉燕 Zhang Yuyan [[Report_CN_EN_04]] Proofreader: 周晓兰 Zhou Xiaolan《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

7. Translator: 周晓兰 Zhou Xiaolan [[Report_CN_EN_05]] Proofreader: 陈婧 Chen Jing《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

8. Translator: 陈婧 Chen Jing [[Report_CN_EN_06]] Proofreader: 梁昕璐 Liang Xinlu《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

9. Translator: 梁昕璐 Liang Xinlu [[Report_CN_EN_07]] Proofreader: 张文琦 Zhang Wenqi《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

10. Translator: 张文琦 Zhang Wenqi [[Report_CN_EN_08]] Proofreader: 付静 Fu Jing《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

11. Translator: 付静 Fu Jing [[Report_CN_EN_09]] Proofreader: 夏玲珑 Xia Linglong《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

12. Translator: 夏玲珑 Xia Linglong [[Report_CN_EN_10]] Proofreader: 李彦 Li Yan《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

13. Translator: 李彦 Li Yan [[Report_CN_EN_11]] Proofreader: 刘雨晴 Liu Yuqing《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

14. Translator: 刘雨晴 Liu Yuqing [[Report_CN_EN_12]] Proofreader: 王芳玲 Wang Fanglin《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

15. Translator: 王芳玲 Wang Fanglin [[Report_CN_EN_13]] Proofreader: 胡欣怡 Hu Xinyi《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

=Zhang Wenqi=
==卷三：3.飞向太空港==

飞向太空港（节选）

Flying to the Spaceport (Excerpt)

李鸣生

Li Mingsheng

通向宇宙的门前

To the Door of the Universe

ー、西昌:同步卫星的故乡

Ⅰ. Xichang--the Hometown of Synchronous Satellite

ー踏上西昌的土地,便有一种热乎乎的感觉。

As soon as I set foot on the land of Xichang, I felt a sense of passion.

卫星、卫星、卫星。车站里,公路边,饭馆中,小摊旁,人们都神神秘秘地谈论着卫星、卫星、卫星。

Satellite, satellite, satellite. People were talking mysteriously about satellites in the station, by the road, and in restaurants and stalls.

ー对青年夫妇,领着ー个大约五岁的小女孩,急匆匆地朝我走来。

A young couple, with a little girl of about five years old, hurried towards me.

“同志,请问去卫星发射基地咋走?”

"Comrade, how could I get to the satellite launch base?"

“问这干什么?”

"What are you doing here?"

“听说要发射美国的卫星,孩子和我们都想来看看。”

"I heard that we're gonging to launch a US satellite. My children and we couple all want to see it."

“你们从哪儿来?”

"Where are you from?"

“遵义。”

"Zunyi."

“是国防工厂的吗?”

"Are you from the defense factory?"

“不是,我们是个……个体户。”

"No, we are... individuals."

“叔叔,”小女孩突然拉住了我的手,“发射卫星,能让小孩看吗?”

Suddenly, the girl held my hand, asking me, “Is the kid allowed to see the launch?”

“能,肯定能。”我忙蹲下去,双手捧起小女孩的脸,在她的额头上轻轻留下吻。

“Yes, of course you can.” I quickly squat, take the little girl’s face and left a gentle kiss.

西昌,我的第二故乡。

Xichang, my second hometown.

十六年前,当命运的列车轻轻ー颠,便将我抛在了这块荒凉的土地上时,我的心远比严冬的大凉山还要凉。我仿佛一下失去了自由,失去了爱情,甚至失去了生命,失去了一个人应该得到的一切。我做梦也不会想到,在这片被上帝遗弃的土地上,日后还会升起什么“亚洲一号”卫星.

Sixteen years ago, when a gentle jolt of the train of fate left me on this desolate land, i got chillier than the Daliang Mountain in the severe winter. It seemed that I lost, all of a sudden, my freedom, my love, even my life, and everything one deserved. I have never dreamed that this god-forsaken land would be the place where the “AsiaSat 1” was launched in the future.

然而今天,我踏上这片亲切而又陌生的土地时,一下子便深切地感到,有一股无形的冲动和热能,有一种大树的根须抓住了泥土样的恋情,在反复折磨着我的心。眼前沸沸腾腾的情景,似乎在向苍天昭示着什么。我不知道也无法知道,这次发射是幸运还是倒霉,是成功还是失败,但我分明看见,过去的一切正在逝去。在原始与现代、文明与愚昧、东方与西方美好而残酷的碰撞中,ー个红扑扑的如同朝阳般的希望正在悄然起.我仿佛不是回来采访,而是回来寻找一寻找我的青春曾经留下的脚印,寻找我的日子曾经苦恋过的梦想,寻找我的热情曾经燃烧过的希冀,寻找我的生命曾经拥有过的月亮和太阳!

However, today, when I set foot on this kind and unfamiliar land, I suddenly felt deeply that there was an invisible impulse and heat, a kind of love like the roots of a big tree caught the soil, tormenting my heart repeatedly. The seething scene in front of me seemed to be signaling something to the heavens. I didn't know and couldn't know whether this launch was lucky or unlucky, successful or failed, but I clearly saw that everything in the past was passing away. In the collision between primitiveness and modernity, between civilization and ignorance, between the East and the West, the crimson-rising-sun-like hope was rising quietly. I seemed not to come back for interview, but for seeking--to seek the footprints of my youth, to seek the beloved dreams in my past days, to seek the hopes that my passion had burned for, to seek the moon and sun that I once had in my life!

西昌位于四川南部,地处成昆铁路中段,扼成都、昆明两大旅游区之要冲,北上成都577公里,南下昆明543公里。从成都搭乘去昆明或金江的列车,12小时便可到达;若乘坐西南航空公司的飞机,只需45分钟。

Located in the south of Sichuan Province and as the middle section of the Chengdu-Kunming Railway, Xichang serves as the communicative hub of two major tourist areas of Chengdu and Kunming, with 577 kilometers to Chengdu northward and 543 kilometers to Kunming southward. It takes 12 hours to get there by train from Chengdu to Kunming or Jinjiang; if you choose the plane of China Southwest Airlines, it can be shortened to 45 minutes.

西昌是凉山彝族自治州的州府,为全州政治、经济和文化的中心。这里具有亚热带高原气候特征,全年日照时间长达320天。年温差小,日温差大,冬无严寒,夏无酷暑。最冷的1月,平均气温9.4て;最热的7月,平均气温22.5。¢;而年平均气温则只有17°C。故这里“万紫千红花不谢,冬暖夏凉四季春”,享有“小春城”之美称。而且这儿空气质量特别好,一年四季,绝大部分时间都可见到月亮。尤其是在晴朗的夏夜,当静静地置身于星空之下时,你便会看到一轮比地球上任何ー个地方都更为硕大明亮、圆润清澈的月亮。故西昌又被称为美丽的“月亮城”。

As the capital of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Xichang is the political, economic, and cultural center of the whole prefecture. It is characterized by a subtropical plateau climate, with annual sunshine duration of up to 320 days. There's little difference in annual temperature but a distinct difference in daily temperature, without severe cold in winter and scorching heat in summer. The coldest January has an average temperature of 9.4 ℃, and the warmest July of 22.5 ℃. While the annual average temperature is simply 17 ℃. So here "colorful flowers bloom all year round; it is warm in winter and cool in summer, like always in spring", which earns a good reputation of "Little Spring City". boating a particularly good air quality, the moon is visible most of the year round. Especially on a clear summer night, when you are quietly under the starry sky, you will see a moon that is larger, brighter, clearer and more rounded than anywhere else on the earth. So Xichang is also known as the beautiful "Moon City".

西昌是全国最大的彝族聚居区。除汉族、彝外,这儿还有藏族、回族、蒙古族、苗族、壮族、傣族、傑傑族、布依族、纳西族等十余个民族。彝族历史悠久,民风淳朴,待人热忱,十分好客。假如你有机会走进彝家山寨,主人定会十分高兴地留你客,并为你奉上颇具彝家风味的“坛坛酒”和“坨坨肉”。

Xichang is the largest Yi nationality area in China. In addition to the Han and Yi nationalities, there are more than 10 nationalities here, including Tibetans, Hui, Mongols, Miao, Zhuang, Dai, Jiejie, Buyi and Naxi. The Yi nationality enjoys a long history and simple folk customs, and is very hospitable.
If you have the opportunity to get into the Yi village, the host will certainly give you, the guest, a warm welcome, offering you "Tan Tan liquor" and "Tuo Tuo meat" in Yi style.

“坛坛酒”是以玉米、高粱和养麦等杂粮为原料,再配以十余种草药装进瓦罐里酿制而成。这种酒喝起来香甜爽口,却并不醉人。“坨坨肉”一般是用ー种叫“仔猪”的肉烹制而成。由于这种猪长年散放于山坡野林之中,活动自由,食物丰富,能长就一身紧肉,故吃起来细嫩软糯,香而不腻。待你吃饱道别时,主人还会将一条猪腿或半个猪脸送给你,以示对客人的尊重。

"Tantan Wine" is made of various coarse cereals including corn, sorghum and wheat, together with more than ten kinds of herbal medicines, which are brewed in a clay pot. This wine tastes sweet and refreshing, but it's not intoxicating. "Tuotuo Meat" is usually cooked with piglet. Scattered throughout the year in the wild forests on the hillside, these pigs are provided with free movement, abundant food, so that its meat is compact and tastes tender and glutinous, fragrant but not greasy. When you're full and going to say goodbye, the host will give you a pig leg or half a pig face to show respect for the guest.

两年前,我曾陪同北京一位老作家钻进深山老林,在ー个彝家山寨的草地上美美地吃了一顿“坨坨肉”,喝了一罐“坛坛酒”。尽管“坨坨肉”和“坛坛酒”把我的肚子早已撑了个饱,离去时我却依然恋恋不舍。我听说,这次有几位参加发射“亚洲一号”卫星的美国人刚到没几天,就吵嚷着要去彝家吃“坨坨肉”,喝“坛坛酒”。

Two years ago, I accompanied an old writer in Beijing into the deep mountains, and enjoyed a great meal of "Tuotuo Meat" and drank a jar of "Tantan Wine" on the grass of a Yi village. Although "Tuotuo Meat" and "Tantan Wine" had already filled my stomach, I was still not willing to part with them. I heard that several Americans who participated in the launch of the "AsiaSat 1" clmaored to have "Tuotuo Meat" and "Tantan Wine" in the Yi family, just a few days after their arrival.

彝族的重大节日是火把节。西昌的彝族火把节被称为“眼睛的节日”,远在汉、唐时代便有文献记载。火把节除了在白天举行斗牛、斗羊、斗鸡、赛马和姑娘舞蹈、小伙摔跤等活动外,晚上村民们还要成群结队,手持火把,遍游于山冈丛林之间。点点灯火,闪烁四野,如天女散花,似繁星落地,其景象奇特而又壮观。更有意思的是,节日期间还要举行传统的姑娘选美活动。男女双双,可以随便谈情说爱。倘若你是一位未婚而又有艳福的男子,躲在伞下的彝家姑娘,也许还会为你张开爱的风帆。

The major festival of the Yis is the Torch festival. The Yi's Torch Festival in Xichang is known as the "Festival of the Eyes", which has been documented in Han and Tang Dynasties, a very long time ago. In addition to bullfighting, sheep fighting, cock fighting, horse racing, girls' dancing and boys' wrestling during the day, villagers holding torches also wander through the mountains and forests in groups at night. It's really a fantastic and spectacular sight that lights twinkle all over the place like a fairy scattering flowers, or glittering stars falling to the earth. More interestingly, there will be a traditional girl beauty pageant during the festival. Couples are free to bill and coo. If you are an unmarried man with good fortune in love affairs, you may meet a Yi girl under an umbrella who opens the sail of love for you.

西昌是一座历史悠久的古城。早在石器时代,这片土地便有人类繁衍生息。据载,中国历史上许多著名的人物都曾涉足此地,譬如司马迁西征巴蜀、诸葛亮五月渡泸、忽必烈南征会理、杨升庵夜宿泸山、石达开兵败大渡河,等等。

Xichang is a city steeped in a long history. As early as the Stone Age, this land has been inhabited by humans. It is reported that many famous historical figures in China are related to this place, such as Sima Qian's western expedition to Ba-Shu, Zhuge Liang's crossing of Lu in May, Kublai Khan's southern expedition to Huili, Yang Shengan's overnight stay in Lu Mountain, Shi Dakai's defeat by Dadu River, and so on.

西昌是西方学者和旅行家探险的乐园。1275年,意大利探险家马可・波罗来到西昌,成为来到西昌的第一个外国人。此后,从1868年至1909年的41年间,法国旅行家安邺、英国旅行家巴伯、法国亲王奥尔良、法国人凡尔赛、法国军医吕真、英国人布洛克,以及法国人多龙率领的考察团,也都先后来过西昌。

Xichang is a paradise for western scholars and travelers to explore. In 1275, Italian explorer Marco Polo came to Xichang and became the first foreigner to come to Xichang. Since then, from 868 to 1909, a number of foreigners have been here succeededly, including French traveler Garnier, British traveler Barber, the French Prince Orléans, French Versailles, the French military doctor Luijin, the British Bullock, and the French D'ollone with his delegation.

西昌是中国工农红军长征的途经之地,脍炙人口的刘伯承将军和彝族首领小叶丹彝海结盟的故事,便发生于此。

Xichang is also the place once the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army passed through in the Long March, and the place where the famous story of the alliance between General Liu Bocheng and the Yi's learder Xiao Yedan happened.

当然,让西昌一举成名的,还是1984年4月8日的那个辉煌的夜晚。这个夜晚,中国第一颗地球同步通信卫星在西昌成功发射,于是全世界都知道了中国有个西昌,西昌有个卫星发射场。

However, it was via the brilliant night on April 8,1984 that Xichang gained worldwide fame overnight. That night, China's first geosynchronous communication satellite was successfully launched in Xichang, so the whole world got to know that China has Xichang, and Xichang has a satellite launch site.

西昌卫星发射场位于西昌市以北约60公里处的一条大山沟里。美国人把这条山沟称为“神秘的峡谷”,而当地彝族老人则说:“什么神秘不神秘,这山沟就是我们过去放羊的地方!”故当地人称为“赶羊沟”。

The Xichang Satellite Launch Site is located in a mountainous area about 60 kilometers to the north of Xichang City. Americans call this gully "mysterious valley", while the local Yi old man said: "There's nothing mysterious! It's just the place where we used to herd sheep!" Therefore, the locals called it "sheep-herding gully".

这是一条不为外界所知的大山沟,宽二三公里,长约10公里。或许是在亿万年前的某ー时刻,当两个漂移的大陆板块在这里猛然相撞时,海底裂开了一道缝, 等洪水消退后,便留下了这么一个大山沟。

This huge gully, two or three kilometers wide, about 10 kilometers long, is unknown to the outside. Perhaps it was at a certain moment hundreds of millions of years ago, when two drifting continental plates suddenly collided here, a crack opened at the bottom of the sea, and after the flood subsided, such a huge gully was left.

这是一片蛮荒之地。荒凉的大山,空寂的野林,潮湿的云雾,发霉的砂姜土,历史在这里留下的是一片空白。千百年来,它如同一个昏昏沉睡的梦,连上帝似乎也忘了将它唤醒。直到20世纪70年代初,ー支身穿绿色军装的神秘队伍,从茫茫大戈壁浩浩荡荡而又小心翼翼地来到了这里。他们头顶云天,脚踏青山,逢山开路,遇水架桥,在这默默无声的大山沟里,用一双双长满老茧的大手支起了第一顶绿色的帐篷,点燃了中国第一团现代科技文明的圣火!于是,古老蛮荒的山谷震颤了, 野草丛中的小生物惊呆了,原本无欲无望、平平静静的山民们的日子也开始产生了。

This is a wilderness. With the desolate mountains, the empty primitive forests, the damp clouds and the moldy lime concretion black soil, the history left it in blank. For thousands of years, it was like a dormant dream, and even God seemed to forget to wake it up. Until the early 1970s, a mysterious team dressed in green military uniforms arrived here from the vast Gobi Desert with great vigor and caution. The sky above them, mountains under them, they built roads and bridges when encountering mountains and rivers. In the silent mountain valley, they set up the first green tent with pairs of big hands full of calluses, and lit the sacred flame of China's first modern scientific and technological civilization! Then, the ancient and wild valley trembled, the little creatures in the wild grass were stunned, and the days of the peaceful villagers who had no desire and no hope began to produce.

潜移默化的变化,渐渐有了生气与活力,企盼与梦想。

Subtle changes, gradually showed the vitality, hope and dream.

发射场定点于20世纪60年代末,始建于20世纪70年代初。当年,为了选定ー个理想的发射场,国防科委组织了数十名专家,对4个省的31个县进行了空中和地面的立体勘测,最后经过分析、比较、论证,认为这儿地处横断山脉南段的西缘,纬度较低,离赤道较近,地理位置十分优越。发射卫星时,可利用其独特的地理优势,提高火箭的运载能力,有利于把同步通信卫星送入36000公里高的赤道上空。此外,火箭从这儿发射起飞后,按设计的航向飞行,整个航程可以避开大中城市,不会危及沿途人民的生命和财产安全。加上这里气候宜人,空气洁净,为火箭、卫星的测试工作,提供了非常理想的温度、湿度和空气洁净度,所以是发射地球同步卫星的好地方。

The launch site was fixed in the late 1960s and built in the early 1970s. At that time, in order to select an ideal launch site, the National Defense Science and Technology Commission organized dozens of experts to carry out aerial and ground three-dimensional surveys in 31 counties in four provinces. After analysis, comparison and demonstration, it was concluded that this place was located on the western edge of the southern section of the Hengduan Mountains, with a low latitude and close to the equator, making the place geographically advantaged. When launching a satellite, we can take advantage of its unique geographical advantages to improve the rocket's carrying capacity, which is conducive to sending a synchronous communication satellite into the equatorial sky at a height of 36,000 kilometers. In addition, after the rocket is launched from here, it will fly along the designed course which won't pass by large and medium cities in the whole process, so as not to endanger the lives and property of people along the way. Besides, the pleasant climate and the clean air provide ideal temperature, humidity and air cleanliness for the testing of rockets and satellites, so it is a good place to launch the geostationary satellite.

当然,专家们当年在论证、选定这个靶场时,怎么也不会想到20年后这个原始的大山沟居然会发射美国的卫星。倘若当初想到了的话,或许这个发射场今天就不在西昌,而在“南昌”或者别的什么“昌”了。

Of course, when experts were demonstrating and selecting this launch site, they would never have thought that this primitive mountain ditch would actually launch an US-made satellite 20 years later. If they had thought of it at that time, perhaps the launch site would not be in Xichang today, but in "Nanchang" or another place with a "Chang" in its name.

二十年来,这支队伍在这荒山沟里默默地生活着,默默地创造着,也默默地期待着。他们用青春和热情、热血及生命,铸起了一座举世瞩目的航天港,同时也经历了一个常人无法想象的苦难历程。

In the past twenty years, this team has lived in this barren mountain gully in obscurity, created in obscurity and waited in obscurity. They devoted their youth and enthusiasm, blood and life to building a world-renowned space port, and at the same time experienced a suffering course that ordinary people could not imagine.

一切都是在无声中存在,一切都是在秘密中进行。这支队伍开创着人类最神圣也是最艰难的事业ーー空间文明,却置身于ー个近似原始的生存环境之中,甚至他们所从事的神圣而伟大的事业,也只用了一个再简单不过的代号“331工程”。

Everything exists in silence, everything is done in secret. This team has created the most sacred and most difficult cause of mankind--the space civilization, but they were in an almost primitive living environment. Even the sacred and great cause they were engaged in only used a simple code name "Project 331."

然而,自1984年1月29日第一颗卫星从这里升起,到1990年3月,已经有六颗卫星从这里飞向太空,其中有五颗都是同步通信卫星,而且发射成功率高达百分之百。这在世界航天发射史上,也是不多见的。

However, since the first satellite rose from here on January 29, 1984, by March 1990, six satellites had flown into space from here, five of which are synchronous communication satellites, and the success rate was as high as 100 percent. This is also rare in the history of space launches in the world.

所以,无论是中国人还是外国人,都不得不承认,这里拥有一支坚韧不拔而又特色鲜明的发射队伍;大山沟的一草一木,自然也会记得这支发射队伍中的每一个人;而历史更不会忘记那一个个惊天动地的辉煌时刻。

Therefore, both Chinese and foreigners have to admit that there is a tenacious and distinctive launching team here. All small things in the gully would never forget everyone in this team. History, not to mention, would never expunge those glorious moments.

不过,当ー颗又一颗卫星由他们发射入太空时,或许恰恰最容易被忽略甚至埋没的,就是他们这群被“保密”的外衣紧紧包裹着的活生生的人!

Nevertheless, when satellites are launched into space one after another, perhaps what the most easily to be overlooked or even be buried are those living people who are tightly wrapped in the cloak of "secrecy"!

1986年,西昌卫星发射基地宣布对外开放,承揽外国商业卫星发射业务。此后,西昌发射场开始从封闭型的试验基地,向开放型的发射中心转变。

In 1986, Xichang Satellite Launch Center announced its opening to the outside world in that they started to contract foreign commercial satellite launch business. After that, the Xichang launch site has gradually changed from a closed test base to an open launch center.

于是,数以万计的中国公民和海外华侨、港澳同胞,纷纷来此观光旅游。他们像是来寻找ー种精神寄托,又像是来朝拜一方圣地.

As a result, tens of thousands of Chinese citizens and overseas Chinese, Hong Kong and Macao compatriots have come here for sightseeing.

一位六十五岁的华侨,远涉重洋来到西昌发射场。望着那十ー层楼高的发射塔,他激动得久久说不出一句话。临别时,他面对发射塔,深深鞠了三个躬,然后站在发射塔下,让摄影师为他留下了一个苍老而满足的笑。

They seemed to be looking for spiritual sustenance, or to be worshipping a holy place. a 65-year-old overseas chinese traveled across the world for the Xichang Satellite Launch Site. At the sight of the eleven-story launching tower, he was so excited that he couldn't say a word for a long time. On his parting, after he bowed deeply three times toward the tower, then he left an old but satisfied smile under the tower, as a part of a photo.

此外,还有20多个国家、50多个卫星组织的外宾,也先后来过这里。

In addition, foreign guests from more than 20 countries and more than 50 satellite organizations have also visited here one after another.

1988年10月,外交部新闻司组织了 18个国家的48名外国驻京记者和他们的夫人来这里参观访问,西昌卫星发射基地同样给他们留下了深刻的印象一

In October 1988, the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized 48 foreign journalists and their wives from 18 countries to visit the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, which impressed them deeply.

美联社驻京首席记者艾博伦在报道中说:“世界各国的航天组织再也不能无视中国西昌卫星发射基地和它那十ー层楼高的发射塔了,它们标志着中国已进入国际卫星发射市场。”

Albert, a chief correspondent of Associated Press in Beijing said in a report: "The world's space organizations can no longer ignore China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center and its 11-story tower, which marks China's entry into the international satellite launch market."

英国路透社记者耿必儒在报道中说:“中国趁1986年美国航天飞机发生惨剧和阿里亚娜火箭卫星发射计划连续受挫之机,加快发展其商业卫星发射业务”

Reuters correspondent Wiliam Kazer reported: "China took advantage of the tragedy of the US space shuttle in 1986 and the successive setbacks of the Ariane Satellite Launch Schedule to speed up its commercial satellite launch business."

法新社记者莱斯科在报道中说:“征服太空是中国军队和科学家们为之奋斗的事业,西昌是中国为实现其成为仅次于西欧世界的第四个卫星强国的夙愿之希望。中国军人和科学家已把目光盯在2000年上,中国将参加卫星发射的贸易战,因为发射一次卫星,至少使中国获得1亿美元。”

"The conquest of space is the cause of the Chinese army and scientists. Xichang is the hope of China to realize its long-cherished wish to become the fourth satellite power after Western Europe." Said Lesco, a reporter from the Agence France Presse. Chinese soldiers and scientists have set their sights on the year 2000, when China will participate in the trade war on satellite launches, which will benefit China at least $100 million at a time."

难怪,西昌卫星发射基地外事处的戚处长向我介绍情况时,ー开始便非常自豪地说:“‘三个世界’的外宾和记者参观了西昌卫星发射基地之后,都有一个共同的印象。这个印象概括成一句话,那就是’中国了不起!’”

It's no wonder that when Director Qi of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Xichang Satellite Launch Center introduced the situation to me, he said very proudly at the beginning: "After visiting the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, the foreign guests and journalists of the 'Three Worlds' all have a common impression. It can be summed up in one sentence, that is, 'China is great!' "

我问戚处长,“了不起”这三个字具体怎么讲?

"What do you mean by that?" I asked.

戚处长说:“第一世界说中国了不起,是想不到中国在这样艰苦的条件下、如此短的时间内,能把航天事业搞到这个水平;第二世界说中国了不起,是想不到中国一下子竟成了他们的竞争对手;第三世界说中国了不起,是想不到中国的航天事业完全依靠的是自己本国的力量。”

Director Qi said, "The first world say so because China is totally out of their expectation in that we have made such achievements in the space industry in such a short period of time under such difficult conditions; the second world say so because they did not expect china to become their competitor nowadays; the third world say so because China is totally out of their expectation in that our speedy development all depends on ourselves."

更出乎意料的是,西昌卫星发射基地不仅吸引了一般的外国友人和外国记者, 而且还引起了美国高层人士的关注。

What's even more unexpected is that the Xichang Satellite Launch Center not only attracted ordinary foreigners and foreign journalists, but also the senior US officials.

1986年10月8日,美国国防部部长温伯格访华。两天后,温伯格在北京突然神秘“失踪”.正当外界纷纷猜测温伯格究竟去了哪里时,温伯格乘坐的专机在大凉山温暖阳光的照耀下,悄悄降落在西昌青山机场。原来,邓小平在会见温伯格时,特意谈到了中国对外发射卫星这件事,并邀请温伯格参观中国西昌卫星发射基地。所以,温伯格专程飞到西昌,一下飞机,便赶往西昌卫星发射基地

On October 8, 1986, US Secretary of Defense Weinberg visited China. Two days later, Weinberg suddenly "disappeared" in Beijing. Just as people have speculated Weinberg exactly where to go, under warm sunshine scattered in mountains, Weinberg's special plane secretly landed in Xichang Qingshan Airport. It turned out that when Deng Xiaoping met with Weinberg, he specifically talked about China's external satellite launch and invited Weinberg to visit China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center. So, Weinberg arranged a special fly to Xichang. As soon as got off the plane, he rushed to Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

基地副司令员佟连捷在指挥控制大厅接待了温伯格。佟连捷向温伯格介绍完情况后,特意说了一句:“西昌卫星发射基地可以把1.4吨重的卫星,送入离地面36000公里的赤道上空。”温伯格听后很高兴,然后坐在大厅最前排中间的椅子上, 静静地观看了中国“长征三号”运载火箭从运输、测试、组装到成功发射的全过程的录像。看罢,佟连捷对身边的温伯格说:“今年2月,这里发射卫星时,我们国家的总理,就是坐在您坐的这把椅子上观看了发射全过程的。”温伯格抚摸着椅子的扶手,高兴地说:“好,看来这是个好兆头!”

Tong Lianjie, the Deputy commander of the center, received Weinberg in command and control hall. Tong Lianjie to Weinberg after the introduction of the situation, specifically said: "Xichang Satellite Launch Center can send the satellite of 1.4 tons into 36,000 kilometers above the equator from the ground." Weinberg was pleasant to hear that, and then he sat on the chair in the middle of the front row of the hall, quietly watching videos of the entire process of transportation, testing, assembly, and successful launch of China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket. When the video finished, Tong Lianjie said,: "In February this year, when the satellite was launched here, Zhao Ziyang, the Prime Minister of our country, just sat on the chair you sat on watching the whole process of the launch." Weinberg stroked the handles of the chair and said happily,"Well, it seems this is a good sign!"

接着,温伯格一行又来到“长征三号”火箭测试厂房。厂房负责人指着躺在大厅中央的长4456米的乳白色的“长征三号”火箭,对温伯格说:“我们就是用这枚火箭,把我们的同步通信卫星送入离地面36000公里的赤道上空的。”温伯格立即对眼前这个庞然大物表示出极大的兴趣,他谢绝了中方陪同人员请他坐下来边看边听介绍的好意,而是自己径直走到“长征三号”火箭旁,从头至尾,仔细观看了一番,同时还询问了 “长征三号”火箭连接部位的有关情况。

After that, Weinberg and his fellows went to the "Long March 3" rocket test plant. "It is with this rocket that we sent our synchronous communication satellite into the sky above the equator, 36,000 kilometers above the ground," The plant manager said, who was pointing at the 4,456-meter-long milky "Long March 3" rocket on the center of the hall. Weinberg immediately showed great interest in this behemoth in front of him. He declined the invitation of the Chinese minders to sit down and listen to the introduction. Instead, he went straight to the "Long March 3" rocket to take a careful look from head to foot, and also asked something about the connection of it.

最后,温伯格一行驱车来到面对山谷、背靠青山的卫星发射场。他站在发射场的中央,看了看雄伟的发射塔,又望了望清澈的蓝天,这オ用ー个国防部长的口吻, 对随行的记者们表达了自己的看法:

Finally, Weinberg and his fellows drove to the satellite launch site facing the valley and backed by a green mountain. He stood in the middle of the launch site, looking at the magnificent launch tower, and the clear blue sky. Then, he expressed his views to the accompanying reporters in the tone of a defense minister:

“中国西昌卫星发射基地,确实已经具备了发射卫星的条件,而且还有很大的潜カ,给我留下了很深刻的印象。这个发射中心目前正在进ー步改善设施,以便执行中国人自己的太空计划,并且准备发射外国的商业卫星。这个中心的发射能力, 显然是可以令人信服的。”

"China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center, indeed, is qulified to launch satellites, with a huge potential. It left a deep impression on me. The launch center was currently improving its facilities in order to carry out the Chinese own space program and prepare to launch foreign commercial satellites. The launch capability of this center is obviously convincing."

二、发射场:原始与现代同构的神话

Part Ⅱ Xichang Satellite Launch Center-- the Myth Co-created by Primitiveness and Modernity

或许,这是航天城有史以来最激动、最振奋、最繁忙、最紧张,也是最艰难的日子。

This is probably the most exciting, most inspiring, most busiest, most tense, and most difficult time in the history of this aerospace city.

一进山沟,我就发现,这儿所有的人都很忙,所有的人都很累。无论是“城里人”还是“沟里人”,不管是中国人还是外国人,是大专家还是操作手,是指挥官还是炊事员,是政工干部还是科技人员,是高级领导还是普通士兵,个个行色匆匆,满脸疲惫。不管你走到哪里,都有一股热浪在撞击,仿佛每个人的心里都燃着一团火。

I noticeed people here were very busy and fatigue at the moment I came into the valley. Whether "city dwellers" or "valley dwellers", whether Chinese or foreigners, whether a reputable expert or an operator, a commander or a cook, a political cadre or a sci-tech personnel, is a senior leader or ordinary soldiers, they were all in a hurry, with exhaustion on face. No matter where you went, there was a heat wave upsurging, as if your heart is burning with a fire.

尤其是到了发射场,当你站在通向宇宙的门前,望着那伸向云天的发射塔,望着那一个个匆忙的身影以及那一双双渴望腾飞的眼睛时,一下便能感到ー种决战前的气氛,一种顶天立地的英雄气概,一种勇于开拓的创世纪精神。好像这个神秘的山谷二十年来的全部奋斗与所有等待,都是为了这一天。

You would immediately feel, especially when you stood in front of the door at the launch site leading to the universe, looking at the launching towers that stretched into the sky, looking at the hurried figures and the pairs of eyes that yearned to soar, the atmosphere before a decisive battle, the heroic spirit of fearlessness, and the pioneering spirit of creation. As if all the tough struggle and the long waiting in this mysterious valley for those twenty years, were all prepared for this day.

西昌卫星发射基地政治部副主任武丰起告诉我说,这儿的每ー项工作,都像是在打仗。

Wu Fengqi, the deputy director of the Political Department of the XSLC, told me that every job here was like a war.

西昌卫星发射基地作战试验处参谋何宇光告诉我说,从去秋到今春,大伙一直在拼着命干!

He Yuguang, the staff officer of Operational Test and Evaluation Division of the XSLC, told me that from last autumn to this spring, everyone has been working hard!

事实的确如此。西昌卫星发射基地自1989年起,便同时面临三大任务:ー是要抢建一座新的发射场,二是要发射中国第五颗同步通信卫星,三是要准备“亚洲一号”卫星的发射。有人开玩笑说,这三项重大任务,简直就像压在头上的“三座大山”！

That was the truth. Since 1989, Xichang Satellite Launch Center has been facing three major tasks at the same time: the first is to rush to build a new launch site; the second is to launch China's fifth synchronous communications satellite; the third is to prepare for the launch of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite. Some people joked that these three major tasks were like "three mountains" hanging over everyone's head!

而且,更为严峻的是,正当基地全体官兵为这三大任务拼命苦干时,无情的大自然偏偏又发起了脾气

More seriously, just as all the officers and men of the center were slaving away for these three major tasks, the ruthless nature happened to lose her temper.

1989年9月3日凌晨,当劳累了一天的通信总站的官兵们刚刚进入梦乡时,一场百年不遇的泥石流突然暴发了！霎时,滚滚的泥石流沿着山谷海啸般倾泻而下。仅半小时,房屋倒塌了,铁路被冲垮了,桥梁被摧毁了,公路崩塌了,通往发射场的公路、铁路、小路以及所有有线通信线路,全被切断了！人员伤的伤、残的残、死的死。等发射基地的人们从睡梦中爬起时,往日干涸的山沟已变成了一片汪洋。

In the early morning of September 3, 1989, when the officers and men of the General Communication Station had just fallen asleep after the whole day's hard work, a mudslide unseen in a century suddenly broke out! In an instant, the rolling mudslides poured down like a tsunami along the valley. It only took half an hour to devast almost everything. Houses collapsed, railways were washed out, bridges and highways were destroyed; roads, railways, paths to the launch site, and all the wired communication lines, were all cut off. Personnel were injured, disabled, even dead. When the people at the launch center woke up, the dry valley in the past had become an ocean.

泥石流持续了整整一个星期。

The mudslide lasted for a whole week.

在这一个星期里,“亚洲一号”卫星的准备工作被迫中断。

During this week, preparations for the "AsiaSat 1" satellite were interrupted.

在这一个星期里,通信总站全体官兵的生存处在极大的困难与危险之中。20 立方米的石头横卧路中,大卡车、小汽车浮在水面,铁轨横七竖ハ躺满一地,200多间房屋淹于水中;还有成百上千的官兵和家属,要穿没衣服穿,要吃没东西吃,要睡没地方睡,甚至连喝一口水都很困难。

During this week, all officers and men of the General Communication Station were facing great difficulty and danger in living. Twenty cubic meters of stone spanned the road, trucks and cars were floating on the water, the track lay strewn all over the ground, and more than 200 houses submerged in the water. Hundreds of officers and soldiers and their families had no clothes to wear, no food to eat, no place to sleep, and even insufficient clean water to drink.

面对大自然的挑战,基地全体官兵并未退缩半步。在基地领导的得カ组织下, 从司令、政委,到战士、家属,甚至几岁的小孩,全都行动起来。他们挽起裤腿,卷起袖子,踩着泥水,踏着泥坑,不顾狂风暴雨,不管千辛万苦,白天黑夜,齐心协カ,同大自然展开了一场你死我活的搏斗!

In the face of the challenges set by nature, all the officers and men of the center behaved bravely and determinedly. Effective organized by leaders, the commander and political commissar, soldiers and their family members, and even little kids, all took action. They rolled up their trousers and sleeves, stood in muddy water, stepped on mud pits, and, regardless of storms and hardships, day and night, made concerted efforts to launch a life-and-death struggle with nature!

本来,基地官兵们那一双双充满智慧的手,是用来按动电钮的,是用来构筑现代文明大厦的,是用来托举火箭卫星的,是用来开辟通向宇宙的道路的。然而,面对大自然的凶猛袭击,他们的双手又不得不去从事最原始的劳作:扒稀泥,拾砖块, 推石头,垒锅灶,甚至还不得不忍着干渴、饿着肚子、顶着寒冷、冒着危险,用ー种近似原始的生存方式苦度灾日！

Naturally, the intelligent hands of the officers and men of the center were used to press buttons, to construct the edifice of modern civilization, to lift rockets and satellites, and to open up a path to the universe. However, in the face of the fierce attack of nature, their hands had to engage in the most primitive work: digging up mud, picking up bricks, pushing stones, building cookstoves, and even had to endure thirst, hunger, cold, and risk, suffering disaster days in a nearly primitive way!

泥石流过后,通信总站的全体官兵从泥水中很快爬起,含泪掩埋了战友的遗体,又火速投入通信线路的抢修之中。他们重新铺设了 79公里的地下电缆线、52 公里的地下光纤电缆线,完成了 35公里的明线架设和104公里的线路整修,同时还按时完成了新型卫星地面站的抢建工作。结果,本需半年才能完成的任务,他们只用了一个半月的时间。

After the mudslide, all the officers and men of the General Communication Station quickly stood up from the muddy water, buried the remains of their comrades in tears, and rushed into the emergency repair of the communication lines. They re-laid 79 kilometers of underground cables, 52 kilometers of underground optical fiber cables, renovated 35 kilometers of open wire erection and 104 kilometers of lines, and also completed the construction of new satellite earth stations timely and quickly. As a result, it took only a month and a half to complete the task that would have taken six months.

正是靠着这种顽强不屈的精神,西昌卫星基地全体官兵最终战胜了泥石流的巨大灾难,渡过难关,迅速恢复了“亚洲一号”卫星发射的准备工作,为“亚洲一号” 卫星的发射按时开了“绿灯”。

It is by virtue of this indomitable spirit, all officers and men of the XSLC finally overcame the disastrous mudslides, and quickly restored the "AsiaSat 1" satellite launch preparations, ensuring that the satellite could be launched on time.

先进与落后并存,原始与现代同在,是西昌卫星发射场的又一特色。

The coexistence of advancement and backwardness, primitiveness and modernity, is another feature of Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

当你踏进发射场,你既会被标志着现代文明的70多米高的“通天塔”所震慑与感动,又会为发射场四周那刀耕火种般的劳作方式和田园牧歌式的美丽风情所困惑与吸引。

When stepping into the launch site, you would not only be shocked and moved by the 70-meter-high tower soaring to sky, which marks the modern civilization, but also be puzzled and attracted by both the slash-and-burn work style and the beautiful pastoral style the launch site has.

站在发射场上,你能看到一条弯弯曲曲的盘山公路,一端伸向遥远的荒山野岭,一端连着通向宇宙的大门。而盘山公路则像ー根坚实的扁担,ー头挑着现代文明,ー头挑着愚昧贫困。公路上,“解牌”与老水牛狭路相逢,“桑塔纳”与毛驴车比肩同行;既有手持钢枪的解放军,又有身披“查尔瓦”的老彝族;既有戴着眼镜的工程师,又有露着屁股的放羊娃;既有坐着“奔驰”的“洋专家”,又有赶着牛车的山里人。

Standing on the launch site, you can see a winding mountain road, one end to the distant vastness, the other to the door to the universe. This winding mountain road is like a solid pole, carrying modern civilization at one end and ignorance and poverty at the other. On the road, "Liberation" vehicles and the old buffalo met each other; "Santana" and donkey cart were shoulder to shoulder; There were both the People's Liberation Army armed with steel guns and the old Yi people wearing a wool-woven felt called "Chalwa"; there were both engineers with glasses and sheep-herding boys with exposed buttocks; there were foreign experts sitting in "Benz" and mountain dwellers driving cattle carts.

站在发射场上,你还能看到远处彝家山寨里升起的缕缕炊烟,近旁荒坡上一堆堆冒着热气的新鲜牛粪,以及发射塔附近一个个农夫扶犁耕地的身影。望着那锈迹斑斑的犁铮,也许你会想,贫困与愚昧曾经怎样在这片生长着野草和五谷的土地上ー页ー页地翻动着历史,现代高科技如何在这原始的大山沟里映衬着古老的文明。

Standing on the launch site, you could also see the smoke rising in the distant Yi village, the piles of steaming fresh cow dung on the nearby barren slopes, and the figure of a farmer plowing the land near the launch tower. Looking at the rusty plough, you may think about how poverty and ignorance once moved on with history on this land of weeds and grains, and how modern high-tech set off ancient civilization in this primitive mountain valley.

然而,站在发射场上,当你望着那威武雄壮、高耸云端的“通天塔”,幻想着ー声令下火箭冲天而起那伟大的一瞬间,你绝对想不到,这些即将把“长征三号”火箭和“亚洲一号”卫星托举上天的发射官兵,竟会屈居在“水帘洞”里。

However, standing on the launch site, when you looked at the majestic and extremely high tower, fantasizing about the great moment a rocket soaring into the sky as soon as the command is given, you would never expect, these officers and men who would send the "Long March 3" fire arrows and "AsiaSat 1" satellite to the sky just lived in a "Water Curtain Cave"

所谓“水帘洞”,即指西昌卫星发射基地的ー栋“协作楼”。而所谓“协作楼”，就是专门为外来协助参加发射任务的专家技术人员新盖的ー栋楼。由于“协作楼”尚未交付使用,正在兴建过程之中,所以楼上楼下,屋里屋外,一片混乱不堪;水泥、污水,满地都是;厕所、水房,一概不能用。

The so-called "Water Curtain Cave" refers to the "Collaboration Building" at Xichang Satellite Launch Center, which was specially built for foreign experts and technicians to assist in the launch mission. Because the "Collaboration Building" was still under construction, so everything was in a mess; cement and sewage were all over the ground; toilets and water rooms couldn't be used at all.

但是,发射“亚洲一号”卫星在即,外协科技人员和抢建新发射场的工程人员等数千人全都拥进了发射场,造成小小山沟人满为患,住房成了西昌卫星发射基地ー个突出的大难题!

However, with the launch of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite approaching, thousands of people, including outsourcing technology personnel and engineering personnel rushing to build a new launch site, all crowded into the launch site and filled the little valley so that housing became a prominent problem at XSLC!

怎么办?

How to solve it?

西昌卫星基地的头头脑脑们思来想去,别无他法,最后只好被迫决定:把基地发射官兵原来住的房子倒腾出来,让外来的专家技术人员住进去,而基地官兵们则搬进了“协作楼”。

The leaders of the XSLC applied their minds and had no other choice but to finally decide: to empty out the houses where the officers and men of the XSLC used to live and let the foreign experts and technicians live in, while the officers and men moved into the "Collaboration Building".

由于“协作楼”正在抢建之中,从早到晚,拌水泥、和沙子、装窗户、刷墙壁,麟里唯啷,叮叮咚咚,每天响个不停。所以无论是中午还是晚上,都无法睡觉。

As the "Collaboration Building" was being built, from morning till night, the noise of mixing cement or sand, installing windows, brushing walls, clattered and clanked every day. So no matter at noon or at night, people here couldn't fall asleep.

更为严重的是,“协作楼”的大梁上、墙角边,一天到晚,总是滴答滴答不停地滴着污水;加上时值冬季,山沟里本来就冷,新房又很潮湿,所以屋里寒气侵骨,衣服、被子仿佛都能拧出水来;有时遇上某个水管突然爆裂,房间里便会一片汪洋,满屋子都是ー只只漂浮着的拖鞋。

More seriously, the beams and corners of the "Collaboration Building" were constantly dripping with sewage from day to night. It was always cold in winter, and the new house was very damp, so the cold air in the house penetrated the bones, and the clothes and quilts seemed to be able to wring out water; Sometimes, when a water pipe suddenly burst, the floor would be covered with floating slippers.

于是,大伙把“协作楼”戏称为“水帘洞”。

That's why people called the "Collaboration Building" as the "Water Curtain Cave."

发射“亚洲一号”卫星的基地指挥官们,便住在这样的“水帘洞”里:每人ー张单人床,外加一张办公桌。桌上放着一部电话、一台电视机以及ー堆文件、资料,剩下的四分之一地盘,便是运筹帷幄、发号施令的地方了。

The commanders of the center that would launch the "AsiaSat 1" satellite in the future lived in such a "Water Curtain Cave". Each had a single bed and an office desk. On the desk placed a telephone, a TV set, and a pile of documents, data, while the remaining quarter of the desk, was the place where they ordered.

假若不是我亲眼所见,无论如何也想象不出,中国的火箭发射指挥官们,竟是在这样的条件下组织指挥发射“亚洲一号”卫星的。

If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have imagined that China's rocket launch commanders actually organized and commanded the launch of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite under such severe conditions.

而且,住在“水帘洞”里的所有工作人员包括发射指挥官们,每晚都要加班至深夜,有时甚至要干通宵。但他们每晚领到的夜餐,就是两包大多数中国人再熟悉不过的方便面。

Moreover, all the staff living in the "Water Curtain Cave," including the launch commanders, always worked late into the night, sometimes even all night. But the evening meal they received every night is two packs of instant noodles that most Chinese are familiar with.

这就是中国发射卫星的人。他们ー方面从事着这个世界上最尖端的科学事业,一方面又不得不在偏僻荒凉的环境和很差的物质条件下艰难生存。尽管几十年来他们一直在神秘面纱的遮掩下苦熬着一个个春夏秋冬,但他们用心血和智慧播种的是光芒四射的现代文明!

Those are who launched satellites in China. On the one hand, they were engaged in the world's most advanced scientific undertakings. On the other hand, they had to survive in a remote and desolate place with poor material conditions. Although for decades they have been under the cover of the mysterious veil, gone through one year after another, but they did sow radiant modern civilization with their endless effort and wisdom!

在西昌卫星发射场,还能见到另一群人。

At Xichang Satellite Launch Center, there were another group of people.

每天傍晚,他们三人ー伙,五人一群,或者沿着山道,或者顺着公路,或者围着发射塔,ー边散步,ー边聊天。他们当中,有男士有女士,有老人有青年,有专家有工人。劳累了一天之后,他们借助散步,做一次短暂的休息。

Every evening, in groups of three or five, they walked and chatted along the ghat or the road, or around the tower. Among them, there were men and women, old people and young people, experts and workers. After a hard day, they took a short rest by walking.

这群发射塔下的散步者,便是航空航天部组织的参加“亚洲一号”卫星发射的工作队。他们来自北京、上海或别的某个城市,都是中国优秀的火箭专家和技术人员。

These walkers under the launch tower was the team organized by the Ministry of Aeronautics and Space to participate in the launch of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite. They were all excellent Chinese rocket experts and technicians, from Beijing, Shanghai or some other cities.

正是这支队伍,把设计、研制、测试好的“长征三号”火箭,先从北京用专列护送到西昌发射场,而后与西昌卫星发射基地的官兵们ー起,再对火箭进行ー系列的测试检查,直到安全发射上天。

It was this team that first escorted the "Long March 3" rocket they designed, developed, and tested from Beijing to the XSLC with a special train, and then, together with the officers and men there conducted a series of tests and inspections on the rocket until it was safely launched into the space.

这支队伍长年奔波在外,走南闯北,风餐露宿。大漠、荒原、高山、峡谷,到处都留有他们艰辛的足迹。每ー次发射,短则两个月,长则半年,有时甚至是一年。于是他们的家人常常开玩笑说,他们是一群浪迹天涯的“野人”！

This contingent was on the move throughout the year, travelling extensively and living in the open. Their tough footprints could be found in deserts, wastelands, mountains and canyons. One launch may last as short as two months, or as long as half a year, or sometimes even a year. So their families often joked that they were a group of "savages" roaming the world!

他们来西昌基地,这次已经是第七次了,不少人都成了“老山沟”。西昌基地发射了六颗卫星,其中有五颗都在春节期间发射ーー因为这期间是发射通信卫星的最好时间,所以,他们中大多数人已在这穷山沟里熬过了五个春节。

It was the seventh time for them to come to the XSLC, and many people have become "denizens of the valley". Six satellites has been sent in the XSLC, five of which were launched during the Spring Festival--because this was the best time to launch a communications satellite, most of them had already survived five spring festivals in this poor valley.

倘若稍加留意,便会发现,在这群散步者的队伍中,ー些往日大家熟悉的身影, 此刻已不在了。仅以上海航天试验队为例,曾在西昌卫星发射基地参加过发射任务的,就有四名航天专家已经先后离开了人世。

It could be noted with more attention that some familiar figures had disappeared in this group of walkers. Taking the Shanghai Aerospace Test Team as an example, four aerospace experts who had participated in the launch mission at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center already passed away one after another.

还有那位从北京来的姑娘,她兴冲冲来到这里参加卫星发射。每天傍晚,她喜欢迎着タ阳、伴着晚风、踏着山路,独自散步。她热爱航天事业,喜欢发射场,还极富幻想,发射塔附近那弯弯的山道上常常洒下她ー串串泉水叮咚般的笑声;尤其每当山风拂起,她那ー头柔美漂亮的披肩发,在晚风中タ阳下轻轻地飘荡着,显得分外动人。

And the girl from Beijing, she excitedly came here to participate in the satellite launch. Every dawn, she walked alone along the ghat toward the sunset, accompanied by the evening breeze. She, an imaginative girl, loved the aerospace industry, loved the launch site. The curved ghat near the tower often floated strings of her tinkling-spring-sounded laughter; it was heart-provoking especially when her soft and beautiful shawl hair gently blown by breeze and fluttered under splendid sunset glow.

但今天,在这群散步者的队伍中,再也见不到她那ー头漂亮的披肩发了。由于发射场一次偶然的事故,她身遭不幸,卫星上天后,她二十二岁的生命永远留在了发射场。

But now, in this group of walkers, we could never see her and her beautiful shawl anymore. Because of an accident at the launch site, she was unfortunate to stay at her 22nd year forever after the satellite was launched into the space.

“长征三号”火箭副总设计师龚德泉,已经连续七次来西昌卫星发射基地参加卫星发射了。我与他ー起散步时,他给我讲了这样ー个故事一

Gong Dequan, the deputy chief designer of the "Long March 3" rocket, has been to the XSLC for seven consecutive times to participate in satellite launches. He told me this story when we strolled together.

一位叫余福良的火箭专家,妻子在苏州,家在上海。他有一个十五岁的女儿, 患了一种怪病:脊椎骨猛长,使肺部受到挤压。后来女儿动了手术,脊椎骨取掉ー截,再用两块薄体钢拉上。余福良每天一早骑车去上班,中午骑车回家替女儿翻身,下午再骑车去上班。

The wife of the rocket expert named Yu Fuliang lived in Suzhou, while her home was in Shanghai. They had a daughter of fifteen who suffered from a strange disease that the spine grew so fast that the lungs were squeezed. Later, a piece of the spine was removed from her body by surgery and the remaining spine were pulled together with two pieces of thin steel. Yu Fuliang biked to work every morning, and biked back at noon to turn over his daughter, and biked to work in the afternoon again.

几年前,余福良要来西昌卫星发射基地参加卫星发射,躺在床上的女儿哭喊着从床上爬起来,紧紧拖住他的双腿,死活不让他走。女儿从小跟着他长大,感情极深。但他是火箭平台系统的主任设计师,而平台是火箭的核心部位,一旦出现问题,火箭便会失去平衡,在空中乱飞。当他向女儿讲明这一切后,女儿的双手慢慢松开了。

A few years ago, when Yu Fuliang intended to go to the XSLC to for the satellite launch, her daughter who had been lying in bed, cried and crept out of bed, tightly holding his legs, not letting him go. His daughter grew up with him and they had a deep feeling. But he was the chief designer of the rocket platform system, and the platform is the core part of the rocket. Once there is a problem, the rocket will lose its balance and fly out of control. When he told his daughter all this, her daughter's hands slowly loosened.

去年,为了保证“亚洲一号”卫星成功发射,余福良白天黑夜连续攻关。他早就感到肚子疼痛,却一直顾不上去医院。后来实在痛得受不了,到医院ー检查,已是直肠癌晚期。

Last year, in order to ensure the successful launch of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite, Yu Fuliang continued to tackle key problems day and night. He had been suffering a tummy ache for a long time, but he had no spare time to go to the hospital. Later, because it was too painful to bear, he finally went to the hospital for examination, only to find the advanced rectal cancer.

是的,发射场不是战场,却同样有牺牲与死亡。从去冬到今春,航空航天部エ作队的专家技术人员已在这荒凉而孤寂的大山沟里闷了近半年。从现代化的大都市到原始般的荒山沟,吃饭、住宿,还有身体等各个方面都面临着诸多的不便与困难。特别是不少专家已届中年、老年,甚至有的已年过七旬,来到山沟后,水土不服、气候不适应,加之远离家庭无人照顾,度过这段艰难的日子,实属不易。

The truth is, although the launch site is not a battlefield, there are also sacrifices and deaths. From last winter to this spring, the experts and technicians of the Ministry of Aeronautics and Astronautics have been in this desolate and lonely mountain valley for nearly half a year. Moving from the modern metropolis to the primitive valleys, they were many inconveniences and difficulties in eating, lodging, and physical fitness. In particular, many experts who were middle-aged, elderly, and even over 70, came to the valley, and went through these tough days with great difficulties, due to the failure in acclimatization and without families' care.

由于他们长时间离开家,后顾之忧自然也有不少。比如,有的有年迈的父母必须照料,有的有幼小的孩子急着入托,有的年轻的恋人等着结婚,有的孤单的妻子就要分娩,有的大白菜需要买好贮存过冬,有的煤气罐等着从ー楼扛到六楼……

Because they left home for a long time, there were undoubtedly many worries at home. For example, they may have elderly parents to look after, have little kids intending to go to nursery school in a hurry, have young lover waiting to get married; someone's wife may be about to give birth alone, someone may have to buy and store cabbages for the winter, someone may need to carry gas tank from the first floor to the sixth floor.

但,为了“亚洲一号”,这一切的一切,都被他们自己悄悄省略了。

However, for a successful launch of "AsiaSat 1," all of this, were ignored by them secretly.

前不久的ー个晚上,还出现了这样ー个场面:航空航天部工作队的爸爸妈妈们,围在电视机前,激动地看着一部录像。这部录像既不是武打片,也不是喜剧片, 而是单位的领导把他们家里的孩子召集在ー起开了个茶话会,让孩子们给远方的爸爸妈妈讲几句最想说的话ーー

One night not long ago, there was such a scene: the parents of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, gathered in front of the TV set, excitedly watching a video. This video was neither a martial arts film nor a comedy, but a tea party the leader called, who asked the teammates as one's children to say a few words of what they wanted to say most to their parents far away.

ー个七岁的男孩说:“妈妈,昨天我已把家里的卫生全部打扫了 ,就是不小心把裤子刮破了个洞,同学们老笑我的屁股。爸爸是个大笨蛋,怎么也补不好,后来还是老师替我补好的。妈妈,发射时你给我打个电话好吗?我好趴在家里的阳台上看卫星!”

"Mommy," said a seven-year-old boy, "I have cleaned the house yesterday, but accidentally scratched a hole in my pants, and my classmates laughed at my ass. My clumsy dad couldn't mend it, and later teacher mended it for me. Mom, can you call me when you're going to launch? I’ll watch it on the balcony!"

ー个八岁的女孩说:“爸爸,妈妈的病已经好多了,请爸爸一定安心地放卫星, 我保证每天都给妈妈泡方便面!”

An eight-year-old girl said: "Dad, mom gets better. Please don't worry and work on launch carefully, I promise to cook mom instant noodles every day!"

看着看着,爸爸们的眼圈红了,妈妈们则忍不住偷偷地抽泣起来。

Looking at this, the rims of dads' eyes turned red, and moms couldn't help but secretly sob.

三、酒吧:ー个中国人与三个美国人的对话

Part Ⅲ A Dialogue Between a Chinese and Three Americans in a Bar

时间:1990年4月1日晚。星期日

Time: on the evening of April 1, 1990. Sunday.

地点:西昌腾云楼宾馆小酒吧

Venue: a small bar in Tengyunlou Hotel in Xichang

翻译:罗韬先生、袁红灵小姐

Translators: Mr. Luo Tao, Ms. Yuan Hongling

夜。宾馆。

Night. The hotel.

香槟。啤酒。台球。乒乓球。

The champagne. The beer. The billiards. The table tennis.

乐曲。舞步。男人。女人。

The music. The dance. The men. The women.

这是美国人夜生活的世界。

This was the nightlife of Americans.

跨过太平洋。飞越西半球。飞机、火车、汽车。安装、测检、调试。干了一天, 忙了一天,累了一天,是该轻松轻松了。

Across the Pacific Ocean. Flying over the Western Hemisphere. Plane, train, vehicle. Installation, inspection and debugging. After a long, busy and tiring day, now it was time to relax.

美国人的到来,对西昌这片古老的土地,无疑是一次强大的震动、有力的冲击。

The arrival of Americans was undoubtedly a powerful shock and a great impact on the ancient land of Xichang.

该怎样认识这些远道而来的美国人呢?

How to get to know these Americans from afar?

我想到了对话。

I thought of the dialogue.

1990年4月1日晚7点30分,我准时步入西昌卫星基地腾云楼宾馆大门。之前,袁红灵小姐打电话告诉我,已替我约好了三位美国朋友,都是休斯卫星公司的专家。一位叫维克特,他对中国很有感情,富有责任感,是一位合格的父亲。另ー位叫马克,他虽然交了许多女朋友,却仍属未婚青年。还有一位叫弗罗里克,他性格豪放,学识渊博。据他自己说,这个世界他最喜欢两个字:疯狂!

At 7:30 pm on April 1, 1990, I stepped into the Tengyunlou Hotel in Xichang Satellite Launch Center on time. Ms. Yuan called to tell me that she had made an appointment for me with three American friends, all experts from the Hughes Satellite Company. One was called Victor, who had deep feelings for China and a sense of responsibility, and was a qualified father. The other one was Mark, who had many girlfriends, but was still an unmarried youth. And Frolic, a forthright and knowledgeable man. He said his favorite word in this world is “crazy”!

当我走进酒吧时,三位美国朋友已经落座,正仰着脖子在那儿灌着啤酒呢。翻译把我介绍给他们,大概说了这是刚从北京赶来的作家之类的话,三位美国朋友马上热情地伸出手来,与我的手握在ー起,并在ー张纸上记下了我的名字,然后问我来点什么,啤酒还是可乐。我说:“No,no,no,我喜欢喝茶。”

When I walked into the bar, three American friends had taken their seats and were drinking beer throwing their heads back. The translators introduced me to them briefly that I was a writer who had just come here from Beijing. The three Americans immediately extended their hands enthusiastically to shake my hand, and wrote down my name on a piece of paper. Then they asked me what I would like, beer or coke. "No, no, no," I said, "I like tea better."

彼此坐定后,我开门见山,直入主题。

When we all sat down, I came straight to the point.

我说:“三位先生,见到你们我很高兴。天下如此之大,我们却在西昌发射场相识,或许这是上帝的安排。”

"I'm very glad to see you all," I said, "it may be the arrangement of God that we can encounter each other among numerous living beings."

马克说:“谢谢!我们有幸接受中国作家的采访,也感到很高兴。”

Mark said: "Thank you! We are honored and glad to be interviewed by a Chinese writer."

我说:“你们是第一次来中国吗?”

I asked, "Is this your first visit to China?"

弗罗里克说:“是的,我们都是第一次来中国。”

"Yes, it is," Frolic answered.

我说:“请随便谈一点你们到这儿后的感受好吗?”

"Can you tell me anything about how you feel after you got here?" Asked I.

维克特说:“好的,我先说。”

"Ok, I'll be the first." Victor said.

维克特,中等个儿,大胡子,四十岁左右,面目慈善,性情温和。说话时,感情特别真挚诚恳,一双淡蓝色的眼里似乎盛着某种淡淡的忧愁。他说:“我从小就向往中国这块土地。这次来之前,有朋友告诫我,去中国后,要少同那儿的人讲话。可飞机刚ー着地,我就对这里有了一种天然的情感。我亲眼见到了这儿的一切,现在我的心里,好像已经深深爱上了这片土地。我要回去告诉我的妻子、儿女和我的朋友们,中国很好,真的很好!我还想来第二次、第三次,我还希望今后有机会把我的妻子和儿女们也都带来,让他们好好看看中国。当然,我也很希望中国人能有更多的机会到美国去,这样好有个比较。”

He was a beraded man of medium height, about forty years old, with a benign countenance and gentle temperament. He showed his great sincerity when speaking, and his light blue eyes seemingly contained some kind of faint sorrow. He said: "I have been longing for China since I was a child. Before coming here this time, a friend warned me to talk less to people here when arriving. But as soon as the plane landed, a natural affection for China burgeoned in my heart. I saw everything here with my own eyes, and now maybe I've already fallen in love with this land. I wanna go back to tell my wife, my children and my friends, that China is very good, really fantastic! And I long for the second and third visit. I also hope that I have the opportunity to bring my wife and children here to know China well. Of course, I also hope Chinese people will have more opportunities to go to the United States, so that there can be a comparison." Said Victor.

接着说话的是马克。马克,大高个儿,大胡子,高鼻梁,说话极富幽默感,且显得血气方刚。他说:“西昌这儿的天气特别好。晚上在发射场看月亮很美,星星也很亮,还有这儿的太阳也特别棒!太阳从东方升起,这是你们中国的专利。我来之前,在我想象中,西昌这儿到处都是一片恐怖,所有的人都是在枪杆子的威逼下エ作。但我到这儿看到的不是这样。这儿的人都快乐地说话、爬山、跳舞,还自由地谈情说爱。而且,我觉得他们都安居乐业,生活得比较愉快。”

Then it was Mark who spoke. Mark was a tall man with a big beard and a high nose, and he spoke with a great sense of humor and full of spirit. He said: "The weather in Xichang is particularly good. The moon at the launch site is very beautiful, the stars are also very bright, and the sun here is also great! The sun rising from the east, this is a patent you Chinese boat only. Before I came, in my imagination, Xichang is full of terror, and all the people are forced to work under the threat of guns. But that's not what I saw here. People here talk, climb mountains, dance with joy, and they love freely. I think they all live a peaceful and happy life."

最后说话的是弗罗里克。弗罗里克,高个子,大胡子,长着一双“狡猾”的大眼睛,ー举ー动都透射出一股热情的豪放劲儿。他说:“西昌这儿天气不错,但很封闭。这儿的人对我们的到来感到很新鲜,甚至对我们穿的衣服和骑的自行车都很有兴趣。有的人ー见面就问我们家里有多少辆汽车、几部彩电,每月工资多少。同时我也发现,这儿的人都很善良,他们都很爱这块土地。我虽然来西昌不久,但已交了许多朋友。今天我又到茶馆去了。”

The last one to speak was Frolic. He was a tall man with a big beard and a pair of big, cunning eyes, and his movements were full of passion and boldness. He said, "The weather is good, but it's very closed here. The people here were very fresh with our arrival and even interested in the clothes we wore and the bikes we rode. Some people asked us how many cars and color TVs we have in our family, and how much we earn each month at our first meeting. At the same time, I also found that people here are very kind. They all love this land. Although I came to Xichang not long ago, I have made many friends. And today I went to the teahouse again."

我说:“你们来这儿后,生活上习惯吗?”

"Have you been used to the life here?" I asked.

马克说:“习惯。在来之前,我想西昌这地方一定很穷,老百姓肯定填不饱肚子,也担心发射中心的伙食不好,于是就从美国带来了一大堆食品,什么面包、饼干、罐头、巧克力等等。结果,到这儿后我都吃这儿的东西,自己带的东西基本没动。"

Mark said, "Yes. Before I came, I thought Xichang must be a poor place where people must go hungry without sufficient food. I also worried that the food at the launch center was not good enough. So I brought a lot of food from the US, such as bread, biscuits, cans, chocolate, etc. I haven’t expected that I would always eat local food after I arrived, and my own food are basically unconsumed."

我说:“你们每人给我讲ー个来这儿后最高兴的故事,或者讲一件最不愉快的事情。”

I said, "May I invite each of you to share the happiest thing you've met since you came here, or the most unhappiest one?"

我刚ー说完,马克和弗罗里克便用手拍了拍脑门,然后站起来说:“李先生,对不起,我们去趟厕所."我猜想,这两位“狡猾”的美国人,一定是到厕所编故事去了。

As soon as I stopped speaking, Mark and Floric patted their forehead, then stood up and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Lee, but we have to go to the bathroom now." I guess these two "cunning" Americans must have gone to the bathroom to make up stories.

于是,酒吧里只剩下我和维克特。

So, Victor became the only one who stayed with me.

维克特说:“我来这儿后,有许多令我高兴的事情,但最令我高兴的是,终于踏上了中国这块土地,实现了我几十年来的愿望。并且,还有幸和中国朋友一起携手并肩,共同参加发射’亚洲一号’卫星的任务。”

Victor said: "Since I came here, there are many things that make me happy, but what makes me most happy is that I finally set foot on the land of China, which realizes my dream for decades. And, it's honorable to join hands with Chinese friends, to participate in the launch of the 'Asia-1' satellite."

不一会,马克和弗罗里克回来了。刚落座,马克便学着中国老人讲故事的样子,风趣地给我讲起了他的故事:“在很久很久以前……（大笑）有一天我骑车去发射场,路过ー个村子,ー个彝族小孩刚ー见我,吓得转身就跑,并啊啊地大声叫喊着。我想他ー定是在喊:’妈妈,快来看呀,那边来了一个大妖怪!’不一会儿,村里的人全都围了上来,看我的头发、眼睛和大鼻子,像看ー个怪物。后来,我和他们成了朋友。他们领我看了农具、牛羊和缸里的粮食,还做了一顿’坨坨肉’给我吃。我吃得很开心,很想多吃点,又怕撑坏了肚子。瞧,现在肚子还鼓鼓的。”马克说完, 拍着肚子,爽朗地大笑起来。

After a while, Mark and Frolic came back. As soon as they sat down, Mark told me his story wittily in the way Chinese old people told stories: "A long, long time ago... (a fit of laughter) when I rode to the launch center I passed by a village, where a Yi child saw me but turned around and ran away, shouting in fear. I guessed he must be shouting: 'Mom, come to see, there's a big monster!' Soon, all villagers gathered around me to observe my hair, eyes and big nose as if I were a monster. Later, I became their friends. They showed me the farm tools, the cattle and sheep, and the grain in the vats, and cooked me "Tuotuo Meat". I enjoyed it very much. I wanted to eat more, but worried eating too much may make me sick. Look, my belly is still bulging now." Mark said, patting his belly and laughing heartily.

弗罗里克说:“有一天,我去西昌玩,走进了一家茶馆。茶馆里的中国人对我特别好,他们为我泡了茶,后来茶馆的主人还给我做了碗面条。可我刚吃了几口,就满头冒汗,哇哇直叫,原来面条里放了许多辣椒。主人见我不能吃辣椒,又重新给我做了一碗鸡蛋面,味道很美,我吃得开心极了。临走时,主人还送我一袋茶叶,死活不收钱。我心里非常感动。”

"Once I went into a teahouse in Xichang." he said, “people in the teahouse were very kind to me. They made tea for me, and later the owner of the teahouse made me a bowl of noodles. But I became sweating and crying after several bites, because there were a lot of chili in noodles. The host then knew I didn't eat spicy food, so he made another bowl of egg noodles for me. It was delicious and I enjoyed it happily. Before I left, the master gave me a bag of tea and insisted on not receiving money. I was deeply touched."

我说:“请你们谈一点对西昌卫星发射基地的看法好吗?”

I continued the interview: "Would you please share your views on Xichang Satellite Launch Center?"

维克特说:“中方在生活上给我们安排得挺好。这儿的所有工作人员,包括翻译,都尽了最大努力为我们创造条件。技术人员都很勤奋,工作态度也好。该让我们看的地方都看了,我感到很满意。”

Victor said: "China has made good arrangements for us in terms of life. All the staff here, including the translators, try their best to create conditions for us. The technicians are very diligent with a good attitude. I'm very satisfied to be treated in this way."

马克说:“卫星发射基地的技术人员在各自的专业上都是很棒的。这儿男女很平等,有不少女技术人员。在美国,女工程技术人员只占5%,男人的地位要比女人高。这一点与我原来想象的不一样。不足的是,中国发射场的设备要比美国的落后,但这儿的发射从来没失败过,这一点很了不起。”

Mark said: "The technicians there are excellent in their respective specialties. There are a lot of female technicians which implies gender equality. But in the United States, female engineering and technical personnel accounts for only 5%, and men have higher status than women. So this is not the same as I had imagined. While the downside is that the equipment at the Chinese launch site is behind that of the United States, but the launch here has never failed, which is remarkable."

弗罗里克说:“从整体上看,这儿的高级专家特别棒,对自己的专业很精通。但发射场的设备比较落后,有时上下信息不通。不过,我认为搞发射,不管用什么方法,只要你发射上去就好。美国有美国的方法,中国有中国的方法。这次中国只要把我们的卫星发射上去,我就承认你们厉害。另外,希望你们在争取人类进步时, 不要得到了一个东西就把另ー个东西丢掉了。印第安人的文化是非常好的,但美国人赶走了印第安人,把他们的文化废掉了。这儿的彝族文化是非常好的,中国在这儿发展现代科学文明,不要丢掉了彝族文化。在这一点上,你们应该吸取美国人的教训。”

"Gnerally speaking, the senior experts here are fantastic and very knowledgeable about their specialties," said Frolic. However, the equipment at the launch site was relatively backward, which led to the information gap sometimes. However, in my view, the most important thing is to successfully launch, regardless of the method you use. The US has its own methods, so does China. As long as China can launch our satellite this time, I will admit that you are powerful. In addition, I hope that when you strive for human progress, you will not throw away another thing after you have obtained one thing. The Indian culture was splendid, but the Americans drove out the Indians and ruined their culture. The Yi culture here is also splendid. For China, don't lose the Yi culture when developing civilization of modern science. You should learn from the lessons of the Americans in terms of this."

我说:“弗罗里克先生,你的这点意见非常好,谢谢你!另外,在人类空间史上, 中国和美国这是第一次合作,请你们就此谈一点看法或感受。”

"Mr. Frolic, thank you for your suggestions! In addition, this is the first time that China and the United States have cooperated since the history of human space exploration. So could you briefly talk about your views or feelings on this?"

弗罗里克说:“我们双方工作都很努力,同官方的合作也很好。当然,我们面临很多困难,因为双方都是第一次,许多技术上的问题都是前所未有的。但情况在ー天天变好,现在每天都有协调会,大的问题已经没有了。我的总体感觉是,中国人是非常愿意合作的。”

Frolic said: "We two parties did a really good job and also had a good cooperation with the authorities. Of course, we have met many difficulties, even some unprecedented technical problems, for it's the first attempt and cooperation between China and America. But the situation is gradually getting better and better, and with coordination meetings every day, the serious problems are solved now. Generally, I feel that the Chinese are very willing to cooperate."

我说:“这次合作,我想恐怕不单单是一次空间技术的合作,也是两个民族、两种文化、两种情感的一次交流与沟通;不光是发射ー颗卫星,也是中美两国科学家在ー起共同创造空间文明。因为开发宇宙,造福人类,是全人类的共同使命,不知你们是否也这样认为?”

I said: "This cooperation, in my opinion, is not only a cooperation in space technology, but also an exchange and communication between two nations, two cultures, and two emotions; it is not only the launch of a satellite, but also the joint creation of space civilization by scientists from China and the United States. Because it's the common mission of all human beings to explore the universe in order to benefit humankind. Is that right?"

马克说:“是的,李先生的话说得很妙。把钱花在空间技术上,这有利于各国人民的利益。虽然我们这是第一次合作,但我相信,这不是最后一次。”

"Sure, that is the truth. Investment in space technology is in the interest of people of all countries. This is our first cooperation, and I believe it will not be the end," answered Mark.

弗罗里克说:“由于中美双方是第一次合作,在发射场上可能会遇到许多阻力和麻烦,但我坚信中美之间的合作能够继续进行下去。因为我们都是开拓宇宙的先锋,我们是在共同创造历史!”

Frolic said: "Although there may be many obstacles and troubles at the launch site because this is the first time for China and the United States to cooperate, I firmly believe that the cooperation between China and the United States will continue. Because we are all pioneers of in exploring the universe. We are making history together!"

我说:“对,我们是在共同创造历史!我的提问到此为止,谢谢三位先生的合作！你们若有什么问题需要问我,我愿意效劳。”

"Yes," I echoed, "we are making history together! And that's the last question. Thank you for your cooperation! If you have any questions, I'm willing to answer."

维克特说:“你的作品发表后,能寄一份给我们吗?我们很想读到你写这次发射的作品。”

Victor said, "Can you send us a copy of your work when it's published? We'd love to read about your work on this launch."

我说:“当然可以。”

"Of course," I said.

马克说:“最近美国和法国的发射连遭失败,你们中国对此是否暗暗幸灾祸?”

Mark queried: "Do you, China, secretly gloat over the recent unsuccessful launches of the US and France?"

我说:“航天发射,是人类史上ー项颇具风险与悲壮色彩的伟大事业,无论成功还是失败,在我看来都是正常的。至于近期美国和法国的几次失败,我个人没有所谓的幸灾乐祸,有的只是深深的惋惜和遗憾。我相信,我的同胞中绝大多数人也和我的心情ー样。”

I replied: "Space launch is a great undertaking in the history of mankind that is quite risky and tragic. Whether it is successful or not, I think it's normal. As for the recent failures of the United States and France, I personally do not entertain the so-called schadenfreude, but only deep regret and pity. I believe that the majority of my compatriots are in the same mood."

弗罗里克说:“李先生,你认为你们国家目前最重要的问题是什么?”

Frolic asked me,"Mr. Lee, what do you think is the most important issue your country are facing right now?"

我没想到美国人会从这个角度提问题,竟一下愣了好几秒钟。我深知这是ー个敏感的问题,但又是ー个必须回答的问题。

I didn't expect them to ask questions from this perspective, so I was stunned for a few seconds. I knew that this is a sensitive question, but it is also a question that must be answered.

我说:“以我个人的一孔之见,我们国家目前最重要的问题,是如何进ー步增强中华民族的凝聚カ和提高全体国民的文化素质问题,以及怎样强化、振奋民族精神的问题;同时还有一个问题,就是面对当今这个大科学的时代,如何不失时机地举起'科教兴国’的大旗,去迎接新世纪的到来。我们中华民族曾为这个世界创造过灿烂的文明,可近三四百年来,远远落在了西方先进国家的后面,我们因此失去了许多宝贵的东西,这是事实。不过我们毕竟还有一样东西没有失去,那就是百折不挠、自强不息的精神,以及重新选择机会和争取再次腾飞的权利！我们中华民族是世界上最古老的民族之一,要实现真正意义上的腾飞,还有一个艰难而沉重的过程。可喜的是,现在我们已经站在了一条新的起跑线上,并迈出了关键的ー步,比如这次发射你们美国的卫星,我想就是ー个很好的开头。”

I replied: "As far as I concerned, the most important issue for our country at present is to further strengthen the cohesion of the Chinese nation and improve the cultural quality of all Chinese people, as well as to consolidate and inspire the national spirit. Another issue is to seize the opportunity to carry out the strategy of 'invigorating the country through science and education' and welcome the arrival of the new century in this era of great science. It is a fact that we Chinese nation has created a splendid civilization for the world, but in the past three or four hundred years, it has lagged far behind the advanced western countries. As a result, we have lost many precious things. But after all, we still own one thing, that is, the spirit of perseverance and continual self-renewal, as well as the right to choose the opportunity and to strive for a take-off again! Our Chinese nation is one of the oldest nations in the world. To achieve a veritable take-off, we have to endure a difficult and heavy period. Fortunately, we are now standing on a new starting line and have taken a crucial step forward. For example, I think this launch of your American satellite is a good start."

弗罗里克说:“好,下周就要发射了,祝你们发射成功！”

Frolic said, "Okay, it's going to be launched next week. I wish you a successful launch!"

马克说:“上帝保佑,阿门！”

Mark said, "God bless, Amen!"

我说:“谢谢！再见!”

"Thank you," I said. "Goodbye!"

结束采访,我步出宾馆。

After the interview, I stepped out of the hotel.

星空下,我久久伫立。

Under the stars, I stood for a long time.

“月亮城”睡了。寂静中,我仿佛听到古老的土地在发出沉重的喘息声。或许,这是东方与西方相互碰撞时发出的声响;或许,这是ー个民族腾飞前的急促心跳。

The “moon city" has fallen asleep. In endless silence, I seemed to hear a heavy breathing from the old land. Perhaps, this was the sound of the collision between the east and the west; or this was the rapid heartbeat before a nation took off.

是的,弗罗里克说得好,“我们是在共同创造历史”。随着现代科技文明的飞速发展,宇宙变得越来越小。今天,中国的火箭、美国的卫星,终于走到了一起。

Yes, just as Frolic said, "We are making history together." With the rapid development of the civilization of modern technology, the universe is becoming smaller and smaller. Today, China's rockets and US satellites have finally come together.

然而,这一切,是怎样开始的呢?

However, how did all this start?

历史,从昨天的弯道走来

History, Coming from Yesterday's Setback.

四、20世纪的中国与美国

Part Ⅳ China and the US in the 20th centuiry

1971年7月9日中午12点,ー架巴基斯坦国际航空公司的大型客机,在北京郊区南苑军用机场徐徐降落。

At 12:00 noon on July 9, 1971, a large passenger plane of Pakistan International Airlines landed slowly at Beijing Nanyuan Airport in the suburb.

六名美国人,踏着又惊又喜的步子,匆匆走下舷梯。

Six Americans, pleasantly and surprisedly, hurried down the ramp.

他们双脚刚ー着地,便禁不住连声惊呼:“OK,中国!中国,0K!”

As soon as their feet touched the ground, they could not help but exclaim: "OK, China! China, OK!"

这六位美国人,便是尼克松总统专程派往中国的秘密使者:基辛格博士率领的秘密访华谈判小组。

These six Americans were the secret envoys sent by President Nixon to China: the secret negotiating team led by Dr. Kissinger.

这是二十二年来,第一批踏上中国国土的美国政府官员。

This was the first group of American government officials to set foot on China's territory in the past 22 years.

众所周知,由于历史原因,中国与美国长期以来是ー对冤家。几十年来,除了在朝鲜战场上有过你死我活的较量,以及在板门店谈判等中有过针锋相对的触碰タト,两国政府很少有交往。

As is known to all, China and America have long been enemies due to historical reasons. In the past few decades, the two governments have had little contact with each other, except for the life-and-death contest in Korean War and the tit-for-tat confrontation in the Panmunjom negotiation.

显然,百年挨打史,在中华儿女的心中,烙下了苦痛的伤痕;尤其是圆明园那ー截截直刺苍天的残柱,成了中国人民的耻辱柱。

Obviously, the suffering and invasion over last hundred years has left a painful scar in the hearts of the Chinese people. In particular, the stump of the Yuanming Yuan that pierced the sky has become a pillar of shame for all Chinese people.

而在1949年之后的岁月里,美国第七舰队驶进台湾海峡,封锁中国经济和阻挠中国进入联合国;朝鲜战争、越南战争等更为中美两国的关系,投下了一层层厚重的阴影。

After 1949, the United States Seventh Fleet sailed into the Taiwan Strait to blockade China's economy and obstruct China's accession into the United Nations; The Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other wars have cast a thick shadow over the relations between China and the United States.

据传,20世纪50年代还发生过这样ー个故事:

It is said that there was such a story in the 1950s:

在1954年召开的日内瓦会议期间,有一次中国总理周恩来在酒吧与美国国务卿杜勒斯相遇。周恩来主动伸出手去想同杜勒斯握手,杜勒斯却把脸ー转,故意装作没看见,拒绝了周恩来的握手。而周恩来伸出的手则顺势朝着服务员ー招,不失风度地说:“小姐,请给这位先生来杯可乐,账记到我的头上。”说罢,周恩来微微ー笑,信步离去。

During the Geneva Conference in 1954, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai once met the US Secretary of State Dulles in a bar. Zhou Enlai took the initiative to shake hands with Dulles, but Dulles turned his face and deliberately pretended not to see him, refusing Zhou Enlai's handshake. Zhou Enlai then waved that hand at the waiter graciously and naturally, saying, "Lady, please bring this gentleman a coke and add it to my tab." With that, Zhou Enlai gaved him a faint smile and walked away.

当然,听说后来也发生了中国外交官员拒绝同美国人握手的事情。周恩来得知后指示说:“第一,我们不主动和美国人握手;第二,如果他们主动伸出手来,我们不要拒绝。这叫礼尚往来嘛!”

Of course, I heard that later Chinese diplomats also refused to shake hands with Americans. After Zhou Enlai knew that, he instructed: "First, we do not take the initiative to shake hands with the Americans; second, if they take initiative to do that, we don't refuse it. "This is what we call 'courtesy demanding reciprocity'."

1964年,曾经认真研究过中国及其历史的戴高乐总统承认了中华人民共和国。当一位西方记者问他为什么要承认中华人民共和国时,他回答说:“因为中国是个大国、古国,又一直备受欺凌。”

In 1964, President Charles de Gaulle, who had carefully studied China and its history, recognized the People's Republic of China. When a Western journalist asked him why he recognized the People's Republic of China, he replied: "Because China is a big country, an ancient country, which has always been bullied."

尼克松上台后,对中国的想法开始有了变化。戴高乐和阿登纳都曾对他说过: “美国同中国发展某种关系是必不可少的。你最好趁早承认中国,而不要等中国强大了,你再不得不承认它。”

After Nixon came to power, his view on China began to change. De Gaulle and Adenauer both said to him: "It is essential for the United States to develop a certain relationship with China. You'd better admit China as soon as possible, instead of having to admit China when it becomes powerful. "

尼克松上台时,在他的就职演说中有这样一段话:

When Nixon took office, he had such words in his inaugural speech:

要让一切国家都知道,在本政府当政时期,我们的通话渠道是敞开的。我们寻求一个开放的世界一ー对思想开放,对物资和人员的交流开放。ー个民族,不管其人口多少,都不能生活在愤怒的孤立状态中。

Let all nations know that during this administration our lines of communication will be open. We seek an open world--open to ideas, open to the exchange of goods and people--a world in which no people, great or small, will live in angry isolation.

后来,尼克松在参加美国《时代》周刊记者的一次访谈时,也这样说道:“如果说在我去世之前,有什么事情要做的话,那就是到中国去。如果我不能去,我希望我的孩子能够去。”

Later, in an interview with Time magazine, Nixon said,"If there's anything I need to do before I die, it's to go to China. If I can't, I want my kids to."

1972年2月21日,中美关系终于翻开了新的ー页。

On February 21, 1972, the Sino-US relation finally turned a new page.

这ー天,美国总统尼克松正式访华。

On this day, the US President Nixon officially visited China.

这ー天,中国总理周恩来身披灰色呢大衣,迎着呼啸的北风,在北京首都机场恭候尼克松的光临。

On this day, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, wearing a gray pea coat, waited for Nixon at Beijing Capital Airport in the howling north wind.

在历史的一瞬间,当尼克松伸过手来与周恩来的手紧紧相握时,周恩来幽默地说:“总统先生,我们已经有二十五年没有交往了啊!今天,您终于把手伸过了世界上最辽阔的海洋。”

In that historical moment when Nixon reached out his hand to shake Zhou Enlai's hand tightly, Zhou Enlai said humorously: "Mr. President, we haven't contacted for over 25 years! Today, your handshake came over the vastest distance in the world."

尼克松也风趣地说:“是啊,周总理先生,我做梦都在想着这一天啊!”

"Yes, Premier Zhou," Nixon also replied humorously, "I've always been dreaming about this day!"

下午3点整,在中南海迎宾室,中国主席毛泽东和美国总统尼克松,双手紧紧地握在了一起。中美两国领导人的这次划时代的会晤,长达65分钟!

At 3:00 p.m., in the Welcome Room in the Sea Palaces, Chinese President Mao Zedong and US President Nixon held their hands tightly together. The landmark meeting between the leaders of China and the United States lasted for 65 minutes!

据后来的资料表明,当晚尼克松在日记中这样写道:“当我们的手相握时,ー个时代结束了,另ー个时代却开始了。”

According to later records, Nixon wrote in his diary that night,"When our hands met, one era ended and another began."

一周后,即1972年2月28日,周恩来与尼克松又在上海会晤,中美双方签署了《中美联合公报》。在公报中,双方声明:“中美两国关系走向正常化符合所有国家的利益。”这标志着中美两国和平交往的开始。

A week later, on February 28, 1972, Zhou Enlai and Nixon met again in Shanghai, China and the United States signed the Joint Communique of the United States of America and People's republic of China. In the communique, the two countries stated: "Progress toward the normalization of relations between China and the United States is in the interests of all countries." This marked the beginning of peaceful exchanges between these two countries.

为表示纪念,周恩来和尼克松还在杭州亲手种下了一棵尼克松从美国带来的红杉树。据说,这棵红杉树是美国加州公园中最老、最高的ー棵红杉树的后代。

To commemorate, Zhou Enlai and Nixon also planted a redwood tree Nixon brought from the United States in Hangzhou. It was said that this redwood tree was the oldest and tallest redwood tree in California Park.

后来尼克松回忆说:“当时,我们二人谁都不能肯定这棵树能在中国的土壤中长大;但事实证明,土壤和气候都是友好的。”

Nixon later recalled: "At that time, neither of us was certain that this tree could grow in the soil of China; But it turns out that both soil and climate are friendly."

1987年秋,美国一位叫基恩的州长来华访问。在杭州,基恩州长亲眼见到了这棵红杉树。此时的红杉树枝繁叶茂,葱绿挺拔,约有28米高。杭州一位负责人对基恩州长说:“用这棵树培育的4万棵树苗,已经扎根在了中国7个省份的土地上!”

In the autumn of 1987, an American governor named Keane visited China. The Governor Keane saw the redwood tree with his own eyes in Hangzhou. At this time, the redwood tree was luxuriant, green and erect, about 28 meters high. "The 40,000 saplings grown from this tree have taken root in seven provinces of China," an official in Hangzhou told Governor Keane.

1979年,中国同美国终于建立了正式外交关系。

In 1979, China and the United States finally established formal diplomatic relations.

就在这一年的1月29日,邓小平作为新中国有史以来第一个正式访问美国的国家领导人,适时地跨进了美利坚合众国的大门。

On January 29 of this year, Deng Xiaoping, as the first national leader to visit the United States officially in the history of New China, stepped into the door of the United States of America at the right moment.

美国总统卡特在白宫门前,以欢迎外国元首的礼仪迎接了邓小平副总理的到来。美国的星条旗和中国的五星红旗,第一次并肩升起在美国总统府的上空。

US President Jimmy Carter greeted Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping in front of the White House with the etiquette of welcoming foreign heads of state. The Star-Spangled Banner of USA and the Five-Star Red Flag of China rose side by side over the US presidential palace for the first time.

在美期间,邓小平会见了美国前任总统尼克松,瞻仰了林肯纪念堂,参观了世界最大的航天博物馆一华盛顿美国航空航天博物馆,并出席了中美科技合作协定和文化交流协定的签字仪式。

During his stay in the United States, Deng Xiaoping met with former US President Richard Nixon, paid tribute to the Lincoln Memorial, visited the American Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., the world's largest space museum, and attended the signing ceremony of the U.S.-China Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology and the Agreement on Cultural Exchange.

休斯敦是美国著名的航天测控中心,当邓小平乘坐美国总统的“空军一号”专机飞抵休斯敦时,还特意坐上航天飞机,进行了一次从3万米的高空向地面着陆的模拟飞行。

Houston is a famous U.S. space TT & C center. When Deng Xiaoping flew to Houston on the U.S. President's "Air Force One" special plane, he specially boarded the space shuttle and conducted a simulated flight from an altitude of 30,000 meters to the ground.
Deng also visited Johnson Space Center. The man who commentated for him was the first American to fly around the earth senator glen. It was said that Deng Xiaoping was in a good mood that day. He took out cigarettes several times but put them back.

同时,邓小平还参观了约翰逊航天中心。为他担任讲解员的,是第一个绕地球飞行的美国人格伦参议员。据说,那天邓小平兴致极好,几次掏出香烟,又几次放了回去。

Deng also visited Johnson Space Center. The man who commentated for him was the first American to fly around the earth senator glen. It was said that Deng Xiaoping was in a good mood that day. He took out cigarettes several times but put them back.

邓小平在美国八天,美国掀起了一股“中国热”。当有记者问邓小平,这次中美会谈都谈了些什么问题时,邓小平抖了抖手指夹着的香烟,不慌不忙地说:“从人间到天上,无所不谈。”

Deng Xiaoping's eight-day-visit set off a "China fever" in the US. When a reporter asked Deng Xiaoping what issues were discussed in the Sino-US talk, Deng Xiaoping shook the cigarette between his fingers and said unhurriedly: "From the human world to the space, we talked about everything."

在卡特总统为欢迎邓小平副总理而举行的国宴上,两双不同肤色的手紧紧相握,频频举杯。

At the state banquet hosted by President Carter in honor of Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping, two pairs of hands of different skin colors held tightly and propose repeated toasts.

卡特说:“让我们为人类的幸福干杯!”

Carter said,"Let's drink to the happiness of mankind!"

邓小平说:“让我们为世界的和平干杯!”

Deng Xiaoping said,"Let us drink to world peace!"

十年后,尼克松在他的一本专著中这样写道:

Ten years later, Nixon wrote in one of his monographs:

如果中国继续走邓小平的道路,我们孙辈的世界将有三个超级大国,而不是两个美国、苏联和中华人民共和国。

If China continues on Deng Xiaoping's path, our grandchildren will witness three superpowers instead of two the United States, the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China.

今天,美中两国人民在中国的发展事业中已结为伙伴。假如双方坚持走这条道路,21世纪的美中关系将是世界上最重要、最互利的双边关系之一。为了生活在下ー个世纪的儿孙们,我们必须确保两国关系继续存在并得到发展。

Today, the people of the United States and China have become partners in China's development. If the two sides stick to this path, U.S.-China relations in the 21st century will be one of the most important and mutually beneficial bilateral relations in the world. For the sake of our future generations in the next century, we must ensure the sustainable existence and development of relations between our two countries.

美中两国人民都在世界上最能干的人民之列,天赋的潜カ都极大。展望 21世纪,我们看到的是,土壤和气候都适于培育美中关系。美中关系大有可为,它能把这个世界的和平与自由推至前所未有的高度。

The people of the United States and China are among the most capable people in the world, and their potential talents are great. Looking into the 21st century, what we see is that the soil and climate are suitable for nurturing US-China relations. The us-china relationship has profound influences, which can hold up the peace and freedom of this world to an unprecedented height.

当然,无论是尼克松还是卡特,不管是毛泽东还是邓小平,可能都没想到,自 1972年中国与美国在陆地进行了第一次握手后,十八年后的今天,当中国的火箭与美国的卫星在西昌进行对接时,中国与美国又在空间技术上进行了第一次“握手”。

Of course, neither Nixon nor Carter, neither Mao Zedong nor Deng Xiaoping, probably did not expect that since the first handshake between China and the US on land in 1972, they held their first handshake in space technology after 18 years when China's rocket docked with an American satellite in Xichang.

那么,中美的这次“握手”,是否也意味着ー个新的空间文明时代的开始呢?

So, does this "handshake" also mean the beginning of a new era of space civilization?

五、举起火箭的大旗

Ⅴ. Raise the Banner of Rockets

历史的选择,常常带有偶然性。

The history often happened by chance.

1984年,对于中国的航天界来说,既令人躁动不安,又叫人欣喜若狂。

The year of 1984 involved China's space industry in both restlessness and ecstasy.

年初,有关部门宣布:对外招标,购买外国卫星。

At the beginning of this year, the relevant departments announced that they would invite bids to purchase foreign satellites.

于是,美国、法国、英国、联邦德国纷纷来投标。

Therefore, many countries including the United States, France, Britain, the Federal Republic of Germany came to bid.

有关部门由此决定,从这四个国家中,购买ー颗中国所需的通信广播卫星。

The departments concerned have thus decided to purchase from these four countries a communication and broadcasting satellite which China needed.

但卫星买回来后,请谁来替中国发射呢?

But who would be entrusted to launch it for China after the satellite was bought?

后经反复调研,决定选用法国的“阿里亚娜”火箭和美国的航天飞机。紧接着,中国就向法国和美国预订了 4个座位,并向法国和美国分别预交了 10万和20 万美元的发射订座费。

After repeated research, China decided to use the French "Ariane" rocket and the American space shuttle. Then China booked 4 seats from France and the United States, and prepaid $100,000 and $200,000 in launch reservation fees respectively.

中国有自己的火箭,也有自己的卫星研制队伍,还有自己的发射队伍,却要花重金去购买外国卫星,而且还要用法国的火箭和美国的航天飞机为其发射,这不免让ー些人大为光火,甚至十分震怒!

Despite its own rockets, its own satellite development team, and its own launch team, China not only had to spend a lot of money to buy satellites from other countries, but had to use French rockets and American space shuttles for their launch. It inevitably exasperated someone.

但话又说回来,不这么做又怎么办呢?当时的中国,正值改革开放初期,全中国都在等着用通信广播卫星!有关部门之所以要这么做,也是无奈之举,被迫为之!

But did we have another option? At that time when the reform and opening-up began, the whole China were waiting for the communication and broadcasting satellite! That was why the departments concerned did so--they were forced to do so.

说来也巧,就在这时,即1984年4月8日,中国的“长征三号”运载火箭在西昌一声“怒吼”,一下就把中国的第一颗同步通信卫星送上了太空！

As luck would have it, on April 8, 1984, China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket roaring in Xichang sent China's first synchronous communications satellite into space!

中国震动！
世界震动！
当时所有对中国火箭的发射能力持怀疑和观望态度的人,也被震得目瞪ロ呆。

China seethed!
The world seethed!
At that time, those who were skeptical about the launching capability of Chinese rockets were also shocked.

更有意思的是,历史老人偏偏在这个时候又开了一个不大不小的玩笑:1984 年4月30日这天,当中央军委、国务院领导和中国的航天精英们在北京人民大会堂举行隆重庆祝中国通信卫星发射成功的大会时,《参考消息》却登出了这样一条新闻——中国有关部门,与美国和法国签订了购买通信卫星的合同！

More interestingly, the history happened to make a joke in that period. On April 30 1984, when the Central Military Commission, the leading members of the State Council and Chinese aerospace elite attended a conference to celebrate China's successful launch of communications satellite in Beijing People's Congress hall, Reference News, the newspaper sponsored by Xinhua News Agency, published the news that the relevant departments of China, signed a contract with the United States and France to buy communications satellite!

实事求是地说,中国有关部门根据当时现状,出于不同角度的考虑,购买外国卫星并请外国发射,无可非议,更无过错。但此事却恰恰说明了一个问题,即当时的中国,对自身的运载火箭究竟有多大能耐,是缺乏清醒和统ー认识的;而且更不会想到,原本需要请美国发射卫星的中国,短短几年后居然会反过来为美国发射卫星。

To be honest, it is beyond reproach and without fault for the relevant Chinese departments to purchase foreign satellites and ask foreign countries to launch them out of the situation and thoughtful considerations. However, this precisely illustrates a problem, that is, at that time, China lacked a clear and unified understanding of the latent capacity of its own carrier rockets. More unexpectedly, China, which would have had to ask the United States to launch satellites, was about to launch satellites for the United States just a few years later.

当时只有一个事实确定无疑,这就是“长征三号”火箭把中国第一颗同步通信卫星发射上天后,全世界都多多少少感到了中国的分量。

At that time, there was only one thing for sure, that is, after the "Long March 3" rocket launched China's first synchronous communications satellite into the space, the whole world felt China's power more or less.

于是,中国航天界ー批大智大勇者,便悄悄地有了自己的梦想:中国的“长征三号”火箭,能不能打入国际商业市场,去发射外国的卫星呢?

As a result, a number of Chinese space industry veterans with extraordinary wisdom and courage, secretly had their own dreams of China's "Long March 3" rocket’s entry into the international commercial market to launch foreign satellites.

上官浑身都是金

The Real Talent, Shangguan Shipan

北京。黄寺大街。

Beijing. Huangsi street.

夜,很深了,国防科工委大楼的ー间小屋里,还透出一束橘黄色的光亮。台灯下,一位中年男子正在面壁苦思。

It was late at night. A beam of orange light split from a room in the building of the Commission of Science Technology and Industry for National Defense (COSTIND). Under the desk lamp, a middle-aged man was pondering towards the wall.

这是1984年初夏的一个夜晚。四周很静,只有星星伴着月亮在天上散步。中年男子身材不高,却显得仪表堂堂,脸上总是挂着些许不易被人察觉的微笑。他给人的总体感觉是,温文尔雅,气度非凡,既有学者的派头,又有外交家的风度。特别是宽宽的额头下,那双充满着东方男子汉智慧与胆略的眼睛,只要留心看上一眼, 便很难再从记忆中抹掉。

It was a night in the early summer of 1984. It was very quiet around. The stars strolled with the moon in the sky. The man was not tall, but looked handsome, with a small, unobtrusive smile always on his face. The overall impression he gave others was that he was gentle and elegant, with an extraordinary bearing, both the style of a scholar and the demeanor of a diplomat. Under the broad forehead were his eyes full of the wisdom and courage as an oriental man, which was difficult to erase from the memory after a deliberate glance.

这位中年男子,名叫上官世盘.

This middle-aged man is named Shangguan Shipan.

上官世盘是中国卫星发射测控系统部副主任。他最大的特点是,人人都承认他身上有一种男子汉的魅力,但又谁都说不清这种魅力究竟是什么。

Shangguan was the Deputy Director of China Satellite Launch & Tracking Control General Department (CLTC). His most obvious characteristic is that everyone admits that he had a charm of manhood, which can’t be clarified by others.

国务委员宋健,对上官世盘曾有这样一句评价:“上官浑身都是金!”

The State Councilor Song Jian once commented on him: "Shangguan himself is all covered in gold", which presents an appreciation to Shangguan's outstanding talent.

而上官世盘的部下王建蒙先生则对我说:“上官就是一部长篇。他思维敏捷, 卓有远见。就像下棋,你刚刚还在想第一步,他已经想到第四步、第五步了。”

Mr. Wang Jianmeng, a subordinate of Shangguan, said to me, "Shangguan himself is a long story. He is quick-minded and far-sighted. Just as playing chess, when you still think over the first step, he has thought of the fourth or the fifth step."

“上官善于在夹缝中求生存,善于在没有条件把事情办成的情况下把事情办成。”翻译许建国先生也这样对我说,“他简直就像墙上的ー只壁虎,没有任何依靠,也能攀上去,而且能稳稳当当地贴在那儿,绝不随风偏倒。”

"Shangguan is good at surviving in the cracks and getting things done without prepared conditions." The translator Xu Jianguo told me, "He is like a gecko on the wall without any rely on, but he can still climb up, sticking to the wall firmly, never tilted with the wind.”

据说,上官世盘还有一个特点:特能抗困!晚上加班熬夜,每当困得实在不行时,他便往墙角一站,两拳紧握,双目怒睁,1〇分钟内绝不眨眼,很快便额头冒汗, 困意全无。他说,干事业,这是基本功,得练！

It is said that there is another characteristic of Shangguan Shipan, that is, his ability to resist drowsiness! When working overtime till late at night and too sleepy to continue, he would stand in the corner of the wall and clenched his fists, with eyes wide opened, not blinking for 10 minutes. Soon his forehead was sweating and his sleepiness was gone. He said this was the basic skill to make achievements, and it had to repeated practice!

这个晚上,上官世盘刚刚练完“基本功”,便孤坐灯下,面壁苦思:中国的“长征三号”运载火箭怎么才能打入国际商业市场?

This evening, when Shangguan Shipan had just finished practicing the "basic skill," he sat alone under the lamp, facing the wall and pondering : How can China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket enter the international commercial market?

这个问题在六年后的今天看来,既合情又合理,可当时在有的人眼里,却是天方夜谭。

This question seems truly reasonable today, but it was considered as a fantasy six years ago.

上官世盘1936年生于福建,1958年毕业于厦门大学物理系。大学毕业后,他去了戈壁酒泉卫星发射基地,一直从事航区的测控工作。其间,他曾出任过高级技校的教师,如今这能说善辩的口オ,与那段当教师的经历有关。

Shangguan Shipan was born in Fujian Province in 1936 and graduated from the Physics Department of Xiamen University in 1958. After graduating from college, he went to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gobi Desert and has been engaged in the measurement and control of the navigation area. During that time, he once served as a teacher in an advanced technical school, which contributed to his eloquence.

从1958年至1990年,上官世盘在发射场摸爬滚打,一晃便是三十二年。三十二年来,上官世盘曾参加过中国第一枚导弹、第一颗人造卫星、第一颗返回式卫星、第一颗原子弹、第一颗氢弹、第一颗同步通信卫星等发射试验任务,同时还参加组织过“ 154”跟踪测量工程的研制工作和“远望号”测量船的研制、论证工作。

From 1958 to 1990, Shangguan Shipan spent 32 years at the launch site. In the past 30 years, Shangguan has participated in a number of launch tests, including tests of China's first missile, the first man-made satellite, the first recoverable satellite, the first atomic bomb, the first hydrogen bomb, the first synchronous communication satellite, etc. He has also organized and participated in the development of the tracking and measurement of "154 Project" as well as the development and demonstration of the "Yuanyang" oceangoing measuring fleet.

毫无疑问,积数十年发射场之经验,上官世盘对中国的航天技术水平以及发射队伍的现状是非常熟悉的,而且对这支队伍的过去、现在和未来也有着较为清晰的认识。

Undoubtedly, with rich experience accumulated for decades, Shangguan is very familiar with the level of China's aerospace technology and the status quo of the launch team, and has a clear understanding of the past, present and future of this team.

在采访过程中,当我问上官世盘,当时国防科工委和航天部为什么会想到要把中国火箭发射技术打入国际商业市场时,他坦率地谈了自己的看法。他说:

During the interview, when asked why the COSTIND and the Ministry of Aerospace Industry thought of introducing China's rocket launching technology into the international commercial market, he frankly talked about his own views. He said:

“第一,我觉得航天事业就应该有所开拓有所创新,而不能因循守旧,只走老路。当时,国防科工委的领导和我们不仅想到了这个问题的艰难,甚至还准备为此付出牺牲和代价,但中国的出路在于改革开放。一个人,ー个部门,如何在自己的行业里体现这一国策,是问题的根本。中国有一支过硬的航天技术队伍,已经具备了数套完整的发射、测控设施,并且又有’长征’系列火箭。因此,如果我们能将中国的航天技术打入国际商业市场,岂不正是改革开放的最好体现?虽然肯定是困难重重,但我们认为是完全可以做到的。

"Firstly, I think there should be something innovative rather than the only pursuit of the old way. At that time, the leaders of the COSTIND and we not only thought of the difficulty of this problem, but also prepared to sacrifice and pay for it. However, China's future lies in reform and opening up. The way a person or a department chooses to embody this national policy in his own industry is the root of the problem. China has an excellent team of aerospace technicians, boasting several complete sets of launching, TT & C facilities, and the 'Long March' rockets. Therefore, if we can introduce China's space technology into the international commercial market, it will be the best embodiment of the policy of reform and opening up. Despite the odds, we think it is completely achievable.

“第二,国防科工委在全国有几个承担着不同试验任务的基地,总的来看,每个基地的任务都不是很重。有的一年最多发射两颗卫星,这就使得几万人待在大戈壁或者大山沟,常年没有多少紧迫的事情要干。同时,航天部有一大批专家年纪都不小了,而年轻一代一时还未接上茬,如果再不采取有效措施,那老ー辈专家所开创的航天事业,很可能就再也无法发展下去了,甚至还有断送的可能。

"Secondly, the COSTIND has several bases throughout the country that undertake different experimental tasks. Generally speaking, the task of each base is not very heavy. Some launch up to two satellites a year, which makes tens of thousands of people to stay in the Gobi or remote gully, always having few urgent things to do. At the same time, a large number of experts in the Ministry of Aerospace Industry are getting old, while the younger generation has not yet taken over. If still no effective measures, the space industry pioneered by the older generation may no longer be able to develop, and even may be ruined.

“因此,中国的航天发射必然面临两种选择:ー是精简队伍,砍掉ー些基地,因为中国的航天队伍全靠国家财政支撑。如果不砍,国家很穷,像国防科エ委这样一支庞大的科技队伍,长久下去,靠什么来养活?如果砍,随之而来的问题是,航天发射的需要是多种多样的,从我国当前的现状和发展趋势来看,哪ー个基地也少不了。将来一有新的发射任务,技术力量没有保留下来,怎么办?而另一条路,就是打出去!利用我们航天技术的优势和余力,承揽国外发射任务,这样,既可以造福人类,为国家赚取外汇,还可以保存、锻炼、提高技术队伍,使中国的航天事业不断发展、壮大下去。

"Therefore, China's space launch has to choose between two: one is to streamline the team, cutting some bases, because China's space team depends entirely on the state financial support. If we don't do that, in our penurious years at that time, what would a huge scientific and technological team like the COSTIND rely on to sustain itself in the long run? If we do that, the problem becomes that, due to a variety of needs of space launches, each base is necessary based on the current situation and development trend of our country. What if there is a new launch mission in the future but the technology is not preserved? And the other choice is to open foreign markets! That is, taking advantages of our space technology so as to undertake foreign launches. In this way, it will not only benefit mankind and earn foreign exchange for our country, but also preserve, train and improve the technical team, so that China's space industry will continue to develop and grow.

“第三,国务院、中央军委一再提出要军转民,但国防科工委的发射队伍如何军转民?生产产品,对各基地来说,又不是根本的出路。如果光搞生产经营,小打小闹,急功近利,不仅没有出路,长久下去,还会削弱技术力量,甚至会拖垮这支队伍。但如果我们把航天技术打入国际市场,从这里杀出一条血路,便能从根本上实现军转民的问题。否则,火箭故乡的子孙们永远直不起腰杆。”

"Thirdly, the State Council and the Central Military Commission have repeatedly proposed to convert military facilities to civilian facilities, but how can the launch team of the COSTIND be converted? Merely producing, for those bases, is not the fundamental way out. If only engaging in the small-scale production and marketing and be eager for quick success and instant benefits, not only can we not find the way out, but we will also weaken our technological strength and even drag down this contingent in the long run. Conversely, if we enter the international market with space technology and fight a bloody road from here, we can fundamentally realize the problem of transforming the military facilities into the civilian facilities. Otherwise, the descendants of the rocket's hometown will never be able to stand up."

上官世盘说着,竟按捺不住地站了起来,在屋里踱起了步子。

As Shangguan Shipan spoke, he couldn't help but stand up and paced in the room.

望着上官世盘那ー副忧国忧民的面孔,我突然想起法国大作家雨果先生的话: “世界上最广阔的是海洋,比海洋更广阔的是天空,比天空更广阔的是人的胸怀。”

Looking at the concern for the country and the people written across his face, I suddenly remembered the words of the great French writer Hugo: “The vastest thing in the world is the ocean; but what is broader than the ocean is the sky, and what is broader than the sky is human's mind.”

是的,历史进入20世纪80年代后,中国究竟靠什么来重塑自己在国际舞台上的形象,这个问题如同肚子饿了就要吃饭ー样,早就摆在了我们的面前。

Yes, after the 1980s, the question of how China would reshape its image on the international stage has long been placed in front of us, just like we have to eat when hungry.

中国曾以“四大发明”闻名天下,也以“火箭的故乡”著称于世,但这些老本早就吃光了。中国的形象,无疑需要今天的火箭子孙们重新塑造。既然中国有了可以造福人类的“长征”系列火箭,当然应该让它走向世界。不然,总不能让它永远留在本国尘封的宫殿,去做祭奠“四大发明”的供品吧。

China was famous for its "four great inventions" and "the hometown of rockets," but these old funds have long been eaten up. The image of China undoubtedly needs to be reshaped by today's rockets. Since China has the "Long March" series of rockets that can benefit mankind, they should naturally be allowed to go to the world. After all, they can't just stay in the dusty palace in our country forever being a sacrifice for "the Four great inventions".

记得波尼亚托夫斯基在《变幻莫测的未来世界》ー书中说过:“生活的唯一答案,就是生存下去。所谓生存,就是思考和行动。”

M. Poniatowski once said in his book The Unpredictable Future: "The only answer to life is to survive. And the so-called survival, is to think and act."

看来,中国目前最需要的,正是“思考”和“行动”

It seems that what China needs most at present is "to think" and "to act."

蒙古大汉与陈老板

The Mongol Man and Boss Chen

英雄所见略同。

Great minds think alike.

几乎在同一个夜晚,国家科委主任宋健坐在灯下,扶着眼镜,认认真真地读着一封来自航天部的信。

Almost on the same night, Song Jian, the Director of the State Science and Technology Commission, sat under the lamp, holding his glasses and reading a letter from the Ministry of Aerospace Industry earnestly.

这封来信说:
The letter read:

利用“长征三号”运载火箭搞商业发射,把中国的航天技术打入国际商业市场,我们认为完全可能。

We believe that it is entirely possible to introduce China's space technology into the international commercial market by utilizing the "Long March 3" carrier rocket for commercial launch.

其理由是......

There are reasons...

宋健后来说,那天晚上他看完信后,心情久久不能平静。

Song Jian later said that after reading the letter that night, he could not calm down for a long time.

宋健曾是航天部副部长,让中国的火箭走向世界,也是他多年的梦想。因此, 他看完信后,想了想,又拿起信来看了看,而后オ将信慢慢展开,拿起笔来,在信的天头批道:

Song Jian was once the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Aerospace Industry, and it was his dream for long to let China's rockets into the world. Therefore, after he read the letter, he pondered, and read it again, and finally he unfolded the letter slowly and marked at the beginning of the letter:

我完全同意这个建议。希望你们为中国的火箭走向世界而努力奋斗!

I totally agree with the proposal. I hope you will work hard for China's rockets to go global!

写这封建议信的人,便是如今中国长城エ业公司的两位副总经理:乌可カ和陈寿椿。

It was Wu Keli and Chen Shouchun, two deputy general managers of China Great Wall Industrial Corporation, that wrote this letter of suggestion.

中国长城エ业公司,是一家全国性的具有法人资格、独立经营权的工贸结合、技贸结合的进出口贸易公司。自中国宣布进入国际商业发射市场起,长城エ业公司便成为中国政府批准的经营运载火箭发射服务、卫星合作业务的唯一机构。长城工业公司自成立以来,已同世界70多个国家和地区的公司、经济组织有着广泛的贸易合作关系。特别是中国“长征号”系列火箭进入国际市场以来,长城エ业公司已先后同五大洲几十家公司建立了业务联系,并签订了多项卫星发射及卫星搭载订座协议的合同,积极发展了与各国公司之间的经济贸易与友好合作,受到客户的赞誉。

China Great Wall Industry Corporation is a national import and export trading company with legal person status and independent management right, which combines industry and trade, technology and trade. Since China announced its entry into the international commercial launch market, the Great Wall Industrial Corporation has become the only organization approved by the Chinese government to operate launch vehicle launch services and satellite cooperation. Since its establishment, China Great Wall Industry Corporation has had extensive trade and its cooperation relations with companies and economic organizations in more than 70 countries and regions in the world. Especially since China's "Long March" series rockets entered the international market, Great Wall Industry Corporation has established business contacts with dozens of companies on five continents and signed a number of satellite launch and satellite boarding reservation agreements. The company has actively developed the economic trade and friendly cooperation with companies in various countries, winning high praises from customers.

1990年夏季一个炎热的上午,我在中国长城エ业公司见到了乌可カ先生。

On a sweltering summer morning of 1990, I met Mr. Wu Keli in China Great Wall Industry Corporation.

乌可力是成吉思汗的后裔。他的父亲,便是大名鼎鼎的乌兰夫。

Wu Keli is the descendant of Genghis Khan. His father is Wu Lanfu, who was very famous.

乌可カ原名“乌宾”。这是他刚刚来到这个世界时,父亲特意为他取下的名字。但当他考入哈军エ即中国人民解放军军事工程学院后,便自作主张,将名字改成了“乌可カ”。“乌可カ”在蒙语中,就是“牛”的意思。

Wu Keli's original name is "Wu Bin", which his father chose for him as he just came to the world. However, when he was admitted to the PLA Military Institute of Engineering, he changed his name to "Wu Keli" on his own initiative. In Mongolian, "Wu Keli" means "cattle".

乌可力的确像头牛,高大的个子,粗壮的身板,宽阔的胸脯如同一堵厚实的墙。我俩会面这天,他穿一件花格子短衬衫,满头白发,两眼有神,乍一望去,颇像一位来自欧洲的大商人。尤其是嘴唇上方那撮贺龙式小胡子,既潇洒漂亮,又显出几分刚毅与傲气。

He was really like a bull, tall, stout, with a broad chest like a thick wall. On the day we met, he wore a plaid blouse, with grey hair and bright eyes. At first glance, he looked like a rich businessman from Europe. His He Long-style mustache above the lips was both natural and beautiful, showing a bit of perseverance and an air of arrogance.

“这胡子还是贺老总让我留的呢!”说到胡子,乌可カ伸出胖胖的指头理了理, 眼里竟闪烁着泪花。

"It was Mr. He who let me grow a beard!" When speaking of the mustache, Wu Keli trimmed it with his chubby fingers, tears flickering in his eyes.

那时,乌可カ还是一名二十来岁的大学生。一次,贺龙到他家里看望他父亲, 他刚打开门,贺老总当胸就给他ー拳,说:“小子,你这胡子长得不错啊!”

At that time, Wu Keli was still a college student in his twenties. Once, He Long came to Wu’s house to visit his father. As soon as Wu opened the door, Mr. He punched him and said, "Boy, you do have a nice beard!"

乌可力望着贺龙的胡子,说:“贺伯伯,不错是不错,可您是老总,是国家元帅, 胡子想怎么留就怎么留,而我还是个学生娃娃,学校不让我留胡子!”

Looking at He Long's beard, Wu Keli said, “Uncle He, thank you for your praise. You can grow beards as you like because you're a boss as well as a marshal. But I'm a student. I'm not allowed to grow a beard in school!"

“是吗?这好办!”贺龙理了理自己的胡子,说,“你回去告诉学校的头儿,你的胡子就这么留定了,就说是我贺龙批准的！”

"Really? That's easy to solve!" He Long trimmed his beard and said," Go back and tell the headmaster that you are allowed to do this by me, He Long!"

“这太好了,贺伯伯！”乌可カ欢呼着,转身拿起一块西瓜,一下塞进贺龙的嘴里。

"That's great, Uncle He!" Wu Keli cheered, turned around, pick up a piece of watermelon and stuff it into He Long's mouth.

乌可力的胡子,便这么留下来了。

That's how Wu Keli grew his beard.

后来,有人见他这撮胡子长得实在太漂亮了,而且很像贺龙的胡子,便给他的胡子取了个绰号一贺龙式小胡子。

Later, someone saw that his beard was really beautiful and looked very much like He Long's beard, so they gave it a nickname -- the beard in He Long's style.

据说,近几年来他总喜欢对着镜子抚摸自己的胡子;每当抚摸着胡子时,他总会想起贺老总,想起新中国一大批老元帅。

It is said that in recent years, he always likes touching his beard in the front of a mirror; every time he touches it, he would recall the boss He, and a number of veteran marshals in new China.

1940年,乌可力告别内蒙古大草原,随父亲去了延安,并在延安度过了半军事化的少年时代。在延安上小学时,乌可力就是有名的“乌大胆”。有一次,他独自一人,挽起裤腿瞠延河水〇不料,他刚ー下水,上游的洪水便ー个劲儿地猛涨,眼看就要奔泻而下！就在这时,一匹骏马沿着河岸向他飞奔而来。马上的汉子跳下马背,几步瞠进河里,一把便将他抱回岸上。等他脱下裤子,撩了一把河水,回头一看,这人竟是周恩来伯伯！

In 1940, Wu Keli bid farewell to the Inner Mongolia prairie, went to Yan 'an with his father, and spent a semi-militarized boyhood there. When he was in primary school in Yan 'an, Wu Keli was famous as " Daredevil Wu." Once, he was rolling up his trousers and extending the river alone. Unexpectedly, as soon as he stepped into the water, the flood upstream surged fiercely and was about to rush down! At this moment, a steed galloped towards him along the river bank. The man jumped off the horse, stepped into the river within few steps and carried him back to the bank quickly. When he took off his pants and pulled a handful of the river, he looked back, only to find the man was Uncle Zhou Enlai!

还有一次,他和一群小同学正在路边“打仗”,忽见ー辆美式嘎斯正朝他们这边开来。他急忙领着小伙伴们冲上前去,往路中央ー站,手中的“枪”ー举,大喊ー声:“停车！什么人?”车乖乖地停下了,随后从车上走下一位高大魁伟的人来,双手高高举起,脸上却露着慈祥的微笑。他定睛ー看,原来是毛主席！他一下便扑了过去,欢快地叫着:“毛伯伯!毛伯伯!快给我们讲个打仗的故事吧!”

On another occasion, when he was playing with his classmates on the side of the road, an American style gas suddenly came towards them . He quickly led his companions forward and headed towards the center of the road, holding up his "gun" and shouting loudly, "Stop! Who are you?" The car stopped as asked, and then a tall and burly person walked out of the car, raising his hands high with a kind smile on his face. After a closer look, he found it was Chairman Mao! He pounced on him immediately and exclaimed joyfully, "Uncle Mao! Uncle Mao! Tell us a story about the war!"

乌可カ天资聪明,加之后天环境的影响,刚满十三岁,便被选去当了电报员和骑兵通讯员。在哈军工学习期间,他和科研小组的同学一起,研究成功了人工降雨火箭;而他自己研制的耐高温材料,还获得了国家专利。大学毕业后,他去国防科技大学深造了五年的空气动力学,接着就搞起了飞机设计。

Due to his extraordinary talent and the influence of the acquired environment, Wu Keli was chosen to be a telegraph operator and cavalry correspondent when he just turned thirteen years old. During his study in PLA Military Institute of Engineering, he and the students of the scientific research team successfully studied the rocket for artificial rainfall. And the high-temperature resistant materials he developed himself also won national patents. After graduating from college, he went to the National University of Defense Technology to study aerodynamics for five years, and then started to design aircraft.

但是,父亲的权位并未给乌可力的人生道路铺上鲜花,反而一度带给他的是厄运！

However, his father's position of power did not pave the way for Wu Keli's life, but always brought him bad luck!

1967年,乌可カ因受父亲的牵连,银铛入狱。

In 1967, Wu Keli was imprisoned for being incriminated by his father.

然而四年的监狱生活,并未折断乌可カ鹰一般的翅膀,反而铸就了他ー颗蒙古大汉的雄心。在蹲监狱的日子里,每当夜深人静之时,他常常凭窗眺望,ー颗孤独的心,便会随着先祖成吉思汗的铁蹄,在辽阔的内蒙古草原自由狂奔;而每次他被发配去埋死人时,则会想到另ー个问题:ー个没死的人,该为自己的祖国干点什么呢?

Nevertheless, the four-year prison life did not break the wings of his eagle, but forged his ambition as a Mongolian man. In the days of prison, he often looked out from the window in every still night. His lonely heart, then, would run freely in the vast Inner Mongolia grassland with the iron hooves of the ancestor Genghis Khan; And every time he was sent to bury the dead, he would think of another question: What should a living man do for his motherland?

1982年,他调到航天部担任科技预研局副局长。其间,他对中国和世界航天的局势,做了透彻的分析和科学的预测。所以当1984年4月8日“长征三号”火箭发射成功后,他和陈寿椿、黄作义等人,很快便想到了如何把“长征三号”运载火箭打入国际商业市场的问题。

In 1982, he was transferred to the Ministry of Aerospace Industry as deputy director of the Science and Technology Advanced Research Bureau. During his term of office, he made a thorough analysis and scientific prediction of the situation of China and the world space industry. Therefore, when the "Long March 3" rocket was successfully launched on April 8, 1984, Wu Keli, Chen Shouchun, Huang Zuoyi and others quickly knew how to enter the international commercial market with the "Long March 3" carrier rocket.

陈寿椿是这次发射“亚洲一号”卫星的新闻人物。他的同事和部下都称他为 “陈老总”；但外国朋友还有港商,则习惯叫他“陈老板”。

Chen Shouchun was the news figure of the launch of the "Asia-1" satellite. His colleagues and subordinates all called him "Chief Chen"; but other foreign friends and Hong Kong businessmen preferred to call him "Boss Chen".

我在西昌卫星发射场见到了陈老板。陈老板很忙,忙得不可开交。凡是去了西昌卫星发射场的记者都想找他,但几乎都没找到他。

I met Mr. Chen at the Xichang Satellite Launch Site. Chen was so busy that no reporter who went to the Xichang Satellite Launch Site could find him.

一天傍晚,我趁他刚刚放下碗筷的时候堵住了他。这是一位用ー个脑袋可以同时思考三个问题的人物。ー进他的房间,他用下巴夹住电话筒,ー边给北京打着电话,ー边复印着文件,ー边不时看看复印的效果;同时怕冷落了我,还总是抓住点滴间隙,与我天南海北,侃侃而谈。

One evening, I stopped him when he had just finished his dinner. This was a person who could think over three questions at the same time. Hardly had he entered his room, when he talked with someone in Beijing, the telephone receiver just clamped with his chin; simultaneously, he copied documents, and checked the copies from time to time. Also, to avoid ignoring me, he seized every spare time to talk with me, freely and fluently.

陈老板戴ー副眼镜,穿一件棕色夹克衫,说话办事,都是“短平快”,ー看便是个爽快利落、性情急躁的人。而且不用多问,听口音便可断定是个地道的广东人。

He was wearing a pair of glasses and a brown jacket, and he always talked and acted outright. His look has already revealed his straightforwardness and impatience. And needless to ask more, you could conclude that he was a real Cantonese just from his accent.

陈寿椿1960年毕业于苏联莫斯科机械工程学院。回国后,曾担任过“长征一号”火箭的主任设计师,在航天部总体设计部整整干了两个七年。陈寿椿胸怀大志,加上南方人天生就有一个会做生意的脑袋,所以他最终还是舍弃了设计师的宝座,当上了推销中国火箭的大老板。

Chen Shouchun graduated from the Moscow Institute of Mechanical Engineering in 1960. After returning to China, he served as the chief designer of the "Long March 1" rocket and worked in the overall design department of the Ministry of Aerospace for fourteen years. Entertaining a great ambition and born with a business mind as a southerner, he finally abandoned the designer's throne and became a big boss of selling Chinese rockets.

乌可力和陈寿椿等人的建议,得到了航天部领导的大力支持。

The suggestions of Wu Keli, Chen Shouchun and others have received strong support from the leaders of the Ministry of Aerospace Industry.

1984年4月下旬的某个晚上,航天部部长李绪鄂和原副部长刘纪原专门召集乌可力等人谈话,具体讨论了中国航天技术打入国际市场的有关问题;并指示乌可カ全力以赴,负责开展“长征三号”火箭打入国际市场的工作。

One night in late April 1984, the Minister Li Xue and former Deputy Minister Liu Jiyuan of the Ministry of Aerospace Industry specially called on Wu Keli and others to have a talk. On the one hand, they specifically discussed issues related to China's space technology's entry into the international market; on the other hand, they instructed him to make every effort to carry out the launching the "Long March 3" rocket into the international market.

接着,航天部拨款20万元人民币,组织成立了以乌可カ、陈寿椿、黄作义为首的“航天开发十人小组”,开始了中国空间技术走向世界的早期活动。

Subsequently, the Ministry of Aerospace Industry allocated 200,000 yuan to organize the establishment of a "Ten-Member Team for Aerospace Development" headed by Wu Keli, Chen Shouchun and Huang Zuoyi, which began the early activities of China's space technology to the world.

六、序幕在戴高乐机场拉开

Ⅵ. The Prologue at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

1984年底,ー份关于把中国“长征三号”运载火箭打入国际商业市场的正式报告,摆在了国防科エ委领导的办公桌上。

At the end of 1984, a formal report on the entry of China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket into the international commercial market was placed on the desk of the leader of the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (COSTIND).

这份报告,既体现了国防科工委和航天部决策者们的远见卓识,又表达了航天战线一大批科技精英希望早日把中国火箭打入国际商业市场的美好愿望。

The report not only reflected the farsightedness of the decision-makers of the COSTIND and the Ministry of Aviation Industry, but also embodied the good wish of a large number of scientific and technological elites in the aerospace field to bring China's rockets into the international commercial market as soon as possible.

此报告受到了国防科エ委领导的高度重视。根据国防科工委的指示,张敏参谋长很快组织航天部、西昌卫星发射基地、西安测控中心、洛阳测量通信所和科エ委有关部、局负责人,对报告进行了充分的讨论与研究。

This report was highly valued by the leaders of the COSTIND. In accordance with the instructions of the COSTIND, the Chief of Staff Zhang Min soon organized relevant personnel and units to have a full discussuion and study of the report, including the XSLC, Xi'an Satellite Control Center, Luoyang Measurement and Communication Institute, and personnels of relevant departments and bureaus of the COSTIND.

同时,国防科エ委领导还向张爱萍将军做了汇报。

Besides, the leaders of the COSTIND also made a report to General Zhang Aiping.

张爱萍将军听了后,兴奋不已,竟激动地从藤椅上一下站了起来,用手中的黄藤手杖连连戳着地面说:“好!让中国的火箭走向世界,是壮国威、壮军威的大事, 一定要想方设法尽快干成。我们既然有了这个能力,就要敢于竞争,敢于向世界挑战,而绝不能落于人后,更不能受制于人!”

Hearing this, the general was so thrilled that he stood up suddenly from the cany chair, continuously poking at the ground with the yellow cany cane in his hands, saying: "Great! It's a major event to let China's rocket go to the world, which strengthens the national and military power. We must try to make it as soon as possible. Now that we have the strength, we must dare to compete and challenge the world. We must not fall behind other countries, still less be controlled by other countries!"

接着,国防科工委和航天部的领导又向中央军委和国务院有关领导专门做了一次口头汇报。

Then, the leadres of the COSTIND and the Ministry of Aviation Industry specially made a oral report to the relevant leaders of the CMC and the State Council.

中央军委和国务院有关领导听完汇报后,对此表示了极大的兴趣,并对这ー设想给予了充分的肯定与鼓励。国务院领导最后还指示说:“希望科工委回去后抓紧这ー工作,尽快拿出具体的方案和意见来。”

After listening to the report, the leaders showed great interest in it and gave full affirmation and encouragement to this assumption. The leader of The State Council finally instructed, "I hope that the Commission will pay close attention to this work and give us specific plans and opinions as soon as possible."

于是,1985年4月2日,国防科工委在国防部大院五楼会议室,召开了关于 “长征三号”运载火箭发射外国卫星可行性的论证会。

Therefore, on April 2,1985, the COSTIND held a meeting on the fifth floor of the Ministry of National Defense, which was on the feasibility of launching foreign satellites with the Long March-3 carrier rocket in the conference room.

会议认为,航天作为ー个产业,在国际上正处于开发的初始阶段。航天发射获利非常之大,仅运载火箭,欧美每年获利都达5亿美元。目前欧美正为航天技术商业化进行激烈的竞争,苏联也在积极探索如何参与这ー竞争。从中国航天的现状来看,中国是世界上同时拥有运载火箭和卫星测控网的国家之一。为了开发航天产业,进入国际市场;为了开展国际合作,加速提高航天技术水平;为了促进四化建设,增辟一条新的财源,中国应该让自己的航天技术打入国际市场。

The attendees held that aerospace, as an industry, was in the initial stage of its international development. Space launches always brought huge benefits. The United States and Europe earned $500 million a year from launch vehicles alone. At present, Europe and the United States were competing fiercely for the commercialization of space technology, and the Soviet Union was also active in exploring how to participate in this competition. Taking the current situation of China's aerospace industry into consideration, China was one of the countries in the world that had both carrier rockets and the satellite tracking and control network. In order to develop the aerospace industry and enter the international market; to prompt international cooperation and accelerate the improvement of space technology; to promote informatization, socialization, marketization, and internationalization, and to create a new source of financial resources, China should let its own space technology enter the international market.

国防科工委主任丁衡高说:“这个工作是一定要干的,否则将来就很被动。中国的航天,就是要在国际竞争中求发展。只要第一次打开了局面,今后的路就会越走越宽。”

Ding Henggao, the director of the COSTIND, said: "This work must be done, otherwise we will be very passive in the future. China's space industry is destined to grow in international competitions. As long as we take the first step, the road ahead will become wider and wider."

国防科工委副主任沈荣骏也说:“发射外国卫星,这是我们前人从未干过的事业,肯定会遇到不少困难和阻カ,甚至还要冒风险,但我们首先要树立起雄心,要有敢于开拓、敢于创新的精神。只要我们下决心脚踏实地地去干,终归能把事情干成。因为这不仅仅是国防科工委的一件大事,也是整个中华民族的一件大事! 一旦做成,就会改变中国在世界的形象,同时也会在历史上留下深远的影响。”

Shen Rongjun, the deputy director of the COSTIND, also marked: "launching a foreign satellite is something that our predecessors have never done before, and we will certainly encounter many difficulties and obstacles, and even take risks. But first of all, we must set up ambition and have the spirit of daring to strike out and to innovate. As long as we make up our mind to do it down to earth, we will make it in the end. This is not only a major event of the COSTIND, but also a major event of the whole Chinese nation! Once it is achieved, it will change China's image in the world and at the same time leave a far-reaching impact in history."

1985年6月,国际航空航天展览会在巴黎举行。

这是一次规模空前的盛会,近100个国家的代表,200多名各国记者,纷纷聚会法国首都巴黎。

中国,这个火箭的故乡,有史以来第一次将自己的火箭、卫星等高科技产品送到国际航展会上。

而中国代表团的团长,正是乌可カ。

In June 1985, the International Aerospace Exhibition was held in Paris.

At this unprecedented event, representatives from nearly 100 countries, more than 200 journalists from all over the world, gathered in Paris, the capital of France.

China, the hometown of rockets, showed its own rockets, satellites and other high-tech products at an international air exhibition for the first time.

The head of the Chinese delegation was Wu Keli.

那天,航展会开幕仪式在戴高乐机场隆重举行。当五星红旗第一次在巴黎上空徐徐升起时,乌可力和代表团的所有成员,全都忍不住流下了自豪的热泪……

That day, the opening ceremony of the air exhibition was grandly held at Charles de Gaulle Airport. When the five-star red flag rose slowly in Paris for the first time, Wu Keli and all the members of the delegation could not help but shed tears of pride.

是啊,巴黎既是一座英雄的城市,又是革命的摇篮。它不仅孕育了法兰西民族灿烂的文明,还对中国的一代革命家产生过深远的影响。当年,周恩来、朱德、邓小平、聂荣臻、李富春、陈毅、蔡和森、王若飞、徐特立等一大批中国留学生,曾抱着研究马克思主义真理,寻找改造中国出路和“科学救国”的思想,漂洋过海,来到巴黎,勤工俭学。岁月匆匆,往事如烟。而今半个多世纪过去了,经几代中国人的不懈奋斗,终于有了代表中国实力的“长征三号”运载火箭和同步通信卫星,并有机会展示在世人的面前。这实在是一件令人欣喜、令人自豪的事情。

Surely, Paris is both a city of heroes and a cradle of revolution. It not only gave birth to the splendid civilization of the French nation, but also had a profound impact on a generation of Chinese revolutionaries. In those days, a large number of Chinese overseas students, including Zhou Enlai, Zhu De, Deng Xiaoping, Nie Rongzhen, Li Fuchun, Chen Yi, Cai Hesen, Wang Ruofei, Xu Teli, etc., who entertain the ideal of studying Marxist truth to seek for a way to transform China and "save the country through science," traveled across the sea to Paris, working their ways through college. Time flies; past events have faded like a puff of smoke. Now more than half a century has passed, after several generations of Chinese people's unremitting struggle, finally the "Long March 3" carrier rocket and synchronous communication satellite came out, which represented China's strength, and were displayed in front of the world. This was really an exciting and proud event.

而作为火箭故乡的子孙,乌可力更不会忘记:ー个世纪前,美国在费城举办某科技成果博览会时,美国送展的是第一代发电机和莫尔斯的发报机;英国送展的是瓦特发明的蒸汽机;而中国送展的,却是一双小脚女人的绣花鞋和ー只手工制作的挖耳勺!而今天,中国向世界展示的,是世界高科技的先进成果一同步通信卫星和“长征三号”火箭!

As a descendant of the rocket's hometown, there was something Wu Keli would never forget. A century ago, at an exhibition held by the United states on scientific and technological achievements in Philadelphia, the United States presented the first-generation generator and the transmitter invented by Morse. Britain presented the steam engine invented by Wattt. But what China presented to the exhibition were a pair of embroidered shoes for a feet-bound woman and a handmade ear digging spoon! Today, however, what China was showing the world is the world's advanced high-tech achievements--a synchronous communication satellite and the "Long March 3" rocket!

因此,当乌可カ站在飘扬的国旗下,不停地抚摸着自己那撮骄傲的贺龙式小胡子时,内心涌动着的是ー股奔腾不息的滚滚热流……700多年前,他的先祖成吉思汗率领铁骑横跨欧亚大陆,用武力将中国的古代火箭传入欧洲;700多年后的今天,他这个成吉思汗的子孙,却在鲜花与笑脸中将中国的现代火箭带出国门,让欧洲人再一次目睹了中国火箭的风采。

Therefore, when Wu Keli stood under the fluttering national flag and kept stroking his He Long-style mustache he was pround of, his felt a surging heat flow running through his heart. More than 700 years ago, his ancestor Genghis Khan led his cavalry across Eurasia and introduced ancient Chinese rockets into Europe by force. Over 700 years later, now, he, a descendant of Genghis Khan, brought China's modern rockets abroad with flowers and smiling faces, and let Europeans once again witness the elegant demeanour of Chinese rockets.

这难道是历史的巧合吗?

Is this a coincidence of history?

开幕式结束的第二天,乌可カ便在戴高乐机场附近的一家私人餐厅举行了新闻发布会。

他站在餐厅的中央,西装革履,风度翩翩,来自世界各国的200多名记者将他围了个水泄不通。当他大声宣布中国的“长征三号”火箭将投入国际商业发射市场时,全场报以热烈的掌声。

新闻发布会从下午1点进行到4点,他回答了记者们100多个提问。

On the second day after the opening ceremony, Wukeli held a press conference at a private restaurant near Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Dressed in a suit and shoes, he stood in the center of the restaurant with a graceful demeanor, surrounded by over 200 journalists from all over the world. When he loudly announced that China's "Long March 3" rocket will access to the international commercial launch market, the audience responded with warm applause.

The press conference lasted from 1 to 4 p. m., and he answered more than 100 questions from reporters.

新闻发布会的召开,让中国的火箭在展览会上一开始便掀起一个高潮。第二天,法国各家报纸纷纷报道了这ー消息,而乌可力的照片也出现在《巴黎日报》头版头条的位置上,照片上那一撮贺龙式的小胡子,更是格外引人注目。

The press conference made China's rockets set off a climax at the beginning of the exhibition. The next day, French newspapers reported the news one after another, and the photo of Wu Keli also appeared on the front page of Paris Daily, and his He Long-style beared in the photo was particularly eye-catching.

一天傍晚,乌可力和王若飞之子王兴先生走进一家法籍华人开的饭馆。二人刚一落座,老板和服务生便围了过来,指着乌可カ问:“您就是乌先生吧?”

One evening, Wu Keli and Wang Xing, the son of Wang Ruofei, walked into a restaurant owned by a French Chinese. As soon as the they sat down, the owner and the waiters came around, pointing to Wu Keli, and asked: "Are you Mr. Wu?"

乌可力有些莫名其妙:“是啊!你们怎么知道?”

Wu Keli answered with a little confusion, "Yes, I am! But how do you know that?"

老板说:“哎呀,您的照片我们在报上都看见了。你们来巴黎宣传中国的火箭, 我们太高兴了 !过去,不仅外国人不知道我们中国有火箭、卫星,就连我们这些中国人都不知道呢。今天这顿饭,算我请客了!”

The restanrant owner said, "Oh, Sir, we have seen your photo in the newspaper. We are so happy that you came to Paris to promote China's rockets! In the past, not only did foreigners not know that China had rockets and satellites, but even we Chinese did not know it. Today this meal, it's my treat!"

说完,老板亲手做了几个中国菜,还拿出两瓶世界名酒,免费请他俩吃了一顿。

After that, he took out two bottles of world-known wine and treated them to a free meal.

航展会期间,国务院副总理李鹏外访途经巴黎。乌可カ得知后,忙跑到中国驻法大使馆,找到李鹏,向他汇报了中国这次参加国际航展的情况,以及在世界各国产生的影响,希望他能到航展会上看ー看。

During the exhibition, the Vice Premier Li Peng stopped off in Paris on his way to overseas visits. Knowing this, Wu Keli hurriedly ran to the Chinese Embassy in France, where he found Li Peng and reported to him on China's participation in the international air show as well as its influence on other countries in the world. He hoped that Li Peng could take a look at the air show.

听了乌可力的介绍,李鹏异常兴奋。据乌可カ后来说,李鹏在窗前站了片刻, ォ重新坐回沙发上,向乌可カ问起有关中国火箭打入国际商业市场的进展情况。最后,李鹏表示:明天一定去国际航空航天展览会看看!

Li Peng was extremely excited after hearing Wu keli's introduction. Wu Keli later told us, Li Peng stood by the window for a moment before sitting back on the sofa and asked him about the progress of the Chinese rocket's entery into the international commercial market. At last, Li Peng promised that he would definitely go to the exhibition tomorrow!

第二天,李鹏忙里偷闲,来到国际航空航天展览会现场。在乌可カ的陪同下, 李鹏认真观看了中国参展的火箭和卫星。ー边看,还ー边详细询问了有关情况。当他亲眼看见世界各国的同行纷纷拥向中国展厅并不时发出由衷的赞叹时,高兴得不停地晃动着右臂;特别是当他看到不少白发苍苍的华侨ー边看着中国的火箭、卫星,ー边擦拭着热泪时,更是激动难抑。

The next day, Li Peng took a break from his busy work and came to the scene of the air show. Accompanied by Wu Keli, Li Peng carefully watched the rockets and satellites China had exhibited. While watching, Li Peng asked about the situation in detail. As he saw with his own eyes that his counterparts from all over the world were crowding the exhibition hall of China and occasionally expressed heartfelt admiration, he was so happy that he kept shaking his right arm, especially when he saw many white-haired overseas chinese wiping away their tears while looking at China's rockets and satellites, he could not contain his excitement. However, when Li Peng noticed that the exhibition halls of the United States, France, Japan, the Soviet Union and other countries were luxurious and magnificent, while the exhibition hall of China was pitifully small, he was silent.

但是,当李鹏看到美国、法国、日本、苏联等国的展厅又豪华又气派,而中国的展厅却小得可怜时,却沉默了。

片刻,李鹏问乌可力:“你这展厅的面积有多大?”

乌可カ有些不好意思地回答说:“18平方米。”

“怎么不搞大一点,气派一点?”李鹏说。

乌可カ无可奈何地摇了摇头,笑了:“没钱!”

李鹏:“没钱?”

After a while, Li Peng asked Wu Keli,"What's the size of this exhibition hall?"

"18 square meters," answered Wu Keli with a little akwardness.

"Why not make it bigger and grander? "Li Peng asked.

He shook his head helplessly and smiled, "We have no enough money!"

Li Peng repeated, "No enough money?"

“对。就是这个展厅的资金,也是想方设法,好不容易オ凑的。”乌可カ说, “当然了,中国的’长征’系列火箭和同步通信卫星是第一次在全世界面前亮相,我们心里都没底。怕一下搞大了,万一人家不来看,不买账,到时就很难下台了。”

“Yes. Even the funds for this exhibition hall were also managed to raise with great difficulty," Wu Keli said, "And, this is the first time that China's 'Long March' rockets and geostationary communication satellites have been unveiled in the world, so we had nothing to learn from. We were afraid that if we had made a bigger one, it would be a bit embarrassing with few people coming to see."

“没关系,可以再搞大一点,再搞气派一点嘛!”李鹏说,“要知道,这代表的是我们中国的形象!”

"That doesn't matter. We can definitely make it bigger and grander!" said Li Peng. "You know, this embodies the image of China!"

有了李鹏副总理的尚方宝剑,乌可カ很快就把中国参加航展的面积,由18平方米变成了81平方米。

With the reassurance given by Vice Premier Li Peng, WuKeli soon expanded the area of China's exhibition hall from 18 square meters to 81 square meters.

于是,中国航展的影响越来越大。许多外国朋友看了中国的展品后说:“过去, 我们只知道中国有原子弹、氢弹,没想到中国还有’长征’系列火箭、返回式卫星、同步通信卫星。而且,还有像’长征三号’这样的世界第一流的火箭!”

As a result, the impact of China's air shows became increasingly significant. After seeing the exhibits from China, many foreign friends said, "In the past, we only knew that China had atomic bombs and hydrogen bombs. We didn't expect that China also had the 'Long March' rockets, recoverable satellites and synchronous communication satellites. Moreover, there are such world-class rockets as the 'Long March 3'!"

巴黎航展,拉开了中国空间技术走向世界的序幕。

It was the Paris Air Show that kicked off the prelude to China's space technology going to the world.

巴黎航展结束不久,即1985年6月,由苏联、美国、日本、澳大利亚等国联合举办的国际空间技术会在日内瓦举行。就在这个会上,陈寿椿代表中国代表团,作了关于《中国向外国提供发射服务可能性》的报告,并向世界正式宣布:“长征三号” 火箭发射服务的价格,将比国际市场同类低15% 〇因为中国并不借此谋取高利润,同时也因为中国的原材料和劳动カ比较便宜。

此报告在会上引起各国代表的强烈反响。会议主持人当即在会上郑重宣布: 没有中国参加的空间会议,是不完整的。

Shortly after the end of the Paris Air Show, that is, in June 1985, the International Space Technology Conference jointly organized by the Soviet Union, the United States, Japan, Australia and other countries was held in Geneva. At the meeting, Chen Shouchun, on behalf of the Chinese delegation, made a report on "China's Possibility of Providing Launch Services to Foreign Countries" and officially announced to the world that the price of the "Long March 3" rocket launch service would be 15% lower than that of the same kind in the international market. That because, for one thing, China did not intend to gain high profits through this; for another, China's raw materials and labor were relatively cheap.

This report aroused strong reactions from the representatives of various countries at the meeting. The meeting host immediately solemnly announced: the space technology conference without China was incomplete.

同年1〇月,中国又一次将一颗科学探测卫星和技术试验卫星发射成功。国防科工委副主任沈荣骏及时组织有关人士召开会议,认为面对急剧变革的世界形势, 中国再也不能沉默了,中国航天,到了必须做出选择的时候。

In October of the same year, China once again successfully launched a scientific exploration satellite and a technical test satellite. Shen Rongjin, Deputy Director of the COSTIND, promptly organized relevant personnel to have a meeting. He believed that in the face of the rapidly changing world situation, China could no longer remain silent. It was high time that China's aerospace industry had had to make a choice.

于是,10月27日,由航天部部长李绪鄂以答新华社记者问的形式,正式向世界庄严宣布:

中国自行研制的“长征二号”和“长征三号”运载火箭将投入国际市场,以优惠价格承揽国外卫星发射业务,并负责培训技术人员;而且,中国人民保险公司愿意以国际市场的优惠价格,为要求发射卫星的外商承担经济保险。

Therefore, on October 27, Li Xue, Minister of the Ministry of Aviation Industry, formally and solemnly announced to the world in the form of answering questions from Xinhua News Agency reporters:

The "Long March 2" and "Long March 3" carrier rockets developed by China would be put into the international market, and foreign satellite launching services would be contracted at preferential prices, and technical personnel would be trained; In addition, the People's Insurance Company of China was willing to provide economic insurance for foreign investors who requested to launch satellites at preferential prices in the international market.

这是ー个民族的心声;

也是ー个民族的胸怀;

更是ー个民族的气魄!

This was the voice of a nation;

This was the breadth of vision of a nation;

This was also the spirit of a nation!

中国,这个火箭的故乡,走过了几千年蒙昧苦难的岁月,今天终于敞开空间技术的大门,面对挑战的世界,第一次举起了火箭的旗帜。

China, the hometown of rockets, has gone through thousands of years of ignorance and suffering. Today, it has finally opened the door to space technology and raised the banner of rockets for the first time in the face of a challenging world.

七、天时·地利·人和

Ⅶ. Favourable Timing, Geographical and Human Conditions

中国火箭承揽外国卫星发射业务的消息刚一宣布,一股强大的“中国火箭热”很快蔓延全球。

As soon as the news that China's rocket contracted foreign satellite launch business was announced, a powerful "Chinese rocket fever" quickly spread around the world.

于是,机遇的脚步,随之向着中国走来;公正的阳光,开始照在了中国这片文明古国的大地上。

Therefore, the steps of opportunities, then, was coming towards China; the sunshine of justice began to shine on the land the ancient civilization.

而恰在这时,美国、法国的航天发射连连惨败。世界航天局势,陡然间发生了戏剧性的变化。

At this moment, the launches done by the United States and France suffered consecutive disastrous failures. Dramatic changes took place suddenly in the world aerospace situation.

1986年1月28日上午,数以万计的美国人拥挤在美国肯尼迪航天发射中心,等待观看人类历史上最壮美的一次飞行。

On the morning of January 28th, 1986, tens of thousands of Americans crowded at Kennedy Space Launch Center, waiting to watch the most magnificent flight in human history.

随着一声隆隆的巨响,一个庞然大物在滚滚烈焰中,徐徐升向天空。

With a loud rumbling noise, a colossus slowly rising into the sky in the roaring flame.

然而,当这个庞然大物升空后仅73秒钟突然一声闷雷般的巨响,成千上万的碎片在火光和烟雾中拖着熊熊的火焰,纷纷撒向离发射点10公里的太平洋,前后持续时间竟达1个小时之久。

However, only 73 seconds after the launch of the giant, with a sudden noise sounding like muffled thunder, tens of thousands of debris, in the fire and smoke dragged flames, were scattered to the Pacific Ocean 10 kilometers from the launch site, which lasted for one hour unfortunately.

这就是人类载人航天史上最悲惨的一幕:美国“挑战者号”航天飞机大爆炸!

It is the most tragic scene in the history of manned space flight that the Space Shuttle "Challenger" developed by the US exploded!

“挑战者号”大爆炸,震动了白宫。布什副总统即刻赶赴发射场,慰问遇难者家属。当天下午和晚上,里根总统向全国发表广播、电视讲话,赞扬7名宇航员是航天事业中的先锋和英雄,并强调美国将继续探索太空。两天后,里根总统还亲自出席了在休斯敦约翰逊航天中心举行的万人追悼大会。

The explosion shook the White House. Vice President Bush immediately rushed to the launch site to express condolences to the families of the victims. From that afternoon to night, in a broadcasted and televised address to the nation, President Reagan praised the seven astronauts as pioneers and heroes in the space industry and stressed that the United States will continue to explore space. Two days later, President Reagan personally attended the 10,000-person memorial meeting at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

两个多月后,即4月18日,美国“大力神--34D”火箭在美国范登堡空军基地携带一颗价值5000万美元的军事侦察卫星发射升空,不料几秒钟后随即爆炸。这是“大力神--34D”（以下简称“大力神”）火箭继1985年8月28日爆炸后的第二次爆炸。

More than two months later, on April 18, the US-developed "Titan-34D" rocket was launched in Vandenberg Air Force Base carrying a military reconnaissance satellite worth $50 million, only to be seen explode a few seconds later. This was the second explosion of the Titan-34D rocket, following the first on August 28, 1985.

5月3日,美国用“德尔塔”火箭发射一颗气象卫星,因火箭发动机故障而失去控制,升空后仅91秒便被地面指令炸毁。

On May 3, the United States had launched a weather satellite with a Delta rocket, but it was destroyed by ground instructions only 91 seconds after liftoff, due to the engine failure and its loss of control.

接着,在5月31日,法国“阿里亚娜”火箭继1985年第15次飞行爆炸后,在第 18次飞行中又不幸惨遭爆炸!发射被迫停止16个月。

Then, on May 31, the French Ariane rocket exploded on its 18th flight, following its 15th flight in 1985! So the launch was forced to stop for 16 months.

后来有人总结说:1986年,是世界航天史上的“大灾年”。

It was later concluded that 1986 was the "catastrophe year" in the history of the world's aerospace.

上述航天史上连续四次罕见的大失败,迅速改变了世界商业卫星发射市场的行情,从而使西欧诸国陷入一种十分尴尬的局面。

The four major failures mentioned above, which are rare in the history of space flight, have quickly changed the market of the world commercial satellite launch, thus putting Western European countries in a very embarrassing situation.

从美国的情况来看,三次连续大失败,打乱了原有的航天发射计划。因为航天飞机和“大力神”火箭,是美国当时运送大型卫星仅有的工具。相隔80天就出现两次失败,使其航天活动几乎陷于瘫痪。所以美国被迫宣布:航天飞机的飞行计划至少推迟一至两年。美国宇航局局长詹姆斯•弗莱彻说:“航天飞机拟在1988年第一季度オ可恢复飞行,在以后的三至四年,可能仅有三架航天飞机提供发射卫星服务。”

Judging from the perspective from the United States, three consecutive major failures have disrupted the original space launch plan. Because the space shuttle and the Titan rocket were the only tools America owned to transport large satellites. Two failures occurred 80 days apart, which almost paralyzed its space activities. So the United States was forced to announce that the flight plan of the space shuttle would be postponed by at least one to two years. NASA Administrator James Fletcher said,"The shuttle is scheduled to resume flight in the first quarter of 1988. In the next three to four years, there may be only three shuttles providing satellite launch service."

由此造成的结果是,各国卫星发射计划陷入一片混乱。已经列入发射计划的卫星用户,捶胸顿足,叫苦不迭。全世界几十颗亟待升空的卫星,只好无可奈何地躺在冷冷清清的仓库里或者生产线上;一些原定使用美国航天飞机发射的商用卫星,也只得推迟发射;而有的卫星用户则干脆取消了用航天飞机发射的合同,重新寻找火箭为其发射。

As a result, the satellite launch plans of various countries were in chaos. Those satellite users who had participated in the launch plan were regretful and complaint incessantly. Consequently, dozens of satellites around the world which were in urgent need of launching could only helplessly lay in cold and empty warehouses. And some of the commercial satellites that were scheduled to be launched by the US space shuttle had to be delayed. Besides, some satellite users cancelled their contracts to launch with space shuttles and searched for new rockets to launch them.

然而另寻火箭谈何容易!

However, how difficult it was to find another rocket!

由于在过去几年里,美国政府对航天飞机的发射服务给予了特殊的政策,美国国内的火箭根本无法与之抗衡,致使“大力神”“德尔塔”和“阿特拉斯”火箭纷纷败下阵来,大部分生产线均已关闭。所以,尽管航天飞机失败后里根政府曾宣布,为承揽美国及国外民用商业卫星的发射,“大力神”等多种火箭要竭尽全力恢复生产,以便同国外的运载火箭竞争。可惜,马丁公司的“大力神”火箭,至少要等两年之后才能飞行;麦道公司的“德尔塔”火箭要恢复生产,最快也需一年半至两年;而通用动カ公司的“阿特拉斯”火箭,由于大多数是为国防部提供军事服务的,目前也仅剩下一发库存。

In the past few years, the U.S. government had made special policies to the space shuttle launch, which the U.S. domestic rockets couldn't compete with. Hence "Titan,""Delta" and "Atlas" rockets lost one after another and most of the production lines being shut down. Therefore, the Reagan administration announced after the failure of these launches that, in order to undertake the launch of the United States and foreign civil commercial satellites,"Titan" and other rockets would restore production as much as possible so as to compete with foreign carrier rockets. Unfortunately, the "Titan" rocket produced by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company's would take at least two years later to be used; McDonnell-Douglas Corporation's "Delta" would take at least a year and a half to two years to resume production; while General Motors's "Atlas", most of which provided military services to the Ministry of Defense, currently only one shot was left in stock.

所以,美国企图用火箭在国际卫星发射市场东山再起,在短期内是不现实的, 也是缺乏竞争力的。

Therefore, it was unrealistic and uncompetitive for the United States to attempt to use rockets to make a comeback in the international satellite launch market in the short term.

再看看法国的情况,“阿里亚娜”火箭是由法国、联邦德国、英国等11个国家组成的欧洲空间局共同研制而成的。在美国“挑战者号”爆炸之前,“阿里亚娜”火箭是世界上唯一可与美国航天飞机抗衡的运载工具。1984年,“阿里亚娜”火箭首次承揽商业卫星发射,第一年就发射了 9颗卫星,一跃而成当年世界上最佳商业发射火箭。截至1985年底,“阿里亚娜”火箭已占领全世界42%的商业卫星发射市场,而且正暗暗发奋,要在1986年至1990年间,夺取50%的国际商业卫星发射市场。

In the case of France, the Ariane rocket was jointly developed by the European Space Agency, which was composed of 11 countries at that time including France, the Federal Republic of Germany and the United Kingdom. Before the explosion of the US's "Challenger", the "Ariane" was the only carrier in the world that could compete with the US space shuttle. In 1984 when the "Ariana" rocket undertook the first commercial satellite launch, it launched 9 satellites in its first year, becoming the world's best commercial launch rocket at that time. By the end of 1985, Ariane had accounted for 42% of the world's commercial satellite launch market and was secretly working to capture 50% of the international commercial satellite launch market between 1986 and 1990.

为此，阿里亚娜”公司于1985年不惜耗资12亿美元,在库鲁新建起了可供国际卫星发射的第二个发射场。其现代化的发射能力,可达每月发射一颗卫星。

For this reason, Ariana Company unhesitatedly invested 1.2 billion US dollars in 1985 to build a second launch site in Kuru for international satellite launches. Its modern launch capability was sufficient to support the launch of one satellite per month.

而且,为了稳定商业发射任务,提高竞争能力,从1986年1月起,“阿里亚娜” 公司的保险子公司也开始正式营业,其保险费率仅为11% -13%。

Moreover, in order to stabilize commercial launch missions and improve competitiveness, from January 1986, the insurance subsidiary of Ariana also began to operate, with insurance rates of only 11%-13%.

但是,由于“阿里亚娜”火箭在1985年和1986年连续两次失败,人们对它的可靠性也产生了怀疑;加之“阿里亚娜”公司为了补偿美元的贬值,又决定对新的国外卫星发射用户大幅度提高发射价格,必然大大降低其威信,削弱其在国际市场的竞争能力。

However, due to the failure of the Ariane rocket in 1985 and 1986, people also doubted its reliability, and Ariane Group decided to raise the launch price significantly for new foreign satellite launch users in order to compensate for the depreciation of the US dollar. This would inevitably result in a great reduction in its credibility and weaken its competitiveness in the international market.

那么,航天大国苏联的情况又怎么样呢?

So, how about the space power, the Soviet Union?

苏联的“质子号”火箭,具有相当大的运载能力,一直在积极寻求国外卫星发射用户,力争打入国际市场。但由于苏联多年来实行的不是开放政策,西方世界担心一旦用苏联火箭发射卫星,其卫星技术就会流入苏联,所以严格限制本国卫星进入苏联;而另一方面,苏联对“质子号”火箭的技术资料保密非常严格,致使国外用户很难了解到“质子号”火箭的真实可靠性。尽管两年前苏联利用电视台播放了 51秒钟的介绍“质子号”火箭的电视新闻,但西方世界对苏联发射服务的政策,始终持怀疑和观望的态度。

The Soviet "Proton" rocket, with extraordinary carrying capacity, had been actively seeking foreign satellite launch users, and striving to enter the international market. However, since the Soviet Union had not implemented an open policy for many years, the Western world was concerned that once a Soviet rocket was used to launch a satellite, their satellite technology would flow into the Soviet Union, so the western countries strictly restricted its own satellites from entering the Soviet Union. On the other hand, the Soviet Union strictly kept to the technical data confidentiality of its "Proton", making it difficult for foreign users to know "Proton"'s true reliability. Although the Soviet Union broadcasted a 51-second television news about the Proton rocket two years ago, the Western world always kept a skeptical and wait-and-see attitude toward the Soviet Union's launch service.

因此,尽管苏联的“质子号”火箭发射卫星的价格相当低廉一比中国还低, 但苏联的火箭在欧美国家用户中并不受欢迎,所以至今也未打入国际商业市场,无法形成很强的竞争力。

Therefore, although the price of the "Proton" rocket to launch satellites was quite low--lower than that of China, the Soviet rocket was not popular in Europe and the United States. Therefore, it failed to enter the international commercial market and be highly competitive.

由此可见,1986年的国际航天形势,导致欧洲诸国均处于被动不利的局面,而对中国的火箭打入国际商业市场却十分有利。

It could be concluded that the international space situation in 1986 led to a passive and unfavorable situation for European countries, but it was very advantageous for China's rockets to enter the international commercial market.

于是,有人分析了这一年的世界航天局势后,信誓旦旦地说:“ 1986年,中国火箭走向世界,真是天时、地利、人和。”

So, someone after analyzing the world space situation this year, confidently said: "In 1986, China's rocket went global, which is truly a combination of favourable timing, geographical and human conditions."

然而,初次上阵的中国,能否抓住这一契机呢?

However, could China, which was on its first trip, seize this opportunity?

八、周游列国的中国专家们

Ⅷ. Chinese Experts Traveling Around the World

1986年4月初的一天,中国商业卫星发射服务代表团从北京乘坐波音747飞机,前往美国进行有关卫星发射的商务接触。代表团团长乌可カ,副团长上官世盘。

One day in early April 1986, a Chinese commercial satellite launch service delegation took a Boeing 747 from Beijing to the United States for business contacts about satellite launch. Wu KeLi, the head of the delegation, and Shangguan Shipan, deputy head of the delegation.

自中国宣布对外承揽发射业务后,特别是美国的“挑战者号”航天飞机爆炸后,中国的“长征三号”火箭,一下子成了全世界瞩目的对象。

Since China had announced that it would undertake launching operations abroad, especially after the explosion of the US space shuttle Challenger, China's Long March 3 rocket suddenly attracted the attention of the whole world.

早在两个月前,瑞典公司便抢先与中国第一个签订了为其发射一颗邮政卫星的订座协议。紧接着,不少国家的公司也表示了愿同中国进行接触、磋商和洽谈的意向。如此良好的开局,对初出茅庐的中国来说,多少有点惊喜的感觉。

As early as two months ago, a Swedish company firstly signed a reservation agreement with China for its launch of a postal satellite. After that, companies from many countries also expressed their willingness to contact, consult and negotiate with China. Such a good start, for the fledgling China, was a surprise more or less.

但中国航天人同时也意识到,面对如此局势,世界各个航天大国绝不会等闲视之,也绝不肯让这种局势长久持续下去。比如,美国宇航局就迅速采取了各种弥补措施,正加紧提高竞争力;法国四处招揽生意,乘机扩大自己在国际市场的地盘;苏联也不肯放弃打入国际市场的雄心壮志,匆匆宣布将“质子号”火箭投入国际商业发射市场,并在短短3个月里组织成立了卫星发射服务机构;而身居岛国、一向精明的日本人,更非等闲之辈,早就瞄准了这一时机,果断取消了具有800公斤发射能力的某火箭发射计划,而直接加紧研制具有2吨发射能力的H-2大型运载火箭,并以惊人的速度,在华盛顿设立了卫星发射服务办事处,其目的显而易见,就是要乘机挤进国际商业发射市场!

At the same time, however, those Chinese working in the areospace industry realized that in the face of such a situation, the world's major aerospace powers would never stand by, nor would they allow this situation to continue for a long time. NASA, for example, quickly took various remedial measures trying to enhance its competitiveness. France solicited business around the world and took the opportunity to expand its territory in the international market. The Soviet Union also refused to give up the ambition to enter the international market, and hastily announced that the "Proton" rocket would put into the international commercial launch market, and a satellite launch service establioshed in just three months. While the Japanese, who lived in the island country, shrewd and smart, had aimed at this opportunity long before so that they decisively cancelled the launch plan of a certain rocket with a carrying capacity of 800 kilograms. Instead, it began to step up the development of the H-2 large carrier rocket with a 2-ton launching capacity, and set up a satellite launching service office in washington at an astonishing speed. Its purpose was obvious, that is, to seize the opportunity so as to squeeze into the international commercial launch market!

那么中国唯一的选择,就是抓住这一空隙,乘机出击!

Then China's only choice was to seize this opportunity to act timely!

而出击的第一个对象,就是威震天下的航天大国一美利坚合众国。

And China's first target was the United States, a space power that had shook the world.

这是华盛顿的一个礼拜天。

It was a Sunday in Washington.

上午8点整,中国商业卫星发射服务代表团在中国驻美大使馆一个会议大厅举行关于“中国商业卫星发射服务”的报告会。

At 8:00 a.m., the delegation of China's Commercial Satellite Launching Service held a briefing on "China's Commercial Satellite Launching Service" in the Conference Hall of the Chinese Embassy in the United States.

这一天,100多名听众济济一堂,会议大厅座无虚席。听众中,有美国外交部、国防部、运输部、商业部、宇航局等各政府部门近30名大小官员,还有媒体记者、各界名流、友好人士以及美籍华人等。他们既怀着一腔的热忱,又揣着好奇的心,第一次来听漂洋过海、远道而来的中国人谈中国的火箭。

On this day, more than 100 listeners gathered and the conference hall was full. Among the audience were nearly 30 officials ranging from the US Foreign Affairs Department, Defense Department, Transportation Department, Commerce Department, NASA and other government departments, as well as media reporters, celebrities from various circles, friendly people and Chinese Americans. With both enthusiasm and curiosity, they came for the first time to listen to Chinese people who had traveled across the ocean to talk about Chinese rockets.

首先,乌可カ致开场白。他刚一走上讲台,全场便响起热烈的掌声。他用目光扫视了一下台下,又理了理嘴上那撮剪得整整齐齐的贺龙式小胡子,然后オ亮开了嗓门。

First of all, Wu Keli delivered opening remarks. As soon as he stepped onto the platform, the audience burst into warm applause. Having glancing down the stage, he sorted out his neatly cut He Long-style mustache on his mouth then he started to speak.

在短短30分钟的演讲中,乌可カ既讲了 30年来中国航天事业走过的艰难历程,也讲了中国航天发展的美好前景,同时还讲了中国“长征号”火箭的性能、特点以及各种优惠政策等。讲着讲着,这位感情丰富的蒙古族汉子,眼里竟涌出了泪花。

In his short 30-minute speech, Wu Keli talked about not only the difficult history of China's space industry in the past 30 years, but also the bright prospects for China's space development. At the same time, he also spoke of the performance, characteristics of China's "Long March" rocket and various preferential policies on it. While speaking, the eyes of this emotional Mongolian man naturally poured out of tears.

乌可カ后来说,在那一刻,他仿佛感到自己不是站在国际讲台上,而是跪在先祖传说中的草原天堂“蒙兀圣地”上。

Wu Keli later said that at that moment, he felt as if he was not standing on the international platform, but kneeling on the grassland paradise "Mongolia Holy Land" in the legend of his ancestors.

接下来,上官世盘以中国政府官员的身份,作关于《中国商业卫星发射服务》的报告。

Next, Shangguan Shipan, as a Chinese government official, made a report on "China's Commercial Satellite Launch Service".

上官世盘的报告,同样激起听众一阵又一阵的掌声。人们听到的,仿佛不是上官世盘个人的发言,而是多年沉默的中国向世界发出的声音。

The report of Shangguan Shipan also aroused another round of applause from the audience. What people heard seemed not to be the personal speech of Shangguan Shipan, but the voice of China, which had been silent for many years, to the whole world.

的确,中国不能再封闭下去了,也不能再沉默下去了。千年的封闭与沉默,导致的是科技的衰败、生产カ的萎缩。今天,尘封的国门已经开启,昨天的秘密不再是秘密,中国到了应该讲讲自己的时候了,也早该讲讲自己了。因为中国不光搞出了原子弹、氢弹,还搞出了火箭、卫星;不光有了向世界展示自己的资格,也有让世界认识自己的责任。你不讲,别人怎么知道你?你不说,别人怎么了解你?不知道你、不了解你,怎么走向你?如何接近你?

China certainly could no longer be closed and silent. The continuous closure and silence for thousands of years led to the degradation of technology and the shrinkage of production. Today, the dusty door finally opened, and yesterday's secret was no longer a secret. It was high time for China talk about itself. And it should have done this long ago. China not only developed the atomic bomb and hydrogen bomb, but also produced the rockets and satellites. It not only have the qualifications to show themselves to the world, but also the responsibility to let the world know themselves. How could others know you if you didn't speak for yourself? How could others get close to you if they didn't know you?

果然,上官世盘的报告刚一结束,几十名记者便拥到他的身边,就中国火箭要承揽外国卫星发射问题,纷纷提问;之后,所有的华侨也都来到前台,向全体代表团成员表示问候与祝贺!

As soon as Shangguan's report ended, dozens of reporters rushed to his side and asked questions one after another as expected, mainly on the issue of China's rockets contracting for foreign satellite launches. After that, all the overseas Chinese came to the front desk to express their greetings and congratulations to all the members of the delegation!

一位老华侨拉着乌可カ的手说:“你们代表团来美国宣传中国的火箭,太让我们高兴了!不过,你们知道美国人说什么吗?”

An old overseas Chinese took Wu Keli's hand and said, "We are so happy to see your delegation coming to the United States to publicize China's rockets! But do you know what those Americans said?"

乌可カ问:“说什么?”
Wu Keli asked: "What?"

“他们说,中国人在美国只能开饭馆!”
"They said: 'Chinese can only run restaurants in the United States!'"

老华侨说完,潸然泪下。
Having said so, the old overseas Chinese shed silent tears.

乌可力的内心,也禁不住一阵酸楚。
Wu Keli could not help but feel a pang of sadness in his heart as well.

老华侨接着说道:“我们听了后,泪水只有往肚子里咽呀!”
The old man continued, "We can only digest the pain ourselves brought by those words!"

这时,另一位白发苍苍的华侨也走了过来,拉着代表团成员的手,眼泪汪汪地说:“中国是火箭的故乡,今天,火箭的故乡终于来人了。我活了 70岁,终于盼到了,盼到火箭又回到了火箭的故乡！”

At this time, another grey-haired overseas Chinese also came over, who took the hands of delegation members, said with tears: "China is the hometown of rockets. Today, someone finally came from the hometown of rockets. I have lived for 70 years and finally witness the return of rockets to its hometown!"

而几位年轻的美籍华人,则拉着代表团成员的手,一定要请他们到华人餐厅去喝上几盅！

While several young Chinese-Americans took the hands of the delegation members and insisted on inviting them to the Chinese restaurant for a few drinks!

当晚,几位知名美籍华人还来到代表团的住处,热情诚恳地向代表团介绍国际卫星市场的一些行情和背景。他们对代表团说:“你们到了美国,人生地不熟,千万不能轻举妄动。商业卫星发射市场,是商人们驰骋的世界,里面的事情复杂着呢! 如果遇上不摸底的公司找你们签合同,你们一定要先把情况摸清之后,再做决定, 而不能见人就同意,有合同就签。这好比说,本来是一个叫花子到你家门口讨饭, 你却把他当贵宾接待。这样就会把中国火箭的牌子搞砸了,以后的生意就很难做了!”

That evening, several well-known Chinese Americans also came to the residence of the delegation and warmly and sincerely introduced the delegation to the market and background of the international satellite market. They told the delegation,"You're in the United States, where you are almost unfamiliar with anything. So remember not to act recklessly. Commercial satellite launch market is the world of businessmen. The things inside the circle are intricated! If you are asked to sign a contract by a company you do not know, you must first find out the situation before making a decision. By no means can you agree with anyone or sign the contract recklessly. It's like that a beggar come to your door to beg, but you received him as a VIP. This will ruin the reputation of China's rockets, making it difficult to do business in the future!

第二天,《纽约日报》《华盛顿日报》等,以头版头条位置推出一条新闻:《中国商业卫星发射服务代表团到美国游说,企图与美国争夺卫星发射市场!》

The next day, Newsday and Washington Daily published a news headline: "China's Commercial Satellite Launch Service Delegation lobbied in the United States in an attempt to compete with the United States for the satellite launch market!”

是的,既然是国际商业市场,买卖就该大家做,竞争就该人人平等,任何国家和个人都不能独霸市场。这是市场经济的规律。

Since it is an international commercial market, everyone has opprotunities, and equal competitions should be guaranteed. No country or individual should dominate the market. This is the law of the market economy.

为了扩大影响,中国商业卫星发射服务代表团又分成4个小组,分别在华盛顿、纽约、洛杉矶、旧金山等地,宣传中国的火箭,并同十多个卫星公司进行了广泛的接触与交流。

In order to expand its influence, the China's Commercial Satellite Launch Service Delegation was divided into four groups, which were in Washington, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other places to publicize China's rockets, and had extensive contacts and exchanges with more than 10 satellite companies.

然而,远在东方、初出茅庐的中国,想到称霸世界的航天大国来“抢饭碗”,并不是一件容易的事。

However, as a newcomer from the far East in the Western world, it was not easy for China to attempt to scramble markets from the world's dominant aerospace power.

中国商业卫星发射服务代表团最先接触的,是美国休斯卫星公司。由于中国火箭专家首次涉足世界商业发射市场,一无基础,二无资本,三无关系,靠的仅是几张皱皱巴巴的火箭图纸和几张嘴。所以,代表团第一天到美国休斯卫星公司,首先就感觉让人瞧不起,美国人压根儿就没把他们这群黄皮肤的中国人放在眼里。美国休斯卫星公司的人与中国代表团的专家们见面握手时,伸出的手既无カ度,也无温度,更无诚意,完全是一种礼节性的表示而已;甚至有个别美国人环抱双臂,爱理不理,眼睛里还透露出几丝轻蔑。

The delegation first contacted Hughes Aircraft in the United States. It was the first time for Chinese rocket experts to set foot in the world commercial launch market. They had no foundation, no capital, and no connections. What they relied on were only a few crumpled rocket drawings and several mouths. So, on the first day to Hughes Aircraft, the delegation was looked down upon because those Americans never took that group of yellow-skinned Chinese seriously. When the people of the Hughes Aircraft met and shook hands with Chinese experts, the hands they extended were neither warm nor sincere without strength. They were purely a courtesy gesture. A few Americans even embraced their arms, ignoring the experts, a few traces of contempt found in their eyes.

中国商业卫星发射服务代表团与第二家美国卫星公司接触时,情况同样不妙。中国代表团按照事先与对方的约定,风尘仆仆地赶到美国这家卫星公司时,却被对方当成皮包公司的说客,毫不客气地拒之门外。

When the delegation contacted the second American satellite company, the situation was also not good. The Chinese delegation who were travel-stained arrived at the company as agreed, only to be impolitely turned away by the company as a lobbyist for a shell company.

中国商业卫星发射服务代表团又找到第三家美国卫星公司。这家公司还算不错,总算给了面子,让他们进了公司的大门。可当这家公司的一位副总裁出面接待时,并不热情,也看不出有多少诚意;尤其是当中方提出希望就某些发射事宜进行洽谈时,这位副总裁态度很是傲慢,看了中国专家一眼,张ロ就说:“洽谈?洽谈当然可以。不过,按我们西方人的规矩,得先付洽谈费!”

the Chinese delegation had no choice but to seek for a third satellite company. It was not so bad to be allowed enter the company this time. But when a vice president of the company came forward to receive them, he looked neither enthusiastic nor sincere very much. Especially when the Chinese delegation proposed to hold talks on certain launch matters, the vice president showed great arrogance. Glancing at the Chinese experts, he said: "Negotiations? Of course we can. The point is, you have to pay the negotiation fee first! That's our Westerners' rule!"

“洽谈费?什么洽谈费?”乌可カ一头雾水。 “就是先付钱。”

"Negotiation fee? What's that?" Wu Keli was confused. "That means paying in advance."

乌可カ一听要钱,觉得不可思议。
Wu Keli felt incredible when being asked for money.

之后,乌可カ又掏出一份三四页纸的意见书,用试探的口气对这位副总裁说: “我们准备了一份意见书,请您看看,是否有合作的基础?”

Then, Wu Keli took out a position paper of three or four pages, tentatively speaking to the vice president, " We have prepared a position paper. Could you please take a look and consider if there is a foundation for cooperation?"

这位副总裁拿起意见书,翻了一下,说了一句话:“等你们能拿得出一尺厚的意见书之后,再来谈吧。”

The vice president picked up the paper, looked it through, and said, "We can talk about it again only when you show me a one-foot-thick paper."

“为什么?”乌可カ问。
"Why?" asked Wu Keli.

副总裁抬腕看了看表,说:“先生,对不起,我们约定的时间已到。”
The vice president raised his wrist and looked at his watch, saying, "Sir, I'm sorry, but the time we agreed has arrived."

一连在三家公司受挫,中国商业卫星发射服务代表团颇感沮丧。

The delegation was frustrated by consecutive setbacks in three companies.

这时,有的美籍华人便指点他们说:“你们与美国的公司打交道,光凭嘴说不行,得有一个招标书之类的东西。”

At this time, some Chinese Americans reminded them: "You cannot deal with American companies by mere lip service. You have to prepare a tender or something like that."

但美籍华人说的这“招标书”,具体是什么,中国商业卫星发射服务代表团并不明白,有的团员甚至还是第一次听说。比如,招标书在商务中起什么作用,起多大的作用,怎么运作,他们一点也搞不清楚,脑子里只有一个大致的概念。至于招标书具体怎么写,更是一无所知。 Chapter Seven 于是,他们只好找到第四家美国公司,想请对方帮他们编写一份招标书。在他们的概念中,请美方帮着编写一份招标书,就像在国内随便找个人帮着起草一份企划稿,小事一桩,算不了什么。

But the delegation didn't know what the "tender" Chinese Americans said referred to, and some memebers even heard of it for the first time. For example, what role did the tender play in business, how much it plays, and how it operates, they don't know at all, and they only have a general concept in mind. As for how to write the tender, they had no idea at all. So, they had no choice but to find the fourth American company to ask them to help them write a tender. In their view, asking the U.S. company to help them prepare a tender was like asking someone in China to help them draft a business plan, a trivial matter, nothing more.

“我们想请你们编写一份招标书。”他们来到一家公司,开诚布公,说明来意。
"We would like to ask you to prepare a tender." They came to a company, openly and honestly, explained their demands.

该公司负责人听了后,说:“帮你们编写招标书,当然可以。”
The company's director listened and said, "Of course I can help you write the tender.”

乌可カ一听很高兴,几天来的一件心事总算有了着落。
Wu Keli was very happy to hear because a load on his mind haunting him for the past few days had finally been set down.

“不过,”这位负责人说,“得先付定金。”
"Well," said the director, "you have to pay a deposit first.”

一听又要钱,乌可カ转身就想走。但在走之前,他还是小心翼翼地试着问了一句:“要付多少定金啊?”
Hearing that money had to go first like before, Wu Keli turned around, planning to leave. But before leaving, he asked cautiously: "How much is it?"

“一百万美元”！
"One million dollars!"

“什么? 一百万美元!？”
"What? One million dollars?"

乌可力和代表团成员个个惊得目瞪ロ呆。等清醒过来后,第一件事就是急忙握手,马上“拜拜”。

Wu Keli and the delegation were all stunned. When they came to their senses, the first thing they did was to shake hands and say "goodbye" immediately.

接下来,他们又找到另一家美国公司。可他们刚与这家公司的人见面,对方就让他们介绍自己的专业背景,意思是看你有没有谈论发射火箭问题的资格。等他们介绍了自己的专业背景后,对方又提出一个稀奇古怪的问题:“你们西昌发射场四周都是山,发射卫星时,要是火箭喷出的大火把山冲倒了,山再翻过来,把火箭推倒了怎么办?”

Then they found another American company. But at their first meeting, they were asked to introduce their professional background, to show the company whether they were qualified to talk about launching rockets. After this part, the company asked another strange question: "There are mountains all around the Xichang launch site. When you launch the satellite, what if the rocket shoot out fire and blow down the mountain, and then the mountain fragments knock down the rocket?"

乌可カ一听这话,感到非常窝火,便来了脾气,毫不客气地回敬说:“你说的这个问题,根本就不是个问题。我们西昌发射场发射了那么多颗卫星,从来没有出现过像你说的这种情况。很显然,你提的这个问题没有根据。如果你不信的话, 我可以邀请你们去西昌发射场参观一次我们的发射,看看到底是不是像你说的那样。”

Hearing this, Wu Keli felt very annoyed, so he lost his temper and replied unceremoniously: "The problem you mentioned is not a problem at all. We have launched so many satellites from the Xichang launch site, but there has never been such a situation as you said. Obviously, your question is groundless.If you don't believe me, I can invite you to visit our launch at the Xichang launch site to see if it is as you said.”

其实,上述发生的这些不愉快,算不了什么。乌可カ告诉我,真正让中国代表团感到气愤的,是后来与美国特雷卫星公司打交道时发生的一件事。

In fact, the above-mentioned unhappiness was nothing. What really irritated the Chinese delegation, Wu Keli told me, was an incident that occurred later when dealing with the American company Trey Satellite.

那天,按事先的约定,乌可カ与美国特雷卫星公司总经理舒尔兹先生进行会谈。两人相见后,乌可カ刚一落座,舒尔兹先生便将一本画报递到他的手上,说: “看看吧!”

On that day, as agreed in advance, Wu Keli had a meeting with Mr. Schulz, the general manager of the American Trey Satellite Company. When they met, Mr. Schulz handed him a pictorial newspaper as soon as he was seated, saying: "Take a look!"

乌可カ接过画报一看,惊呆了!画报第9页竟有这样一幅漫画:4个啤酒瓶组成一个“发射架”，“发射架”上挂着一个又粗又长的鞭炮,鞭炮上写着:中国“长征三号”！

Wu Keli took the pictorial and was astonished! On page 9 of the pictorial there was a cartoon of four beer bottles forming a "launcher" on which a thick and long firecracker was hung, and on the firecracker wrote "China's "Long March 3"!

“奇耻大辱!简直是奇耻大辱!”乌可カ气得手指发颤,半晌说不出话来。

"What a shame! What a shame!" Wu Keli's fingers trembled with rage, and he was speechless for a while.

舒尔兹先生叹了口气,说:“这就是有些美国人对你们中国航天技术的评价！他们认为你们的发射架是啤酒瓶做的,不保险;而’长征三号’火箭,则像一挂小孩子玩耍的鞭炮！”

Mr. Schulz sighed and said, "This is how some Americans think about your Chinese space technology! They think your launcher is made of beer bottles, not safe; and the 'Long March III' rocket is just like firecrackers made for children! "

乌可カ啪地合上画报,说:“是的,我这次到美国来,有人还问我,中国有没有自来水?”

Wu Keli flapped it hard and replied, "That's true, when I came to America this time, someone even asked me if China has tap water?"

“什么?竟有这等事情?!”舒尔兹反倒惊诧起来。
"What? Really?" It was Schulz’s turn to be surprised this time.

“我回答他们说,中国不仅有自来水,还有原子弹、氢弹、亿次计算机！还有同步通信卫星,还有’长征号’火箭!”乌可カ一ロ气说完,非常激动,一脸通红。

"I replied to them that China not only had tap water, but also atomic bombs, hydrogen bombs, billion-time computers! There are also synchronous communication satellites, and the 'Long March' rocket!" Wu Keli finished speaking in one breath with great excitement and a red face.

舒尔兹先生望着气呼呼的乌可カ,深感歉意,什么话也说不出来。

Looking at the angry Wu Keli, Mr. Schultz was deeply apologetic and could not say anything.

片刻,乌可カ转过身来,说:“舒尔兹先生,谢谢您今天让我看到了这幅漫画！不过,我有个小小的请求,不知能否如我所愿?”

For a moment, Wu Keli turned around and said,"Mr. Schultz, thank you for letting me see this cartoon today! And may I have a small request?"

“什么请求?请讲,我一定尽力而为。”舒尔兹先生说。

"What's that? Just say it, and I'll do it as much as possible." Mr. Schultz said.

乌可カ抖了抖手中的画报,非常平静地说:“这本画报,您能不能送给我?”

Wu Keli shook the pictorial in his hand and said calmly, "Can you give me this pictorial?"

舒尔兹先生说:“你要它干吗?”

"Why do you want this?" asked Mr. Schultz.

乌可カ说:“我要把它带回我的祖国去,让我的同胞们都好好看看！然后,再将它放到博物馆里,做个永久的’纪念’！”

"I'll take it back to my motherland and let all my compatriots read it! Then, put it in the museum and make a permanent 'memorial'!"

“既然如此,那就随意吧。”舒尔兹先生说。

"Well, you can bring it back," said Mr. Schultz.

乌可カ抓起画报,转身离去。

Wu Keli grabbed the pictorial and turned to leave.

中国代表团此次去美“游说”,长达半月。在这半个月里,尽管代表团碰到了许多坎坷,遇到了不少挫折,甚至还经历了一些有苦难言的心酸,但到了后期,当休斯公司一位首席科学家认真听取了中方介绍的“长征”系列火箭的详细情况后,认为用中国的“长征三号”运载火箭发射美国的卫星,在技术上是可行的,也是可信的。这让美国一些卫星公司对中国火箭的信任度明显增加,双方最终还是进入了商务性谈判阶段。

The Chinese delegation went to the United States to "lobby" for half a month. In the past half month, the delegation had encountered many obstacles, setbacks, and even some unspeakable grief. However, in the later stage, a chief scientist of Hughes Aircraft carefully listened to the detailed information of the "Long March" series rockets introduced by China and believed that using China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket to launch American satellites was technically feasible and credible. This led some US satellite companies to significantly increase their trust in Chinese rockets, and the two sides have finally entered the stage of commercial negotiations.

因此,就首次出征而言,中国代表团这次“游说”美国,虽不能说首战告捷,但也算可圈可点;不光与美国泛美太平洋公司、多美尼影视卫星公司等签订了 6个订座协议,还与美国特雷卫星公司草签了2个发射合同。

Therefore, in terms of its first expedition, the Chinese delegation's "lobbying" of the United States this time was commendable, even if it couldn't be said that it won the first battle smoothly. Not only did we sign six seat-booking agreements with the Pan-American Pacific Company and the Domeny Television Satellite Company, but it also initialled two launch contracts with the Trey Satellite Company.

九、轨道大转移

IX. Orbit Transfer

中国承揽外国卫星发射业务这一史无前例的举动,不仅在国外引起很大震动, 在国内也引起强烈反响。从中央到地方,从航天专家到普通老百姓,无不对此表示深切的关注,也无不对此表示莫大的担心。

China's unprecedented act to undertake foreign satellite launch business not only caused great shock abroad, but also aroused strong repercussions at home. From central authorities to local authorities, from aerospace experts to the ordinary people, all of them have expressed deep concern and great worry about this.

众所周知,近代以来中国是一个贫穷落后的国家,中华民族是一个长期备受欺辱的民族。直到1949年10月,用毛泽东的话来说,中国人民才站起来了。
It is widely known that China has been a poor and backward country since modern times, and the Chinese nation has been bullied and humiliated for a long time. It was not until October 1949, in Chairman Mao's words, that the Chinese people stood up.

但是,站起来了,并不等于一定能走下去。任何一个国家,任何一个民族,要想在这个世界上求生存、求发展,有威望、有地位,不受外来侵略、不受外来欺侮,除了必须具有完善的社会制度,还必须拥有高度发达的经济、军事和科学技术;尤其是历史发展到大科学时代的今天,科学技术发达与否,事关重大,举足轻重。

However, standing up does not necessarily mean you can go on. For any country or nation, in order to survive and develop in this world, to have prestige and status, and to be free from foreign invasion and humiliation, it must not only have a sound social system, but also have a highly developed economy, military, and science and technology. Especially in today's era of big science, whether science and technology are developed or not does matter.

因此,在当今这个大科学时代,“科学社会化,社会科学化”已然成为一种日益发展的新趋势。科学技术的发展,不仅对社会生产、社会生活以及军事领域等的连锁变革产生了深远影响,而且对社会经济也产生了重大作用。

Therefore, in this age, "the socialization of science and the scientifization of society" has become a growing new trend. The development of science and technology not only has a profound impact on the continuous reform of social production, social life and military fields, but also has a major role in social economy.

众所周知,“热兵器”时代的诞生,使得“冷兵器”时代成为历史;舰船、飞机、大炮、坦克和战略导弹的出现和应用,使人类的战争舞台上出现了海军、空军、机械化部队和导弹部队;而!957年10月4日,苏联将人类第一颗人造卫星送上天,又把人类带入了神奇的航天时代。

As we all know, the birth of the era of "hot weapons" makes the era of "cold weapons" history; the emergence and application of warships, aircraft, large artillery, tanks, and strategic missiles have brought about the emergence of navies, air forces, mechanized units, and missile units on the stage of human warfare. On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union sent the first artificial satellite into space, which brought mankind into the wonderful space age.

而中国,这个早在一千多年前就发明了世界上第一枚火箭的国家,这个过去连自行车、汽车、飞机都不能制造的国家,1970年4月24日,将中国第一颗人造卫星 “东方红一号”成功地送上了茫茫太空!

China, which had invented the world's first rocket more than 1,000 years ago, and which used to be unable to manufacture bicycles, automobiles and airplanes, successfully launched its first man-made satellite named "Dong Fang Hong 1" into space on April 24, 1970!

此后,中国开始了向现代火箭技术的挺进。经过几十年的艰苦奋斗,不仅研制成功了近程、中程和远程火箭,而且在航天技术上实现了三次重大突破:飞向太空, 返回地面,发射同步通信卫星。

Since then, China has begun to advance to modern rocket technology. After decades of hard work, China has not only successfully developed short-range, medium-range, and long-range rockets, but also made three major breakthroughs in space technology: flying into space, returning to the ground, and launching synchronous communication satellites.

而今天,中国的火箭又将走向世界,为国外发射商业卫星,实现从国内试验轨道到国际商业轨道的大转移。这是中国航天发射的一个重大转变,也是一个民族一次新的飞跃。

Today, China's rockets would go to the world by launching commercial satellites for foreign countries, and the great transfer from domestic test tracks to international commercial tracks would be realized. This was a major change in China's space launch and a new leap for a nation.

中国改革开放后,整个国家工作重点转移到社会主义现代化建设上,1985年5月的军委扩大会议上,中央对国防科技工业也提出了要求一国防科技工业也要实行相应的战略大转变。

After China's reform and opening up, the focus of the whole country's work shifted to the construction of socialist modernization. At the enlarged meeting of the Military Commission in May 1985, the Central Committee also put forward requirements for the defense-related science, technology and industry, which was required to implement corresponding strategic changes.

但国防科技工业如何实现这一转变,却是一道大难题。

However, how to realize this transformation in the defense-related science, technology and industry was a throny problem.

产冰箱,搞彩电,固然是条门路;造轮胎,做灯泡,也是一种办法;开公司,办工厂,外加技术输出,同样无可非议。

Producing refrigerators, color TV sets was certainly a solution; making tires and light bulbs was also another one; operating a company, running a factory with technology output were equally justifiable.

问题是,若是长此下去,最终的出路到底在哪里?

The question was, if continuing for long, what would be the ultimate solution?

过去,中国所有的发射,都是属于科研试验性质。也就是说,无论是火箭还是卫星,都是科研试验产品,不能像食盐、酱油、红薯、土豆那样随便拿到市场去卖,所有的研制经费都是靠国家拨专款支撑;而且,高科技必然是高投资。

In the past, all of China's launches were of a scientific and experimental nature. That is to say, both rockets and satellites were mede for scientific research and experiments, which couldn't be sold on the market like salt, soy sauce, sweet potatoes and potatoes, because all research and development funds came from special funds allocated by the state.

但是,如果能发射外国卫星,就属于商业性质的发射,就是一种不出国门的高技术服务。换句话说,中国的高科技就可以从原来的科研试验轨道,一下转移到商品经济的轨道。除了壮国威、壮军威、鼓士气,还可创造经济价值,赚取大量外汇。而中国改革开放后,要引进大量的先进技术、先进设备,急需的正是外汇!

However, the launch of foreign satellites was of a commercial nature, as a high-tech service at home. In other words, China's high-tech could transferred from the stage of scientific research and experiment to the stage of the commercial economy. In addition to strengthening national prestige, military prestige and morale, it would also create economic value and earn a large amount of foreign exchange. After China's reform and opening up, which meant a large amount of advanced technology and equipment would be introduced, what was urgently needed was nothing less than foreign exchange!

同时,发射外国卫星,是一种商业性质的国际技术交流与合作。通过这种交流与合作,中国的发射队伍和测控队伍,可以开阔眼界,获得实践和提高业务水平的机会,从中学到不少宝贵的经验,借以改进不足,促进自身技术水平的发展。

Besides, launching foreign satellites turned to be a commercial international technical exchange and cooperation. Through such exchanges and cooperation, China's launching and tracking, testing and controling teams could broaden their horizons, gain opportunities to practice and improve their professional skills, and learn a lot of valuable experience from them, so as to improve their inadequacies and promote the development of their own technical level.

此外,由于发射外国卫星是商业性质,国外厂商对发射质量的要求必然十分严格,甚至相当苛刻,这就逼着中国的科技队伍必须提升自己,去适应和满足国外市场的要求。

In addition, due to the commercial nature of the launch of foreign satellites, and those strict or even harsh requirements put forward by foreign manufacturers for launch quality, China's technology team was forced to improve themselves and adapt to and meet the requirements of foreign markets.

当然了,既然发射外国卫星是商业性质,就必然要考虑经济效益问题,这就迫使中国从思想观念到思维方式、从技术革新到队伍管理等各个方面,来一次彻底改变。

Moreover, since it was commercialized, naturally its economic benefits should also be considered, which forced China to make a thorough change in all aspects, from ideology to thinking mode, from technological innovation to team management.

因此,发射外国卫星对中国而言,不光是一次技术革命,更是一次思想革命! 1986年7月17日上午,国防科工委和航天部领导在国务院第十三会议室就发射外国卫星问题,向中央财经领导小组专门作了详细的汇报。

Therefore, launching foreign satellites was not only a technological revolution for china, but also an ideological revolution! On the morning of July 17, 1986, leaders of the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense and the Ministry of Aerospace Affairs made a detailed report to the Central Financial and Economic Leading Group on the issue of launching foreign satellites in the 13th Conference Room of the State Council.

很快,国务院、中央军委下达了正式文件,将发射外国卫星列入国家的重点工程。

Soon the State Council and the Central Military Commission issued an official document listing the launch of foreign satellites as a national key project.

于是,有关发射外国卫星的工程、技术及生活等各方面的准备工作,很快在全国展开。仅西昌卫星发射基地亟待抢建的工程,就达十项之多!

As a result, preparations for the launch of foreign satellites in engineering, technology and life soon spread throughout the country. There were as many as 10 projects that needed building urgently just at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center!

十、面对世界的挑战

X. Facing the Challenges from the World

厄运降临时

When Bad Luck Striking

1986年夏,国际空间技术商务会议在美国华盛顿举行。中国代表团怀着忐忑的心情,第一次迈进了这个会场。

In the summer of 1986, the International Space Technology Business Conference was held in Washington, USA. The Chinese delegation entered the venue for the first time with anxiety.

就在这次会上,中国“长征三号”运载火箭第一次在美国、英国、法国、日本、澳大利亚等数十个国家的代表面前正式亮相,并经受了对方各种各样的考验,当然也包括某些刁难。

At this meeting, China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket for the first time was shown to the representatives of the official in the United States, Britain, France, Japan, Australia and other dozens of countries, and withstood the a variety of tests of them, of course, including deliberate harassment.

此后几个月里,美国、加拿大的4家保险公司和17家空间技术公司先后与中国开展了业务联系,20多颗不同类型的卫星开始微笑着向中国靠拢。

Over the past few months, four insurance companies and 17 space technology companies from the United States and Canada had established business ties with China, and more than 20 satellites of different types have begun to approach China.

198年底,中国与美国西联卫星公司签订了用“长征三号”火箭发射“西联六号”卫星的发射订座协议。

At the end of 1986, China signed a reservation agreement with the Western Union Satellite Company of the United States for the launch of the Westar-6 satellite by the Long March 3 rocket.

此外,印度尼西亚、澳大利亚、加拿大、联邦德国和泰国等,则与中国在洽谈之中;而其他一些公司,也表示了要让中国发射卫星的意向。

In addition, Indonesia, Australia, Canada, the Federal Republic of Germany and Thailand were in negotiation with China. Other companies have also expressed their willingness to launch satellites with assistance of China.

中国对外商业卫星发射,可谓形势大好,前景喜人。

It could be said that the situation of China's foreign commercial satellite launch was in good times with a promising future.

然而,竞争激烈的国际航天发射市场毕竟不是什么人都可以随便出入的,更不是任凭中国随意运作的。正当中国在通向国际商业卫星发射市场的路上春风得意并钏足了劲儿拼命往里挤时,一场似乎早已注定的商业危机却悄然降临了。

However, the highly competitive international space launch market was not a place where any country could enter and exit at will, let alone let China develop at will. Just as China was incresingly growing in the the international commercial satellite launch market, a business crisis that seemed to be doomed quietly arrived.

由于国际商业市场中某种微妙的原因,一双双神秘的大手最早伸向的是已经和中国签订了发射订座协议的美国西联卫星公司:不仅银行纷纷拒绝为它提供贷款,所有“绿灯”也突然统统对它关闭。最后,在残酷的商业竞争和无形的外力挤压下,西联卫星公司被迫倒闭!

Due to some subtle reasons in the international commercial market, pairs of mysterious hand first grasped the US Western Union Satellite Company which had signed a launch reservation agreement with China. Not only did banks refuse to provide loans for it, but all the "green lights" is suddenly closed to it. Finally, under the cruel business competition and invisible external coercion, Western Union Satellite Company was forced to collapse!

西联卫星公司倒闭后,美国特雷卫星公司的总裁施瓦兹先生却接过西联卫星公司的六号卫星订座协议,亲自率领几名专家来到中国,坚持继续用中国的火箭为其发射卫星。

After the collapse of Western Union Satellite Company, Mr. Schwartz, president of Trey Satellite Company in the United States, took over the reservation agreement of Western Union Satellite Company's No.6 satellite, personally led several experts to China, and insisted on continuing to use Chinese rockets to launch satellites for it.

施瓦兹先生是位美籍华人,对中国感情极深。他之所以要前仆后继,知难而上,一方面出于某种商业道德的考虑,另一方面则出于对中国的深厚感情。当他千里迢迢来到北京时,中方代表曾提醒他说:“美国西联卫星公司已经倒闭,请您务必慎重行事。”但他说:“正因为西联卫星公司失败了,我才要接着干下去。我这一生最后的愿望,就是要在亚洲地区建立一个庞大的专业卫星通信网络,让亚洲地区的人民,充分享受到中国火箭带给他们的欢乐与幸福。我要用自己的行动来向世界证明,中国的火箭完全能够发射美国的卫星,中国的火箭一定能够打入国际商业发射市场!”

Mr. Schwartz was a Chinese-American who had deep feelings for China. The reason why he took on it with throny difficulties, was that, for one thing, he did that out of some business ethics considerations; for another, out of his deep feelings for China. When he came to Beijing from afar, the Chinese representative reminded him, "Western Union Satellite Company has closed down. Please be careful." But he answered, "It's because of its collapse that I have to go on. My last wish in this life is to build a huge professional satellite communications network in Asia so that the people in Asia can fully enjoy the joy and happiness Chinese rockets bring to them. I want to prove to the world by my own that China's rockets can completely launch US satellites, and that China's rockets will definitely be able to enter the international commercial launch market!"

于是在取得特雷公司的大力支持后,施瓦兹先生开始周游列国、游说八方,最后终于获得了加拿大、澳大利亚等财团的资助,很快与中国草签了协议书,并预付了第一笔定金。之后不久,在北京香格里拉饭店,施瓦兹先生坐在一个月前西联卫星公司总裁签字的同一位置上,挥笔与中国签订了正式合同。

So after obtaining the strong support of Trey Company, Mr. Schwartz began to travel around the world to lobby other countries. Finally, he was funded by consortia such as Canada and Australia. He quickly initialed an agreement with China and paid the first deposit in advance. Shortly thereafter, at the Shangri-La Hotel in Beijing, Mr. Schwartz sat in the same position as the president of Western Union Satellite who had signed a month ago and signed a formal contract with China.

这是中国发射外国卫星的第一个正式合同。

This is the first formal contract for China to launch a foreign satellite.

可惜,特雷卫星公司最终还是和西联公司一样,没有逃脱破产的命运。据说, 当施瓦兹先生收到中止合同的法律文书时,这位六十岁的总裁竟流下了满脸热泪。

Unfortunately, Trey Satellite, like Western Union, could not escape bankruptcy in the end. It is said that when Mr. Schwartz received the legal documents to terminate the contract, the 60-year-old president actually shed tears on his face.

至此,中国好不容易签订的两份正式发射合同就这样作废了。

At this point, the two official launch contracts signed by China with great difficulty were invalidated.

更惨的是,不到一年的时间里,最后除瑞典一家外,国外所有公司与中国签订的发射合同与订座协议,通通退得一干二净。甚至某些过去曾向中国大献殷勤的外商,也纷纷退避三舍。

To make matters worse, in less than a year, all the launch contracts and reservation agreements foreign companies had sighedwith china, except for the Swedish one, were completely withdrawn. Even some foreign businessmen who used to court China also retreated.

这是怎么回事呢?
What was going on?

中国政府自宣布对外承揽卫星发射业务后,世界各国的卫星公司先后来到中国,在北京万源公司、西昌卫星发射基地和西安卫星测控中心等地进行了一系列的参观、访问和洽谈活动。尽管他们不得不承认,中国无论是火箭的设计、研制水平, 还是火箭的发射、测控技术,都还不错。但国外的专家和老板们不是理想主义者, 他们拒绝空谈,只认事实,在没有绝对把握的情况下,是不可能把一个公司的命运随随便便系在中国的裤腰带上的。

Since the Chinese government announced that it would undertake satellite launching business, satellite companies from all over the world came to China one after another and conducted a series of visits and negotiations in Beijing Wanyuan Company, Xichang Satellite Launch Center and Xi'an Satellite TT & C Center. They had to admit that either the design and development level of China's rockets or the technology of launch and measurement and control was good. But for those foreign experts and bosses who were not idealists, they refused to just have a lip service and only believed the facts. It was impossible for them to easily tie the fate of a company to China without absolute certainty.

那么,到底是什么原因致使中国陷入如此难堪的境地呢?
So, what caused China to fall into such an embarrassing situation?

第一,中国火箭发射次数太少。“长征号”火箭尽管已经成功地发射了几颗卫星,但与国外相比,发射的次数太少一只有两三次。由于发射次数少,所以火箭技术缺乏令人充分信服的根据。其可靠程度就难说,也不好预料。

Firstly, China had too few rocket launches. Although the Long March rocket had successfully launched several satellites, compared with foreign countries, the launches were too few--only two or three times. Due to the small number of launches, the rocket technology lacked a fully convincing basis. And the degree of reliability was hard to evaluate and unpredictable.

第二,中国西昌发射场尚未达到国际标准。虽然西昌发射场在中国算是一个最现代化的发射场了,但当年筹建这个发射场时,可能什么都想到了,就是没想到今后有一天中国的火箭会发射外国的卫星。因此,尽管外国人承认中国的发射场具有发射外国卫星的能力,但从实际情况来看,在设施、交通、通信、生活等方面,目前尚未达到国际标准。比如,没有符合国际标准的卫星测试厂房,没有从美国直达西昌的航班,这一点对讲究时间效率的美国人来说非常重要;甚至连一个像样的宾馆也没有。虽说老外们也亲眼看到,西昌发射场确实正在抢建之中,但他们无法相信,如此复杂庞大的工程,中国能在一年时间内抢建出来。

Second, China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center failed to meet international standards. Although the XSLC was considered the most modern launch site in China and everything was taken into consideration when they built the launch site years ago, they didn't expect that one day China's rockets would launch foreign satellites. Therefore, although foreigners recognized that China's launch sites had the capability to launch foreign satellites, the actual situation showed that China's facilities, transportation, communications, and daily life didn't reach international standards. For example, China had no internationallty standardized satellite test plant, and there was no direct flight from the United States to Xichang, which was very important to Americans who valued time efficiency. And there was even no decent hotel. Although foreigners also saw with their own eyes that the Xichang launch site was indeed under construction, they didn't believe that such a complex and huge project could be built in China within a year.

第三,国际保险界对中国火箭缺乏信任。发射商业卫星,属于高投资、高难度、高风险的行业,无论是火箭飞行阶段,还是卫星与火箭分离后从同步轨道到定点静止轨道,每个阶段随时都存在失败的可能,所以国际上有专门的保险公司出面为其担保。但美国、法国近期几次发射失败后,世界不少保险公司严重亏损,最后被迫退出空间保险市场,有的甚至彻底破产。在此情况下,一方面,国际空间发射保险率急剧上涨,由原来的15%上涨到近40%一一即便如此,保险商仍然不愿出面担保;另一方面,国际保险公司对中国火箭的可靠性本来就缺乏认识,再遇上美国、法国的连连失败,就更不愿出面为中国火箭保险了。中国的保险公司又从未担任过空间保险,再加上中国尚无一个完善的保险机构,保险问题便成了一大难题。而只要发射商业卫星,就必须有保险公司承保;没有保险公司承保,万一发射失败,谁来赔钱?

Third, the international insurance community lacked trust in Chinese rockets. Launching commercial satellites is an industry with high investment, high difficulty and high risk. Whether it is the rocket flight phase or the phase of the satellite moving from the synchronous orbit to the fixed point static orbit after its speration with the rocket, each stage may fail at any time, so the international special insurance company to guarantee for it. However, after the recent launch failures of the United States and France, many insurance companies in the world suffered serious losses and were forced to withdraw from the space insurance market, and some even went bankrupt completely. Under such circumstances, on the one hand, the insurance rate for international space launches rised sharply, from 15 percent to nearly 40 percent. Even so, insurers were still unwilling to take out insurance. On the other hand, international insurance companies had a lack of understanding of the reliability of Chinese rockets. Having encountering repeated failures in the United States and France, they were even more reluctant to come forward to insure Chinese rockets. China's insurance companies havd never acted as a space insurance, and China had no a perfect insurance institution, thus insurance became a big problem. But as long as a commercial satellite is launched, it must be insured by an insurance company. Without insurance coverage, who will compensate if the launch fails?

第四,金融界不愿贷款。中国人办事,是钱多多办事,钱少少办事,没钱就不办事。外国人则不同,有钱要办事,没钱也要办事,而且还要办大事。这就是靠贷款。外国商家要购买一颗卫星请人发射,至少需要上亿美元。如此一笔巨款,别无选择,只能靠贷款。但是,当时国际金融界对中国的火箭缺乏了解,或者说不信任,所以不愿轻易为其贷款。

Fourth, the financial community was reluctant to lend. Chinese people always act with the principle that if they have much money, they will do more; if they have little money, they will do less; if they have no money, they will not do anything. Foreigners, on the other hand, they do things whether they have money or not, even they will do great things without enough money. Loans then became the soluition. For foreign businesses, it took at least hundreds of millions of dollars to buy a satellite to launch. Facing such a huge sum of money, there was no choice but to rely on loans. However, at that time, the international financial community lacked understanding, or distrusted of China's rockets, so they were reluctant to lend them easily.

第五,美国卫星出境困难。在美国,卫星属于高技术产品,而高技术产品的出境,必须经美国国务院、国防部、武器出口控制委员会等有关部门批准;此外,还要受到国际巴黎统筹委员会的限制。而巴黎统筹委员会是由英、美、法、德、日等多国组成的一个专管高技术出口的国际性组织,全世界所有高技术产品的出口 , 都要在它那里注册备案;凡是未经批准者,一律不许出境。所以,外商们对中国到底有没有能力打通这一系列的关口,最后搞到卫星出境许可证,持怀疑、观望的态度。

Fifth, it was difficult for US satellites to go abroad. In the united states, satellites are high-tech products, and the exit of high-tech products must be approved by the US State Department, the Department of Defense, the Arms Export Control Committee, and other relevant departments. In addition, it was subject to the restrictions of the International Paris Coordinating Committee for Export to Communist Countries. The Paris Coordinating Committee was an international organization composed of Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Japan and other countries. All exports of high-tech products from all over the world must be registered and put on record with it. Anythting unapproved were not allowed to exit. Therefore, foreign businessmen held a skeptical and wait-and-see attitude to China's ability to clear series of barriers and finally get a satellite exit permit.

第六,西欧某些国家在暗中进行抵制、阻挠。客观地说,不是所有西方国家都欢迎中国进入国际商业市场,甚至有的国家一开始就对中国进行抵制。所以在谈判过程中,他们在一些条款、技术、价格等问题上,总是想方设法出难题;有的还在背后散布一些对中国火箭很不利的言论,甚至不时搞点小动作。

Sixth, some countries in Western Europe secretly resisted and obstructed China. Objectively speaking, not all western countries welcomed China's entry into the international commercial market, and some even boycotted China from the very beginning. Therefore, in the process of negotiation, they always managed to raise difficulties on some issues such as terms, technology, and price. Some even spread behind the scenes some remarks that were very unfavorable to China's rockets, and even sometimes secretly engaged in actions adverse to China.

基于上述六点,外商们纷纷离去,也就不难理解了。

Based on the above six factors, it is not difficult to understand why foreign businessmen left one after another.

对此,中国火箭研究院院长沈辛茹深有体会,他说:“外国公司并不希望我们中国的火箭进入国际市场,成为他们的竞争对手。记得1988年我去法国库鲁发射场参观’阿里亚娜’火箭的第二十五次发射,临走前领导对我说,去了法国要多做工作,多向外商说明,我们一年只提供两枚火箭来发射外国卫星,只作为国际商业市场的一个补充,我们主要是满足国内的卫星发射。带着这个任务,我见到他们就宣传,可得到的反应却非常强烈,也很一致,他们激动地说:’你说得很轻松,中国一年才提供两枚火箭发射,我们一年才八枚火箭呢!’这次给我留下的印象是,我们要进入国际市场,他们不欢迎,绝对不欢迎！”

In this regard, Shen Xinru, president of the China Rocket Research Institute, held a deep understanding. He said, "Foreign companies do not want our Chinese rockets to enter the international market and become their competitors. I still remember in 1988 when I visited the 25th launch of the 'Ariane' rocket at the French launch site in Kurrou, the leaders told me before I left that I should step up lobbying in France and explained to foreign businessmen that we only provided two rockets a year to launch foreign satellites as a supplement to the international commercial market, and that we mainly focused on meeting the domestic satellite launch needs. With such mission, I preached to them as soon as I saw them, but the their response was very strong and consistent. They said with feeling,"you make it sound easy. China only provides two rockets a year for foreign launch, while we only have eight rockets a year!" What impressed me most at that time is that in terms of our entry into the international market, they completely do not support!"

现在的问题是,面对如此困境,中国怎么办?
The question now was that, in the face of such a dilemma, what should China do?

全世界都知道,中国要发射美国卫星。不仅海外华侨、港澳同胞翘首以盼,亿万中国人民也望眼欲穿,而今如此狼狈不堪,如何向中央汇报?怎么向国人交代?

The whole world knew that China would launch an American satellite. Not only were overseas Chinese and compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao looking forward to it, but hundreds of millions of Chinese people were also earnestly awaiting it. But now they were in such a dilemma, how would they explain to the central authorities, and to all Chinese people?

更为严峻的是,动用了上亿元的专款来抢建的发射外星的工程,正处在争时间、抢速度、大干快干拼命干的热烈气氛之中。但现在,生意突然做不成了,这些工程是继续上马,还是悬崖勒马?

More seriously, the extraterrestrial launch project, which was invested hundreds of millions of yuan of special funds to rush to build, was in a warm atmosphere of fighting for time, speed, and hard work. But now, the business came to an abrupt end. Would these projects continue to be built, or would they stop from the brink?

“这是一段最叫人伤心而又难受的日子!”有人后来回忆说,“在这段日子里, 我们顿顿吃不好饭,夜夜睡不着觉。”

This was the most heartbreaking and uncomfortable day! "Someone later recalled," During these days, we couldn't eat well and couldn't sleep day and night.”

发射测控系统部和长城公司的人,无论走到哪里,都会被人问:

Staff of the Launch Measurement and Control Department and the Great Wall Coperation would be asked as wherever they went:

“怎么,听说全砸啦?”
"I've heard it all messed up. Is that true?"

“你们是怎么搞的,没有吃准,咋就乱签合同呢?”
"What's wrong with you? How dare you sign the contract when you were not sure enough?"

“下一步怎么办?是进,还是退?是上马,还是下马?”
"What should we do next? Go ahead or retreat?"

办公室,发射场,饭桌上,电梯里,到处议论纷纷:
Discussions poured in from all directions, in office, at launch site, at the dining table, in the elevator...

“我早就说了,这事办不成!”
"I already told you, this can't be done!"

“花了那么多钱,现在又搞砸了,这简直就是犯罪吗?”
You have spent so much money but now screwed it up again. It's equal to a crime!"

“早知今日,何必当初呢！老老实实待着,不比啥强?我看都是吃饱了撑的！”
"If you had known this, you wouldn't have done it. Shouldn't it be the best to just stay in your place? I think you're so idle as to get involved in this!"

有人询问,有人感叹,有人抱怨,有人指责,甚至还有人指着鼻子骂娘。
Some people asked, some sighed, some complained, some accused, and even pointed to the nose to curse.

是的,用中国的火箭发射外国卫星,是中国人的一件大事。身为火箭故乡的子孙,谁不关心?谁不着急?发点牢骚,讲点怪话,可以理解,也很正常。

Yes, it is a great event for the Chinese people to launch foreign satellites with Chinese rockets. As childs of the rocket's hometown, who could be totally indifferent? So it was resonable and normal to complain or take a cheap shot.

问题是,面对善良的人们,有苦难言的航天专家们能说什么呢?

The question was, in the face of good people, what could the space experts who were suffering say?

1985年初,欧洲航天界一位权威人士就说过:中国的火箭进入国际商业市场, 至少需要5年。

In early 1985, an authoritative figure in the European space industry said that it would take at least five years for China's rockets to enter the international commercial market.

说这话的人,叫吉普森仁。
The man who said this was called Gibson Ren.

吉普森仁是欧洲空间局第一任局长,国际宇航联合会副主席。欧洲空间联合共同体,就是在他的倡导下建起来的。这是一位对中国的航天事业有过积极贡献的英国人。1984年春天,在日本东京召开的国际宇航联合会上,中国也是在他的支持下迫使台湾退出,オ正式加入国际宇航联合会的。

Gibson was the first director of the European Space Agency and vice-president of the International Astronautical Federation. The European Space Union was founded under his initiative. This was an Englishman who has made positive contributions to China's space industry. In the spring of 1984, at the International Astronautical Federation held in Tokyo, Japan, China also forced Taiwan Province to withdraw with his support and officially joined the International Astronautical Federation.

1985年初,孙家栋副部长和乌可力到欧洲各国进行卫星发射市场的调研时, 首先对他进行了私访。

In early 1985, when Vice Minister Sun Jiadong and Wu Keli went to European countries to investigate the satellite launch market, they first paid a private visit to him.

那是巴黎一个很美的夜晚,吉普森仁将孙家栋和乌可力迎进他的小别墅。几句寒暄后,他便从地窖里拿出十几种世界名酒,请两位中国老朋友入席。

It was a beautiful evening in Paris, and Gibson welcomed Sun Jiadong and Ukolai into his villa. After a few words of greeting, he took out more than a dozen world famous wines from the cellar and invited two old Chinese friends to the table.

吉普森仁的夫人是位钢琴家,为了助兴,特意为两位中国朋友弹奏贝多芬的《命运交响曲》。吉普森仁酒量过人,且有收藏名酒的嗜好,地窖里存有几千瓶世界名酒。孙家栋喝酒不怎么样,但乌可力是海量,因此彼此喝得很是痛快。

Gibson Ren's wife, a pianist, specially played Beethoven's Symphony of Destiny for the two Chinese friends to liven things up. As a man with extraordinary alcohol tolerance and a hobby of collecting famous wine, there were thousands of bottles of world famous wine in Gibson's cellar. Sun Jiadong was not good at drinking, but Wu Keli was the opposite, so they drank freely with great joviality。

席间,孙家栋谈起中国火箭打入国际市场一事,吉普森仁听后很激动,说:“中国火箭若能打入国际市场,当然是好事。不过我要提醒你们的是,火箭发射打入国际商业市场,是件非常困难的事。因为火箭发射是高保险、高投资,用户选择的条件是十分苛刻的。”

During the dinner, When Sun Jiadong talked about the Chinese rocket's entry into the international market, Gibson Ren was very excited, and said: "If Chinese rockets can enter the international market, of course, is a good thing. But I want to remind you that it is very difficult for the rocket launch to penetrate the international commercial market. Because the rocket launch is involved in high insurance and high investment, so the conditions to choose users are very demanding.

孙家栋说:“我们对这方面确实还缺乏了解。”
Sun Jiadong said: "We really lack understanding in this regard."

吉普森仁说:“我们的'阿里亚娜’火箭当初面临的是美国航天飞机的竞争,所以一开始采用的是免费发射的办法,接着又用低价格为对方发射了两发,最后オ打入国际市场的。这就像卖东西,让你先尝尝味道怎么样,然后再谈价格,再说交易。”

Gibson said: "Our 'Ariane' rocket was originally faced with competition from the US space shuttle, so we took the method of free launch at first, then launched two rockets for our cooperation partner at a low price, and finally entered the international market after that. It's like selling things in that the shopper lets you taste first, and then talks about the price, and then the deal."

乌可力说:“您认为中国的火箭打入国际市场,有希望吗?”

Wu Keli asked: "Do you think there is any hope for China's rockets to enter the international market?"

吉普森仁说:“中国的火箭要打入国际市场,我相信可以办到;但是,现在你们的问题是没有经验,而且面临的又是美国和法国这两个非常强大的竞争对手,因此要有长期的打算。”

Gibson said: "I think China can make it. However, your problem now is that you have no experience, and you are facing two very strong competitors, the United States and France, so you should have a long-term plan."

“大概需要多少年啊?”乌可力举起酒杯,急不可待地问了一句。

"How long will it take?" Wu Keli raised his glass, and asked reanestly.

吉普森仁也举起酒杯,却停了停,说:“依我之见,恐怕至少需要5年!”

Gibson Ren also raised his glass, but paused, saying: "in my opinion, I'm afraid it will take at least five years!

后来的事实证明,吉普森仁的预测是正确的。是的,发射外国卫星,并非易事。

Later, it turned out that Gibson Ren's prediction was correct. Yes, launching a foreign satellite was not easy.

截至1990年底,能进入国际商业卫星发射市场的,全世界只有美国和法国,而法国还是靠11个国家的力量オ进入的。它的“阿里亚娜”火箭打入国际市场,前后用了 8年时间。甚至连苏联那样的航天大国,至今还板着委屈的面孔,被冷落场外。

By the end of 1990, only the United States and France had access to the international commercial satellite launch market, and it was the strength of 11 countries that helped France enter. It took eight years for Ariane rocket to enter the international market. Even a space power like the Soviet Union still was left out feeling wronged and not convinced.

再说,商业卫星发射市场,已被美国等航天大国垄断了 20多年,其甜头妙不可言,他们当然还想继续垄断下去,绝不希望有第三者来抢饭碗。所以在通向西方人把守的国际商业市场的道路上,暗藏着温柔的利剑和美丽的陷阱,中国简直防不胜防。

Moreover, the United States and other space powers had monopolized the commercial satellite launch market for more than 20 years, from which they obtained too many benefits. Consequently, they wanted to continue to monopolize the market and never wanted others to get in on the act. Therefore, on the road to the international commercial market guarded by Westerners, there were gentle swords and beautiful traps, which China was simply impossible to prevent.

此外,中国是第一次踏进西方人统领的禁区,别说经验,连教训都没有;加上国门封闭太久,刚一打开,就急于挤进国际商业发射市场。这一急,当然就会摔跟斗。

In addition, this was the first time that China stepped into a forbidden zone led by westerners, and there was not even a lesson to be learned, let alone experience. After our national gate being closed for too long, we were eager to squeeze into the international commercial launch market as soon as it was opened again. A fall was inevitable when one was in a hurry.

所以说,中国想一下子就挤进国际卫星发射市场,是不现实的。

Therefore, it was unrealistic for China to squeeze into the international satellite launch market at once.

但是,面对如此困境,中国航天决策者们一致认为,发射外国卫星的工程绝不能下马,不管有多大的困难和阻力,一定要坚持下去!

However, in the face of such difficulties, China's aerospace policy makers unanimously believed that the project of launching foreign satellites must not be aborted, and no matter how difficult and resistant it was, it must be continued!

因为中国正面临着一个开放的世界。发射外国卫星,既是改革开放的一个伟大壮举,也是中国科技史上的一次重大革命。而历史的经验一再证明,机会是非常重要的,如同维纳斯的断臂,一旦失去,便永远无法续接。所以,在科学技术发生重大变革的关键时刻,一个国家只有利用科学技术的先进成果,抓住时机,才能实现腾飞。中国近几百年之所以落在了世界的后面,其中一个很重要的原因,正是在科学技术上错过了几次腾飞的机会。例如:

Because China was confronted with an open world. Launching foreign satellites was not only a great feat of reform and opening up, but also a major revolution in China's scientific and technological history. Historical experience has repeatedly proved that opportunity is very important, just like Venus's broken arm, once lost, it can never be renewed. Therefore, at the critical moment when major changes are taking place in science and technology, only by making use of the advanced achievements of science and technology and seizing the opportunity can a country achieve rapid development. One of the most important reasons why China fell behind the world in recent hundreds of years is that it has missed several opportunities to take off in science and technology. Here are examples.

—明末清初之际,中国历史上兴起了第一次科技革命。当时,江南一带商品经济勃勃兴起,在手工业中出现了资本主义萌芽,这与欧洲最早的资本主义国家几乎同时起步。就在这时,以意大利人利玛窦为首的西方传教士来到中国,带来了天文学、地理学和火器等西方近代科学技术。于是,中西方两种科学技术产生了巨大的接触与碰撞,使中国长期以来死气沉沉的科学技术第一次出现了复苏的景象。遗憾的是,由于封建社会的重压,中国科技的翅膀最终还是没有展开。而远在欧洲的英国,这时却抓住了历史赐予的大好时机,迅速赶超了意大利和荷兰,一跃而成为世界头号工业大国。

At the end of Ming Dynasty and the beginning of Qing Dynasty, the first scientific and technological revolution arose in China. At that time, the commodity economy flourished in the south of the Yangtze River, and capitalism began to sprout in handicraft industry, which started almost at the same time as the earliest capitalist countries in Europe. At this time, western missionaries headed by Italian Matteo Ricci came to China with western modern science and technology such as astronomy, geography and firearms. As a result, the two kinds of science and technology in China and the West experienced an indepth contact and a violent collision, thus China's long stagnant science and technology has shown signs of recovery for the first time. Unfortunately, due to the oppression of the feudal society, the wings of China's science and technology failed to expand in the end. Britain, as far away as Europe, seized the great opportunity given by history, quickly overtook Italy and the Netherlands, and became the world's largest industrial power.

—19世纪60至90年代,中国兴起洋务运动之时,正是世界第二次科技革命爆发之际。当时,中国的科技在沉沦了100多年之后,爆发出新的活力。但终因内外交困,国力贫弱,腾飞的翅膀最终还是无カ起飞。

Then, from the 1860s to the 1890s, when the Westernization Movement began in China, it was at the time of the outbreak of the second scientific and technological revolution in the world. During that period, a new vitality of China's science and technology broke out after more than 100 years of stagnation. However, due to domestic and diplomatic difficulties and the weakness of our country, we finally failed to take off.

—19世纪末,西方爆发了以相对论和力学为标志的科学革命,继而在20世纪四五十年代又兴起了第三次技术革命浪潮。本来,中国的民族资本主义这时已有一定的发展,可惜因战火纷飞的社会环境和贫困落后的经济,最终失去大好时机。

At the end of the 19th century, the scientific revolution marked by the theory of relativity and mechanics broke out in the West, and then the third wave of technological revolution arose in the 1940s and 1950s of the 20th century. China's national capitalism could have developed to a certain extent at this time, but unfortunately, due to the war-torn social environment and the backward economy, it finally lost the good opportunity.

—1949年之后,本来1956年至1966年是中国科技发展的“黄金时代”。那时,单就航天技术而言,中国与西方的差距并不遥远;而日本在某些方面还落在中国的后面。但“文化大革命”一场浩劫,竟长达10年!等中国从噩梦中醒来,世界科技的车轮早已滚滚向前。甚至与中国几乎处于同一起点的日本,也一跃而起,比中国早一个月发射了第一颗人造卫星!

The period from 1956 to 1966 was originally the "golden age" of China's technological development. At that time, in terms of space technology alone, the gap between China and the West was not far away, and Japan was also left behind in some aspects. But a catastrophe called the "Cultural Revolution" lasted for 10 years! When China woke up from the nightmare, the wheels of world technology had already rolled forward. Even Japan, which was almost at the same starting point as China, took off and launched its first artificial satellite one month earlier!

那么今天,当世界科技革命的大潮再次将中国推到时代的十字路口时,中国能否背水一战,抓住这一大好时机呢?

So today, when the tide of the world's scientific and technological revolution once again pushed China to the crossroads of the times, could China fight back and seize this great opportunity?

1988:希望与危机同行

1988: Hope Coming with Crisis

历史是个魔术大师,总让人难以捉摸。

History is a master of magic, always elusive.

当岁月的日历翻到1988年时,世界航天的局势又发生了奇妙的变化。这一年,世界航天事业东山再起,重振雄风,全世界一下就发射了 125颗不同的卫星。其中,苏联100颗,美国1I颗,欧洲空间局7颗,中国4颗,日本2颗,以色列1颗。

When the calendar of years turned to 1988, the world space situation changed wonderfully again. This year, the world's space industry made a comeback and regained its vigor, with 125 satellites launched in the whole world. Among them, 100 satellites belonged to the Soviet Union, 11 to the United States, 7 to the European Space Agency, 4 to China, 2 to Japan and 1 to Israel.

此外,美国航天飞机恢复了发射功能;苏联“暴风雪号”航天飞机首次发射成功;法国“阿里亚娜”火箭重整旗鼓并连续进行了 7次发射,将14颗不同国家的通信卫星送入了太空。而且,1988年6月15日,“阿里亚娜一4 ”型火箭首次发射成功,为法国争夺国际卫星发射市场又提供了一种新的运载工具。

In addition, the US space shuttle resumed its launch function; the Soviet Space successfully Launched the Space Shuttle Blizzard for the first time. The French's "Ariane" rocket reshowed and had seven consecutive launches, sending 14 communication satellites from different countries into space. Moreover, on June 15, 1988, the first successful launch of the Ariane-4 rocket provided France with a new vehicle for competing for the international satellite launch market.

让人吃惊的是,在欧洲空间局频繁的活动下,截至1990年,“阿里亚娜”火箭已夺取50%的国际卫星发射市场,各国的发射订座已排到了1991年,获利150亿法郎。而且,为提高在国际市场的竞争能力,法国还压低了“阿里亚娜”火箭的发射价格。

Surprisingly, the activities of the European Space Agency were so frequent that by 1990, the “Ariane" had captured 50% of the international satellite launch market, with national launch bookings up to 1991 and a profit of 15 billion francs. Moreover, in order to improve its competitiveness in the international market, France also lowered the launch price of the Ariane rocket.

这种咄咄逼人的世界航天局势,对中国不仅是挑战,更是威胁!

This aggressive world space situation was not only a challenge to china, but also a threat!

然而,“物竞天择,适者生存”。

However, everything follows the rule of "survival of the fittest in natural selection".

外国公司纷纷退出,虽然对中国是当头一击,但中国航天人却认真反省,吸取教训,不断改进。比如,外国专家看了中国发射场,提了许多建设性的意见;外商谈判中对发射提出这样那样的要求；中国通过到国外参观学习,也长了不少见识。这样一来,中国航天人渐渐明白:中国的火箭要想打入国际商业发射市场,在技术、生活设施等各方面必须具备哪些符合国际标准的条件。于是中国一边继续加紧同国外有关厂商的业务联系,一边狠抓发射场的技术和生活设施的建设。

Although the consecutive back-pedallings of foreign companies was a blow to China, the Chinese astronauts seriously reflected on themselves, learned lessons, and continuously improved. For example, foreign experts put forward many constructive suggestions when they saw China's launch sites. In the negotiations, foreign businessmen made various demands for the launch. China also gained a lot of experience by visiting and studying abroad. In this way, Chinese astronauts gradually understood that if China's rockets wanted to enter the international commercial launch market, they must have certain conditions meeting international standards in terms of technology and living facilities. Therefore, while continuing to step up business ties with relevant foreign manufacturers, China also paid close attention to the construction of technology and living facilities at launch sites.

而与此同时,有关部门也采取了许多积极的措施,譬如,中国人民保险公司愿冒着风险,以国际市场优惠价格为外商提供经济保险;中国海关决定对入境的外国卫星实行免检政策;中国人民银行对发射外国卫星所需的贷款,表示尽力给予保证;负责发射设施改造和工程兴建的设计部门以及施工单位,也愿意通力合作,拼命苦干,确保按期完成任务;等等。

At the same time, the departments concerned also took many positive measures. For example, the People's Insurance Company of China ran risks for providing economic insurance for foreign businessmen at preferential prices in the international market; China Customs decided to implement an inspection exemption policy for foreign satellites entering the country; the People's Bank of China indicated that it would do its best to guarantee the loans needed for launching foreign satellites; the design departments and construction units responsible for the renovation and construction of the launch facilities were also willing to cooperate with each other and work hard to ensure the completion of the task on schedule.

1988年3月7日,“长征三号”火箭又将一颗通信卫星成功送入太空。世界的目光,再次转向中国。

On March 7, 1988, the Long March 3 rocket successfully launched another communications satellite into space. The sight of the world once again cast to China.

据说,一年前,当外商纷纷退出中国时,西方一位记者曾打了一个比喻,说中国的“长征三号”火箭就像一只又大又肥的螃蟹,刚刚摆上国际餐桌时,各国卫星公司的老板们纷纷伸长了鼻子,抢着去闻香味,尽管个个垂涎三尺,却又谁都不敢先尝第一口。

It was said that one year ago, when foreign businessmen withdrew from China one after another, a western reporter once made an analogy. He said China's "Long March 3" rocket was like a big, fat crab. When it was just put on the international table, the bosses of the satellite companies elongated nose and vied to smell the fragrance. Although evryone was salivating, no one dared to taste the first bite.

没想到,一年后,终于走来一个敢尝第一口“螃蟹”的人。这个敢尝第一口“螃蟹”的人,便是而今誉满全球的亚洲卫星公司。

Unexpectedly, a year later, the one who dared to taste the first bite of "crab" finally arrived. That was the globally renowned Asian satellite company these days.

亚洲卫星公司是在香港注册的一家卫星公司,它由英国大东电报局、中国国际信托投资公司、香港和记黄埔公司三家共同投资,并各持相等股份。由于三家公司均有雄厚的资金和技术专长,所以不惜巨款,冒着极大的风险,购买了美国休斯公司的“亚洲一号”卫星,第一个让中国的“长征三号”火箭将其送入太空。

AsiaSat, a satellite company registered in Hong Kong, was jointly invested by Cable and Wireless, China International Trust and Investment Corporation and Hutchison Whampoa. With strong capital and technical expertise, these three companies took risks to buy the “AsiaSat 1” satellite produced by Hughes at the expense of money, as the first to let China's "Long March 3" rocket carry it into space.

1988年9月9日,通过中国多方面的努力,美国国务院正式批准用中国火箭发射3颗美国通信卫星的计划。

On September 9, 1988, through China's efforts in various aspects, the US State Department officially approved the plan to launch three US communication satellites with China-made rockets.

这是有史以来美国政府第一次批准由一个社会主义国家发射美国卫星的计划。

It was the first time in history that the U.S. government had approved a plan to launch a U.S. satellite from a socialist country.

为此,中国外交部发言人在当天发表声明说:“美国的卫星运到中国发射,安全是有保证的。”并在答记者问时,再次表示:“中国对美国政府支持中国为外国提供卫星发射服务表示赞赏。”

To this end, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the same day: "The safety of the U.S. satellite is guaranteed when it is transported to China for launch. In response to a reporter's question, he said again: "China appreciates the US government's support for China's satellite launching services to foreign countries.

但是,这仅仅是事情的开始。

However, this is just the beginning of everything.

十一、外交场上的风云

Chapter Ⅺ The Volatile Situation of Diplomacy

1988年11月24日,中国谈判代表团前往美国进行第二轮关于商业卫星发射服务问题的会谈,代表团团长孙家栋。

On November 24, 1988, the Chinese negotiating delegation headed by Sun Jiadong went to the United States for the second round of talks on commercial satellite launch services.

这天,航空航天部部长林宗棠、副部长刘纪原亲临机场送行。临上飞机时,刘纪原握住孙家栋的手,一再嘱咐说:“这次谈判,无论遇到多大的困难与阻力,只能成功,不可失败!”

On this day, Lin Zongtang, Minister of the Ministry of Aviation Industry, and Vice Minister Liu Jiyuan personally saw them off at the airport. Before boarding the plane, Liu Jiyuan took Sun Jiadong's hand and repeatedly instructed: "No matter how difficult and challenging the negotiation may be, you must make it!"

飞机起飞时,清晨的阳光洒满北京首都机场。机场上,送行的人群使劲地挥动着祝愿的手臂;其中两位女士,眼里还含着泪水。

When the plane took off, the early morning sun filled the Beijing Capital Airport. At the airport, the people who saw them off waved their blessing arms vigorously. Among them were two women whose eyes were filled in tears.

发射外国卫星,看起来好像只是一次国际性的商业活动,但实际上除了两个公司之间要签订有关合同外,两国政府之间还必须签署正式的协议文件。

Launching a foreign satellite seemed like an international commercial activity, but in fact, in addition to the relevant contracts signed between the two companies, the two governments must also sign formal agreement documents.

这就需要谈判。
Then negotiation was required.

此次谈判,若是成功,“亚洲一号”卫星的出境许可证便可颁发;倘若失败,则一切就此结束!

The negotiations, if successful, the exit permit of the “AsiaSat 1” satellite would be issued; on the contrary, it would be the end.

因此,中国代表团此次出征,不管是飞机上的谈判代表,还是飞机下的送行人员,无不感到深深的忧虑与担心。

Therefore, whether the negotiators on the plane or the people off the plane all felt deep anxiety and worry about the delegation.

10月初,中国航空航天部起草了一封信函,通过中国驻美大使韩叙先生转交给美国国会。在这封信中,主要阐明了中国卫星发射进入国际商业市场的理由。

In early October, the Ministry of Aviation Industry of China drafted a letter and forwarded it to the US Congress via the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Han Xu. In this letter, the main reasons for China's satellite launch to enter the international commercial market were explained.

美国国会收到中方信函后,由美国空间委员会主席罗伯特・罗埃先生召集国会有关人员讨论了中方的意见,然后将国会意见提交里根政府。里根在原则上表示同意,但要求中美双方必须就如下三个问题进行会谈:

After the US Congress received the letter from China, Mr. Robert Roe, chairman of the US Space Committee, convened relevant personnel of the National Committee to discuss the Chinese views, and then submitted the congressional views to the Reagan Administration. Reagan agreed in principle, but demanded that China and the United States hold talks on the following three issues.

第一,卫星是高技术出口,中方如何保证其技术安全;

First, satellites are high-tech exports. How can China ensure their technical safety?

第二,中国不属于联合国空间责任条约国,万一火箭发射失败,危及第三方国家,如何承担责任;

Second, China is not one of the United Nations Space Responsibility Treaty Partners. In case the rocket launch fails and endangers third-party countries, how can China assume responsibility?

第三,有关卫星发射中的商务问题,必须落实到具体的条款中。

Third, commercial issues related to satellite launches must be implemented in specific provisions.

于是,10月中旬,中美两国政府代表团在北京钓鱼台,就卫星技术的安全问题和卫星发射的责任问题,举行了第一轮会谈。

Therefore, in mid-October, Chinese and American government delegations held the first round of talks on the safety of satellite technology and the responsibility of satellite launch in Diaoyutai, Beijing.

会谈中,双方各持一个谈判稿。几轮谈判下来,中美两国政府终于达成一致意见,签订了关于《卫星技术安全》和《卫星发射责任》两个协议备忘录。

During the talk, both sides held a negotiating draft. After several rounds, the Chinese and US governments finally reached an agreement and signed two memorandums of agreement on "Satellite Technical Safety" and "Satellite Launch Responsibility."

而与此同时,全国人大常务委员会也通过了中国加入“外层空间”三个条约的决议,为“亚洲一号”卫星的发射奠定了相互信任的基础,并具备了可靠的法律保证。

At the same time, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress also adopted a resolution on China's accession to the three treaties on "outer space," laying a foundation for mutual trust and providing reliable legal guarantee for the launch of the "Asia-1" satellite.

可惜,此次谈判最终未达成一致协议,故两国政府的谈判桌,又从北京搬到了美国。

Unfortunately, no agreement was reached in the end, so the negotiating table between the two governments was moved from Beijing to the US.

飞机穿破云层,在12000米的高空翱翔。

The plane pierced through the clouds and soared at an altitude of 12,000 meters.

飞机下方,就是波涛滚滚的太平洋,但飞机上的中国代表团所有成员,谁也顾不上去看一眼。

Below the plane were waves rolling in the Pacific Ocean, but all the members of the Chinese delegation on the plane were to busy to look out of the window.

本来,10月在北京谈判结束时,双方约定,这次在美国的谈判,由美方先拿出一个谈判意见稿,作为谈判的基础。但不知何故,美方迟迟未将意见稿寄出。后几经催促,直到11月22日下午,中方オ收到美方寄来的谈判稿。可中方打开谈判稿一看,意见相差甚远。本想推迟谈判,但机票已经定好,只好匆匆启程。

As agreed by two sides, at the end of the talks in Beijing in October, the US side should have produced a draft of negotiation opinions first as the basis for the talks in the United States. However, for some reason, the US didn't send out the opinion draft. After urging them for several times, the Chinese delegation didn't recieve the negotiation draft sent by the US side until the afternoon of November 22. However, when the Chinese delegation unfolded the draft, only to find distinctly differenct views. They wanted to postpone the negotiations, but the ticket had been booked, so they had to leave in a hurry.

为了在这次谈判中争取主动,一上飞机,中国代表团便分三个小组,对美方提交的谈判稿进行修改。小组修改完之后,再交到孙家栋的手上。

In order to gain the initiative in this negotiation, the Chinese delegation divided into three groups to revise the negotiation draft submitted by the US as soon as they boarded the plane. After the team revised it, it was handed over to Sun Jiadong.

孙家栋是此次赴美代表团的团长。此刻,他靠在舷窗前,正逐字逐句地推敲着美方拟定的谈判稿。

Sun Jiadong was the head of the delegation to the United States. At the moment, he leaned against the porthole and was deliberating word for word on the negotiation draft the US submitted.

孙家栋是东北辽宁人。1950年,尚未从哈军工毕业。他便参了军,成为空军志愿军一名年轻而出色的翻译官。1952年,他赴苏联茹柯夫斯基空军工程学院深造。在6年的学习中,他因各科成绩优异,荣获苏联茹柯夫斯基空军工程学院金质奖章。

Sun Jiadong is a native of Liaoning Province in Northeast China. In 1950, he had not graduated from PLA Military Institute of Engineering. Then he joined the army and became a young and outstanding translator in the Air Force Volunteers. In 1952, he went to the Soviet Union Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering College for further study. During his six years of study, he was awarded the Gold Medal of the Soviet Union's Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy for his outstanding achievements in all subjects.

1958年,孙家栋回国,因他俄语出色,常作为高级翻译陪同中国代表团前往苏联进行有关谈判。1982年,他作为中国代表团副团长,出席了联合国空间代表大会;1984年,他作为中国代表团副团长,先后同英国、法国、联邦德国和意大利进行有关空间合作的谈判;1986年,他同巴西进行关于中巴资源卫星合作的谈判。因此在国际谈判席上,堪称一位经验丰富的高手。

In 1958, Sun Jiadong returned to China. Because of his excellent Russian, he often accompanied the Chinese delegation to the Soviet Union as a senior translator for relevant negotiations. In 1982, as the deputy head of the Chinese delegation, he attended the United Nations Space Representative Conference. In 1984, as deputy head of the Chinese delegation, he successively held negotiations on space cooperation with Britain, France, Federal Republic of Germany and Italy. In 1986, he attended the negotiation with Brazil on cooperation between China and Brazil in resource satellites. Therefore, in the international negotiation table, he could be called an experienced player.

孙家栋宽宽的额头,胖胖的脸,留着一个小平头。他能言善辩,口才极好,特别能讲故事。他肚子里似乎装有一个故事公司,一讲便是一个系列。无论多么重大复杂的事情,他只要讲一个小小的故事,便可让你一清二楚。并且,每当讲话时,孙家栋的脸上总是洋溢着一种充满智慧与慈善的微笑。这种微笑,能让你获得一种信任,感到一种轻松,留下很难抹去的印象。

Sun Jiadong has a broad forehead and a fat face, with a screw hair. He is eloquent and articulated, especially good at telling stories. There seems to have a story company in his mind, and stories are always told in series. No matter how important and complicated things are, you will understand everything after he tells you a small story. Moreover, whenever he speaks, Sun Jiadong always wears a smile full of wisdom and charity, which always gives you a sense of trust, a sense of relief, and leaves an impression that is hard to erase.

但此刻,孙家栋的脸上毫无笑容,全是忧虑。等他合上谈判稿,抬起头来,将疲惫的目光投向窗外时,旧金山已近在眼前。

But now, his face was full of worries instead of a smile. When he closed the draft, looked up, and looked out the window, San Francisco was just around the corner.

华盛顿。美国总统商务代表处。
Washington, DC. The President Business Office of the United States.

这是一幢充满商业气息的简易小楼。中国代表团到华盛顿的第二天,双方便在此摆开了谈判的阵容。

This was a simple building full of commercial flavor. The day after the Chinese delegation arrived in Washington, the two sides laid out the lineup for negotiations.

美国总统商务代表处,是总统府下设的一个商务机构。世界各国同美国的各种贸易活动,都必须与美国总统商务代表处洽谈后,再由商务代表处向总统直接报告。

The President Business Office of the United States was a business organization under the President Palace. All kinds of trade activities between other countries and the United States must be negotiated with the President Business Office of the United States, and then reported directly to the President by the Business Representative Office.

中国代表团11月25日抵达旧金山后,一下飞机,便用了一个下午和一个晚上的时间,对美方的谈判稿再次进行了复议、修改,并将修改后的中文稿译成了英文。第二天下午,又从旧金山赶到华盛顿。一到华盛顿,马上找到中国驻美大使馆大使韩叙先生,就此次谈判一事,专门向他做了汇报。

After arriving in San Francisco on 25 november, the Cinese delegation spent one afternoon and one night on the plane reviewing and revising the US draft and translating the revised Chinese version into English. The next afternoon, they went to Washington from San Francisco. As soon as they arrived in Washington, they immediately found Mr. Han Xu, Ambassador of the Chinese Embassy in the United States, and gave him a special report on the negotiations.

韩叙是中国第一任驻美大使,在美国政界享有很高的威望。早在五六十年代, 他作为周恩来总理政府代表团的随行人员,参加过1954年和1961年的日内瓦会议、1955年的万隆会议,出访过欧亚11国;曾参与接待了大量来访的各国元首或政府首脑,比如197I年基辛格访华,1972年尼克松访华,参与1982年中美“八一七公报”的后期谈判以及1984年两国首脑的互访等。1982年出任中华人民共和国外交部副部长,1985年出任中国驻美国大使。

Han Xu was China's first ambassador to the United States and enjoyed high prestige in the US political arena. As early as the 1950s and 1960s, as an entourage member of premier Zhou Enlai's government delegation, he participated in the Geneva Conference in 1954 and 1961, the Bandung Conference in 1955, and visited 11 European and Asian countries. He has been involved in recieving a large number of visiting heads of state or government, such as Kissinger's visit to China in 1971 and Nixon's visit to China in 1972. He also participated in the late-stage talks of the August 17 Communiqué between China and the United States in 1982 and the exchange visits between the heads of state of the two countries in 1984. In 1982, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, and in 1985, he was appointed Ambassador of China to the United States.

韩叙大使听了代表团汇报的情况后,和代表团商量,决定第二天就开始与美方谈判。

After listening to the report of the delegation, Ambassador Han Xu discussed with the delegation and decided to start the negotiation with the US the next day.

当晚,代表团在大使馆就第二天谈判的有关对策,再次进行了讨论。

That night, the delegation discussed again at the embassy on the relevant countermeasures for the coming negotiations.

代表团成员中,有一位叫王秀亭的女士,因一路匆忙,昼夜加班,头发乱得不成样子也顾不上。大使馆的理发员小王发现后,主动找上门来,要为王秀亭烫发。小王说:“明天就要谈判了,应该打扮得漂漂亮亮的。让美国人好好看看,咱们中国女谈判家的形象!”于是,小王连夜为王秀亭烫了一个漂亮的“东方式”。

Among the members of the delegation, there was a woman named Wang Xiuting, who worked overtime day and night and was too busy to fix her hair. After Wang, the barber of the embassy, found it, he took the initiative to come to the door and perm Wang Xiuting. Wang said, "You're going to negotiate tomorrow. You should dress up beautiful. Let the Americans have a good look at the image of our Chinese female negotiators!" So, Wang gave Wang Xiuting a beautiful "Oriental" perm overnight.

第二天一早,中美双方拉开了谈判的序幕。
In the early morning the next day, China and the United States kicked off the negotiation.

美方代表团可谓实力雄厚。团长是尤金・麦卡里斯特,首席谈判代表是威克逊。威克逊是一位经验丰富、有着多年外交工作经历的谈判老手。美国同国外的所有商务联系,几乎都是由他出面进行主谈,因而在西欧诸国享有盛名。

The US delegation was strong. The head of the delegation was Eugene McAllister, and the chief negotiator was Wickson. Wickson is an experienced negotiator with rich diplomatic experience. All the business contacts between the United States and foreign countries were almost always conducted by him, and thus he enjoyed a high reputation in Western Europe.

美国人似乎天生富有幽默感。这天,中美双方代表在谈判席上刚一握手相见, 威克逊便指着楼下的房间,对中方代表说: “尊敬的中国朋友们,你们远道而来,请允许我向你们表示诚挚的欢迎!不过, 在谈判前,我想提醒一句:你们知道我这楼下过去是干什么的吗?”

Americans seem to have a natural sense of humor. On this day, as soon as the representatives of China and the United States shook hands at the negotiating table, Wickson pointed to the room downstairs and said to the Chinese representative: "Dear Chinese friends, you have come from afar, please allow me to express my sincere welcome to you! But, before the negotiation starts, I'd like to remind you that if you know the role of the downstairs in the past?"

中方代表看了看,不知所以然。
The Chinese representative looked at it, perplexed.

“告诉你们吧,”威克逊说,“在美国南北战争时期,这儿曾是专门关押俘虏的地方！”
"Let me tell you," Wickson said,"this was a place for prisoners during the American Civil War!"

“关押俘虏的地方?”中方代表更是不解。
"For prisoners?" the Chinese representative was even more puzzled.

“是的。”威克逊说;你们这次谈判要是输了,我就把你们留在楼下啦!”说罢, 威克逊笑了。

"Yes," said Wickson, "if you lose this negotiation, I'll leave you downstairs!" Wickson laughed after saying that.

中方代表这オ恍然大悟。
The Chinese representative suddenly understood.

“尊敬的威克逊先生,”孙家栋笑眯眯地接过话茬道,“这次我们谈判要是赢了呢?”

"Dear Wickson," said Sun Jiadong with a smile, "but what if we win?"

“那……那就把我关在楼下!”威克逊说罢,哈哈大笑起来。

"Then... you can lock me downstairs!" Saying that, Wickson burst into laughter.

“我看呀,”上官世盘插话道,“最好的结局,是谁都不要被关在楼下。”

"In my view," interrupted Shangguan Shipan, "the best outcome is that no one should be locked downstairs."

“对对对,睡席梦思毕竟比躺地板强!”威克逊说完,双方代表都笑了。

"That's right! Sleeping on the mat is better than lying on the floor after all!" Wakeson said, and representatives from both sides laughed.

威克逊的开场白,看似一个玩笑,但中方代表分明预感到,这是对方有意发出的一个挑战信号,此次谈判,绝不会轻松。

Wickson's opening remarks seemed to be a joke, but the Chinese representative clearly sensed that this was a challenge signal deliberately sent by the US. The negotiation would not be easy.

果然,第一个回合下来,美方便占了上风。
As expected, in the first round, the US gained the upper hand.

美方在谈判中说:中国的火箭不应进入国际市场,因为有国家力量的支持;而美国的火箭公司是商业性的私人公司。这违背了平等竞争的商业原则,不符合一般商业规律。

During the talks, the US said that China's rockets should not enter the international market because they were supported by the country, but the US's rockets companies were commerce-related and privately owned. This violated the business principle of equal competition and did not conform to the general business law.

美方在谈判中还说:中国的火箭发射价格太低,是利用倾销价格进入国际市场,这就扰乱了国际市场价格。此外,中国在挤进国际卫星发射市场的过程中,某些做法不符合商业规则。

The US also said that China's rocket launch was too cheap. China used dumping prices to enter the international market, which disturbed the international market price. In addition, some of China's practices in the process of squeezing into the international satellite launch market were not in line with commercial rules.

此次谈判,由于一开始是以美方的谈判文本为基础,加之中方代表团又是第一次触及此类问题,所以一涉及对外发射服务中的国际贸易问题,中国代表团就感到很陌生,一下子处于被动局面。

Since the negotiations were based on the US's negotiation text at the beginning, and it was the first time that the Chinese delegation touched on such issues, the Chinese delegation was unfamiliar with international trade in foreign launch services, thus suddenly being in a passive situation.

中方出师不利,有人面露尴尬,有人忐忑不安。

The Chinese side did not get off to a good start. Some were embarrassed and some uneasy.

而恰在这时,中方的主谈人又不幸病倒。

And just at this time, the chief negotiator of the Chinese delegation unfortunately fell ill.

下一步怎么办?
What should they do next?

谁来接替原来的主谈人?
Who was going to replace the original chief negotiator?

当晚,中国代表团第一次出现了集体失眠。
That night, the Chinese delegation experienced insomnia together for the first time.

身为团长的孙家栋自然更是睡不着了,本来就发白的头发一夜间仿佛又白了许多。他深知这次谈判的重要,清楚一旦谈判失败,后果是什么。

As the head of the delegation, Sun Jiadong was unable to sleep, either. His already gray hair seemed to have turned much whiter overnight. He was well aware of the importance of this negotiation and knew what the consequences would be if the negotiation failed.

中国的火箭要发射美国的卫星,无论是在国内还是国外,呼声都越来越高。前天,他刚到美国,就接到不少美籍华人打来的电话,纷纷询问中国代表团这次谈判情况,并向他表示鼓励与祝愿。有的在电话里当即表示说:“一定尽全力支持中国谈判代表团!”有的在电话里满含深情地说:“中国的火箭只有成功地走向了世界, 我们这些海外的华人才能真正抬得起头,挺得起腰杆!”

China's rockets to launch American satellites, whether at home or abroad, arouse increasing calls. The day before yesterday, as soon as he arrived in the US, he received many calls from Chinese Americans who asked about the talks and expressed encouragement and wishes to him. Some immediately said on the phone: "We will do our best to support the Chinese delegation!" Some of them said on the phone with deep feelings: "Only when China's rockets successfully go to the world, can we overseas Chinese really lift our heads and stand up!"

孙家栋再也无法入睡了。他把代表团全体成员召集起来,再一次认真研究了美方的谈判文本,然后具体拟定了第二天的谈判对策。鉴于原主谈人生病,他又果断决定:由上官世盘出任主谈人。

Sun Jiadong couldn't sleep anymore. He called together all the members of the delegation, once again carefully studied the US's negotiation text, and then worked out the specific countermeasures for the next day's negotiation. In view of the original chief negotiator was ill, he quickly decided to assign shangguan ShiPan as the original negotiator.

第二天,上官世盘的发言,有礼有节,不仅情感真挚,而且在外交分寸的把握上恰到好处,游刃有余。于是局面开始发生好转。

The next day, Shangguan Shipan's speech was polite and restrained, not only sincere in emotion, but also just right in grasping diplomatic discretion. So the situation began to improve.

第二个回合,双方打了个平局。
In the second round, the two sides played a draw.

谈判仍在继续,且越谈越难。
Negotiations were still continuing and became more and more hard.

20天时间,一晃而过。
Twenty days passed in a flash.

谈判,从第一稿,谈到第十稿。
Negotiations rolled from the first draft to the tenth draft.

1988年12月17日,孙家栋终于代表中国代表团草签了中美两国政府间的最后一个协议文件一《关于商业发射服务的国际贸易问题协议备忘录》。

On December 17, 1988, Sun Jiadong, on behalf of the Chinese delegation, finally initialed the last agreement document between the governments of China and the United States, the Memorandum of Agreement on International Trade in Commercial Launch Services.

中国代表团离开美国那天,美方代表团的团长尤金・麦卡里斯特前往机场送行。麦卡里斯特握着孙家栋的手,说:“孙先生,这次谈判我什么都想到了,但就是有一点没想到。”

On the day the Chinese delegation left the United States, Eugene McAllister, head of the US delegation, went to the airport to see them off. McAllister held Sun Jiadong's hand and said, "Mr. Sun, I've thought of everything except one point in this negotiation."

孙家栋问:“哪一点没想到?”
"What?" asked Sun Jiadong.

麦卡里斯特说:“你们竟然在飞机上就将谈判文本改了一稿!”
McAllister said,"You had changed the negotiation text on the plane!

孙家栋忍不住笑了,说:“麦卡里斯特先生,我们这也是被你们逼上梁山的啊!” 麦卡里斯特说:“中国代表团不仅效率高,谈判水平也高。我祝贺你们!”

Sun Jiadong couldn't help but laugh and said, "Mr. McAllister, we were also forced to do that because of you!" McAllister replied, "The Chinese delegation is not only efficient, but also has a high level of negotiation. Congratulations!"

孙家栋说:“祝愿我们下一步的合作顺利进行!”
Sun Jiadong said: "I wish our next cooperation successful!

麦卡里斯特说:“好,希望如此。”
"Well, I hope so," McAllister said.

北京。首都机场。

Beijing. Beijing Capital Airport.

这一天,以刘纪原为首的欢迎中国谈判代表团凯旋的队伍,早在机场等候多时。

On this day, the team headed by Liu Jiyuan to welcome the triumphant Chinese negotiating delegation waited at the airport for a long time.

中国谈判代表团乘坐的飞机刚一着陆,人群中就传来一片欢呼声。

As soon as the plane of the Chinese negotiating delegation landed, a cheer burst from the crowd.

孙家栋率先走出机舱。他一边向迎接的人群挥手致意,一边匆匆走下舷梯,然后抢先握住刘纪原的手,第一句话就说:“老刘,谈判成功了！”

Sun Jiadong went out of the cabin first. He waved to the welcoming crowd, hurried down the gangway and competed to hold Liu Jiyuan's hand. His first sentence was, "Lao Liu, we succeed!"

望着孙家栋明显消瘦的脸庞,刘纪原副部长笑了:“当然成功了,你不想想,你们身后站着一个强大的中华人民共和国!”

"Surely," looking at Sun's visibly emaciated face, Liu Jiyuan said with a smile, "because behind you stands a powerful country--People's Republic of China!"

十二、布什:不愿得罪十亿中国人

Ⅻ: Bush: Unwilling to Offend 1 billion Chinese

1989年1月23日,北京人民大会堂江苏厅。

January 23, 1989, in the Jiangsu Hallof the Great Hall of the People, Beijing.

下午4时,中国长城工业公司副总经理乌可力代表中方,亚洲卫星公司执行总裁薛栋代表用户,签署了关于用中国“长征三号”运载火箭发射“亚洲一号”卫星的正式合同。

At 4:00 p.m., Wu Keli, deputy general manager of the China Great Wall Industry Corporation, on behalf of China, and Xue Dong, executive director of the AsiaSat Corporation, on behalf of the user, signed a formal contract on launching the AsiaSat-1 satellite with China's "Long March-3" carrier rocket.

全国人大常委会副委员长荣毅仁,国务委员邹家华和国防科工委、航空航天部负责人出席了隆重的签字仪式。

Rong Yiren, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, Zou Jiahua, State Councilor, and responsible persons of the COSTIND and the Ministry of Aviation Industry attended the grand signing ceremony.

当晚,在人民大会堂宴会厅举行庆祝宴会。300余名中外来宾和记者,济济一堂,频频举杯。

In that evening, a celebration banquet was held in the banquet hall of the Great Hall of the People. More than 300 Chinese and foreign guests and journalists gathered together and raised their glasses from time to time.

迷人的灯光,成功的笑脸,舒心的乐曲,飘香的茅台,整个人民大会堂宴会大厅,洋溢着浓浓的喜庆气氛。

Charming lights, smiling faces because of success, soothing music, fragrant Maotai spirit created a thick festive atmosphere filling the banquet hall of the Great Hall of the People.

乌可力端着酒杯,穿梭于各个座席之间,与外宾们频频碰杯。乌可力不仅在外交场上是一位谈判能人,在酒席上也是一位常常压倒对手的强者。年轻时,他一仰脖子,能灌下两斤白干;现在,一斤白酒,依然不在话下。

Wu Keli carried the wine glass, shuttled between the seats, and frequently clinked glasses with the foreign guests. Wu Keli was not only a negotiator on the diplomatic field, but also a strong man who often overpowered his opponent at the banquet. When he was young, he lifted up his neck and could fill two jin in vain; now, one jin was also a piece of cake. (1 jin is equivalent to 0.5 kilogram)

据说,有一次在联邦德国谈判时,联邦德国卫星专家听说乌可力是位蒙古族汉子,特能喝酒,便拿出几瓶84度的酒,要与他豪饮一番。乌可力也不客气,端起酒杯,与他连连对碰。结果,这位号称“海量”的联邦德国专家刚喝下三杯,便放下酒杯,拱手承让道:“乌先生不仅谈判是这个（竖大拇指）,喝酒也是这个（竖大拇指）, 佩服,佩服!”

It was said that once in the Federal Republic of Germany negotiations, when their satellite expert heard that Wu Keli was a Mongolian man and was a good drinker, he took out a few bottles of 84 degrees of wine, to imbibe with him. Without demur and hesitation, Wu Keli raised his glass and exchanged blows with him frequently. Unexpectedly, the Federal Republic of Germany expert with so-called "enormous capacity for liquor" just drank three cups, then put down the wine cup, clasping his hands together and said with admiration: "Mr Wu is not only ... in the negotiations (giving a thumbs-up), but also ... in drinking (giving a thumbs-up). I admire a lot!"

可今天,乌可力刚喝下第八杯茅台,便有些醉眼蒙咙,一种疲劳之感频频袭来。

But today, Wu Keli was a little drunk with a feeling of fatigue hitting him frequently after he just drank the eighth cup of Maotai.

他,实在太累了……
He was ... really tired.

从提议发射外国卫星,到今天正式签订发射合同,整整5年。

From the proposal to launch foreign satellites to the formal signing of the launch contract today, it has taken five years.

5年来,为了把中国的火箭打入国际商业市场,乌可力的足迹几乎遍布全球。从亚洲到美洲,从美洲到欧洲,他跑了 30多个国家和地区,光乘坐飞机的时间就有 4200多个小时,共计行程90多万公里！

In the past five years, in order to bring Chinese rockets into the international commercial market, Ukeli traveled almost all over the world. From Asia to the Americas, from the Americas to Europe, he traveled to more than 30 countries and regions. He spent more than 4,200 hours by plane alone, with a total journey of more than 900,000 kilometers!

1988年,为了卫星等谈判之事,有一次他从中国飞到洛杉矶,再从洛杉矶飞到巴西;从巴西飞到联邦德国,再从联邦德国飞到伊拉克;从伊拉克飞到巴西,再从巴西飞回中国。连续一个星期,几乎全是在上万米的高空中度过的。

In 1988, for the sake of negotiations on satellites, he once flew from China to Los Angeles and then from Los Angeles to Brazil; then fly from Brazil to Federal Germany, and next from Federal Germany to Iraq; from Iraq to Brazil, and then fly back to China from Brazil. For a week in a row, almost he spent all his time in the tens of thousands of meters high in the air.

当然,还有比累更令他难受的事情。

Of course, there were more than tireness to make him uncomfortable.

1986年,他带领中国代表团去加拿大考察,与某卫星公司洽谈有关发射的问题。按国家规定,出国考察人员每人每天费用只有52美元,显然不可能去住四星级、五星级的宾馆。因为这样的宾馆,一晚上就是250美元。于是他和代表团成员住进了加拿大最普通、最便宜的旅店一“大马店”。

In 1986, he led the Chinese delegation to Canada to investigate and discuss with a satellite company about the launch. According to state regulations, the daily cost of each person on an overseas inspection tour was only 52 US dollars, which obviously made it impossible to stay in a four-star or five-star hotel. For a hotel like this costed $250 one night. So he and the delegation members lived in one of the most common, the cheapest hotels in Canada, where they had to sleep with many people together, crowded and uncomfortable.

有一天,乌可力打电话跟那家卫星公司联系,希望能派车接他们去公司洽谈。那家卫星公司问他们住在什么地方,乌可力把住址告诉对方后,那家公司并没有来人,而是派了两辆出租车过来。

One day, Wu Keli called to contact the satellite company, hoping that they could send a car to pick them up to the company to negotiate. The satellite company asked where they lived, and after Wu Keli told the other party the address, the company did not send anyone over, but sent two taxis.

更令人气愤的是,他们到了公司后,别说公司董事长出面接待,就连一个副经理都没露面,只派了一个科员出来应付了几句,便起身送客。

What's even more infuriating was that when they arrived at the company, there was even no deputy manager to recieve them, let alone the chairman. Only one staff member came out to perfunctorily say a few words and then stood up to see off the guests.

在回来的路上,乌可力一言不发,心里生着闷气。出租车司机是位侨民,见乌可力愁眉苦脸,便问了一句:“先生,你们是干什么的?”

On the way back, Wu Keli said nothing and was in a sulk. "What are you doing here, sir?" Seeing Wu Keli's sad face, the driver asked, who was an overseas Chinese.

乌可力一听司机会说中国话,一下多了几分亲近,说:“我们是中国卫星发射代表团的,这次来加拿大,是谈发射卫星业务的。”

As soon as Wu Keli heard that the driver could speak Chinese, he became a bit closer and said, "We are from the Chinese satellite launch delegation. This time we are coming to Canada to discuss satellite launch business."

“什么?!你们是卫星发射代表团的?”出租车司机突然一个急刹车,脸上露出惊讶与疑惑。

"What?! You are from the satellite launch delegation? "The taxi driver suddenly braked sharply, his face showing surprise and doubt.

“怎么啦?”乌可力说。
"What's the matter?" asked Wu Keli.

出租车司机说:“坏了,这家公司把你们当成骗子了!”
The taxi driver said,"Awful. This company treats you like a liar!"

乌可力愣了 :“什么,骗子?不可能,我们的确是中国卫星发射代表团的,怎么会是骗子呢?”

Wu Keli was stunned and said, "What, liars? That's impossible. We are indeed members of the Chinese satellite launch delegation, how could we be scammers?"

出租车司机这オ说道:“你知道你们住的大马店,是咋回事吗?”

Then the driver asked, "Do you know anything about the caravansary you lived in?"

乌可力说:“不知道。我们只知道它便宜。”

"No," he said. "We just know it's cheap."

出租车司机说:“加拿大的大马店,是过去赶大车的马夫住的地方。你们想想, 哪有堂堂中国卫星发射代表团住这种地方的?瞧你们这副寒酸样,他们能不把你们当骗子吗?”

The taxi driver continued: "Canada's caravansary is the place where the driver cart groom lived in the past. Think about it, how can a Chinese satellite launch delegation live in such a place? They must have treated you as scammers because of your shabby demeanor!"

听罢出租车司机的分析,乌可力恍然大悟。本想发泄一通,却又一句话也说不出来。

After listening to the analysis of the taxi driver, Wu Keli suddenly realized. He originally wanted to vent, but couldn't say a word.

当晚,乌可力来到中国驻加拿大大使馆,找到大使说:“由你们大使馆出面发请帖,明天我要请客!”

That night, Wu Keli came to the Chinese Embassy in Canada and found the ambassador, saying,"Please send out the invitation in the name of the embassy. Tomorrow will be my treat!"

大使见乌可力脸色不对,忙问:“怎么了?请什么客?”

"What happened? What treat?" He asked, noticing Wu Keli's strange expression.

乌可力说:“我要把加拿大所有大的卫星公司的总裁全部请来,让他们见识一下,中国卫星发射代表团到底是地道的正牌货,还是江湖骗子！”

Wu Keli answered, "I want to invite all the presidents of all the large satellite companies in Canada and let them know if the Chinese satellite launch delegation is a real one or a charlatan!"

第二天,加拿大各大卫星公司的总裁准时来到大使馆。中国驻加大使和乌可力等,依次站在大使馆的门前,同前来赴宴的大老板们一一握手。

The next day, the presidents of Canada's major satellite companies came to the embassy on time. The Chinese ambassador to Canada and Wu Keli and others stood in front of the embassy in a line and shook hands with the bosses who came to the dinner.

席间,乌可力端着酒杯,故意走到冷落他的那家公司的总裁面前。翻译忙向那位总裁介绍说:“这是中国商业卫星发射服务代表团副团长乌可力先生!”乌可力举起酒杯,理了理贺龙式小胡子,说:“总裁先生,我们今天第一次幸会,来,喝上几杯!”乌可力说罢,一仰脖子,咕咚咕咚,一连灌下三大杯。

At the banquet, Wukeli deliberately walked up to the CEO of the company that ignored him, holding a glass of wine. "This is Mr. Wu Keli, Deputy Head of the Chinese Commercial Satellite Launch Service Delegation!" The translator hastened to introduce him to the CEO. Wu Keli raised his glass, trimmed his Long style mustache, and said, "Mr. President, it's my pleasure to meet you for the first time today. Come and have a few drinks!" Having said that, Wu Keli raised his neck and gulped down three cups in a row.

后来有人说,单凭乌可力那喝酒的气势,便把对方震得目瞪口呆!

Later on, some people said that relying solely on Wu Keli's drinking demeanor greatly shocked the CEO!

第二天,那家公司的总裁给乌可力打来电话,要回请中国商业卫星发射服务代表团,并在电话里简单表示说,愿意用中国的火箭发射他们的卫星。

The next day, the president of the company called Wu Keli to invite the Chinese commercial satellite launch service delegation, and said on the phone that they were willing to launch their satellite with a Chinese rocket.

是的,5年奋斗,5年辛酸,5年风风雨雨,5年坡坡坎坎。今天,中国终于签订了第一个正式发射合同,乌可力当然欣慰不已。

Yes, five years of struggle, five years of bitterness, five years of ups and downs, five years of ups and downs. Today, China finally signed its first official launch contract, which made Wu Keli pleased.

于是,乌可力又端起酒杯,走到亚洲卫星公司执行总裁薛栋先生面前,感叹地说:“来,薛先生,为了今天的合同,为了下一步合作成功,我俩再干一杯!”

So, Wu Keli raised his glass again and walked up to Mr. Xue Dong, the CEO of Asia Satellite Company, exclaiming, "Come on, Mr. Xue. For today's contract, for the success of our next cooperation, let's drink another toast!"

“好!”薛栋先生举起酒杯,一饮而尽。
"Of course!" Mr. Xue Dong raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp.

接着,薛栋先生斟满一杯茅台,高高举起,乘兴向在场的各位嘉宾和新闻记者们宣布道: “各位女士们、先生们,中国是火箭的故乡,’长征号’系列火箭可靠性强,有很高的信誉。我愿意在此宣布,我们从美国休斯公司购买的‘亚洲一号’卫星,将在明年初由中国的’长征三号’运载火箭发射到预定轨道!”

Then, Mr Xue Dong filled a cup of Maotai, holding it high, announced to the presence of the guests and journalists on an impulse: "Ladies and gentlemen, China is the home of rockets. The 'Long March' series rockets are highly reliable and have a high reputation. I would like to announce here that the 'Asia-1' satellite we purchased from the Hughes Company of the United States will be launched into the scheduled orbit by China's 'Long March-3' carrier rocket early next year!"

薛栋先生话音刚落,全场立即响起一片掌声。

As soon as Mr. Xue's voice fell, the audience immediately burst into applause.

然而,正当“亚洲一号”卫星的发射工作逐步往前推进时,1989年那个火热的夏天,中国震惊世界的政治风波发生了！

However, just as the launch of the "Asia-1" satellite was gradually advancing, in the fiery summer of 1989, a political turmoil in Chian which shocked the whole world occurred!

于是,本来美国政府已经同意发放的卫星出境许可证,立即遭到冻结。

As a result, the satellite exit permit that the US government had agreed to issue was immediately frozen.

没有许可证,美国的卫星不能插翅飞到中国,无疑等于取消这次发射。

Without a permit, the US satellite could not fly to China with wings, which would undoubtedly mean canceling the launch.

而就在这时,国外有的卫星发射服务商乘虚而入,想挖走“亚洲一号”卫星的发射业务;法国的“阿里亚娜”火箭也再次降低发射价格;甚至有的客商还明确表示,不惜一切代价,也要从中国手上夺走这颗卫星,另找发射的主人！

At this time, some foreign satellite launch service providers took advantage of the opportunity to poach the launch business of "Asia No.1" satellite; France's Ariane rocket has also lowered its launch price again; Even some businessmen have made it clear that they would snatch this satellite from China at all costs and find another owner to launch it!

这对中国来说,无疑又是沉重一击！

This was undoubtedly another heavy blow to China!

几年来,为了拿到“亚洲一号”卫星的发射许可证,中国外交部、中国驻美大使馆、中国航空航天部以及中国卫星发射测控系统等,通过各种渠道,采用各种方式, 向美国政府和国际巴黎统筹委员会做了大量难以描述的工作。

Over the past few years, in order to obtain the launch license of "Asia-1" satellite, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese Embassy in the United States, the Chinese Ministry of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Chinese Satellite Launch Control System had done a lot of indescribable work to the US government and the International Paris Coordinating Committee through various channels and in various ways.

几年来,为了拿到“亚洲一号”卫星的发射许可证,航空航天部部长林宗棠远涉重洋,找英国、美国、联邦德国、意大利等国的大使,让他们向各国政府反映中国的情况,然后各国政府再向巴黎统筹委员会反映中国的情况,最后好不容易オ形成国际舆论,促使美国政府和巴黎统筹委员会同意发放“亚洲一号”卫星的许可证。

Over the past few years, in order to get the launch license of "Asia-1" satellite, Minister of Aeronautics and Astronautics Lin Zongtang had traveled far and wide to find ambassadors from Britain, the United States, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy and other countries. He asked them to reflect China's situation to the governments of various countries, and then the governments of various countries to reflect China's situation to the Paris Coordinating Committee. Finally, the international public opinion that formed with great difficulties prompted the US government and the Paris Coordinating Committee to agree to issue the license for "Asia-1" satellite.

可万万没想到,万事俱备,只欠东风,眼看离成功只有一步之遥,又要擦肩而过。

But unexpectedly, when it was only one step away from success it seemed to pass by.

13,在西方人的眼里,是一个不吉利的数字。
13, for westerners, is an unlucky number.

但1989年的12月13日,对中国人来说,却是一个可喜的日子。
But December 13, 1989, for Chinese, is a happy day.

这一天,经中国驻美大使馆与美国有关当局联系后,孙家栋副部长为“亚洲一号”卫星的许可证一事,专程赶往美国,同美国国会议员、美国空间委员会主席罗伯特罗埃以及美国国务院代理助理克里斯托弗•汉金进行会谈。

On the same day, after the Chinese Embassy in the United States contacted the relevant US authorities, Vice Minister Sun Jiadong made a special trip to the United States for talks with US Congressman Robert Troyer, Chairman of the US Space Committee, and Acting Assistant to the US State Department Christopher Hankin on the issue of the "Asia-1" satellite license.

1989年10月5日,林宗棠部长曾在北京钓鱼台国宾馆三号楼,同美国大使和美国科技参赞就卫星许可证一事,进行过一次专门的会谈。美方当时表示,对中国的心情表示理解,愿意及时将中国的意愿转告美国政府。

On October 5, 1989, Minister Lin Zongtang held a special meeting with the US Ambassador and the US Science and Technology Counsellor on the issue of satellite licenses at the No. 3 Building of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. The US delegation said at that time that it understood China's feelings and was willing to convey China's wishes to the US government in a timely manner.

但是,由于离合同所签订的发射日期越来越近,而且“亚洲一号”卫星许可证又是有期限的,所以为防止夜长梦多,节外生枝,孙家栋副部长决定再次亲赴美国, 促使“亚洲一号”卫星许可证尽快得以落实。

However, as the launch date of the contract was getting closer and closer, and the "Asia" satellite license had a time limit, in order to avoid possible troubles, Vice Minister Sun Jiadong decided to go to the United States again, to promote the "Asia" satellite license to be implemented as soon as possible.

孙家栋同美方的这次会谈,是在相对平静的气氛中进行的,而且双方都显得真挚与坦率。

The talk this time between Sun Jadong and the US were conducted in a relatively calm atmosphere, and both sides appeared sincere and frank.

会议一开始,罗伯特罗埃先生便坦诚地说:“中国与美国打交道,不能只与行政当局打交道,还要和议会打交道。美国期待中国采取行动的信号,这将是极其重要的,愈早发生愈好。两国人民之间误解的消除,将有助于增进政府、议会间的了解。”

At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Robert Roe said frankly: "If China try to make contact with the United States, you can not only deal with the executive authorities, but also with the parliament. The United States waits for the signal from China to take action, which will be extremely important, and the sooner it happens, the better it will be. The elimination of misunderstandings between the two peoples will help enhance understanding between the governments and parliaments of the two countries.

片刻,罗伯特・罗埃继续说道:“新的一年马上就要到了,人们在旧的一年快结束时都愿意进行反思,愿意做出妥协。如果能采取某种行动,对于中美之间的友谊的恢复实在是太重要了。我们期待着能到中国去访问。”

A moment later, Robert Roe continued,"The new year is coming. People are willing to reflect and compromise at the end of the old year. If we can take certain action, it will be very important to the restore the friendship between China and the United States. We are looking forward to visiting China."

接下来,国务院代理助理汉金说:“我们非常清楚’亚洲一号’卫星许可证的期限,目前高层正在做决断。我们知道时间不多了,但具体发放许可证的日期还不太清楚。本月15日发放'亚洲一号’卫星许可证是一个大概的时限。我们正在考虑, 最高层也在积极考虑,在此特提请中国政府予以注意。”

Next, Han Jin, Acting Assistant to the State Council, said, "We are very clear about the duration of the Asia-1 satellite license, and the decision is being made at the top. We know time is running out, but it's not quite clear exactly when the permit will be issued. The 15 th of this month is an approximate time limit for issuing the license for Asia-1. We are considering it, and the highest level is also actively considering it. I would like to draw the attention of the Chinese government."

孙家栋听了美方的发言,首先表示感谢,然后强调说:“'亚洲一号’卫星许可证的发放,牵涉发射场各项具体准备工作的安排与实施。为了确保明年4月能够发射,卫星必须在2月运往西昌发射场,现在时间已经相当紧迫了。”

After listening to their speech, Sun Jiadong first expressed his gratitude and then stressed, "The issuance of the license involves the arrangement and implementation of various specific preparations for the launch site. In order to ensure that it can be launched in April next year, the satellite must be transported to the Xichang Launch Center in February. Now the time is quite tight."

孙家栋说完,停顿了一下,继续说道:“至于中国发生的事,我国政府领导人已清楚地向美国朋友做了介绍。为了取得美国人民和议会的了解与支持,也一再做了阐明。最近美国已派特使对中国做了访问,会晤了包括邓小平在内的中国领导人,这对某些问题的解决是有益的。我希望能按他们商量的意见,一步一步地去做。”

After Sun Jiadong finished speaking, he paused for a moment and then continued, "As for what happened in China, the leaders of our government have made it clear to our American friends. To gain the understanding and support of the American people and Congress, it has also repeatedly clarified. Recently, the United States has sent special envoys to visit China and met with Chinese leaders including Deng Xiaoping, which is beneficial to the solution of some problems. I hope we can do it step by step according to the outcome of meeting."

最后,罗伯特・罗埃先生表示,“亚洲一号”卫星许可证一事,一定尽快予以答复。

Finally, Mr. Robert Roe said that he would definitely respond to the issue of the "Asia-1" satellite license as soon as possible.

会谈结束后,罗伯特・罗埃先生当即向美国国会做了报告。
Immediately after the talks, Mr. Robert Roe made a report to the United States Congress.

据说,当美国政府最后商定是否给中国发放“亚洲一号”卫星许可证时,会场上出现了两种不同的意见。值此关键时刻,布什总统起身走到窗前,沉思片刻,而后望了望东方,转身轻轻说了一句:

It was said that when the U.S. government finally negotiated whether to grant China a license for the "Asia-1" satellite, two different opinions appeared at the meeting. At this critical moment, President Bush stood up and walked to the window, pondered for a moment, then looked east, turned around and said softly:

“我不愿得罪十亿中国人!”

"I don't want to offend billions of Chinese people."

于是,1989年12月16日,美国白宫发言人菲茨沃特正式宣布:布什总统今天批准了“亚洲一号”卫星（及其他两颗卫星）的出口许可证。

So, on December 16, 1989, the White House spokesman Fitzwater officially announced that President Bush today approved an export license for the Asia-1 satellite (and two others).

这项决定是基于美国的国家利益做出的,因为它将为美国公司赢得3亿美元的生意!

The decision was made in the national interest of the United States because it would win US companies $300 million in business!

尾声：走向新大陆

The End: Coming to the New World

一个月后。

A month later.

美国洛杉矶长滩。休斯公司总部大楼。

Long Beach, Los Angeles, USA. Hughes Company headquarters building.

这是一个阳光温和的上午。孙家栋和乌可力款步走进休斯公司副董事长鲍夫曼先生的办公室。鲍夫曼先生急忙迎出,张开热情的臂膀,同两位中国友人紧紧拥抱。

It was a mild sunny morning. Sun Jiadong and Wu Keli walked slowly into the office of Mr. Bowman, Vice Chairman of Hughes Company. Mr. Baufman hurried out to greet him, warmly opening his arms and tightly hugging his two Chinese friends.

鲍夫曼:“孙家栋先生,祝贺你们啊!”
Baufman said, "Mr. Sun, congratulations to all of you!"

孙家栋:“鲍先生,也祝贺你们啊!”
"Thank you. Congratulations too, Mr. Baufman."

鲍夫曼:“你们发射上天的卫星,现在工作得很好！”

Baufman said, "The satellite you launched into the sky is working very well now!"

孙家栋:“是吗?那太好了!鲍先生,您对中国的这次发射,不知有何评价?”

Sun replied, "Really? That's great! Sir, so what is your evaluation of China's launch this time?"

“太棒了!”鲍夫曼伸了伸大拇指说,“我个人认为,中国这次有三点干得非常漂亮。”

"That's great!" Baufman said with a thumbs up."Personally, I think China did three things very well this time."

“哦,请问有哪三点?”孙家栋问。
"Oh, what are they?" asked Sun Jiadong.

鲍夫曼说:“一是气象预报准确;二是发射时间准,说9点半发射就9点半发射;三是卫星入轨精度高。而且,发射成功后,向我方报轨道参数也非常及时!”

Baufman answered: "Firstly, the weather forecast was accurate; secondly, the launch time was accurate and it launched on time at 9:30 pm as scheduled; thirdly, the satellite's entry into the orbit was highly accurate. Moreover, after the successful launch, the orbital parameters were reported to us in a timely manner!"

孙家栋问:“卫星入轨的偏差数测算出来了吗?”
Sun Jiadong asked, "Have you got the satellite obrital deviations?"

鲍夫曼说:“测算出来了。本来按我方原来的要求,不能超过100公里,但经我们的测量结果表明,只偏差了 54公里。后来我们又做了进一步计算,实际只偏差了9公里！这个数据,是我们休斯公司发射的80多颗卫星,入轨精度最高的一次!”

"It's done," said Boffman. "Our original request was not to exceed 100 km, but our measurements showed that there is only a deviation of 54 km. Then we did a further calculation and found that the actual deviation is only 9 km! This data manifestified that this satellite is of the highest accuracy of its entry among over 80 satellites we Hughes Company has launched!"

鲍夫曼一说完,便激动地站了起来,来回地踱着步子。

As soon as Baufman had finished, he stood up excitedly and paced back and forth.

这时,休斯公司另一位主管卫星工作的高级助理也兴奋地说:“休斯公司自从 1962年开始发射第一颗卫星到今天,我一直是参与者。这么多年来,还从未发射过这么高精度的卫星。方オ董事长说到的三个方面的情况,已在我们公司传为佳话!”

At this time, another senior assistant in charge of satellite work at Hughes also said excitedly: "I have been a participant in Hughes' first satellite launch since 1962. Over the years, there has never been such a highly-precise satellite launch. The three aspects mentioned by Chairmanjust now have been greatly appreciated in our company!"

“是吗?”孙家栋站了起来。
"Really?" Sun Jiadong stood up.

“是的,是的！”鲍夫曼先生接着说道,“这些日子以来,我们一直在兴奋地谈论着中国的这次发射。有人说,中国是个神秘的国家,也是一个很神奇的国家。有些看起来很容易办的事情,就是办不好;但有些很复杂的事情,比如像这次发射’亚洲一号’卫星,条件这么差,时间如此仓促,却居然干得如此漂亮！而且速度之快、效率之高,令人吃惊！甚至在计划上还撵着美国人走,逼着美国人提前。过去,我们是竖一个大拇指;现在,我们是竖两个大拇指!”

"Yes! That's true!" continued Mr. Boffman."We've been talking excitedly about the Chinese launch these days. Some people said that China was a mysterious country, but also a very magical country. Some things that seemed easy to do were just not done well. But some very complicated things, such as the launch of the 'Asia-1' satellite, with bad conditions and , were actually done so beautifully! And your speed and efficiency was amazing! Even in terms of planning, you drove Americans to accelerate and forced them to advance. In the past, we gave you one thumb-up; but now, you deserve two!"

鲍夫曼先生说完,双手伸出大拇指,比画着走到20层楼高的窗户前,哗地拉开了天蓝色的纱幔。

Saying that, Mr. Boffman, with his thumbs up, walking to the window of the twenty-story building, and drew the sky-blue gauze curtain.

窗外,人流如潮,云层似海。孙家栋仿佛看见,一轮鲜活的太阳,正从东方的地平线上缓缓升起。

Out of the window were people like tide, and clouds like the sea. Sun Jiadong seemed to see that a lively sun was rising slowly from the eastern horizon.

是的,历史记住了1990年4月7日。

Yes, April 7, 1990 was engraved in history.

在中国“长征三号”火箭腾飞的一刹那,全世界都感到了中国的分量,同时也感到了人类智慧与力量的伟大。20世纪末,中国以自己的实力,又一次显示了自己的存在;中国以新的形象,再一次受到世界的瞩目!“亚洲一号”卫星的冲击波, 很快就传遍了地球这个小小的村落。

At the moment when China's "Long March 3" rocket took off, the whole world felt the weight of China, but also felt the greatness of human wisdom and strength. At the end of the 20 th century, China once again showed its own existence with its own strength; China has once again drew the attention of the world with its new image! The impact of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite soon spread to this small global village.

美国休斯公司一位负责人说:“这次发射成功,是美、中在太空方面长期合作的开端,并将成为继续改善美、中两国人民关系的基础。”

"The successful launch is the beginning of a long-term Sino-US cooperation in space, and will serve as the basis for further improving the relations between the peoples of the United States and China," said an official with Hughes.

联邦德国的德新社驻京记者报道说:“这次卫星发射意味着中国以其经过考验的运载火箭进入国际卫星商业市场,与美国人和欧洲人竞争的努力取得突破。中国的卫星发射技术被外国专家认为是可靠的。中国的口袋里已经装着另外一些外国卫星的发射合同。”

"The satellite launch represents a breakthrough in China's efforts to enter the international commercial satellite market with its proven launch vehicle and compete with the Americans and Europeans," said the a correspondent from Deutsche Presse Agentur who was based in Beijing. China's satellite launching technology is considered reliable by foreign experts. China already has signed other foreign satellite launch contracts.

泰国《中华日报》发表社论说:“事实证明,中国发射卫星技术优异,而收费比西方国家便宜,将有更强的竞争力。”

"It has been proved that China's satellite launch technology is excellent, and the cost is cheaper than that of Western countries, which brirngs it stronger competitiveness," commented an editorial in Tong Hua Daily News.

英国《泰晤士报》报道说:“中国火箭将美国卫星送入太空轨道,这表明中国已经成为国际航天工业中一个重要的商业竞争者。”

The British newspaper The Times reported: "The Chinese rocket sent a US satellite into space orbit, which shows that China has become an important commercial competitor in the international space industry."

美国《基督教科学箴言报》报道说:“对中国来说,’亚洲一号’卫星的成功发射,不仅是一项技术成就,还是一项重大的外交成就。”

The Christian Science Monitor of the United States reported: "For China, the successful launch of the Asia-1 satellite is not only a technological achievement, but also a major diplomatic achievement.

日本东京消息说:“中国发射的’亚洲一号’卫星,作为一颗超越亚洲各国和地区间的’政治篱笆’,象征信息国际化的卫星而引人注目。”

"The “AsiaSat 1” satellite launched by China has attracted attention as a satellite that transcends the 'political fence' between Asian countries and regions and symbolizes the internationalization of information," said a report from Tokyo, Japan.

苏联《消息报》发表评论说:“中国第一次把美国卫星送入轨道,说明中国长城公司终于开辟了这条通往国际商业服务市场的艰难道路,开辟了亚洲远程通信和通信发展的新阶段。亚洲问题专家相信,’亚洲一号’今后将于亚洲国家生活的各个方面一社会、实业和经济产生影响。”

The Soviet newspaper Izvestia commented: "China's first launch of an American satellite into orbit shows that the Great Wall Company of China has finally paved a throny road for the international commercial service market and opened up a new stage in the development of telecommunications and communications in Asia. Experts on Asian issues believe that AsiaSat 1 will have an impact on all aspects of Asian life--society, industry and economy.

一位香港人士说:“这次发射终生难忘。这不单是一次技术性发射,它提高了中国的威望,使人们看到了中国的高技术形象。国内有这么好的技术,我们要研究投资的可行性问题。比如在香港搞卫星制造业,利用内地的技术人才,利用香港的地位和资金搞合作。”

A Hong Kong source said: "This launch will be unforgettable. This is not only a technical launch. It has increased China's prestige and made people see China's high-tech image. Having such good technology, we should study the feasibility of investment. For example, to engage in satellite manufacturing in Hong Kong. Make use of skilled personnel from the mainland, and Hong Kong's position and capital to engage in cooperation."

然而,中国火箭发射国外的商业卫星,东方与西方携手架设空间桥梁,这毕竟还是第一次。严格说来,在通向国际商业发射市场的道路上,中国オ迈出了一小步。一切还刚刚开始,也仅仅是开始。

However, it was the first time that Chinese rockets launched foreign commercial satellites, jointly build space bridges with western countries. Strictly speaking, China has just taken a small step on the road to the international commercial launch market. Everything just began, and it was just a beginning.

美国让中国发射卫星,除了信任中国的航天技术外,还有诸多因素,比如价格便宜。如果我们就此关起门来,夜郎自大,只见长城,不见世界,甚至将此事作为一种民族的炫耀,满足民族虚荣心,那未免也太浅薄了!

As for the resaons why the United States let China launch satellites, in addition to trusting China's space technology, there are many other factors, such as cheap prices. If we closed the door with arrogance, not exchanging with the world, and even considerd this as a kind of national event to show off so as to satisfy the national vanity, that was too shallow!

此时离21世纪还有10年!

At that time, there were still 10 years left until the 21st century!

已故现代航天之父布劳恩曾大胆预言:“21世纪,将是在外层空间进行科学活动和商业活动的世纪,是载人星际飞行和开始在母星地球之外建立永久性人类立足点的世纪。”

Braun, the father of modern space, who was passed away, once boldly predicted: "The 21st century will be the century of scientific and commercial activities in outer space, the century of manned interstellar flight and the beginning of the establishment of permanent human footprints outside the mother planet Earth."

是的,科技已经改变了我们的生活。原子弹早把人类的命运紧紧绑在了一起; 通信卫星的升天,已把偌大的地球变成了一个小小的村落;当第一枚威武的火箭撞开通向宇宙的大门后,人类便发现,自己赖以生存的这个星球,原来竟是如此的孤独、渺小和可怜!

Yes, technology has changed our lives. The atomic bomb has already tightly bound the fate of humanity together; The ascent of communication satellites has transformed the vast earth into a small village. When the first mighty rocket smashed the door open to the universe, human beings then found that the planet they relied on for sueviva turned out to be so lonely, small and poor!

而地球一这个人类的母星球,如今已是遍体伤痕,岌岌可危。人口、资源、环境、粮食、能源等问题,如同五条粗壮的绳索,紧紧勒住了人类的喉咙。生存与发展,将是未来的主题。战争,已不再是人们重视的热点。人们着眼关注的,是未来历史进程中,人类如何在新的世界和新的生存空间中和谐共处,生存发展。

And earth, the mother planet of mankind, is now covered in scars and in jeopardy. Issues such as population, resources, environment, food, and energy are like five thick ropes that tightly hold the throat of mankind. Survival and development will be the theme in the future. War is no longer a hot spot that people attach importance to. What people pay attention to is how human beings can coexist harmoniously and survive and develop in the new world and new living space in the future historical process.

于是,开拓天疆,造福人类,成为世界响亮的口号,成为历史赋予人类神圣而伟大的使命。尽管我们只有一个地球,但生活在这个地球上的50亿同类,有一个共同的未来！因为宇宙空间将是人类另一个美丽的家园,随着航天技术的不断发展, 人类走进宇宙母亲的怀抱,将越来越近,越来越近。

Therefore, exploiting the space and benefiting mankind have become the resounding slogan of the world and the sacred and great mission entrusted to mankind by history. Although we have only one Earth, the 5 billion people who live on this Earth share a common future! Because space will be another beautiful home for mankind. With the continuous development of space technology, mankind will be getting closer and closer to the embrace of the mother universe.

进军宇宙,开拓空间的战略,早已受到世界各国的关注,更受到美国政府的高度重视。早在1984年初,里根总统在国情咨文中,便首次将开拓宇宙空间列入国家的战略目标,并将建立一个永久载人空间站,计划于1992年送入太空。

The strategy of marching into the universe and exploiting space has long been the concern of all countries in the world, and it has been highly valued by the US government. As early as early 1984, in his State of the Union Address, President Reagan listed the exploration of outer space as a national strategic goal for the first time and planned to build a permanently manned space station to be launched into space in 1992.

1985年,里根总统还宣称:开拓和利用太空,是美国的第二次革命,是一场把知识和空间的边疆向后移,从而使我们达到进步和新高度的革命,更是一场把世界和平和人类自由的美好希望带到地球之外的革命。

In 1985, President Reagan also declared that the exploration and utilization of space was the second revolution in the United States, a revolution that pushed back the frontiers of knowledge and space, thus bringing us to new heights of progress, and even more so, a revolution that brought the bright hopes of world peace and human freedom off the Earth.

当然,探索宇宙、开拓空间的伟大事业,绝不是一个民族、一个国家的事情,也不是一天、一年或者一个世纪的问题,而需要的是全人类世世代代的共同合作与奋斗！

Of course, the great cause of exploring the universe and opening up space is by no means a matter for a nation or a country, nor is it a matter of a day, a year or a century. What is needed is the common cooperation and struggle of all mankind from generation to generation!

今天,中国与美国,东方与西方,第一次成功地在25亿亚洲人头顶的上空,架起了一座空间文明的桥梁。相信在世界的明天,全人类也将携手并肩,踏着阳光的阶梯,向着宇宙隆隆挺进!宇宙间一切的一切,时空中所有的所有,都将在地球纪元2000年后,逐一向人类一一展现。

Today, for the first time, China and the United States, East and West, have successfully erected a bridge of space civilization over the heads of 2.5 billion Asians. It's believed that in the future, all humanity will join hands, step on the ladder of sunshine, rumbling into the universe! Everything in the universe, in space and time, will be presented to humanity one by one after the Earth era in the year 2000 AD.

那时,太阳将不再是红色,月宫将不再会清寒。人类大踏步走进的,必将是一个远比地球更加美好的大同世界!

At that time, the Sun will no longer be seen red, the Lunar Palace on the Moon will no longer be desolate. What mankind strides into is bound to be a world far more beautiful than the Earth!

（原载《当代》1991年第1期）

(Originally Published in Dangdai Bimonthly, vol.1, 1991)

==卷四：6.闪着泪光的事业==

闪着泪光的事业

——“和谐号”:“中国创造”的加速度

蒋巍

为什么我的眼里常含泪水?

因为我对这土地爱得深沉……

—艾青

引子

20世纪70年代,一位西方政要访问中国时登上长城,他看到ー个古老大国的沉雄奇伟,也看到ー个民族的封闭与落后。归国后他发出这样一句感慨:“一个停滞的民族是没有前途的。”

1978年那个静悄悄的雪夜,地球似乎突然晃了晃,整个世界都感觉到来自东方大陆的震动。一位睿智的中国老人靠在中南海的沙发上,他目光深邃,沉思良久,做出这样ー个判断:中国不改革开放,不发展经济,不改善人民生活,只能是死路一条。

从此,中国进入改革开放的新时期。从此,中国铁路进入一个崭新的历史阶段

八九十年代,铁道部挥师塵战,先是“南攻衡广,北战大秦,中取华东”,后来又 “强攻京九、兰新,速战宝中、侯月,再取华东、西南”,中国铁路版图的红色箭头有了强劲的延伸。

2008年6月24日,“中国速度史”上一个闪闪发光的日子。那天有雨,乌云密布,但耀眼的闪电不在空中而在地上,那就是中国铁路最新的“形象大使”一造型优美时尚的乳白色“和谐号”。司机李东晓浓眉长目,体形壮硕,身着笔挺制服, 衣袋里装着“中华人民共和国铁道部CRH3型动车组第0001号驾驶证”,号称“中国一号铁路司机” 〇此刻他手握操纵杆,稳稳上推,列车渐渐加快,城镇绿野飞速向后掠过。铁道部的相关同志屏息注视着驾驶室内不停闪烁的屏幕,显示时速的数字不断跳跃冲高,人们的心跳也不断加速:150,200,250,300,350

“今天天气不好,不要冲了!”铁道部总工程师何华武大声对司机李东晓说。他的声音激动得有些喑哑,但这句话已被淹没在热烈的欢呼声和掌声中。394. 3 公里一由国产动车组创造的中国高铁最高时速纪录诞生了。

这样的速度,插上翅膀就可以起飞了 !

笑声和掌声中,在场所有的铁路人都泪光闪闪。

“中国高铁速度”的第一座里程碑昂然崛起!

29分43秒,“和谐号”抵达天津,比开车从北京的东直门到西直门还快。后来北京市长对天津市长笑说:“看来我是你的北郊了。”天津市长笑答:“不,我是你的海边了。”

三十年河东,三十年河西。从牛背上的中国到高铁上的中国,最伟大的变化就是:速度。“中国速度”已成为中国发展的代名词。“和谐号”诞生的速度和它创造的速度,让整个世界为之震动。大洋彼岸的白宫就被惊动了,奥巴马总统在他的第一部国情咨文中这样表述他的心情:“我们没有理由让欧洲和中国拥有最快的铁路。”

ー、涌动的人潮:“中国之梦”和“中国之痛”

仿佛一夜之间,南国ー个贫穷破败的小渔村忽然变成梦幻般绚丽的大都市。那是世界上最年轻的大都市。

就是它创造的“深圳速度”,唤醒了亿万农民的渴望与梦想:打エ去,赚钱去! 农民们扛起简单的行李卷,从乡村的泥泞小路跋涉到长沙、贵阳、成都、郑州等中西部的大小车站,然后坐在行李卷上茫然四顾。其中很多人没有预定的目的地,只要买到向东向南的车票,扛起行李就出发。于是在改革开放的中国,形成人类文明史上一个前所未有的奇观:范围最广、规模最大、持续时间最长的人口大流动。30年来,亿万脸色苍黑的农民工汇集成全球最壮阔的“候鸟群”,一年一度,春节前“回巢”,春节后“南飞”,在中国版图上像海浪ー样潮涨潮落、涌来涌去。他们在追寻和创造文明的同时,也领悟和接受着文明。

这是20世纪80年代以来充满生机和诱惑的“中国之梦”。但是,或许没有多少人意识到,正是这个令人振奋的“中国之梦”,同时造就了一个范围最广、规模最大、持续时间最长的“中国之痛”。

你听到了吗?多少年来,延伸在全国各地的两条钢轨一直在颤抖和呻吟！你看到了吗?那么多铁路员エ在谈到自己和同事的辛劳、付出和牺牲时,谈到家庭、老人和孩子时,眼里都闪着痛楚的泪光。新时期以来,在中国,大概没有任何ー个行业,像铁路这样承受着巨大的压カ,付出极大的努力,却又遭受着无尽的责难。他们半委屈半幽默地说:“我们累个半死,又给骂个半死……”

中国铁路无愧于“国脉”的光荣称号。那时,它仅占世界铁路营业里程的6%, 却承载了世界铁路25%的运输量。全国85%以上的木材和石油,80%以上的钢铁和冶炼物资,60%以上的煤炭和大部分“三农”物资,都是通过铁路运输的。但是, 国门打开之初,当我们好奇地张望这个陌生世界的时候,让ー些人最眼热、最心跳的不是铁路,而是民航、高速公路和互联网ーー民航更快,高速公路更便捷,有了互联网就不用出差了:这オ叫信息化和现代化!至于叮当作响、老旧不堪、趴在轨道上喘粗气的火车,一些人认为它已经沦为“タ阳产业”,未来只有等着进博物馆了。

ー批批从欧美购入的飞机在各大城市间翱翔起落,一条条高速公路在大江南北迅速延伸,但穿行于群山荒野和城市里隔着斑驳老墙的铁路,似乎成了“被爱情遗忘的角落”,延伸在蒸汽机车喷出的团团白雾之中……

但是,“国脉”在艰难地、坚忍地默默运行着,因为亿万民工和普通百姓需要它!日夜不停地运往全国各地的煤炭、矿石、木材和石油需要它!来自城镇、乡村并享受半票优惠待遇的大学生们（这在世界上是独ー份）需要它！在冰冻灾害、汶川地震、玉树地震等大灾大难中,驰援军队、救灾物资、运送伤员需要它！现代文明史上一年一度的人口大流动、中国最独特的社会景观一春运需要它！

那一幕记忆犹新

哓当,哓当……冬夜的冷风中,刚刚参加工作的列车员小曾（后为广铁集团干部）抱着一位旅客发高烧的1岁女儿落泪了,他ー筹莫展。他服务的是棚车,俗称 “闷罐车”。20世纪八九十年代春运期间,因客车数量不足,只好临时用货运棚车来装人,ー节车厢里塞进二三百人,挤得像沙丁鱼罐头。地板上铺些稻草,角落处打个洞就算“方便”的地方。列车员的“服务工具”主要是手电、钳子和铁丝。入夜,小曾一定先用手电检查ー下旅客的安全和状态,再用铁丝把大铁门拧死,以免中途有人想透透气被甩下去。因为车厢里人太多,想“方便”都无法移动,大家只好在黑暗中就地解决。小曾只能站着喊着,或者像走过瓜地ー样,跨过席地而坐的旅客们的脑袋进行服务,等到中途有人下车了,他才能在稻草铺上歇歇……

那一幕惊心动魄

2008年春,冰冻灾害席卷南国,广州地区聚集了 350万等待回家的旅客大军。春节前10天,仅广州站就拥入200万人。站前广场上,每平方米平均站8个人以上,体重轻的脚都悬空了,几昼夜动弹不得,想出都出不来。有的孩子挤晕了,旅客们就高举双手组成长长的“天桥”,把孩子传出来。时间长了,人海昏昏欲睡,浪潮般东倒西歪。铁路和部队、武警派出上万人,手挽手在外围组成六道铁壁铜墙。ー会儿,半睡半醒的几十万人ー齐向南歪倒,过一会儿又向北歪倒,只要外围用血肉组成的“长城”顶不住,一旦被冲垮,多少人将被踩踏在地……有时,心情焦灼的几十万旅客激动亢奋起来,一起高喊着“回家!回家!”,向站前候车室潮涌而去,咆哮的人浪、声浪、气浪如怒海狂涛,难以遏止。“长城”们被撞得头破血流,但他们仍然手挽手肩并肩,好言劝解,屹立不倒。登车而去的旅客们可以吃喝和睡觉了, 而“血肉长城”不吃不喝不睡,夜以继日地挺立在人民的周围,守护着生命的价值。以至于铁道部不得不下达了一道死命令:“让大家轮流休息,每人每天不得少于2 小时!”

客运员高惠英刚做过心脏搭桥手术,每天引导十几万旅客排队上车,春运结束回家后,鞋子被踩得变了形,袜子只能用剪刀一块块剪下来,因为和血肉模糊的脚粘在一起了。

电路中断,信号灯失灵,张权林顶着严寒,手挥信号旗在风雪中挺立了整整I8 个小时。第二天接班的李建强赶到时,浑身凝着霜雪的“冰制信号灯”张权林砰地摔倒在地,已不能弯曲的手仍然保持着举旗的姿势,李建强抱着严重冻伤的战友大哭不止……

2月6日大年三十上午,集中在广州站的200万旅客终于全部被安全送走,站前广场空空荡荡,只有旅客扔下的行李和被踩掉的鞋子堆积如山。ー些筋疲カ尽、依然守在广场上的工作人员歪靠在栅栏上就睡着了,很多媒体的年轻记者目睹这一幕都掉了泪。他们说:“你们创造了世界铁路史上的奇迹!”

那一幕令人心痛一

因风雪阻隔,西安至广州的L307次列车被困在湖南益阳境内的一个小站望城。断水断电断粮,乘务员的进餐停了,休息车的供暖停了,自备的厚衣服给老人和孩子披上了。没水,19名列车员带上水桶和脸盆,冒着风雪,在列车和农家小院的300米距离之间组成一条传水人链;黑夜中,厨师杨大伟带人摸索到附近村庄, 总算买到350斤大米和一些面条、蔬菜（ー棵白菜卖到20元啊！），4个小时后扛回列车。ー批盒饭做好了,两天两夜没有进餐的列车组人员ー盒未动,而是像押送钞票ー样,前面乘警开路,车长负责殿后,中间列车员护送着ー车水ー车盒饭,他们宣布:“首先保证老人和孩子进餐!”

受阻第四天,旅客们的忍耐力已经超出极限,哭声、喊声、叫骂声响成一片。他们觉得,两条轨道好端端地摆在那儿,火车不动,就是列车长“怕出事,磨洋エ”
一群人围住车长发泄着满腔怒火,制服被撕碎了,帽子被掀掉了。几位女列车员用身体挡住那些失控的拳头,她们哭着喊:“你们以为就你们想家啊?我们车长的2 岁女儿已经生病住院了;我们厨师刚刚接到岳母病危的电话;为了大家能吃上饭, 我们乘务员已经两天没吃一口饭了 !你们怎么能这样?”

车长的眼圈也红了,他平静地说:“其实,我们大家都是同样的心情,如果有什么不同,那就是我们肩上还有一份责任!如果你们觉得打我一下骂我一句就能解气、就能回家的话,那就打吧,骂吧。”

铁路人坦率地说,春运对他们而言就是ー场灾难,年年躲不过。为尽可能缓解春运期间“ 一票难求”和“黄牛党”倒票的问题,从电话订票、团体订票、上门送票, 再到2010年在广州、成都试行的“实名制”,中国铁路人绞尽脑汁,想尽了一切办法,同时他们给自己制定了世界上最严格的管理制度:售票员的手机禁止带入工作室,禁止内部人“走后门”购票,等等。2009年春运,广铁一位售票员为亲戚从内部购买了一张全价票,上午发生的事,下午她就被警告处分并调离现职。她是哭着走的。

承受着世界上最大运输压カ的中国铁路人不愧为ー支铁军。他们是一群把 “家”安在轨道上的人;他们是送人民回家过年而自己不能回家过年的人;他们是扛着压カ、咬碎委屈而把微笑送给群众的人。他们从事的是“闪着泪光的事业”。

二、从“加快”到“跨越”:中国等不及了!

ー个人口最多、发展速度最快的大国,坐在两条脆弱而行驶缓慢的轨道上,那不就是“大象走钢丝”吗? 2002年,中国火车平均时速只有50多公里。全国铁路日装车请求量最高达到30万辆,铁路只能提供!0万辆左右。中国铁路无疑处于泰山压顶、四面楚歌的巨大压カ之下。无论铁路人付出怎样巨大的辛劳与牺牲,赔上多少委屈和笑脸,只要“一票难求、ー车难求”的现象不能从根本上扭转,人们怨气冲天甚至跳脚骂娘就是不可避免的。

现实不相信眼泪,需求不相信眼泪,市场不相信眼泪。

历史已经到了这样的时刻:站在新世纪的大幕前,望中华大地风起云涌,千帆竞发,百舸争流,积重难行的中国铁路究竟向何处去?铁路人必须做出选择,必须向人民、向时代提交自己的答卷了。

要加快发展,要跨越发展,中国已经等不及了 !国家需要重如山,人民利益高于天。为实现铁路的跨越式发展,200万铁军誓师出征,开始了一场排山倒海的大决战。

提速,提速,再提速!从1997年4月到2007年4月,中国铁路共进行了 6次大提速。I〇年间,纵横全国的主要干线时速相继提升到120公里、160公里乃至200 公里以上,催逼得国人走路似乎也快了许多。登上流线型的“和谐号”,人们忽然有了许多新鲜感和愉悦感。看来,“老土”的铁路人终于和时代接轨了,“ー站直达” “タ发朝至” “旅游专列”等等,成了那几年的流行语,女列车员们的服务与微笑也变得分外温情和靓丽。第六次大提速时,曾担任京津既有线时速200公里动车组首任列车长,后又担任京津城际铁路时速350公里动车组第一任列车长的徐颖, 见证了中国铁路从提速到高速的巨大变化。徐颖身材高挑,容貌姣美,服务细致入微,是网上的明星级人物,人气极旺,堪称中国高铁的“形象大使”。“和谐号”驶过的第一个母亲节,她和同事们向所有“母亲旅客”赠送了 5000朵康乃馨。旅客们高兴地对她说:“姑娘们和空姐绝对有一拼了,我们就叫你们’动姐’吧!”

天上有空姐,地上有动姐,我们的生活变得分外美丽了。

但是,没多少人知道,在6次大提速的背后,铁路人付出了何等艰辛的努力！在遍及高山平原、穿越江河峡谷的线路上,所有客货列车都在紧张地运行,所有时限都不得突破。因此,沿线换枕、换轨、换岔和线涵桥隧的整治工程、电气化改造エ程,大都必须在下半夜,在列车行驶的间隙当中插空进行。数十万建设大军就这样默默无闻,夜战数年。一列列灯火通明的客车风ー样掠过,没人知道他们的名字, 甚至没人看到过他们的身影。

为适应大提速,必须精简铁路沿线层层叠叠的管理机构。2005年3月18日, 那是个悲壮的日子。在全路电视电话会议上,铁道部正式宣布,从即日起撤销43 个铁路分局,由四级管理改为三级管理。一夜之间,数万名科以上干部进入“待业”状态,许多对政治前途抱有热望的青年干部和“后备干部”,自此加入“等待重新分配工作”的行列。但他们是经过“铁律”训练出来的人。他们忍下巨大的痛楚与失落,需要继续在岗位上尽责的,就默默守在岗位上;不需要的,就默默清理好自己的办公桌,走上新的岗位。经历了涉及人数如此之多、牵动面如此之广的体制性 “大手术”,那个夜晚,中国铁路安然无恙,稳如泰山,安全正点！

2002年,中国铁路营业里程为7. 2万公里,人均铁路长度仅为5.5厘米,“还不如一根香烟的长度”。如此严峻的现实意味着,仅靠现有铁路提速是远远不够的, 必须加快速度,建设更多的运量大、能耗低、占地少的现代化高速铁路！大决战的前夜,几间堆满国内外资料的“暗无天日”的房间一全世界的“铁路”从最落后到最现代的都装在里面了。铁道部精英云集,全员出动,茶杯里泡着让人亢奋的浓茶,烟缸里插着不睡觉的烟蒂,墙上挂着巨大的中国地图。历经几个月智慧与勇气、激情与思考、技术与梦想的激烈碰撞,房间里云遮雾罩,火花四射,键盘山响,图纸纷飞,墙上的中国地图用红蓝铅笔画了那么多穿山越岭、粗重有力的线条……

入秋,国家发改委会同铁道部将一份关于铁路发展规划的建议送达国务院。 2004年1月7日,国务院常务会议讨论并原则通过了《中长期铁路网规划》。这是大力推进铁路建设的纲领性文献。

号角已经吹响,道路已经指明。规模空前的铁路建设大潮澎湃而起,中国铁路实现“陆地飞行”的历史时刻即将到来!

三、中国“高铁模式”:没有失败者的大国博弈

2004年1月,49岁的何华武出任了铁道部总工程师。

他出生于四川省资阳市一个宁静的小镇,每天走在上学路上和夜里睡觉时,他能听到的最瞭亮的声音,也是小镇上唯一代表工业文明的声音,就是成渝线上隆隆而去的火车声,那雄壮的汽笛声仿佛是对他青春之梦的召唤。因此,上大学、读硕士,他都毫不犹豫地选择了铁路专业。接受高铁任务的那个夜晚,何华武对身患胃癌、体质极为虚弱的妻子说:“以后工作会比现在更忙了,我恐怕抽不出多少时间来照顾你了,孩子也在读大学,我们都伸不上手,你可要照顾好自己啊!”同为铁路人的妻子泪水盈盈地说:“你去忙吧,我理解,我会照顾好自己的……”

何华武唯一能做的,就是给妻子备下ー些方便食品,然后毅然走向紧张繁忙的高铁建设现场。从选址到组织重大工程攻关,从主持关键技术试验到论证各种建设方案,何华武全身心投入崭新的高铁事业之中。京津城际铁路通车之后,何华武专门陪妻子登上“和谐号”,让妻子体验一下今日中国的“高铁速度”。妻子兴奋得两眼炯炯闪光,那驾风驭电的速度是丈夫的梦想,也是她的梦想啊……

在北京城市建设规划中,北京南站原本没有如此宏大的规模。正是京津城际铁路和京沪高速铁路的建设,催生了京南这座富于流线美、闪耀着人文光辉的椭圆形建筑。能容纳上万人的宽阔候车区,进出方便快捷的无障碍通道,能发电、采光、保温、隔热的5700块太阳能板,把城市地铁、轻轨、公交、出租全部纳入“内循环”的精妙设计……这一切都闪耀着以人为本的熠熠光辉,使北京南站成为中国高铁“皇冠上的明珠”。当然,还有新建的武汉站、广州南站、上海虹桥站……在迅速延伸的高速线上,一座座各具特色、造型优美的现代化建筑拔地而起,犹如五线谱上一个个华美的音符,共同汇聚成一首凝固的“交响乐”。

2004年4月,国务院召开专题会议,就发展高速铁路和机车装备问题提出ー个重大指导方针:“引进先进技术,联合设计生产,打造中国品牌。”在“中国铁路”这个世界最大的棋盘上,ー场需要深谋远虑、大智大勇的大国博弈开始了。

中国决定海纳百川,博采众长,走“引进消化吸收再创新”的技术道路。于是, 掌握和代表着当今世界高铁技术制高点的四大跨国集团一德国西门子、法国阿尔斯通、日本川崎重工和加拿大庞巴迪纷至沓来,进入中国的旋转门。红地毯上出演了真诚而热烈的美酒加咖啡的欢迎仪式,中国东道主们个个西装革履,彬彬有礼一因为他们都是地道的“学生辈”。改革开放以来,铁道部的诸多领导和高层技术人员都曾到这几个国家或留学,或考察访问,或参加相关学术会议。那时,他们还年轻,坐在西方的高速列车上,风ー样的速度让他们眼界大开,激动不已一火车原来可以跑得这样快呀,“火车跑得快,全靠车头带”的模式原来可以改变,牵引动カ可以分散到各个车厢啊!他们不断向东道主表达着真诚的敬意,同时又觉得脸上一阵阵潮红,中国的火车何年何月才能赶上西方的速度啊?

可以肯定,当时他们谁都没有预料到,这个激动人心的时刻来得这样快,这个伟大的历史使命竟然是在自己的手上完成的。改革开放,为他们缔造人生辉煌提供了千载难逢的机遇!

那是2004年初夏的早晨,学生和老师分坐在谈判桌两侧。中国“学生”们注意到,座中的德国老师们不仅鼻子最高,神情也相当倨傲。他们确实有恃オ傲物的资本一德国高铁堪称世界一流,他们的精密制造技术也一向是称雄世界、无可匹敌的。

中方郑重表示,希望引进各国高铁机车车辆制造的先进技术,不过,铁道部明确表示:“参观过故宫的外国朋友都知道,进入中国大门是有门槛的。我们的政策是:中国铁路市场不搞‘诸侯混战’,只有一个买主,就是铁道部。从整车技术到任何ー个零部件,都由铁道部代表中国政府,统ー招标,统一向制造商下订单。要进入中国铁路市场,必须实行关键技术全面转让,必须使用中国品牌,实行本土化生产,必须价格合理……”

行事谦恭的日本人频频点头,性情浪漫的法国人报以灿烂的微笑,表情深沉的加拿大人不动声色,只有盛产哲学家的德国人保持着“哲学式”的孤傲。在他们看来,一流的德国高铁技术是中方非买不可的。不过,两个月后,铁道部一位小科长十分同情地对西门子公司谈判代表说:“可惜啊,你们德国人长着方脑袋!”

德国人不好意思地笑了,那笑容分明含着几丝苦涩ーー因为他们出乎意料地出局了。

那些日子,长春客车公司同时拉住法国阿尔斯通和德国西门子分别谈。那意思很明白,谁的价格优惠就跟谁合作。但过于自信的德国代表根本没把法国对手看在眼里,也完全不考虑中方意愿方脑袋”和大鼻子挺得高高的,就是不肯变通,咬住每列原型车单价3.5亿元人民币、技术转让费3.9亿欧元的天价,死不松口。

他的一口价就是“底线”,天下哪有这么做生意的?

所有谈判进程当然都在铁道部的密切掌控之中。开标前夜,即2004年7月27 日,双方依然没有达成协议。关键时候,必须由总エ何华武出面了,他把话说得语重心长,直截了当:“作为同行,我们对德国技术是非常欣赏和尊重的,很希望西门子成为我们的合作伙伴,但你们的出价实在不像是伙伴,倒有点儿半夜劫道、趁火打劫的意思。我可以负责任地表明中方态度:你们每列车价格必须降到2. 5亿人民币以下,技术转让费必须降到1.5亿欧元以下,否则免谈。”

德方首席代表靠在沙发椅上,不屑地摇摇头:“不可能。”

何华武坚定地说:“中国人一向是与人为善的,我不希望看到贵公司就此出局。何去何从,给你们五分钟,出去商量吧。”

“方脑袋”确实像个撬不开的钱匣子,商量回来,脑袋仍然很“方”,没有一点变通的余地。中方翻译都忍不住了 ,他瞅瞅何华武的眼色,然后礼貌地说:“各位可以订回程机票了。”

第二天早晨7时,距铁道部开标仅有2个小时,长客宣布,他们决定选择法国阿尔斯通作为合作伙伴,“双方在富有诚意和建设性的气氛中达成协议”。大梦初醒的德国人呆若木鸡。早餐桌上,得意扬扬的法国人品着香甜的咖啡,还不忘幽了德国哥们儿ー默:“回想当年的滑铁卢之战,今天可以说我们扯平了。”

“德国人从中国的旋转门又转出去了”,消息传开,世界各大股市的西门子股票随之狂泄。放弃世界上最大、发展最快的中国高铁市场,显然是战略性的错误。西门子有关主管执行官递交了辞职报告,谈判团队被集体炒了觥鱼。

不过,西门子知道,他们还有一棵“救命稻草”,即中国北车集团唐山轨道客车公司。富有戏剧性的是,在铁道部这次招标中,雄心勃勃的唐车和野心勃勃的西门子同时“流标”,被关在中国高铁事业的大门之外。

唐车,始建于清末的1881年,迄今横跨3个世纪,被誉为“中国机车车辆エ业的摇篮”。中国第一台蒸汽机车“中国火箭号”,供慈禧太后乘坐的第一辆专列“銮舆龙号”,就诞生于唐车。中华人民共和国成立后,唐车青春焕发,贡献卓著,但在 1976年唐山大地震中又遭受重创,厂房大面积坍塌,员エ和家属死伤过半,并遗留下由エ厂扶养的“八百孤儿”,活下来的员工也大都深陷丧亲之痛。老厂长说,“八百孤儿”进入结婚年龄以后,他作为唯一的“家长”,参加过的婚礼不计其数,每次都让他喜笑颜开又老泪纵横。大地震之后的唐车似乎再没恢复过元气,干部职エ每月只能领到二三百元的最低生活费,许多人被迫流落到社会上打エ,或者蹲街头卖羊肉串儿。

2003年,山雨欲来风满楼,唐车人嗅到浓烈的临战气息。他们搜集了大量国外高铁资料进行学习,并主动送到部里以期引起重视。他们勒紧腰带,组织力量清理环境,翻新厂房,准备迎战。他们还自筹经费造了一辆“高速样板车”,欢天喜地、披红挂彩拉到北京,让部里看看他们是多么积极主动,干劲冲天,志在必得。听说世界高铁技术四大巨头的谈判代表到了国内,他们立即派人联系游说,期望合作。但那时的唐车困难重重,老外根本不理睬他们。倔强的唐车人不甘心,“没有门就跳窗户,没窗户就撞墙” !开标之前,他们费时数月,精心制作了一套一尺多厚的投标书递了上去

2004年7月28日,铁道部开标之日,气氛空前紧张。凌晨3时,眼睛熬得血红的唐车老总王润（后出任北车集团副总エ）对结果已经有所预感,他命手下给西门子总部发了一份传真,大意是:如果贵公司在这次招标中出局,我们愿意与你们精诚合作,争取下次机会。文中颇有点儿惺惺相惜、同病相怜的意味。不想放弃中国市场的德国人很快给唐车回了一份传真,算是给自己留了一条“后路”。

这个夜晚,聚集在北京的30多位唐车人无事可干又都没有合眼。睡不着,“我们就像等待宣判的囚犯ー样”,女工程师出身的党委副书记孔学云说。上午,派到现场的工作人员终于打来电话,声音极为沉重:“流标了 !”

所有的努力付诸东流,梦碎了。守在房间里的唐车人全哭了。王润铁青着脸跟大家说:“你们在北京哭个够吧,不过绝不能把这种情绪带回厂里!”过后,王润依然干劲十足,要求全厂振奋精神,不可松懈。他说:“我们还是大有希望的。其一,现在引进的高铁技术时速是200公里,中国的雄心绝不会停止在这个水平上; 其二,西门子的高铁技术是有优势的,只要价格合理,铁道部的大门对它还是敞开的,我们只要抓住西门子就有希望……”

孔学云嘲笑他:“你就天天给我们画饼充饥吧!”

2005年,铁道部启动第二次招标。唐车与西门子同时意识到,对方是自己必须抓住不放的最后一棵“救命稻草” 〇这回,西门子终于放下身段,同意以每列车 2. 5亿元人民币、技术转让费8000万欧元的价格与唐车合作。

ー举中标！

与德国人第一次出价相比,中方节省了 90亿元人民币采购成本,但中国的“高铁模式”没有失败者,德方也获得一份巨额订单和广阔而统ー的中国市场一双赢!

德国人的脑袋其实还是很“圆”的。

四、“山高我为峰”:ー个民族的雄心与胸怀

高速铁路自1964年在日本发端,首开时速210公里的纪录,此后在西方国家走过漫长的40多年发展道路,运营时速一直在250公里上下徘徊。这显然与他们民航和高速公路比较发达、高铁缺少紧迫而巨量的市场需求有关系。而在中国,辽阔的疆土、广阔的市场、人民的需求和高速发展的国民经济,一切让铁路人疲于奔命、泪光闪闪的巨大压カ,都转化为助推高铁事业呼啸猛进的强大动カ!

天下争雄,舍我其谁!现在来看看中国高铁令人目眩的发展速度:

—从2004年、2005年相继引进日本、法国、加拿大和德国的高铁技术,到 2010年3月,中国投入运营的高速铁路长达6552公里,时速和里程都冲到世界第ー的位置。

ーー时速高达380公里的动车组日前刚刚下线,这是中国创造的高铁运营速度的更高纪录,同时意味着世界上更快的京沪高铁将很快投入运营。

ーー时速400公里的检测车、时速500公里的试验高速动车组及相关路网、信号配套系统,正在紧张的研发之中。

前后不过6年,中国ー举跨过发达国家高铁40年的发展道路,创造了后来居上、自主创新、领跑世界的奇迹!

ー个国家的雄心,会激发出全民族巨大的精神能量。回望高铁6年征程,我们看到,众志成城的举国体制和闻风而动的统一政令,展现出强大的动员カ和凝聚カ。50多名院士,15万科研人员,150多家核心企业,数百家产业链上的企业,200 万铁路大军,数十万筑路工人,全国各行各业的有识之士和支援团队,ー呼百应,呵气成云,攻坚克难,所向披靡……

辉煌就这样被创造出来并在祖国大地上迅速延伸。

集中力量办大事,一心一意谋发展ーー中国特色社会主义制度的优越性又一次得到验证。

毫无疑问,中国高铁超乎寻常的发展速度,首先源于我国综合国力的迅速提升,源于几代铁路科研人员的技术积累。但是,还有一个重要的助推力是我们不应
当忘记的,那就是发达国家近半个世纪的科学探索和技术研发,给我们提供了一飞冲天的平台。“山高我为峰”一那是因为我们站到巨人的肩膀上了。

按照合作协议,青岛四方、唐山客车曾分别派出ー批青年工人,到日本和德国学习铝合金车体焊接技术。洋师傅们对中国工人普遍十分友好,认真负责地传授了相关的知识和技术。所有这些工人回国后,无一例外,全部成为企业的技术骨干。青岛工人离开日本时,日本师傅与他们紧紧拥抱,相约再见,洒泪而别。

张雪松,唐山客车工人技师,两获“全国技术能手”称号,“河北省十大金牌エ人”之一。他从钳エ转入数控机床操作,再转入装调维修,每次都成为行内“状元”。这样一位优秀的专家型工人,他的勇于探索的积极性,有一次却遭到德国エ人的严厉批评。那天,他趴在焊接机器人下面的地上,正在为排除故障冥思苦想时,耳畔传来一句生硬的德语。张雪松爬出来抬头ー看,ー个高高瘦瘦的西门子エ人紧皱眉头站在面前。德国人看张雪松没有听懂他的话,于是招手叫来一名翻译。

翻译对张雪松说:“他问你在设备下面干什么。”张雪松说:“设备坏了,我在修设备。”德国工人又问:“你有维修焊接机器人的资质吗?”张雪松摇摇头:“我是负责数控设备维修的……”德国工人严肃地说:“如果你没有维修资质,你就不能维修这台设备,请离开吧。”

“谢谢你!”面红耳赤的张雪松脱口而出。那是他发自内心的声音,那一刻他深刻认识了德国式的“一切都有规矩,一切都按规矩办”的严谨作风。正是这些看来似乎过于“刻板”的规定和纪律,培育了德国精密制造在世界上的崇高声望。

唐车因此在全厂展开ー个学习运动,要求广大员エ全面学习、模拟和落实德国严格、严谨、严密的工作方法和工作作风。

日本川崎重工的专家和技术工人进入青岛四方以后,也让四方人耳目一新,深受震动。过去中国工人把机车线路接上头并保证无差错,就算完活了,日本专家却要求线路配管一定要“横平竖直”。日本工人到达工作点,首先铺开ー块布,把エ具按顺序排好,工作结束,再按顺序裹起来带走,ー样不会丢失。而中国工人用ー个大背範,用什么掏什么,干完稀里哗啦ー装,走人。一把钳子就这样遗忘在动车组车厢里。为此,日本专家石野主动召集中国工人开了个班组会,他严肃地说,把工具忘记在产品里,“就像医生做手术把钳子刀子遗忘在病人肚子里”〇深受教育的青岛四方,为此在全厂轰轰烈烈开展了一场长达半年的“向不良习惯说不”的运动,厂报记者每天四处抓拍中方工人随意、粗放的行为表现,登报示众,进行批评。工人们说,平时没感觉,登报ー对比,“真是惊出ー身冷汗” !

在长期的合作中,中国工人和外国专家结下深厚的友谊,过年过节,德国专家
被请到家里一起包饺子,法国人、加拿大人被请到联欢派对上跳舞唱歌。在青岛四方工作的日本专家归国后,有些人借休假之机,还自费到青岛来看望他们的中国 “师兄弟”。看到中国工人夜以继日地奋战,德国专家布拉赫激动地跑进唐车领导人办公室,强烈要求安排工人休息。看到中国工人那么辛苦,ー些德国人不计报酬,和中国工人一起加班……

唐车建厂129年,青岛四方建厂110年,都是中国民族工业和产业工人生长发育的“摇篮”。但是,面对西方数百年工业文明打造的科学精神、优良素质和严谨作风,中国铁路人看到自己的巨大差距并用心学习、奋起直追,这无疑是我们更为重要、更具长久意义的收获。

和平、发展、合作是当今时代的主题。谈判桌上的讨价还价、唇枪舌剑都是“各为其主”,不必苛责。虚怀若谷,海纳百川,始终保持清醒的头脑,善于学习借鉴世界各国的文明成果和发达国家的先进经验,オ是ー个伟大民族的胸怀和希望所在。

五、让闪电掠过大地:中国铁路人在行动!

引进消化时速200公里动车组技术ー自主研发时速350公里动车组ー创新研制时速380公里动车组一6年时间,中国高铁完成了惊人的“三级跳”。

高铁是当代新技术、新材料、新工艺集大成的产物,除了没有翅膀（却多了两条信息化、现代化的轨道）,其复杂程度几乎与航空航天技术不相上下。让中国高铁运营速度冲到世界第一,没有强大的自主创新能力是不可能办到的。

—那个夜晚,在千里冰封、万里雪飘的塞北大地,赵明花“冻成了冰棍儿”。 2007年冬,京哈线上的一列动车组在行驶中因突然断电而停车。长客副总工程师赵明花立即带领ー批专家赶往现场了解情况。旅客安全“摆渡”登程之后,浓浓夜色中,只剩下孤零零、空荡荡的动车组。这位身体单薄、性情文静的朝鲜族女性与同事们ー起登上车顶,查找故障原因,测试各种数据,最后认定:速度飞快的动车组从北京到哈尔滨,经历了急剧变化的温差,造成车顶出现冷凝水,导致电路短路。赵明花和同事们意识到:“这肯定不是偶然的事情,如果不从内部结构上加以防范, 在高寒地区有可能经常发生!”由赵明花主持的ー个设计团队迅速组成,几个月之后,ー项动车组电器内部构造的创新设计完成了,从根本上杜绝了冷凝水断电故障。ー个看似偶然的事故,激发出ー项中国创新!

2009年圣诞节前タ,穿越英吉利海峡海底隧道的“欧洲之星”高速列车遭遇大雪天气,进入隧道后因冷凝水浸漫导致断电,4列列车被堵在隧道里动弹不得,“欧
洲之星”被迫停运3天。赵明花看到这则新闻,感慨地对同事们说:“幸好我们早有发现、早做预防了!”

—高铁“水土不服”的难题就是多。北方有冰冻,南方又多雨。飞驰在武广线的动车组,面临着长时间的雨季漏水和潮湿浸润的问题,在唐车副总工程师杜会谦的主持下,又一项防雨防潮的创新设计诞生了。

南辕北辙,各有高招!

—赵秀丽“叫板”两条大汉的故事,是高铁建设工地上的一段佳话。2005年 7月,京津城际铁路开エ建设,中铁六局丰桥公司承担了 !4910块无砕轨道板的预制任务。轨道板是无砕轨道结构体系中最基本、最重要的部件,精度要求非常高。按德国工艺要求,轨道板必须用超细水泥制作,而国内尚无厂家能够生产,如果全部进口,不仅价格昂贵,工期也很难保证。

ー个受制于人的大难题横在高铁人面前。丰桥公司副总工程师赵秀丽跑遍华北各大水泥厂,动员游说厂方进行试制。一次次试验的失败,令多家水泥厂先后告退,只有一家还在犹豫不决。厂长是个膀大腰圆的汉子,赵秀丽对他说:“你ー个大男人,还不如我坚强吗?”几个月后,符合国际标准的高规格水泥终于试制成功,实现了原材料国产化的重大突破,仅此ー项,为丰桥公司节约资金!500多万元。

但是,赵秀丽的思考与探索没有停止。超细水泥不仅成本过高,而且耐久性差。能不能用改进的国产普通水泥替代呢?她和同事们废寝忘食,反复研究试验, 寻找最佳配比和路径。京沪高铁开エ以后,赵秀丽找到山东一家水泥厂,厂长ー听她对水泥成分的新要求,吓了一跳,连连摇头说:“我们的产品已经达标,不愁市场。你的要求我们做不到,算了。”赵秀丽向他介绍了中国高铁的宏伟计划,说:“高铁市场这么大,要是把新型国产水泥搞出来,将带来源源不断的效益,你连这点雄心壮志都没有吗?”

这位山东大汉热血沸腾了。经过数百次反复试验,又一项创新成果ーー国产新型“绿色高性能水泥”问世,世界一流的无砕轨道板诞生了,为企业节省投资 7000万元,更为今后中国高铁大发展提供了充足可靠的材料保障！

ーー中国幅员辽阔,地形、地质之复杂是国外同行不曾遇到的。郑州至西安, 是全世界唯一建造在黄土地带的高铁,何华武说:“黄土缺少支撑カ,遇雨就沉降变形,像水浸过的面包ー样。”高铁路基架在这样的土质上,如果固化不好,轨道就变成“面条”了。十几位院士和一批专家汇集到黄土高坡上“集体会诊”。就凭着这样的集体智慧和创新勇气,郑西线的湿陷性黄土地基、武广线的岩溶地基、广深港和甬台温的淤泥地基、合宁的膨胀地基、哈大线的高寒软土地基等高铁修建难题, 都被中国铁路人ーー攻克,并实现了“零”沉降!

再来看看空中的创新。

2009年12月9日,在武广线试运行过程中,中国动车组以“双弓重联”的方式,创造了时速394.2公里的速度,这是当时的又一项世界级的新纪录!

所谓“双弓重联”,就是将两列动车组共16节车厢联挂运行,上部同时升起两个受电弓,从空中的接触网导线获取动カ。这种大编组联挂,无疑会大大提高运输效率。但这绝不是“ 1 +1 =2”的简单等式,因为列车前弓高速冲击接触网后,会引起接触网的振动,使后弓与导线的“密贴跟随性”（专业术语称之为“弓网耦合”）大为降低,剧烈的振动有可能造成后弓离线、撞线,产生大量火花,严重的时候可能会出现烧线、刮弓,引发重大故障。此前,仅有西门子在西班牙高速铁路上做过“双弓重联”试验,尚未在正式运营中应用。

中铁电气化局年轻的副总工程师董安平率领他的团队,承担了攻克“双弓重联”这ー世界性难题的重任。回忆这段艰辛的历程,董安平感慨良深,他说,中铁电气化局是个老企业,搞了几十年电气化铁路建设,过去把导线ー挂,平直度差个ー两公分无所谓,只要不出现波浪弯和扭面,跑起来不打火就算万事大吉。武广高铁建设按标准要求,导线在1米长的范围内平直度不得超过0.1毫米。中国这些架线老手必须从零开始,在上千公里的辽阔线路上,那些粗糙的大手仿佛在ー针ー线地“绣花”。完工之后经检测,武广线牵引导线的平直度平均达到0.05毫米,比头发丝还细。这不仅是工程质量、技术水平的质的飞跃,更是中国工人在素质、理念、作风上的跨越性进步!

高铁系统对导线性能的要求是极高的:ー是要有足够的硬度,受电弓几十万次与它高强度、高频率的摩擦,硬度不够、耐磨性低是不行的;二是必须有很高的导电率。但在金属材料学中,强度和导电率恰恰是一对矛盾体:强度越高,导电性越差; 导电性越高,强度越差。比如铜比铁软,导电性却比铁高。

那么,能不能找到ー种新的合金材料,两种性能都能得到足够的保证呢?董安平知道,20世纪80年代,日本研制出ー种性能良好的PSC导线,于是他向日本有关方面表示,希望引进这个技术。日方专家经过内部讨论,最后以“我们的技术还不成熟”为由,拒绝了中方要求。毕竟,中国曾是远远落后于他们的角色,如今变成强大的竞争对手,他们必须小心提防了。

中国高铁发展的前景,又一次遭遇受制于人的瓶颈。董安平的心情久久不能平静,他和同事们开始探寻自主创新之路。一个偶然的机会,他们与浙江大学金属材料研究所所长、博士生导师孟亮教授遇上了。窗外一弯月,桌上几杯茶,海阔天空聊起高铁上的导线,孟教授说,中国航天器上用过ー种新材料,他进行过专题研究,还发表过论文。

董安平大喜过望,双手把桌子拍得山响,茶杯都跳起来了。电化设计院总工程师王立天迅速飞往浙江,在孟教授的实验室看到ー小块样品,那一刻,他激动得眼泪都涌出来了!“我们成立个合资公司怎么样?”王总当即提议。铁路系统的河北一家制造商闻讯自愿加盟,十几天后合资公司正式启动。

年近六旬的孟教授有胃病,试验过程中,他天天靠冷水吞药片顶在第一线;董安平瘦了十几斤,笑称“攻关就是最好的减肥运动”;项目经理何劲松35岁时オ要孩子,为了高铁事业,妻子怀孕5个月时他“离家出走”。孩子渐渐大了,会认爸爸了,妻子只能抱着孩子到公司大厅的光荣榜前,指着何劲松的照片说:“那是爸爸……”

“中国导线”终于在千里武广线上横空飞架,牵引着“和谐号”高歌猛进。

通信信号是铁路的“神经系统”。从当年“李玉和”式的手摇信号灯,到今天集成创新的数字技术控制,与共和国同龄的中国铁路通信信号集团做出了重大贡献。研发中心总工程师江明那一年32岁,他的话可以代表所有高铁科研人员的心声: “我们的工作很有干头,因为我们解决的都是前人和别人没有解决的问题。”他还有一句更牛的话:“什么难题我们都能找出办法来,主要是时间不够用。唉,人类为什么要睡觉呢?”

在迅猛前进的高铁事业中,还行进着一个默默无闻的庞大群体一中国新一代知识化、专业化的产业工人。他们全是80后甚至90后,个个朝气蓬勃,英姿勃发。就是这些被父辈视为掌上明珠的独生子女一代,构成中国新一代“铁军”。

—“五朵金花”坐在我面前,谈起这些年的艰辛与劳苦,全哭了。她们是青岛四方的“女焊花”:史秀华、曲先华、孙国华、于延伟、崔恩霞。

“和谐号”工程上马之初,还没有机械化焊接设备,由她们负责焊接铝合金车体。从接受任务的第一天开始,她们就成了一群“不要命也不要家的女人”,被不叠、衣不洗、锅不刷了,化妆品扔抽屉里了,几乎天天踏着晨露上班,顶着星光回家, ー进家门骨头就散架了。吃奶的孩子,狠狠心断了奶,扔给老人。上学的孩子,经常一连几个星期见不到妈妈的影子。那天曲先华半夜回家,丈夫去上夜班了,她一进门就听3岁女儿在梦中喊“妈妈”。黑暗中,曲先华坐在床头热泪长流,哽咽不止。

她们无数次答应过孩子:“等妈妈忙过这阵子,就带你去公园,看电影。”可她们从未实践过自己的诺言。读小学的孩子批评说:“你是最不守诚信的妈妈!”上大学的孩子说:“放假我再也不回家了,你们都在厂里忙,剩我ー个人守着空房子有啥意思!”

背过身,妈妈怎么也抹不尽滚滚而下的泪水。

终于有一天不加班了,史秀华乐疯了,脱下工作服就往家跑,跑到家门口才发现自己忘乎所以,拎包和钥匙都锁在工具箱里忘带了,只好敲门。孩子上学,老公在单位,家里只有瘫痪在床多年的老母亲。老母亲挣下床,在地板上爬了近半个小时,オ颤巍巍支撑起来把门打开。门开的那一刻,史秀华抱起母亲,ー边往屋里走ー边哭

列动车组有几万个接线头,接线エ必须成年累月以跪蹲方式进行工作, 那大概是世界上最枯燥的劳动,一天忙下来眼花缭乱,夜里做梦,满脑子仍然飞舞着五颜六色的线头。唐车接线工高向丽,文静柔弱,走路和说话都是轻轻的。因为长时间跪蹲工作,第一次怀孕不幸流产。但就是她,以惊人的定力创造了两万根接线无差错的纪录。唐车所有接线エ都保持着极高的无差错纪录,德国专家说,你们已经超过西门子的水平。

—身材纤秀、容貌端丽的孙斌斌,是唐车选送到德国培训的首批青年焊エ之一,家里三代都是唐车人。中华人民共和国成立初期,唐车制造出第一辆火车头, 上面的毛泽东像就是她爷爷亲手刻制的。好家风培育了一个意志坚定、好学上进的好女儿,孙斌斌在德国顺利通过“国际焊接教师”的资格考试,成为全球第一位获得此项资格的女性。她受邀走上讲台,为西门子培训德国学员一她又成为“中国第一人”。因为她授课耐心细致,德国学员们把好几位本国教师赶走了,说:“你们能上哪儿就上哪儿吧,我们只让中国老师教!”

在唐车动车组奋战的第一代优秀青年焊エ,都是孙斌斌一手“克隆”出来的。

ーー女工吕开香,两个姐姐在地震中不幸遇难,她成了父亲唯一的掌上明珠。唐车决定送她去德国培训时,父亲老泪纵横,不愿意女儿跑到那么远的异国他乡去,但她还是扔下2岁的女儿,和同厂的丈夫ー起踏上征途。从她离家那天起,女儿每天夜里都抱着妈妈的枕头睡觉,而且不允许任何人碰那个枕头,因为枕头上有 “妈妈的味道”。

说到这里,吕开香泣不成声。

女人是水做的,中国高铁女工们是汗水和泪水做的。但她们无比骄傲和自豪, 她们说:“我们做出了世界上最好最快的动车!”

截至目前,中国南车和北车集团已经出口轻轨动车组成套设备达23亿美元。

无论多么绚丽的梦想,无论多么伟大的设计,当最后一道工序完成时,站在旁边默默擦汗的一定是一群工人。他们是中国高铁真正的钢轨和基石。他们如同春蚕,用自己的爱和生命,默默吐出一条流光溢彩的钢铁的“丝绸之路”。

尾声

2009年9月,中华人民共和国成立60周年大庆前夕,北京南站披红挂绿,热闹非凡。铁道部组织全路上万名劳模,登上京津“和谐号”城际列车,以领略中国高铁的建设成就。伴随着速度显示屏上节节上升的红色数字,劳模们站立起来,激动地挥动双臂,齐声高喊,仿佛不是接触网上的巨大电流,而是他们的喊声在推动列车飞速前进。那是“中国创造”的加速度,那是几代铁路人的梦想与追求,那是中华民族走向伟大复兴的激越步伐啊!两鬓飞霜的老劳模老泪纵横,气宇轩昂的青年劳模热泪盈眶……

是泪花,也是骄傲与自豪,在他们的脸上闪闪发光。

十六大以来的8年,中国铁路谱写了辉煌壮丽的篇章:从世界上最快的“和谐号”到地球上海拔最高的青藏铁路,从6次大提速的技术集成创新,到运煤专线大秦线（大同至秦皇岛）创造的世界重载最高纪录一那可是壮观到令人惊叹的景观啊!第一位上线的“和谐号”重载货运列车司机程利甫是西北汉子,英眉朗目, 虎虎生威。他告诉我,大秦线上每天飞驰着95对重载列车,年运量达4亿吨。ー列重载列车最高载重达2万吨,编组200多节车辆,总长2.5公里,最高时速120 公里,这意味着大秦线平均每秒飞过去13.7吨煤,如同一条波澜壮阔的煤河,每天源源不断地从大同流到秦皇岛……

中国铁路人终于在大地上画出最新最美的图画。高速、高原、重载、既有线提速等创新成就一鸣惊人,傲立于世,并在国际上一举打响“中国创造”的最优品牌。 “火车ー响,黄金万两”,这是国人对轨道交通价值意义最通俗也最精到的概括。到2012年,随着京沪、京广、沪汉蓉、沪昆等“四纵四横”高速铁路网的建成,闪闪发光的高铁将如一条条彩带,把北京和各省会城市紧密联系起来,从“ 1小时生活圈” 到“ 8小时生活圈”,再到西部边疆省区的“ 一日生活圈”，56个民族组成的“中华大家庭”载歌载舞,仿佛都汇聚到辉煌壮丽的天安门广场……

横空出世、光彩熠熠的高铁,成为中国递给世界的ー张亮丽名片。国际铁路联盟高速铁路部总监说:“中国正成为全球领跑者,世界铁路的未来在中国。”一位曾在广州车站当过春运志愿者的大学生,在经历和目睹了太多的崇高和感动之后,写下这样一首温情的小诗:

有一种车次,千百趟的终点

都是同一个站名家

有一种运送,千百趟的目标

都是同一个向往团圆

有那么一群铁路人,日夜工作

都是同一个希望——让您回家团圆

因为他们的坚守,因为他们的温暖

这个除タ不太冷

中国铁路人以对国家和人民的勇敢担当、艰难奋斗和炽热情感,在中华大地建立起一座以“无私奉献”命名的历史丰碑。

面对这座丰碑,我们充满敬意。

（原载《人民日报》2010年6月11日）

Report CN EN 08

2023-06-01T08:06:37Z

Zhang Wenqi: /* 卷三：3.飞向太空港 */

Please translate from Chinese to English and use the [[Report_CN_EN#List_of_Common_Terms]]. Also, you can jump back to the course homepage here: [[Chinese_Classics_Translation_Spring_2023]]

=Contents=
1. Translator 胡欣怡 Hu Xinyi《岭南万户皆春色》[[Lingnan Englisch]] Proofreader: 陈彦希 Chen Yanxi (translated until here: https://bou.de/u/wiki/Lingnan_Englisch#.E6.9D.8E.E6.A2.93.E7.8E.89_Li_Ziyu), rest: 76000 characters

2. Translator: 陈彦希 Chen Yanxi《金银潭抗疫纪事》[[Goldbank Englisch]] Proofreader: 李心田 Li Xintian (currently being translated by professionals), 120000 characters

3. Translator: 李心田 Li Xintian [[Report_CN_EN_01]] Proofreader: 廖璐佳 Liao Lujia (currently being translated by professionals), 120000 characters

4. Translator: 廖璐佳 Liao Lujia [[Report_CN_EN_02]] Proofreader: 谢佳玉 Xie Jiayu 《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

5. Translator: 谢佳玉 Xie Jiayu [[Report_CN_EN_03]] Proofreader: 张玉燕 Zhang Yuyan 《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

6. Translator: 张玉燕 Zhang Yuyan [[Report_CN_EN_04]] Proofreader: 周晓兰 Zhou Xiaolan《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

7. Translator: 周晓兰 Zhou Xiaolan [[Report_CN_EN_05]] Proofreader: 陈婧 Chen Jing《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

8. Translator: 陈婧 Chen Jing [[Report_CN_EN_06]] Proofreader: 梁昕璐 Liang Xinlu《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

9. Translator: 梁昕璐 Liang Xinlu [[Report_CN_EN_07]] Proofreader: 张文琦 Zhang Wenqi《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

10. Translator: 张文琦 Zhang Wenqi [[Report_CN_EN_08]] Proofreader: 付静 Fu Jing《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

11. Translator: 付静 Fu Jing [[Report_CN_EN_09]] Proofreader: 夏玲珑 Xia Linglong《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

12. Translator: 夏玲珑 Xia Linglong [[Report_CN_EN_10]] Proofreader: 李彦 Li Yan《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

13. Translator: 李彦 Li Yan [[Report_CN_EN_11]] Proofreader: 刘雨晴 Liu Yuqing《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

14. Translator: 刘雨晴 Liu Yuqing [[Report_CN_EN_12]] Proofreader: 王芳玲 Wang Fanglin《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

15. Translator: 王芳玲 Wang Fanglin [[Report_CN_EN_13]] Proofreader: 胡欣怡 Hu Xinyi《大记录》 1087 pp., 1176110 characters

=Zhang Wenqi=
==卷三：3.飞向太空港==

飞向太空港（节选）

Flying to the Spaceport (Excerpt)

李鸣生

Li Mingsheng

通向宇宙的门前

To the Door of the Universe

ー、西昌:同步卫星的故乡

Ⅰ. Xichang--the Hometown of Synchronous Satellite

ー踏上西昌的土地,便有一种热乎乎的感觉。

As soon as I set foot on the land of Xichang, I felt a sense of passion.

卫星、卫星、卫星。车站里,公路边,饭馆中,小摊旁,人们都神神秘秘地谈论着卫星、卫星、卫星。

Satellite, satellite, satellite. People were talking mysteriously about satellites in the station, by the road, and in restaurants and stalls.

ー对青年夫妇,领着ー个大约五岁的小女孩,急匆匆地朝我走来。

A young couple, with a little girl of about five years old, hurried towards me.

“同志,请问去卫星发射基地咋走?”

"Comrade, how could I get to the satellite launch base?"

“问这干什么?”

"What are you doing here?"

“听说要发射美国的卫星,孩子和我们都想来看看。”

"I heard that we're gonging to launch a US satellite. My children and we couple all want to see it."

“你们从哪儿来?”

"Where are you from?"

“遵义。”

"Zunyi."

“是国防工厂的吗?”

"Are you from the defense factory?"

“不是,我们是个……个体户。”

"No, we are... individuals."

“叔叔,”小女孩突然拉住了我的手,“发射卫星,能让小孩看吗?”

Suddenly, the girl held my hand, asking me, “Is the kid allowed to see the launch?”

“能,肯定能。”我忙蹲下去,双手捧起小女孩的脸,在她的额头上轻轻留下吻。

“Yes, of course you can.” I quickly squat, take the little girl’s face and left a gentle kiss.

西昌,我的第二故乡。

Xichang, my second hometown.

十六年前,当命运的列车轻轻ー颠,便将我抛在了这块荒凉的土地上时,我的心远比严冬的大凉山还要凉。我仿佛一下失去了自由,失去了爱情,甚至失去了生命,失去了一个人应该得到的一切。我做梦也不会想到,在这片被上帝遗弃的土地上,日后还会升起什么“亚洲一号”卫星.

Sixteen years ago, when a gentle jolt of the train of fate left me on this desolate land, i got chillier than the Daliang Mountain in the severe winter. It seemed that I lost, all of a sudden, my freedom, my love, even my life, and everything one deserved. I have never dreamed that this god-forsaken land would be the place where the “AsiaSat 1” was launched in the future.

然而今天,我踏上这片亲切而又陌生的土地时,一下子便深切地感到,有一股无形的冲动和热能,有一种大树的根须抓住了泥土样的恋情,在反复折磨着我的心。眼前沸沸腾腾的情景,似乎在向苍天昭示着什么。我不知道也无法知道,这次发射是幸运还是倒霉,是成功还是失败,但我分明看见,过去的一切正在逝去。在原始与现代、文明与愚昧、东方与西方美好而残酷的碰撞中,ー个红扑扑的如同朝阳般的希望正在悄然起.我仿佛不是回来采访,而是回来寻找一寻找我的青春曾经留下的脚印,寻找我的日子曾经苦恋过的梦想,寻找我的热情曾经燃烧过的希冀,寻找我的生命曾经拥有过的月亮和太阳!

However, today, when I set foot on this kind and unfamiliar land, I suddenly felt deeply that there was an invisible impulse and heat, a kind of love like the roots of a big tree caught the soil, tormenting my heart repeatedly. The seething scene in front of me seemed to be signaling something to the heavens. I didn't know and couldn't know whether this launch was lucky or unlucky, successful or failed, but I clearly saw that everything in the past was passing away. In the collision between primitiveness and modernity, between civilization and ignorance, between the East and the West, the crimson-rising-sun-like hope was rising quietly. I seemed not to come back for interview, but for seeking--to seek the footprints of my youth, to seek the beloved dreams in my past days, to seek the hopes that my passion had burned for, to seek the moon and sun that I once had in my life!

西昌位于四川南部,地处成昆铁路中段,扼成都、昆明两大旅游区之要冲,北上成都577公里,南下昆明543公里。从成都搭乘去昆明或金江的列车,12小时便可到达;若乘坐西南航空公司的飞机,只需45分钟。

Located in the south of Sichuan Province and as the middle section of the Chengdu-Kunming Railway, Xichang serves as the communicative hub of two major tourist areas of Chengdu and Kunming, with 577 kilometers to Chengdu northward and 543 kilometers to Kunming southward. It takes 12 hours to get there by train from Chengdu to Kunming or Jinjiang; if you choose the plane of China Southwest Airlines, it can be shortened to 45 minutes.

西昌是凉山彝族自治州的州府,为全州政治、经济和文化的中心。这里具有亚热带高原气候特征,全年日照时间长达320天。年温差小,日温差大,冬无严寒,夏无酷暑。最冷的1月,平均气温9.4て;最热的7月,平均气温22.5。¢;而年平均气温则只有17°C。故这里“万紫千红花不谢,冬暖夏凉四季春”,享有“小春城”之美称。而且这儿空气质量特别好,一年四季,绝大部分时间都可见到月亮。尤其是在晴朗的夏夜,当静静地置身于星空之下时,你便会看到一轮比地球上任何ー个地方都更为硕大明亮、圆润清澈的月亮。故西昌又被称为美丽的“月亮城”。

As the capital of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Xichang is the political, economic, and cultural center of the whole prefecture. It is characterized by a subtropical plateau climate, with annual sunshine duration of up to 320 days. There's little difference in annual temperature but a distinct difference in daily temperature, without severe cold in winter and scorching heat in summer. The coldest January has an average temperature of 9.4 ℃, and the warmest July of 22.5 ℃. While the annual average temperature is simply 17 ℃. So here "colorful flowers bloom all year round; it is warm in winter and cool in summer, like always in spring", which earns a good reputation of "Little Spring City". boating a particularly good air quality, the moon is visible most of the year round. Especially on a clear summer night, when you are quietly under the starry sky, you will see a moon that is larger, brighter, clearer and more rounded than anywhere else on the earth. So Xichang is also known as the beautiful "Moon City".

西昌是全国最大的彝族聚居区。除汉族、彝外,这儿还有藏族、回族、蒙古族、苗族、壮族、傣族、傑傑族、布依族、纳西族等十余个民族。彝族历史悠久,民风淳朴,待人热忱,十分好客。假如你有机会走进彝家山寨,主人定会十分高兴地留你客,并为你奉上颇具彝家风味的“坛坛酒”和“坨坨肉”。

Xichang is the largest Yi nationality area in China. In addition to the Han and Yi nationalities, there are more than 10 nationalities here, including Tibetans, Hui, Mongols, Miao, Zhuang, Dai, Jiejie, Buyi and Naxi. The Yi nationality enjoys a long history and simple folk customs, and is very hospitable.
If you have the opportunity to get into the Yi village, the host will certainly give you, the guest, a warm welcome, offering you "Tan Tan liquor" and "Tuo Tuo meat" in Yi style.

“坛坛酒”是以玉米、高粱和养麦等杂粮为原料,再配以十余种草药装进瓦罐里酿制而成。这种酒喝起来香甜爽口,却并不醉人。“坨坨肉”一般是用ー种叫“仔猪”的肉烹制而成。由于这种猪长年散放于山坡野林之中,活动自由,食物丰富,能长就一身紧肉,故吃起来细嫩软糯,香而不腻。待你吃饱道别时,主人还会将一条猪腿或半个猪脸送给你,以示对客人的尊重。

"Tantan Wine" is made of various coarse cereals including corn, sorghum and wheat, together with more than ten kinds of herbal medicines, which are brewed in a clay pot. This wine tastes sweet and refreshing, but it's not intoxicating. "Tuotuo Meat" is usually cooked with piglet. Scattered throughout the year in the wild forests on the hillside, these pigs are provided with free movement, abundant food, so that its meat is compact and tastes tender and glutinous, fragrant but not greasy. When you're full and going to say goodbye, the host will give you a pig leg or half a pig face to show respect for the guest.

两年前,我曾陪同北京一位老作家钻进深山老林,在ー个彝家山寨的草地上美美地吃了一顿“坨坨肉”,喝了一罐“坛坛酒”。尽管“坨坨肉”和“坛坛酒”把我的肚子早已撑了个饱,离去时我却依然恋恋不舍。我听说,这次有几位参加发射“亚洲一号”卫星的美国人刚到没几天,就吵嚷着要去彝家吃“坨坨肉”,喝“坛坛酒”。

Two years ago, I accompanied an old writer in Beijing into the deep mountains, and enjoyed a great meal of "Tuotuo Meat" and drank a jar of "Tantan Wine" on the grass of a Yi village. Although "Tuotuo Meat" and "Tantan Wine" had already filled my stomach, I was still not willing to part with them. I heard that several Americans who participated in the launch of the "AsiaSat 1" clmaored to have "Tuotuo Meat" and "Tantan Wine" in the Yi family, just a few days after their arrival.

彝族的重大节日是火把节。西昌的彝族火把节被称为“眼睛的节日”,远在汉、唐时代便有文献记载。火把节除了在白天举行斗牛、斗羊、斗鸡、赛马和姑娘舞蹈、小伙摔跤等活动外,晚上村民们还要成群结队,手持火把,遍游于山冈丛林之间。点点灯火,闪烁四野,如天女散花,似繁星落地,其景象奇特而又壮观。更有意思的是,节日期间还要举行传统的姑娘选美活动。男女双双,可以随便谈情说爱。倘若你是一位未婚而又有艳福的男子,躲在伞下的彝家姑娘,也许还会为你张开爱的风帆。

The major festival of the Yis is the Torch festival. The Yi's Torch Festival in Xichang is known as the "Festival of the Eyes", which has been documented in Han and Tang Dynasties, a very long time ago. In addition to bullfighting, sheep fighting, cock fighting, horse racing, girls' dancing and boys' wrestling during the day, villagers holding torches also wander through the mountains and forests in groups at night. It's really a fantastic and spectacular sight that lights twinkle all over the place like a fairy scattering flowers, or glittering stars falling to the earth. More interestingly, there will be a traditional girl beauty pageant during the festival. Couples are free to bill and coo. If you are an unmarried man with good fortune in love affairs, you may meet a Yi girl under an umbrella who opens the sail of love for you.

西昌是一座历史悠久的古城。早在石器时代,这片土地便有人类繁衍生息。据载,中国历史上许多著名的人物都曾涉足此地,譬如司马迁西征巴蜀、诸葛亮五月渡泸、忽必烈南征会理、杨升庵夜宿泸山、石达开兵败大渡河,等等。

Xichang is a city steeped in a long history. As early as the Stone Age, this land has been inhabited by humans. It is reported that many famous historical figures in China are related to this place, such as Sima Qian's western expedition to Ba-Shu, Zhuge Liang's crossing of Lu in May, Kublai Khan's southern expedition to Huili, Yang Shengan's overnight stay in Lu Mountain, Shi Dakai's defeat by Dadu River, and so on.

西昌是西方学者和旅行家探险的乐园。1275年,意大利探险家马可・波罗来到西昌,成为来到西昌的第一个外国人。此后,从1868年至1909年的41年间,法国旅行家安邺、英国旅行家巴伯、法国亲王奥尔良、法国人凡尔赛、法国军医吕真、英国人布洛克,以及法国人多龙率领的考察团,也都先后来过西昌。

Xichang is a paradise for western scholars and travelers to explore. In 1275, Italian explorer Marco Polo came to Xichang and became the first foreigner to come to Xichang. Since then, from 868 to 1909, a number of foreigners have been here succeededly, including French traveler Garnier, British traveler Barber, the French Prince Orléans, French Versailles, the French military doctor Luijin, the British Bullock, and the French D'ollone with his delegation.

西昌是中国工农红军长征的途经之地,脍炙人口的刘伯承将军和彝族首领小叶丹彝海结盟的故事,便发生于此。

Xichang is also the place once the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army passed through in the Long March, and the place where the famous story of the alliance between General Liu Bocheng and the Yi's learder Xiao Yedan happened.

当然,让西昌一举成名的,还是1984年4月8日的那个辉煌的夜晚。这个夜晚,中国第一颗地球同步通信卫星在西昌成功发射,于是全世界都知道了中国有个西昌,西昌有个卫星发射场。

However, it was via the brilliant night on April 8,1984 that Xichang gained worldwide fame overnight. That night, China's first geosynchronous communication satellite was successfully launched in Xichang, so the whole world got to know that China has Xichang, and Xichang has a satellite launch site.

西昌卫星发射场位于西昌市以北约60公里处的一条大山沟里。美国人把这条山沟称为“神秘的峡谷”,而当地彝族老人则说:“什么神秘不神秘,这山沟就是我们过去放羊的地方!”故当地人称为“赶羊沟”。

The Xichang Satellite Launch Site is located in a mountainous area about 60 kilometers to the north of Xichang City. Americans call this gully "mysterious valley", while the local Yi old man said: "There's nothing mysterious! It's just the place where we used to herd sheep!" Therefore, the locals called it "sheep-herding gully".

这是一条不为外界所知的大山沟,宽二三公里,长约10公里。或许是在亿万年前的某ー时刻,当两个漂移的大陆板块在这里猛然相撞时,海底裂开了一道缝, 等洪水消退后,便留下了这么一个大山沟。

This huge gully, two or three kilometers wide, about 10 kilometers long, is unknown to the outside. Perhaps it was at a certain moment hundreds of millions of years ago, when two drifting continental plates suddenly collided here, a crack opened at the bottom of the sea, and after the flood subsided, such a huge gully was left.

这是一片蛮荒之地。荒凉的大山,空寂的野林,潮湿的云雾,发霉的砂姜土,历史在这里留下的是一片空白。千百年来,它如同一个昏昏沉睡的梦,连上帝似乎也忘了将它唤醒。直到20世纪70年代初,ー支身穿绿色军装的神秘队伍,从茫茫大戈壁浩浩荡荡而又小心翼翼地来到了这里。他们头顶云天,脚踏青山,逢山开路,遇水架桥,在这默默无声的大山沟里,用一双双长满老茧的大手支起了第一顶绿色的帐篷,点燃了中国第一团现代科技文明的圣火!于是,古老蛮荒的山谷震颤了, 野草丛中的小生物惊呆了,原本无欲无望、平平静静的山民们的日子也开始产生了。

This is a wilderness. With the desolate mountains, the empty primitive forests, the damp clouds and the moldy lime concretion black soil, the history left it in blank. For thousands of years, it was like a dormant dream, and even God seemed to forget to wake it up. Until the early 1970s, a mysterious team dressed in green military uniforms arrived here from the vast Gobi Desert with great vigor and caution. The sky above them, mountains under them, they built roads and bridges when encountering mountains and rivers. In the silent mountain valley, they set up the first green tent with pairs of big hands full of calluses, and lit the sacred flame of China's first modern scientific and technological civilization! Then, the ancient and wild valley trembled, the little creatures in the wild grass were stunned, and the days of the peaceful villagers who had no desire and no hope began to produce.

潜移默化的变化,渐渐有了生气与活力,企盼与梦想。

Subtle changes, gradually showed the vitality, hope and dream.

发射场定点于20世纪60年代末,始建于20世纪70年代初。当年,为了选定ー个理想的发射场,国防科委组织了数十名专家,对4个省的31个县进行了空中和地面的立体勘测,最后经过分析、比较、论证,认为这儿地处横断山脉南段的西缘,纬度较低,离赤道较近,地理位置十分优越。发射卫星时,可利用其独特的地理优势,提高火箭的运载能力,有利于把同步通信卫星送入36000公里高的赤道上空。此外,火箭从这儿发射起飞后,按设计的航向飞行,整个航程可以避开大中城市,不会危及沿途人民的生命和财产安全。加上这里气候宜人,空气洁净,为火箭、卫星的测试工作,提供了非常理想的温度、湿度和空气洁净度,所以是发射地球同步卫星的好地方。

The launch site was fixed in the late 1960s and built in the early 1970s. At that time, in order to select an ideal launch site, the National Defense Science and Technology Commission organized dozens of experts to carry out aerial and ground three-dimensional surveys in 31 counties in four provinces. After analysis, comparison and demonstration, it was concluded that this place was located on the western edge of the southern section of the Hengduan Mountains, with a low latitude and close to the equator, making the place geographically advantaged. When launching a satellite, we can take advantage of its unique geographical advantages to improve the rocket's carrying capacity, which is conducive to sending a synchronous communication satellite into the equatorial sky at a height of 36,000 kilometers. In addition, after the rocket is launched from here, it will fly along the designed course which won't pass by large and medium cities in the whole process, so as not to endanger the lives and property of people along the way. Besides, the pleasant climate and the clean air provide ideal temperature, humidity and air cleanliness for the testing of rockets and satellites, so it is a good place to launch the geostationary satellite.

当然,专家们当年在论证、选定这个靶场时,怎么也不会想到20年后这个原始的大山沟居然会发射美国的卫星。倘若当初想到了的话,或许这个发射场今天就不在西昌,而在“南昌”或者别的什么“昌”了。

Of course, when experts were demonstrating and selecting this launch site, they would never have thought that this primitive mountain ditch would actually launch an US-made satellite 20 years later. If they had thought of it at that time, perhaps the launch site would not be in Xichang today, but in "Nanchang" or another place with a "Chang" in its name.

二十年来,这支队伍在这荒山沟里默默地生活着,默默地创造着,也默默地期待着。他们用青春和热情、热血及生命,铸起了一座举世瞩目的航天港,同时也经历了一个常人无法想象的苦难历程。

In the past twenty years, this team has lived in this barren mountain gully in obscurity, created in obscurity and waited in obscurity. They devoted their youth and enthusiasm, blood and life to building a world-renowned space port, and at the same time experienced a suffering course that ordinary people could not imagine.

一切都是在无声中存在,一切都是在秘密中进行。这支队伍开创着人类最神圣也是最艰难的事业ーー空间文明,却置身于ー个近似原始的生存环境之中,甚至他们所从事的神圣而伟大的事业,也只用了一个再简单不过的代号“331工程”。

Everything exists in silence, everything is done in secret. This team has created the most sacred and most difficult cause of mankind--the space civilization, but they were in an almost primitive living environment. Even the sacred and great cause they were engaged in only used a simple code name "Project 331."

然而,自1984年1月29日第一颗卫星从这里升起,到1990年3月,已经有六颗卫星从这里飞向太空,其中有五颗都是同步通信卫星,而且发射成功率高达百分之百。这在世界航天发射史上,也是不多见的。

However, since the first satellite rose from here on January 29, 1984, by March 1990, six satellites had flown into space from here, five of which are synchronous communication satellites, and the success rate was as high as 100 percent. This is also rare in the history of space launches in the world.

所以,无论是中国人还是外国人,都不得不承认,这里拥有一支坚韧不拔而又特色鲜明的发射队伍;大山沟的一草一木,自然也会记得这支发射队伍中的每一个人;而历史更不会忘记那一个个惊天动地的辉煌时刻。

Therefore, both Chinese and foreigners have to admit that there is a tenacious and distinctive launching team here. All small things in the gully would never forget everyone in this team. History, not to mention, would never expunge those glorious moments.

不过,当ー颗又一颗卫星由他们发射入太空时,或许恰恰最容易被忽略甚至埋没的,就是他们这群被“保密”的外衣紧紧包裹着的活生生的人!

Nevertheless, when satellites are launched into space one after another, perhaps what the most easily to be overlooked or even be buried are those living people who are tightly wrapped in the cloak of "secrecy"!

1986年,西昌卫星发射基地宣布对外开放,承揽外国商业卫星发射业务。此后,西昌发射场开始从封闭型的试验基地,向开放型的发射中心转变。

In 1986, Xichang Satellite Launch Center announced its opening to the outside world in that they started to contract foreign commercial satellite launch business. After that, the Xichang launch site has gradually changed from a closed test base to an open launch center.

于是,数以万计的中国公民和海外华侨、港澳同胞,纷纷来此观光旅游。他们像是来寻找ー种精神寄托,又像是来朝拜一方圣地.

As a result, tens of thousands of Chinese citizens and overseas Chinese, Hong Kong and Macao compatriots have come here for sightseeing.

一位六十五岁的华侨,远涉重洋来到西昌发射场。望着那十ー层楼高的发射塔,他激动得久久说不出一句话。临别时,他面对发射塔,深深鞠了三个躬,然后站在发射塔下,让摄影师为他留下了一个苍老而满足的笑。

They seemed to be looking for spiritual sustenance, or to be worshipping a holy place. a 65-year-old overseas chinese traveled across the world for the Xichang Satellite Launch Site. At the sight of the eleven-story launching tower, he was so excited that he couldn't say a word for a long time. On his parting, after he bowed deeply three times toward the tower, then he left an old but satisfied smile under the tower, as a part of a photo.

此外,还有20多个国家、50多个卫星组织的外宾,也先后来过这里。

In addition, foreign guests from more than 20 countries and more than 50 satellite organizations have also visited here one after another.

1988年10月,外交部新闻司组织了 18个国家的48名外国驻京记者和他们的夫人来这里参观访问,西昌卫星发射基地同样给他们留下了深刻的印象一

In October 1988, the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized 48 foreign journalists and their wives from 18 countries to visit the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, which impressed them deeply.

美联社驻京首席记者艾博伦在报道中说:“世界各国的航天组织再也不能无视中国西昌卫星发射基地和它那十ー层楼高的发射塔了,它们标志着中国已进入国际卫星发射市场。”

Albert, a chief correspondent of Associated Press in Beijing said in a report: "The world's space organizations can no longer ignore China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center and its 11-story tower, which marks China's entry into the international satellite launch market."

英国路透社记者耿必儒在报道中说:“中国趁1986年美国航天飞机发生惨剧和阿里亚娜火箭卫星发射计划连续受挫之机,加快发展其商业卫星发射业务”

Reuters correspondent Wiliam Kazer reported: "China took advantage of the tragedy of the US space shuttle in 1986 and the successive setbacks of the Ariane Satellite Launch Schedule to speed up its commercial satellite launch business."

法新社记者莱斯科在报道中说:“征服太空是中国军队和科学家们为之奋斗的事业,西昌是中国为实现其成为仅次于西欧世界的第四个卫星强国的夙愿之希望。中国军人和科学家已把目光盯在2000年上,中国将参加卫星发射的贸易战,因为发射一次卫星,至少使中国获得1亿美元。”

"The conquest of space is the cause of the Chinese army and scientists. Xichang is the hope of China to realize its long-cherished wish to become the fourth satellite power after Western Europe." Said Lesco, a reporter from the Agence France Presse. Chinese soldiers and scientists have set their sights on the year 2000, when China will participate in the trade war on satellite launches, which will benefit China at least $100 million at a time."

难怪,西昌卫星发射基地外事处的戚处长向我介绍情况时,ー开始便非常自豪地说:“‘三个世界’的外宾和记者参观了西昌卫星发射基地之后,都有一个共同的印象。这个印象概括成一句话,那就是’中国了不起!’”

It's no wonder that when Director Qi of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Xichang Satellite Launch Center introduced the situation to me, he said very proudly at the beginning: "After visiting the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, the foreign guests and journalists of the 'Three Worlds' all have a common impression. It can be summed up in one sentence, that is, 'China is great!' "

我问戚处长,“了不起”这三个字具体怎么讲?

"What do you mean by that?" I asked.

戚处长说:“第一世界说中国了不起,是想不到中国在这样艰苦的条件下、如此短的时间内,能把航天事业搞到这个水平;第二世界说中国了不起,是想不到中国一下子竟成了他们的竞争对手;第三世界说中国了不起,是想不到中国的航天事业完全依靠的是自己本国的力量。”

Director Qi said, "The first world say so because China is totally out of their expectation in that we have made such achievements in the space industry in such a short period of time under such difficult conditions; the second world say so because they did not expect china to become their competitor nowadays; the third world say so because China is totally out of their expectation in that our speedy development all depends on ourselves."

更出乎意料的是,西昌卫星发射基地不仅吸引了一般的外国友人和外国记者, 而且还引起了美国高层人士的关注。

What's even more unexpected is that the Xichang Satellite Launch Center not only attracted ordinary foreigners and foreign journalists, but also the senior US officials.

1986年10月8日,美国国防部部长温伯格访华。两天后,温伯格在北京突然神秘“失踪”.正当外界纷纷猜测温伯格究竟去了哪里时,温伯格乘坐的专机在大凉山温暖阳光的照耀下,悄悄降落在西昌青山机场。原来,邓小平在会见温伯格时,特意谈到了中国对外发射卫星这件事,并邀请温伯格参观中国西昌卫星发射基地。所以,温伯格专程飞到西昌,一下飞机,便赶往西昌卫星发射基地

On October 8, 1986, US Secretary of Defense Weinberg visited China. Two days later, Weinberg suddenly "disappeared" in Beijing. Just as people have speculated Weinberg exactly where to go, under warm sunshine scattered in mountains, Weinberg's special plane secretly landed in Xichang Qingshan Airport. It turned out that when Deng Xiaoping met with Weinberg, he specifically talked about China's external satellite launch and invited Weinberg to visit China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center. So, Weinberg arranged a special fly to Xichang. As soon as got off the plane, he rushed to Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

基地副司令员佟连捷在指挥控制大厅接待了温伯格。佟连捷向温伯格介绍完情况后,特意说了一句:“西昌卫星发射基地可以把1.4吨重的卫星,送入离地面36000公里的赤道上空。”温伯格听后很高兴,然后坐在大厅最前排中间的椅子上, 静静地观看了中国“长征三号”运载火箭从运输、测试、组装到成功发射的全过程的录像。看罢,佟连捷对身边的温伯格说:“今年2月,这里发射卫星时,我们国家的总理,就是坐在您坐的这把椅子上观看了发射全过程的。”温伯格抚摸着椅子的扶手,高兴地说:“好,看来这是个好兆头!”

Tong Lianjie, the Deputy commander of the center, received Weinberg in command and control hall. Tong Lianjie to Weinberg after the introduction of the situation, specifically said: "Xichang Satellite Launch Center can send the satellite of 1.4 tons into 36,000 kilometers above the equator from the ground." Weinberg was pleasant to hear that, and then he sat on the chair in the middle of the front row of the hall, quietly watching videos of the entire process of transportation, testing, assembly, and successful launch of China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket. When the video finished, Tong Lianjie said,: "In February this year, when the satellite was launched here, Zhao Ziyang, the Prime Minister of our country, just sat on the chair you sat on watching the whole process of the launch." Weinberg stroked the handles of the chair and said happily,"Well, it seems this is a good sign!"

接着,温伯格一行又来到“长征三号”火箭测试厂房。厂房负责人指着躺在大厅中央的长4456米的乳白色的“长征三号”火箭,对温伯格说:“我们就是用这枚火箭,把我们的同步通信卫星送入离地面36000公里的赤道上空的。”温伯格立即对眼前这个庞然大物表示出极大的兴趣,他谢绝了中方陪同人员请他坐下来边看边听介绍的好意,而是自己径直走到“长征三号”火箭旁,从头至尾,仔细观看了一番,同时还询问了 “长征三号”火箭连接部位的有关情况。

After that, Weinberg and his fellows went to the "Long March 3" rocket test plant. "It is with this rocket that we sent our synchronous communication satellite into the sky above the equator, 36,000 kilometers above the ground," The plant manager said, who was pointing at the 4,456-meter-long milky "Long March 3" rocket on the center of the hall. Weinberg immediately showed great interest in this behemoth in front of him. He declined the invitation of the Chinese minders to sit down and listen to the introduction. Instead, he went straight to the "Long March 3" rocket to take a careful look from head to foot, and also asked something about the connection of it.

最后,温伯格一行驱车来到面对山谷、背靠青山的卫星发射场。他站在发射场的中央,看了看雄伟的发射塔,又望了望清澈的蓝天,这オ用ー个国防部长的口吻, 对随行的记者们表达了自己的看法:

Finally, Weinberg and his fellows drove to the satellite launch site facing the valley and backed by a green mountain. He stood in the middle of the launch site, looking at the magnificent launch tower, and the clear blue sky. Then, he expressed his views to the accompanying reporters in the tone of a defense minister:

“中国西昌卫星发射基地,确实已经具备了发射卫星的条件,而且还有很大的潜カ,给我留下了很深刻的印象。这个发射中心目前正在进ー步改善设施,以便执行中国人自己的太空计划,并且准备发射外国的商业卫星。这个中心的发射能力, 显然是可以令人信服的。”

"China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center, indeed, is qulified to launch satellites, with a huge potential. It left a deep impression on me. The launch center was currently improving its facilities in order to carry out the Chinese own space program and prepare to launch foreign commercial satellites. The launch capability of this center is obviously convincing."

二、发射场:原始与现代同构的神话

Part Ⅱ Xichang Satellite Launch Center-- the Myth Co-created by Primitiveness and Modernity

或许,这是航天城有史以来最激动、最振奋、最繁忙、最紧张,也是最艰难的日子。

This is probably the most exciting, most inspiring, most busiest, most tense, and most difficult time in the history of this aerospace city.

一进山沟,我就发现,这儿所有的人都很忙,所有的人都很累。无论是“城里人”还是“沟里人”,不管是中国人还是外国人,是大专家还是操作手,是指挥官还是炊事员,是政工干部还是科技人员,是高级领导还是普通士兵,个个行色匆匆,满脸疲惫。不管你走到哪里,都有一股热浪在撞击,仿佛每个人的心里都燃着一团火。

I noticeed people here were very busy and fatigue at the moment I came into the valley. Whether "city dwellers" or "valley dwellers", whether Chinese or foreigners, whether a reputable expert or an operator, a commander or a cook, a political cadre or a sci-tech personnel, is a senior leader or ordinary soldiers, they were all in a hurry, with exhaustion on face. No matter where you went, there was a heat wave upsurging, as if your heart is burning with a fire.

尤其是到了发射场,当你站在通向宇宙的门前,望着那伸向云天的发射塔,望着那一个个匆忙的身影以及那一双双渴望腾飞的眼睛时,一下便能感到ー种决战前的气氛,一种顶天立地的英雄气概,一种勇于开拓的创世纪精神。好像这个神秘的山谷二十年来的全部奋斗与所有等待,都是为了这一天。

You would immediately feel, especially when you stood in front of the door at the launch site leading to the universe, looking at the launching towers that stretched into the sky, looking at the hurried figures and the pairs of eyes that yearned to soar, the atmosphere before a decisive battle, the heroic spirit of fearlessness, and the pioneering spirit of creation. As if all the tough struggle and the long waiting in this mysterious valley for those twenty years, were all prepared for this day.

西昌卫星发射基地政治部副主任武丰起告诉我说,这儿的每ー项工作,都像是在打仗。

Wu Fengqi, the deputy director of the Political Department of the XSLC, told me that every job here was like a war.

西昌卫星发射基地作战试验处参谋何宇光告诉我说,从去秋到今春,大伙一直在拼着命干!

He Yuguang, the staff officer of Operational Test and Evaluation Division of the XSLC, told me that from last autumn to this spring, everyone has been working hard!

事实的确如此。西昌卫星发射基地自1989年起,便同时面临三大任务:ー是要抢建一座新的发射场,二是要发射中国第五颗同步通信卫星,三是要准备“亚洲一号”卫星的发射。有人开玩笑说,这三项重大任务,简直就像压在头上的“三座大山”！

That was the truth. Since 1989, Xichang Satellite Launch Center has been facing three major tasks at the same time: the first is to rush to build a new launch site; the second is to launch China's fifth synchronous communications satellite; the third is to prepare for the launch of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite. Some people joked that these three major tasks were like "three mountains" hanging over everyone's head!

而且,更为严峻的是,正当基地全体官兵为这三大任务拼命苦干时,无情的大自然偏偏又发起了脾气

More seriously, just as all the officers and men of the center were slaving away for these three major tasks, the ruthless nature happened to lose her temper.

1989年9月3日凌晨,当劳累了一天的通信总站的官兵们刚刚进入梦乡时,一场百年不遇的泥石流突然暴发了！霎时,滚滚的泥石流沿着山谷海啸般倾泻而下。仅半小时,房屋倒塌了,铁路被冲垮了,桥梁被摧毁了,公路崩塌了,通往发射场的公路、铁路、小路以及所有有线通信线路,全被切断了！人员伤的伤、残的残、死的死。等发射基地的人们从睡梦中爬起时,往日干涸的山沟已变成了一片汪洋。

In the early morning of September 3, 1989, when the officers and men of the General Communication Station had just fallen asleep after the whole day's hard work, a mudslide unseen in a century suddenly broke out! In an instant, the rolling mudslides poured down like a tsunami along the valley. It only took half an hour to devast almost everything. Houses collapsed, railways were washed out, bridges and highways were destroyed; roads, railways, paths to the launch site, and all the wired communication lines, were all cut off. Personnel were injured, disabled, even dead. When the people at the launch center woke up, the dry valley in the past had become an ocean.

泥石流持续了整整一个星期。

The mudslide lasted for a whole week.

在这一个星期里,“亚洲一号”卫星的准备工作被迫中断。

During this week, preparations for the "AsiaSat 1" satellite were interrupted.

在这一个星期里,通信总站全体官兵的生存处在极大的困难与危险之中。20 立方米的石头横卧路中,大卡车、小汽车浮在水面,铁轨横七竖ハ躺满一地,200多间房屋淹于水中;还有成百上千的官兵和家属,要穿没衣服穿,要吃没东西吃,要睡没地方睡,甚至连喝一口水都很困难。

During this week, all officers and men of the General Communication Station were facing great difficulty and danger in living. Twenty cubic meters of stone spanned the road, trucks and cars were floating on the water, the track lay strewn all over the ground, and more than 200 houses submerged in the water. Hundreds of officers and soldiers and their families had no clothes to wear, no food to eat, no place to sleep, and even insufficient clean water to drink.

面对大自然的挑战,基地全体官兵并未退缩半步。在基地领导的得カ组织下, 从司令、政委,到战士、家属,甚至几岁的小孩,全都行动起来。他们挽起裤腿,卷起袖子,踩着泥水,踏着泥坑,不顾狂风暴雨,不管千辛万苦,白天黑夜,齐心协カ,同大自然展开了一场你死我活的搏斗!

In the face of the challenges set by nature, all the officers and men of the center behaved bravely and determinedly. Effective organized by leaders, the commander and political commissar, soldiers and their family members, and even little kids, all took action. They rolled up their trousers and sleeves, stood in muddy water, stepped on mud pits, and, regardless of storms and hardships, day and night, made concerted efforts to launch a life-and-death struggle with nature!

本来,基地官兵们那一双双充满智慧的手,是用来按动电钮的,是用来构筑现代文明大厦的,是用来托举火箭卫星的,是用来开辟通向宇宙的道路的。然而,面对大自然的凶猛袭击,他们的双手又不得不去从事最原始的劳作:扒稀泥,拾砖块, 推石头,垒锅灶,甚至还不得不忍着干渴、饿着肚子、顶着寒冷、冒着危险,用ー种近似原始的生存方式苦度灾日！

Naturally, the intelligent hands of the officers and men of the center were used to press buttons, to construct the edifice of modern civilization, to lift rockets and satellites, and to open up a path to the universe. However, in the face of the fierce attack of nature, their hands had to engage in the most primitive work: digging up mud, picking up bricks, pushing stones, building cookstoves, and even had to endure thirst, hunger, cold, and risk, suffering disaster days in a nearly primitive way!

泥石流过后,通信总站的全体官兵从泥水中很快爬起,含泪掩埋了战友的遗体,又火速投入通信线路的抢修之中。他们重新铺设了 79公里的地下电缆线、52 公里的地下光纤电缆线,完成了 35公里的明线架设和104公里的线路整修,同时还按时完成了新型卫星地面站的抢建工作。结果,本需半年才能完成的任务,他们只用了一个半月的时间。

After the mudslide, all the officers and men of the General Communication Station quickly stood up from the muddy water, buried the remains of their comrades in tears, and rushed into the emergency repair of the communication lines. They re-laid 79 kilometers of underground cables, 52 kilometers of underground optical fiber cables, renovated 35 kilometers of open wire erection and 104 kilometers of lines, and also completed the construction of new satellite earth stations timely and quickly. As a result, it took only a month and a half to complete the task that would have taken six months.

正是靠着这种顽强不屈的精神,西昌卫星基地全体官兵最终战胜了泥石流的巨大灾难,渡过难关,迅速恢复了“亚洲一号”卫星发射的准备工作,为“亚洲一号” 卫星的发射按时开了“绿灯”。

It is by virtue of this indomitable spirit, all officers and men of the XSLC finally overcame the disastrous mudslides, and quickly restored the "AsiaSat 1" satellite launch preparations, ensuring that the satellite could be launched on time.

先进与落后并存,原始与现代同在,是西昌卫星发射场的又一特色。

The coexistence of advancement and backwardness, primitiveness and modernity, is another feature of Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

当你踏进发射场,你既会被标志着现代文明的70多米高的“通天塔”所震慑与感动,又会为发射场四周那刀耕火种般的劳作方式和田园牧歌式的美丽风情所困惑与吸引。

When stepping into the launch site, you would not only be shocked and moved by the 70-meter-high tower soaring to sky, which marks the modern civilization, but also be puzzled and attracted by both the slash-and-burn work style and the beautiful pastoral style the launch site has.

站在发射场上,你能看到一条弯弯曲曲的盘山公路,一端伸向遥远的荒山野岭,一端连着通向宇宙的大门。而盘山公路则像ー根坚实的扁担,ー头挑着现代文明,ー头挑着愚昧贫困。公路上,“解牌”与老水牛狭路相逢,“桑塔纳”与毛驴车比肩同行;既有手持钢枪的解放军,又有身披“查尔瓦”的老彝族;既有戴着眼镜的工程师,又有露着屁股的放羊娃;既有坐着“奔驰”的“洋专家”,又有赶着牛车的山里人。

Standing on the launch site, you can see a winding mountain road, one end to the distant vastness, the other to the door to the universe. This winding mountain road is like a solid pole, carrying modern civilization at one end and ignorance and poverty at the other. On the road, "Liberation" vehicles and the old buffalo met each other; "Santana" and donkey cart were shoulder to shoulder; There were both the People's Liberation Army armed with steel guns and the old Yi people wearing a wool-woven felt called "Chalwa"; there were both engineers with glasses and sheep-herding boys with exposed buttocks; there were foreign experts sitting in "Benz" and mountain dwellers driving cattle carts.

站在发射场上,你还能看到远处彝家山寨里升起的缕缕炊烟,近旁荒坡上一堆堆冒着热气的新鲜牛粪,以及发射塔附近一个个农夫扶犁耕地的身影。望着那锈迹斑斑的犁铮,也许你会想,贫困与愚昧曾经怎样在这片生长着野草和五谷的土地上ー页ー页地翻动着历史,现代高科技如何在这原始的大山沟里映衬着古老的文明。

Standing on the launch site, you could also see the smoke rising in the distant Yi village, the piles of steaming fresh cow dung on the nearby barren slopes, and the figure of a farmer plowing the land near the launch tower. Looking at the rusty plough, you may think about how poverty and ignorance once moved on with history on this land of weeds and grains, and how modern high-tech set off ancient civilization in this primitive mountain valley.

然而,站在发射场上,当你望着那威武雄壮、高耸云端的“通天塔”,幻想着ー声令下火箭冲天而起那伟大的一瞬间,你绝对想不到,这些即将把“长征三号”火箭和“亚洲一号”卫星托举上天的发射官兵,竟会屈居在“水帘洞”里。

However, standing on the launch site, when you looked at the majestic and extremely high tower, fantasizing about the great moment a rocket soaring into the sky as soon as the command is given, you would never expect, these officers and men who would send the "Long March 3" fire arrows and "AsiaSat 1" satellite to the sky just lived in a "Water Curtain Cave"

所谓“水帘洞”,即指西昌卫星发射基地的ー栋“协作楼”。而所谓“协作楼”，就是专门为外来协助参加发射任务的专家技术人员新盖的ー栋楼。由于“协作楼”尚未交付使用,正在兴建过程之中,所以楼上楼下,屋里屋外,一片混乱不堪;水泥、污水,满地都是;厕所、水房,一概不能用。

The so-called "Water Curtain Cave" refers to the "Collaboration Building" at Xichang Satellite Launch Center, which was specially built for foreign experts and technicians to assist in the launch mission. Because the "Collaboration Building" was still under construction, so everything was in a mess; cement and sewage were all over the ground; toilets and water rooms couldn't be used at all.

但是,发射“亚洲一号”卫星在即,外协科技人员和抢建新发射场的工程人员等数千人全都拥进了发射场,造成小小山沟人满为患,住房成了西昌卫星发射基地ー个突出的大难题!

However, with the launch of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite approaching, thousands of people, including outsourcing technology personnel and engineering personnel rushing to build a new launch site, all crowded into the launch site and filled the little valley so that housing became a prominent problem at XSLC!

怎么办?

How to solve it?

西昌卫星基地的头头脑脑们思来想去,别无他法,最后只好被迫决定:把基地发射官兵原来住的房子倒腾出来,让外来的专家技术人员住进去,而基地官兵们则搬进了“协作楼”。

The leaders of the XSLC applied their minds and had no other choice but to finally decide: to empty out the houses where the officers and men of the XSLC used to live and let the foreign experts and technicians live in, while the officers and men moved into the "Collaboration Building".

由于“协作楼”正在抢建之中,从早到晚,拌水泥、和沙子、装窗户、刷墙壁,麟里唯啷,叮叮咚咚,每天响个不停。所以无论是中午还是晚上,都无法睡觉。

As the "Collaboration Building" was being built, from morning till night, the noise of mixing cement or sand, installing windows, brushing walls, clattered and clanked every day. So no matter at noon or at night, people here couldn't fall asleep.

更为严重的是,“协作楼”的大梁上、墙角边,一天到晚,总是滴答滴答不停地滴着污水;加上时值冬季,山沟里本来就冷,新房又很潮湿,所以屋里寒气侵骨,衣服、被子仿佛都能拧出水来;有时遇上某个水管突然爆裂,房间里便会一片汪洋,满屋子都是ー只只漂浮着的拖鞋。

More seriously, the beams and corners of the "Collaboration Building" were constantly dripping with sewage from day to night. It was always cold in winter, and the new house was very damp, so the cold air in the house penetrated the bones, and the clothes and quilts seemed to be able to wring out water; Sometimes, when a water pipe suddenly burst, the floor would be covered with floating slippers.

于是,大伙把“协作楼”戏称为“水帘洞”。

That's why people called the "Collaboration Building" as the "Water Curtain Cave."

发射“亚洲一号”卫星的基地指挥官们,便住在这样的“水帘洞”里:每人ー张单人床,外加一张办公桌。桌上放着一部电话、一台电视机以及ー堆文件、资料,剩下的四分之一地盘,便是运筹帷幄、发号施令的地方了。

The commanders of the center that would launch the "AsiaSat 1" satellite in the future lived in such a "Water Curtain Cave". Each had a single bed and an office desk. On the desk placed a telephone, a TV set, and a pile of documents, data, while the remaining quarter of the desk, was the place where they ordered.

假若不是我亲眼所见,无论如何也想象不出,中国的火箭发射指挥官们,竟是在这样的条件下组织指挥发射“亚洲一号”卫星的。

If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have imagined that China's rocket launch commanders actually organized and commanded the launch of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite under such severe conditions.

而且,住在“水帘洞”里的所有工作人员包括发射指挥官们,每晚都要加班至深夜,有时甚至要干通宵。但他们每晚领到的夜餐,就是两包大多数中国人再熟悉不过的方便面。

Moreover, all the staff living in the "Water Curtain Cave," including the launch commanders, always worked late into the night, sometimes even all night. But the evening meal they received every night is two packs of instant noodles that most Chinese are familiar with.

这就是中国发射卫星的人。他们ー方面从事着这个世界上最尖端的科学事业,一方面又不得不在偏僻荒凉的环境和很差的物质条件下艰难生存。尽管几十年来他们一直在神秘面纱的遮掩下苦熬着一个个春夏秋冬,但他们用心血和智慧播种的是光芒四射的现代文明!

Those are who launched satellites in China. On the one hand, they were engaged in the world's most advanced scientific undertakings. On the other hand, they had to survive in a remote and desolate place with poor material conditions. Although for decades they have been under the cover of the mysterious veil, gone through one year after another, but they did sow radiant modern civilization with their endless effort and wisdom!

在西昌卫星发射场,还能见到另一群人。

At Xichang Satellite Launch Center, there were another group of people.

每天傍晚,他们三人ー伙,五人一群,或者沿着山道,或者顺着公路,或者围着发射塔,ー边散步,ー边聊天。他们当中,有男士有女士,有老人有青年,有专家有工人。劳累了一天之后,他们借助散步,做一次短暂的休息。

Every evening, in groups of three or five, they walked and chatted along the ghat or the road, or around the tower. Among them, there were men and women, old people and young people, experts and workers. After a hard day, they took a short rest by walking.

这群发射塔下的散步者,便是航空航天部组织的参加“亚洲一号”卫星发射的工作队。他们来自北京、上海或别的某个城市,都是中国优秀的火箭专家和技术人员。

These walkers under the launch tower was the team organized by the Ministry of Aeronautics and Space to participate in the launch of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite. They were all excellent Chinese rocket experts and technicians, from Beijing, Shanghai or some other cities.

正是这支队伍,把设计、研制、测试好的“长征三号”火箭,先从北京用专列护送到西昌发射场,而后与西昌卫星发射基地的官兵们ー起,再对火箭进行ー系列的测试检查,直到安全发射上天。

It was this team that first escorted the "Long March 3" rocket they designed, developed, and tested from Beijing to the XSLC with a special train, and then, together with the officers and men there conducted a series of tests and inspections on the rocket until it was safely launched into the space.

这支队伍长年奔波在外,走南闯北,风餐露宿。大漠、荒原、高山、峡谷,到处都留有他们艰辛的足迹。每ー次发射,短则两个月,长则半年,有时甚至是一年。于是他们的家人常常开玩笑说,他们是一群浪迹天涯的“野人”！

This contingent was on the move throughout the year, travelling extensively and living in the open. Their tough footprints could be found in deserts, wastelands, mountains and canyons. One launch may last as short as two months, or as long as half a year, or sometimes even a year. So their families often joked that they were a group of "savages" roaming the world!

他们来西昌基地,这次已经是第七次了,不少人都成了“老山沟”。西昌基地发射了六颗卫星,其中有五颗都在春节期间发射ーー因为这期间是发射通信卫星的最好时间,所以,他们中大多数人已在这穷山沟里熬过了五个春节。

It was the seventh time for them to come to the XSLC, and many people have become "denizens of the valley". Six satellites has been sent in the XSLC, five of which were launched during the Spring Festival--because this was the best time to launch a communications satellite, most of them had already survived five spring festivals in this poor valley.

倘若稍加留意,便会发现,在这群散步者的队伍中,ー些往日大家熟悉的身影, 此刻已不在了。仅以上海航天试验队为例,曾在西昌卫星发射基地参加过发射任务的,就有四名航天专家已经先后离开了人世。

It could be noted with more attention that some familiar figures had disappeared in this group of walkers. Taking the Shanghai Aerospace Test Team as an example, four aerospace experts who had participated in the launch mission at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center already passed away one after another.

还有那位从北京来的姑娘,她兴冲冲来到这里参加卫星发射。每天傍晚,她喜欢迎着タ阳、伴着晚风、踏着山路,独自散步。她热爱航天事业,喜欢发射场,还极富幻想,发射塔附近那弯弯的山道上常常洒下她ー串串泉水叮咚般的笑声;尤其每当山风拂起,她那ー头柔美漂亮的披肩发,在晚风中タ阳下轻轻地飘荡着,显得分外动人。

And the girl from Beijing, she excitedly came here to participate in the satellite launch. Every dawn, she walked alone along the ghat toward the sunset, accompanied by the evening breeze. She, an imaginative girl, loved the aerospace industry, loved the launch site. The curved ghat near the tower often floated strings of her tinkling-spring-sounded laughter; it was heart-provoking especially when her soft and beautiful shawl hair gently blown by breeze and fluttered under splendid sunset glow.

但今天,在这群散步者的队伍中,再也见不到她那ー头漂亮的披肩发了。由于发射场一次偶然的事故,她身遭不幸,卫星上天后,她二十二岁的生命永远留在了发射场。

But now, in this group of walkers, we could never see her and her beautiful shawl anymore. Because of an accident at the launch site, she was unfortunate to stay at her 22nd year forever after the satellite was launched into the space.

“长征三号”火箭副总设计师龚德泉,已经连续七次来西昌卫星发射基地参加卫星发射了。我与他ー起散步时,他给我讲了这样ー个故事一

Gong Dequan, the deputy chief designer of the "Long March 3" rocket, has been to the XSLC for seven consecutive times to participate in satellite launches. He told me this story when we strolled together.

一位叫余福良的火箭专家,妻子在苏州,家在上海。他有一个十五岁的女儿, 患了一种怪病:脊椎骨猛长,使肺部受到挤压。后来女儿动了手术,脊椎骨取掉ー截,再用两块薄体钢拉上。余福良每天一早骑车去上班,中午骑车回家替女儿翻身,下午再骑车去上班。

The wife of the rocket expert named Yu Fuliang lived in Suzhou, while her home was in Shanghai. They had a daughter of fifteen who suffered from a strange disease that the spine grew so fast that the lungs were squeezed. Later, a piece of the spine was removed from her body by surgery and the remaining spine were pulled together with two pieces of thin steel. Yu Fuliang biked to work every morning, and biked back at noon to turn over his daughter, and biked to work in the afternoon again.

几年前,余福良要来西昌卫星发射基地参加卫星发射,躺在床上的女儿哭喊着从床上爬起来,紧紧拖住他的双腿,死活不让他走。女儿从小跟着他长大,感情极深。但他是火箭平台系统的主任设计师,而平台是火箭的核心部位,一旦出现问题,火箭便会失去平衡,在空中乱飞。当他向女儿讲明这一切后,女儿的双手慢慢松开了。

A few years ago, when Yu Fuliang intended to go to the XSLC to for the satellite launch, her daughter who had been lying in bed, cried and crept out of bed, tightly holding his legs, not letting him go. His daughter grew up with him and they had a deep feeling. But he was the chief designer of the rocket platform system, and the platform is the core part of the rocket. Once there is a problem, the rocket will lose its balance and fly out of control. When he told his daughter all this, her daughter's hands slowly loosened.

去年,为了保证“亚洲一号”卫星成功发射,余福良白天黑夜连续攻关。他早就感到肚子疼痛,却一直顾不上去医院。后来实在痛得受不了,到医院ー检查,已是直肠癌晚期。

Last year, in order to ensure the successful launch of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite, Yu Fuliang continued to tackle key problems day and night. He had been suffering a tummy ache for a long time, but he had no spare time to go to the hospital. Later, because it was too painful to bear, he finally went to the hospital for examination, only to find the advanced rectal cancer.

是的,发射场不是战场,却同样有牺牲与死亡。从去冬到今春,航空航天部エ作队的专家技术人员已在这荒凉而孤寂的大山沟里闷了近半年。从现代化的大都市到原始般的荒山沟,吃饭、住宿,还有身体等各个方面都面临着诸多的不便与困难。特别是不少专家已届中年、老年,甚至有的已年过七旬,来到山沟后,水土不服、气候不适应,加之远离家庭无人照顾,度过这段艰难的日子,实属不易。

The truth is, although the launch site is not a battlefield, there are also sacrifices and deaths. From last winter to this spring, the experts and technicians of the Ministry of Aeronautics and Astronautics have been in this desolate and lonely mountain valley for nearly half a year. Moving from the modern metropolis to the primitive valleys, they were many inconveniences and difficulties in eating, lodging, and physical fitness. In particular, many experts who were middle-aged, elderly, and even over 70, came to the valley, and went through these tough days with great difficulties, due to the failure in acclimatization and without families' care.

由于他们长时间离开家,后顾之忧自然也有不少。比如,有的有年迈的父母必须照料,有的有幼小的孩子急着入托,有的年轻的恋人等着结婚,有的孤单的妻子就要分娩,有的大白菜需要买好贮存过冬,有的煤气罐等着从ー楼扛到六楼……

Because they left home for a long time, there were undoubtedly many worries at home. For example, they may have elderly parents to look after, have little kids intending to go to nursery school in a hurry, have young lover waiting to get married; someone's wife may be about to give birth alone, someone may have to buy and store cabbages for the winter, someone may need to carry gas tank from the first floor to the sixth floor.

但,为了“亚洲一号”,这一切的一切,都被他们自己悄悄省略了。

However, for a successful launch of "AsiaSat 1," all of this, were ignored by them secretly.

前不久的ー个晚上,还出现了这样ー个场面:航空航天部工作队的爸爸妈妈们,围在电视机前,激动地看着一部录像。这部录像既不是武打片,也不是喜剧片, 而是单位的领导把他们家里的孩子召集在ー起开了个茶话会,让孩子们给远方的爸爸妈妈讲几句最想说的话ーー

One night not long ago, there was such a scene: the parents of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, gathered in front of the TV set, excitedly watching a video. This video was neither a martial arts film nor a comedy, but a tea party the leader called, who asked the teammates as one's children to say a few words of what they wanted to say most to their parents far away.

ー个七岁的男孩说:“妈妈,昨天我已把家里的卫生全部打扫了 ,就是不小心把裤子刮破了个洞,同学们老笑我的屁股。爸爸是个大笨蛋,怎么也补不好,后来还是老师替我补好的。妈妈,发射时你给我打个电话好吗?我好趴在家里的阳台上看卫星!”

"Mommy," said a seven-year-old boy, "I have cleaned the house yesterday, but accidentally scratched a hole in my pants, and my classmates laughed at my ass. My clumsy dad couldn't mend it, and later teacher mended it for me. Mom, can you call me when you're going to launch? I’ll watch it on the balcony!"

ー个八岁的女孩说:“爸爸,妈妈的病已经好多了,请爸爸一定安心地放卫星, 我保证每天都给妈妈泡方便面!”

An eight-year-old girl said: "Dad, mom gets better. Please don't worry and work on launch carefully, I promise to cook mom instant noodles every day!"

看着看着,爸爸们的眼圈红了,妈妈们则忍不住偷偷地抽泣起来。

Looking at this, the rims of dads' eyes turned red, and moms couldn't help but secretly sob.

三、酒吧:ー个中国人与三个美国人的对话

Part Ⅲ A Dialogue Between a Chinese and Three Americans in a Bar

时间:1990年4月1日晚。星期日

Time: on the evening of April 1, 1990. Sunday.

地点:西昌腾云楼宾馆小酒吧

Venue: a small bar in Tengyunlou Hotel in Xichang

翻译:罗韬先生、袁红灵小姐

Translators: Mr. Luo Tao, Ms. Yuan Hongling

夜。宾馆。

Night. The hotel.

香槟。啤酒。台球。乒乓球。

The champagne. The beer. The billiards. The table tennis.

乐曲。舞步。男人。女人。

The music. The dance. The men. The women.

这是美国人夜生活的世界。

This was the nightlife of Americans.

跨过太平洋。飞越西半球。飞机、火车、汽车。安装、测检、调试。干了一天, 忙了一天,累了一天,是该轻松轻松了。

Across the Pacific Ocean. Flying over the Western Hemisphere. Plane, train, vehicle. Installation, inspection and debugging. After a long, busy and tiring day, now it was time to relax.

美国人的到来,对西昌这片古老的土地,无疑是一次强大的震动、有力的冲击。

The arrival of Americans was undoubtedly a powerful shock and a great impact on the ancient land of Xichang.

该怎样认识这些远道而来的美国人呢?

How to get to know these Americans from afar?

我想到了对话。

I thought of the dialogue.

1990年4月1日晚7点30分,我准时步入西昌卫星基地腾云楼宾馆大门。之前,袁红灵小姐打电话告诉我,已替我约好了三位美国朋友,都是休斯卫星公司的专家。一位叫维克特,他对中国很有感情,富有责任感,是一位合格的父亲。另ー位叫马克,他虽然交了许多女朋友,却仍属未婚青年。还有一位叫弗罗里克,他性格豪放,学识渊博。据他自己说,这个世界他最喜欢两个字:疯狂!

At 7:30 pm on April 1, 1990, I stepped into the Tengyunlou Hotel in Xichang Satellite Launch Center on time. Ms. Yuan called to tell me that she had made an appointment for me with three American friends, all experts from the Hughes Satellite Company. One was called Victor, who had deep feelings for China and a sense of responsibility, and was a qualified father. The other one was Mark, who had many girlfriends, but was still an unmarried youth. And Frolic, a forthright and knowledgeable man. He said his favorite word in this world is “crazy”!

当我走进酒吧时,三位美国朋友已经落座,正仰着脖子在那儿灌着啤酒呢。翻译把我介绍给他们,大概说了这是刚从北京赶来的作家之类的话,三位美国朋友马上热情地伸出手来,与我的手握在ー起,并在ー张纸上记下了我的名字,然后问我来点什么,啤酒还是可乐。我说:“No,no,no,我喜欢喝茶。”

When I walked into the bar, three American friends had taken their seats and were drinking beer throwing their heads back. The translators introduced me to them briefly that I was a writer who had just come here from Beijing. The three Americans immediately extended their hands enthusiastically to shake my hand, and wrote down my name on a piece of paper. Then they asked me what I would like, beer or coke. "No, no, no," I said, "I like tea better."

彼此坐定后,我开门见山,直入主题。

When we all sat down, I came straight to the point.

我说:“三位先生,见到你们我很高兴。天下如此之大,我们却在西昌发射场相识,或许这是上帝的安排。”

"I'm very glad to see you all," I said, "it may be the arrangement of God that we can encounter each other among numerous living beings."

马克说:“谢谢!我们有幸接受中国作家的采访,也感到很高兴。”

Mark said: "Thank you! We are honored and glad to be interviewed by a Chinese writer."

我说:“你们是第一次来中国吗?”

I asked, "Is this your first visit to China?"

弗罗里克说:“是的,我们都是第一次来中国。”

"Yes, it is," Frolic answered.

我说:“请随便谈一点你们到这儿后的感受好吗?”

"Can you tell me anything about how you feel after you got here?" Asked I.

维克特说:“好的,我先说。”

"Ok, I'll be the first." Victor said.

维克特,中等个儿,大胡子,四十岁左右,面目慈善,性情温和。说话时,感情特别真挚诚恳,一双淡蓝色的眼里似乎盛着某种淡淡的忧愁。他说:“我从小就向往中国这块土地。这次来之前,有朋友告诫我,去中国后,要少同那儿的人讲话。可飞机刚ー着地,我就对这里有了一种天然的情感。我亲眼见到了这儿的一切,现在我的心里,好像已经深深爱上了这片土地。我要回去告诉我的妻子、儿女和我的朋友们,中国很好,真的很好!我还想来第二次、第三次,我还希望今后有机会把我的妻子和儿女们也都带来,让他们好好看看中国。当然,我也很希望中国人能有更多的机会到美国去,这样好有个比较。”

He was a beraded man of medium height, about forty years old, with a benign countenance and gentle temperament. He showed his great sincerity when speaking, and his light blue eyes seemingly contained some kind of faint sorrow. He said: "I have been longing for China since I was a child. Before coming here this time, a friend warned me to talk less to people here when arriving. But as soon as the plane landed, a natural affection for China burgeoned in my heart. I saw everything here with my own eyes, and now maybe I've already fallen in love with this land. I wanna go back to tell my wife, my children and my friends, that China is very good, really fantastic! And I long for the second and third visit. I also hope that I have the opportunity to bring my wife and children here to know China well. Of course, I also hope Chinese people will have more opportunities to go to the United States, so that there can be a comparison." Said Victor.

接着说话的是马克。马克,大高个儿,大胡子,高鼻梁,说话极富幽默感,且显得血气方刚。他说:“西昌这儿的天气特别好。晚上在发射场看月亮很美,星星也很亮,还有这儿的太阳也特别棒!太阳从东方升起,这是你们中国的专利。我来之前,在我想象中,西昌这儿到处都是一片恐怖,所有的人都是在枪杆子的威逼下エ作。但我到这儿看到的不是这样。这儿的人都快乐地说话、爬山、跳舞,还自由地谈情说爱。而且,我觉得他们都安居乐业,生活得比较愉快。”

Then it was Mark who spoke. Mark was a tall man with a big beard and a high nose, and he spoke with a great sense of humor and full of spirit. He said: "The weather in Xichang is particularly good. The moon at the launch site is very beautiful, the stars are also very bright, and the sun here is also great! The sun rising from the east, this is a patent you Chinese boat only. Before I came, in my imagination, Xichang is full of terror, and all the people are forced to work under the threat of guns. But that's not what I saw here. People here talk, climb mountains, dance with joy, and they love freely. I think they all live a peaceful and happy life."

最后说话的是弗罗里克。弗罗里克,高个子,大胡子,长着一双“狡猾”的大眼睛,ー举ー动都透射出一股热情的豪放劲儿。他说:“西昌这儿天气不错,但很封闭。这儿的人对我们的到来感到很新鲜,甚至对我们穿的衣服和骑的自行车都很有兴趣。有的人ー见面就问我们家里有多少辆汽车、几部彩电,每月工资多少。同时我也发现,这儿的人都很善良,他们都很爱这块土地。我虽然来西昌不久,但已交了许多朋友。今天我又到茶馆去了。”

The last one to speak was Frolic. He was a tall man with a big beard and a pair of big, cunning eyes, and his movements were full of passion and boldness. He said, "The weather is good, but it's very closed here. The people here were very fresh with our arrival and even interested in the clothes we wore and the bikes we rode. Some people asked us how many cars and color TVs we have in our family, and how much we earn each month at our first meeting. At the same time, I also found that people here are very kind. They all love this land. Although I came to Xichang not long ago, I have made many friends. And today I went to the teahouse again."

我说:“你们来这儿后,生活上习惯吗?”

"Have you been used to the life here?" I asked.

马克说:“习惯。在来之前,我想西昌这地方一定很穷,老百姓肯定填不饱肚子,也担心发射中心的伙食不好,于是就从美国带来了一大堆食品,什么面包、饼干、罐头、巧克力等等。结果,到这儿后我都吃这儿的东西,自己带的东西基本没动。"

Mark said, "Yes. Before I came, I thought Xichang must be a poor place where people must go hungry without sufficient food. I also worried that the food at the launch center was not good enough. So I brought a lot of food from the US, such as bread, biscuits, cans, chocolate, etc. I haven’t expected that I would always eat local food after I arrived, and my own food are basically unconsumed."

我说:“你们每人给我讲ー个来这儿后最高兴的故事,或者讲一件最不愉快的事情。”

I said, "May I invite each of you to share the happiest thing you've met since you came here, or the most unhappiest one?"

我刚ー说完,马克和弗罗里克便用手拍了拍脑门,然后站起来说:“李先生,对不起,我们去趟厕所."我猜想,这两位“狡猾”的美国人,一定是到厕所编故事去了。

As soon as I stopped speaking, Mark and Floric patted their forehead, then stood up and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Lee, but we have to go to the bathroom now." I guess these two "cunning" Americans must have gone to the bathroom to make up stories.

于是,酒吧里只剩下我和维克特。

So, Victor became the only one who stayed with me.

维克特说:“我来这儿后,有许多令我高兴的事情,但最令我高兴的是,终于踏上了中国这块土地,实现了我几十年来的愿望。并且,还有幸和中国朋友一起携手并肩,共同参加发射’亚洲一号’卫星的任务。”

Victor said: "Since I came here, there are many things that make me happy, but what makes me most happy is that I finally set foot on the land of China, which realizes my dream for decades. And, it's honorable to join hands with Chinese friends, to participate in the launch of the 'Asia-1' satellite."

不一会,马克和弗罗里克回来了。刚落座,马克便学着中国老人讲故事的样子,风趣地给我讲起了他的故事:“在很久很久以前……（大笑）有一天我骑车去发射场,路过ー个村子,ー个彝族小孩刚ー见我,吓得转身就跑,并啊啊地大声叫喊着。我想他ー定是在喊:’妈妈,快来看呀,那边来了一个大妖怪!’不一会儿,村里的人全都围了上来,看我的头发、眼睛和大鼻子,像看ー个怪物。后来,我和他们成了朋友。他们领我看了农具、牛羊和缸里的粮食,还做了一顿’坨坨肉’给我吃。我吃得很开心,很想多吃点,又怕撑坏了肚子。瞧,现在肚子还鼓鼓的。”马克说完, 拍着肚子,爽朗地大笑起来。

After a while, Mark and Frolic came back. As soon as they sat down, Mark told me his story wittily in the way Chinese old people told stories: "A long, long time ago... (a fit of laughter) when I rode to the launch center I passed by a village, where a Yi child saw me but turned around and ran away, shouting in fear. I guessed he must be shouting: 'Mom, come to see, there's a big monster!' Soon, all villagers gathered around me to observe my hair, eyes and big nose as if I were a monster. Later, I became their friends. They showed me the farm tools, the cattle and sheep, and the grain in the vats, and cooked me "Tuotuo Meat". I enjoyed it very much. I wanted to eat more, but worried eating too much may make me sick. Look, my belly is still bulging now." Mark said, patting his belly and laughing heartily.

弗罗里克说:“有一天,我去西昌玩,走进了一家茶馆。茶馆里的中国人对我特别好,他们为我泡了茶,后来茶馆的主人还给我做了碗面条。可我刚吃了几口,就满头冒汗,哇哇直叫,原来面条里放了许多辣椒。主人见我不能吃辣椒,又重新给我做了一碗鸡蛋面,味道很美,我吃得开心极了。临走时,主人还送我一袋茶叶,死活不收钱。我心里非常感动。”

"Once I went into a teahouse in Xichang." he said, “people in the teahouse were very kind to me. They made tea for me, and later the owner of the teahouse made me a bowl of noodles. But I became sweating and crying after several bites, because there were a lot of chili in noodles. The host then knew I didn't eat spicy food, so he made another bowl of egg noodles for me. It was delicious and I enjoyed it happily. Before I left, the master gave me a bag of tea and insisted on not receiving money. I was deeply touched."

我说:“请你们谈一点对西昌卫星发射基地的看法好吗?”

I continued the interview: "Would you please share your views on Xichang Satellite Launch Center?"

维克特说:“中方在生活上给我们安排得挺好。这儿的所有工作人员,包括翻译,都尽了最大努力为我们创造条件。技术人员都很勤奋,工作态度也好。该让我们看的地方都看了,我感到很满意。”

Victor said: "China has made good arrangements for us in terms of life. All the staff here, including the translators, try their best to create conditions for us. The technicians are very diligent with a good attitude. I'm very satisfied to be treated in this way."

马克说:“卫星发射基地的技术人员在各自的专业上都是很棒的。这儿男女很平等,有不少女技术人员。在美国,女工程技术人员只占5%,男人的地位要比女人高。这一点与我原来想象的不一样。不足的是,中国发射场的设备要比美国的落后,但这儿的发射从来没失败过,这一点很了不起。”

Mark said: "The technicians there are excellent in their respective specialties. There are a lot of female technicians which implies gender equality. But in the United States, female engineering and technical personnel accounts for only 5%, and men have higher status than women. So this is not the same as I had imagined. While the downside is that the equipment at the Chinese launch site is behind that of the United States, but the launch here has never failed, which is remarkable."

弗罗里克说:“从整体上看,这儿的高级专家特别棒,对自己的专业很精通。但发射场的设备比较落后,有时上下信息不通。不过,我认为搞发射,不管用什么方法,只要你发射上去就好。美国有美国的方法,中国有中国的方法。这次中国只要把我们的卫星发射上去,我就承认你们厉害。另外,希望你们在争取人类进步时, 不要得到了一个东西就把另ー个东西丢掉了。印第安人的文化是非常好的,但美国人赶走了印第安人,把他们的文化废掉了。这儿的彝族文化是非常好的,中国在这儿发展现代科学文明,不要丢掉了彝族文化。在这一点上,你们应该吸取美国人的教训。”

"Gnerally speaking, the senior experts here are fantastic and very knowledgeable about their specialties," said Frolic. However, the equipment at the launch site was relatively backward, which led to the information gap sometimes. However, in my view, the most important thing is to successfully launch, regardless of the method you use. The US has its own methods, so does China. As long as China can launch our satellite this time, I will admit that you are powerful. In addition, I hope that when you strive for human progress, you will not throw away another thing after you have obtained one thing. The Indian culture was splendid, but the Americans drove out the Indians and ruined their culture. The Yi culture here is also splendid. For China, don't lose the Yi culture when developing civilization of modern science. You should learn from the lessons of the Americans in terms of this."

我说:“弗罗里克先生,你的这点意见非常好,谢谢你!另外,在人类空间史上, 中国和美国这是第一次合作,请你们就此谈一点看法或感受。”

"Mr. Frolic, thank you for your suggestions! In addition, this is the first time that China and the United States have cooperated since the history of human space exploration. So could you briefly talk about your views or feelings on this?"

弗罗里克说:“我们双方工作都很努力,同官方的合作也很好。当然,我们面临很多困难,因为双方都是第一次,许多技术上的问题都是前所未有的。但情况在ー天天变好,现在每天都有协调会,大的问题已经没有了。我的总体感觉是,中国人是非常愿意合作的。”

Frolic said: "We two parties did a really good job and also had a good cooperation with the authorities. Of course, we have met many difficulties, even some unprecedented technical problems, for it's the first attempt and cooperation between China and America. But the situation is gradually getting better and better, and with coordination meetings every day, the serious problems are solved now. Generally, I feel that the Chinese are very willing to cooperate."

我说:“这次合作,我想恐怕不单单是一次空间技术的合作,也是两个民族、两种文化、两种情感的一次交流与沟通;不光是发射ー颗卫星,也是中美两国科学家在ー起共同创造空间文明。因为开发宇宙,造福人类,是全人类的共同使命,不知你们是否也这样认为?”

I said: "This cooperation, in my opinion, is not only a cooperation in space technology, but also an exchange and communication between two nations, two cultures, and two emotions; it is not only the launch of a satellite, but also the joint creation of space civilization by scientists from China and the United States. Because it's the common mission of all human beings to explore the universe in order to benefit humankind. Is that right?"

马克说:“是的,李先生的话说得很妙。把钱花在空间技术上,这有利于各国人民的利益。虽然我们这是第一次合作,但我相信,这不是最后一次。”

"Sure, that is the truth. Investment in space technology is in the interest of people of all countries. This is our first cooperation, and I believe it will not be the end," answered Mark.

弗罗里克说:“由于中美双方是第一次合作,在发射场上可能会遇到许多阻力和麻烦,但我坚信中美之间的合作能够继续进行下去。因为我们都是开拓宇宙的先锋,我们是在共同创造历史!”

Frolic said: "Although there may be many obstacles and troubles at the launch site because this is the first time for China and the United States to cooperate, I firmly believe that the cooperation between China and the United States will continue. Because we are all pioneers of in exploring the universe. We are making history together!"

我说:“对,我们是在共同创造历史!我的提问到此为止,谢谢三位先生的合作！你们若有什么问题需要问我,我愿意效劳。”

"Yes," I echoed, "we are making history together! And that's the last question. Thank you for your cooperation! If you have any questions, I'm willing to answer."

维克特说:“你的作品发表后,能寄一份给我们吗?我们很想读到你写这次发射的作品。”

Victor said, "Can you send us a copy of your work when it's published? We'd love to read about your work on this launch."

我说:“当然可以。”

"Of course," I said.

马克说:“最近美国和法国的发射连遭失败,你们中国对此是否暗暗幸灾祸?”

Mark queried: "Do you, China, secretly gloat over the recent unsuccessful launches of the US and France?"

我说:“航天发射,是人类史上ー项颇具风险与悲壮色彩的伟大事业,无论成功还是失败,在我看来都是正常的。至于近期美国和法国的几次失败,我个人没有所谓的幸灾乐祸,有的只是深深的惋惜和遗憾。我相信,我的同胞中绝大多数人也和我的心情ー样。”

I replied: "Space launch is a great undertaking in the history of mankind that is quite risky and tragic. Whether it is successful or not, I think it's normal. As for the recent failures of the United States and France, I personally do not entertain the so-called schadenfreude, but only deep regret and pity. I believe that the majority of my compatriots are in the same mood."

弗罗里克说:“李先生,你认为你们国家目前最重要的问题是什么?”

Frolic asked me,"Mr. Lee, what do you think is the most important issue your country are facing right now?"

我没想到美国人会从这个角度提问题,竟一下愣了好几秒钟。我深知这是ー个敏感的问题,但又是ー个必须回答的问题。

I didn't expect them to ask questions from this perspective, so I was stunned for a few seconds. I knew that this is a sensitive question, but it is also a question that must be answered.

我说:“以我个人的一孔之见,我们国家目前最重要的问题,是如何进ー步增强中华民族的凝聚カ和提高全体国民的文化素质问题,以及怎样强化、振奋民族精神的问题;同时还有一个问题,就是面对当今这个大科学的时代,如何不失时机地举起'科教兴国’的大旗,去迎接新世纪的到来。我们中华民族曾为这个世界创造过灿烂的文明,可近三四百年来,远远落在了西方先进国家的后面,我们因此失去了许多宝贵的东西,这是事实。不过我们毕竟还有一样东西没有失去,那就是百折不挠、自强不息的精神,以及重新选择机会和争取再次腾飞的权利！我们中华民族是世界上最古老的民族之一,要实现真正意义上的腾飞,还有一个艰难而沉重的过程。可喜的是,现在我们已经站在了一条新的起跑线上,并迈出了关键的ー步,比如这次发射你们美国的卫星,我想就是ー个很好的开头。”

I replied: "As far as I concerned, the most important issue for our country at present is to further strengthen the cohesion of the Chinese nation and improve the cultural quality of all Chinese people, as well as to consolidate and inspire the national spirit. Another issue is to seize the opportunity to carry out the strategy of 'invigorating the country through science and education' and welcome the arrival of the new century in this era of great science. It is a fact that we Chinese nation has created a splendid civilization for the world, but in the past three or four hundred years, it has lagged far behind the advanced western countries. As a result, we have lost many precious things. But after all, we still own one thing, that is, the spirit of perseverance and continual self-renewal, as well as the right to choose the opportunity and to strive for a take-off again! Our Chinese nation is one of the oldest nations in the world. To achieve a veritable take-off, we have to endure a difficult and heavy period. Fortunately, we are now standing on a new starting line and have taken a crucial step forward. For example, I think this launch of your American satellite is a good start."

弗罗里克说:“好,下周就要发射了,祝你们发射成功！”

Frolic said, "Okay, it's going to be launched next week. I wish you a successful launch!"

马克说:“上帝保佑,阿门！”

Mark said, "God bless, Amen!"

我说:“谢谢！再见!”

"Thank you," I said. "Goodbye!"

结束采访,我步出宾馆。

After the interview, I stepped out of the hotel.

星空下,我久久伫立。

Under the stars, I stood for a long time.

“月亮城”睡了。寂静中,我仿佛听到古老的土地在发出沉重的喘息声。或许,这是东方与西方相互碰撞时发出的声响;或许,这是ー个民族腾飞前的急促心跳。

The “moon city" has fallen asleep. In endless silence, I seemed to hear a heavy breathing from the old land. Perhaps, this was the sound of the collision between the east and the west; or this was the rapid heartbeat before a nation took off.

是的,弗罗里克说得好,“我们是在共同创造历史”。随着现代科技文明的飞速发展,宇宙变得越来越小。今天,中国的火箭、美国的卫星,终于走到了一起。

Yes, just as Frolic said, "We are making history together." With the rapid development of the civilization of modern technology, the universe is becoming smaller and smaller. Today, China's rockets and US satellites have finally come together.

然而,这一切,是怎样开始的呢?

However, how did all this start?

历史,从昨天的弯道走来

History, Coming from Yesterday's Setback.

四、20世纪的中国与美国

Part Ⅳ China and the US in the 20th centuiry

1971年7月9日中午12点,ー架巴基斯坦国际航空公司的大型客机,在北京郊区南苑军用机场徐徐降落。

At 12:00 noon on July 9, 1971, a large passenger plane of Pakistan International Airlines landed slowly at Beijing Nanyuan Airport in the suburb.

六名美国人,踏着又惊又喜的步子,匆匆走下舷梯。

Six Americans, pleasantly and surprisedly, hurried down the ramp.

他们双脚刚ー着地,便禁不住连声惊呼:“OK,中国!中国,0K!”

As soon as their feet touched the ground, they could not help but exclaim: "OK, China! China, OK!"

这六位美国人,便是尼克松总统专程派往中国的秘密使者:基辛格博士率领的秘密访华谈判小组。

These six Americans were the secret envoys sent by President Nixon to China: the secret negotiating team led by Dr. Kissinger.

这是二十二年来,第一批踏上中国国土的美国政府官员。

This was the first group of American government officials to set foot on China's territory in the past 22 years.

众所周知,由于历史原因,中国与美国长期以来是ー对冤家。几十年来,除了在朝鲜战场上有过你死我活的较量,以及在板门店谈判等中有过针锋相对的触碰タト,两国政府很少有交往。

As is known to all, China and America have long been enemies due to historical reasons. In the past few decades, the two governments have had little contact with each other, except for the life-and-death contest in Korean War and the tit-for-tat confrontation in the Panmunjom negotiation.

显然,百年挨打史,在中华儿女的心中,烙下了苦痛的伤痕;尤其是圆明园那ー截截直刺苍天的残柱,成了中国人民的耻辱柱。

Obviously, the suffering and invasion over last hundred years has left a painful scar in the hearts of the Chinese people. In particular, the stump of the Yuanming Yuan that pierced the sky has become a pillar of shame for all Chinese people.

而在1949年之后的岁月里,美国第七舰队驶进台湾海峡,封锁中国经济和阻挠中国进入联合国;朝鲜战争、越南战争等更为中美两国的关系,投下了一层层厚重的阴影。

After 1949, the United States Seventh Fleet sailed into the Taiwan Strait to blockade China's economy and obstruct China's accession into the United Nations; The Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other wars have cast a thick shadow over the relations between China and the United States.

据传,20世纪50年代还发生过这样ー个故事:

It is said that there was such a story in the 1950s:

在1954年召开的日内瓦会议期间,有一次中国总理周恩来在酒吧与美国国务卿杜勒斯相遇。周恩来主动伸出手去想同杜勒斯握手,杜勒斯却把脸ー转,故意装作没看见,拒绝了周恩来的握手。而周恩来伸出的手则顺势朝着服务员ー招,不失风度地说:“小姐,请给这位先生来杯可乐,账记到我的头上。”说罢,周恩来微微ー笑,信步离去。

During the Geneva Conference in 1954, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai once met the US Secretary of State Dulles in a bar. Zhou Enlai took the initiative to shake hands with Dulles, but Dulles turned his face and deliberately pretended not to see him, refusing Zhou Enlai's handshake. Zhou Enlai then waved that hand at the waiter graciously and naturally, saying, "Lady, please bring this gentleman a coke and add it to my tab." With that, Zhou Enlai gaved him a faint smile and walked away.

当然,听说后来也发生了中国外交官员拒绝同美国人握手的事情。周恩来得知后指示说:“第一,我们不主动和美国人握手;第二,如果他们主动伸出手来,我们不要拒绝。这叫礼尚往来嘛!”

Of course, I heard that later Chinese diplomats also refused to shake hands with Americans. After Zhou Enlai knew that, he instructed: "First, we do not take the initiative to shake hands with the Americans; second, if they take initiative to do that, we don't refuse it. "This is what we call 'courtesy demanding reciprocity'."

1964年,曾经认真研究过中国及其历史的戴高乐总统承认了中华人民共和国。当一位西方记者问他为什么要承认中华人民共和国时,他回答说:“因为中国是个大国、古国,又一直备受欺凌。”

In 1964, President Charles de Gaulle, who had carefully studied China and its history, recognized the People's Republic of China. When a Western journalist asked him why he recognized the People's Republic of China, he replied: "Because China is a big country, an ancient country, which has always been bullied."

尼克松上台后,对中国的想法开始有了变化。戴高乐和阿登纳都曾对他说过: “美国同中国发展某种关系是必不可少的。你最好趁早承认中国,而不要等中国强大了,你再不得不承认它。”

After Nixon came to power, his view on China began to change. De Gaulle and Adenauer both said to him: "It is essential for the United States to develop a certain relationship with China. You'd better admit China as soon as possible, instead of having to admit China when it becomes powerful. "

尼克松上台时,在他的就职演说中有这样一段话:

When Nixon took office, he had such words in his inaugural speech:

要让一切国家都知道,在本政府当政时期,我们的通话渠道是敞开的。我们寻求一个开放的世界一ー对思想开放,对物资和人员的交流开放。ー个民族,不管其人口多少,都不能生活在愤怒的孤立状态中。

Let all nations know that during this administration our lines of communication will be open. We seek an open world--open to ideas, open to the exchange of goods and people--a world in which no people, great or small, will live in angry isolation.

后来,尼克松在参加美国《时代》周刊记者的一次访谈时,也这样说道:“如果说在我去世之前,有什么事情要做的话,那就是到中国去。如果我不能去,我希望我的孩子能够去。”

Later, in an interview with Time magazine, Nixon said,"If there's anything I need to do before I die, it's to go to China. If I can't, I want my kids to."

1972年2月21日,中美关系终于翻开了新的ー页。

On February 21, 1972, the Sino-US relation finally turned a new page.

这ー天,美国总统尼克松正式访华。

On this day, the US President Nixon officially visited China.

这ー天,中国总理周恩来身披灰色呢大衣,迎着呼啸的北风,在北京首都机场恭候尼克松的光临。

On this day, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, wearing a gray pea coat, waited for Nixon at Beijing Capital Airport in the howling north wind.

在历史的一瞬间,当尼克松伸过手来与周恩来的手紧紧相握时,周恩来幽默地说:“总统先生,我们已经有二十五年没有交往了啊!今天,您终于把手伸过了世界上最辽阔的海洋。”

In that historical moment when Nixon reached out his hand to shake Zhou Enlai's hand tightly, Zhou Enlai said humorously: "Mr. President, we haven't contacted for over 25 years! Today, your handshake came over the vastest distance in the world."

尼克松也风趣地说:“是啊,周总理先生,我做梦都在想着这一天啊!”

"Yes, Premier Zhou," Nixon also replied humorously, "I've always been dreaming about this day!"

下午3点整,在中南海迎宾室,中国主席毛泽东和美国总统尼克松,双手紧紧地握在了一起。中美两国领导人的这次划时代的会晤,长达65分钟!

At 3:00 p.m., in the Welcome Room in the Sea Palaces, Chinese President Mao Zedong and US President Nixon held their hands tightly together. The landmark meeting between the leaders of China and the United States lasted for 65 minutes!

据后来的资料表明,当晚尼克松在日记中这样写道:“当我们的手相握时,ー个时代结束了,另ー个时代却开始了。”

According to later records, Nixon wrote in his diary that night,"When our hands met, one era ended and another began."

一周后,即1972年2月28日,周恩来与尼克松又在上海会晤,中美双方签署了《中美联合公报》。在公报中,双方声明:“中美两国关系走向正常化符合所有国家的利益。”这标志着中美两国和平交往的开始。

A week later, on February 28, 1972, Zhou Enlai and Nixon met again in Shanghai, China and the United States signed the Joint Communique of the United States of America and People's republic of China. In the communique, the two countries stated: "Progress toward the normalization of relations between China and the United States is in the interests of all countries." This marked the beginning of peaceful exchanges between these two countries.

为表示纪念,周恩来和尼克松还在杭州亲手种下了一棵尼克松从美国带来的红杉树。据说,这棵红杉树是美国加州公园中最老、最高的ー棵红杉树的后代。

To commemorate, Zhou Enlai and Nixon also planted a redwood tree Nixon brought from the United States in Hangzhou. It was said that this redwood tree was the oldest and tallest redwood tree in California Park.

后来尼克松回忆说:“当时,我们二人谁都不能肯定这棵树能在中国的土壤中长大;但事实证明,土壤和气候都是友好的。”

Nixon later recalled: "At that time, neither of us was certain that this tree could grow in the soil of China; But it turns out that both soil and climate are friendly."

1987年秋,美国一位叫基恩的州长来华访问。在杭州,基恩州长亲眼见到了这棵红杉树。此时的红杉树枝繁叶茂,葱绿挺拔,约有28米高。杭州一位负责人对基恩州长说:“用这棵树培育的4万棵树苗,已经扎根在了中国7个省份的土地上!”

In the autumn of 1987, an American governor named Keane visited China. The Governor Keane saw the redwood tree with his own eyes in Hangzhou. At this time, the redwood tree was luxuriant, green and erect, about 28 meters high. "The 40,000 saplings grown from this tree have taken root in seven provinces of China," an official in Hangzhou told Governor Keane.

1979年,中国同美国终于建立了正式外交关系。

In 1979, China and the United States finally established formal diplomatic relations.

就在这一年的1月29日,邓小平作为新中国有史以来第一个正式访问美国的国家领导人,适时地跨进了美利坚合众国的大门。

On January 29 of this year, Deng Xiaoping, as the first national leader to visit the United States officially in the history of New China, stepped into the door of the United States of America at the right moment.

美国总统卡特在白宫门前,以欢迎外国元首的礼仪迎接了邓小平副总理的到来。美国的星条旗和中国的五星红旗,第一次并肩升起在美国总统府的上空。

US President Jimmy Carter greeted Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping in front of the White House with the etiquette of welcoming foreign heads of state. The Star-Spangled Banner of USA and the Five-Star Red Flag of China rose side by side over the US presidential palace for the first time.

在美期间,邓小平会见了美国前任总统尼克松,瞻仰了林肯纪念堂,参观了世界最大的航天博物馆一华盛顿美国航空航天博物馆,并出席了中美科技合作协定和文化交流协定的签字仪式。

During his stay in the United States, Deng Xiaoping met with former US President Richard Nixon, paid tribute to the Lincoln Memorial, visited the American Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., the world's largest space museum, and attended the signing ceremony of the U.S.-China Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology and the Agreement on Cultural Exchange.

休斯敦是美国著名的航天测控中心,当邓小平乘坐美国总统的“空军一号”专机飞抵休斯敦时,还特意坐上航天飞机,进行了一次从3万米的高空向地面着陆的模拟飞行。

Houston is a famous U.S. space TT & C center. When Deng Xiaoping flew to Houston on the U.S. President's "Air Force One" special plane, he specially boarded the space shuttle and conducted a simulated flight from an altitude of 30,000 meters to the ground.
Deng also visited Johnson Space Center. The man who commentated for him was the first American to fly around the earth senator glen. It was said that Deng Xiaoping was in a good mood that day. He took out cigarettes several times but put them back.

同时,邓小平还参观了约翰逊航天中心。为他担任讲解员的,是第一个绕地球飞行的美国人格伦参议员。据说,那天邓小平兴致极好,几次掏出香烟,又几次放了回去。

Deng also visited Johnson Space Center. The man who commentated for him was the first American to fly around the earth senator glen. It was said that Deng Xiaoping was in a good mood that day. He took out cigarettes several times but put them back.

邓小平在美国八天,美国掀起了一股“中国热”。当有记者问邓小平,这次中美会谈都谈了些什么问题时,邓小平抖了抖手指夹着的香烟,不慌不忙地说:“从人间到天上,无所不谈。”

Deng Xiaoping's eight-day-visit set off a "China fever" in the US. When a reporter asked Deng Xiaoping what issues were discussed in the Sino-US talk, Deng Xiaoping shook the cigarette between his fingers and said unhurriedly: "From the human world to the space, we talked about everything."

在卡特总统为欢迎邓小平副总理而举行的国宴上,两双不同肤色的手紧紧相握,频频举杯。

At the state banquet hosted by President Carter in honor of Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping, two pairs of hands of different skin colors held tightly and propose repeated toasts.

卡特说:“让我们为人类的幸福干杯!”

Carter said,"Let's drink to the happiness of mankind!"

邓小平说:“让我们为世界的和平干杯!”

Deng Xiaoping said,"Let us drink to world peace!"

十年后,尼克松在他的一本专著中这样写道:

Ten years later, Nixon wrote in one of his monographs:

如果中国继续走邓小平的道路,我们孙辈的世界将有三个超级大国,而不是两个美国、苏联和中华人民共和国。

If China continues on Deng Xiaoping's path, our grandchildren will witness three superpowers instead of two the United States, the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China.

今天,美中两国人民在中国的发展事业中已结为伙伴。假如双方坚持走这条道路,21世纪的美中关系将是世界上最重要、最互利的双边关系之一。为了生活在下ー个世纪的儿孙们,我们必须确保两国关系继续存在并得到发展。

Today, the people of the United States and China have become partners in China's development. If the two sides stick to this path, U.S.-China relations in the 21st century will be one of the most important and mutually beneficial bilateral relations in the world. For the sake of our future generations in the next century, we must ensure the sustainable existence and development of relations between our two countries.

美中两国人民都在世界上最能干的人民之列,天赋的潜カ都极大。展望 21世纪,我们看到的是,土壤和气候都适于培育美中关系。美中关系大有可为,它能把这个世界的和平与自由推至前所未有的高度。

The people of the United States and China are among the most capable people in the world, and their potential talents are great. Looking into the 21st century, what we see is that the soil and climate are suitable for nurturing US-China relations. The us-china relationship has profound influences, which can hold up the peace and freedom of this world to an unprecedented height.

当然,无论是尼克松还是卡特,不管是毛泽东还是邓小平,可能都没想到,自 1972年中国与美国在陆地进行了第一次握手后,十八年后的今天,当中国的火箭与美国的卫星在西昌进行对接时,中国与美国又在空间技术上进行了第一次“握手”。

Of course, neither Nixon nor Carter, neither Mao Zedong nor Deng Xiaoping, probably did not expect that since the first handshake between China and the US on land in 1972, they held their first handshake in space technology after 18 years when China's rocket docked with an American satellite in Xichang.

那么,中美的这次“握手”,是否也意味着ー个新的空间文明时代的开始呢?

So, does this "handshake" also mean the beginning of a new era of space civilization?

五、举起火箭的大旗

Ⅴ. Raise the Banner of Rockets

历史的选择,常常带有偶然性。
The history often happened by chance.

1984年,对于中国的航天界来说,既令人躁动不安,又叫人欣喜若狂。
The year of 1984 involved China's space industry in both restlessness and ecstasy.

年初,有关部门宣布:对外招标,购买外国卫星。
At the beginning of this year, the relevant departments announced that they would invite bids to purchase foreign satellites.

于是,美国、法国、英国、联邦德国纷纷来投标。
Therefore, many countries including the United States, France, Britain, the Federal Republic of Germany came to bid.

有关部门由此决定,从这四个国家中,购买ー颗中国所需的通信广播卫星。
The departments concerned have thus decided to purchase from these four countries a communication and broadcasting satellite which China needed.

但卫星买回来后,请谁来替中国发射呢?
But who would be entrusted to launch it for China after the satellite was bought?
后经反复调研,决定选用法国的“阿里亚娜”火箭和美国的航天飞机。紧接着,中国就向法国和美国预订了 4个座位,并向法国和美国分别预交了 10万和20 万美元的发射订座费。
After repeated research, China decided to use the French "Ariane" rocket and the American space shuttle. Then China booked 4 seats from France and the United States, and prepaid $100,000 and $200,000 in launch reservation fees respectively.
中国有自己的火箭,也有自己的卫星研制队伍,还有自己的发射队伍,却要花重金去购买外国卫星,而且还要用法国的火箭和美国的航天飞机为其发射,这不免让ー些人大为光火,甚至十分震怒!
Despite its own rockets, its own satellite development team, and its own launch team, China not only had to spend a lot of money to buy satellites from other countries, but had to use French rockets and American space shuttles for their launch. It inevitably exasperated someone.
但话又说回来,不这么做又怎么办呢?当时的中国,正值改革开放初期,全中国都在等着用通信广播卫星!有关部门之所以要这么做,也是无奈之举,被迫为之!
But did we have another option? At that time when the reform and opening-up began, the whole China were waiting for the communication and broadcasting satellite! That was why the departments concerned did so--they were forced to do so.
说来也巧,就在这时,即1984年4月8日,中国的“长征三号”运载火箭在西昌一声“怒吼”,一下就把中国的第一颗同步通信卫星送上了太空！
As luck would have it, on April 8, 1984, China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket roaring in Xichang sent China's first synchronous communications satellite into space!
中国震动！
世界震动！
当时所有对中国火箭的发射能力持怀疑和观望态度的人,也被震得目瞪ロ呆。
China seethed!
The world seethed!
At that time, those who were skeptical about the launching capability of Chinese rockets were also shocked.

更有意思的是,历史老人偏偏在这个时候又开了一个不大不小的玩笑:1984 年4月30日这天,当中央军委、国务院领导和中国的航天精英们在北京人民大会堂举行隆重庆祝中国通信卫星发射成功的大会时,《参考消息》却登出了这样一条新闻——中国有关部门,与美国和法国签订了购买通信卫星的合同！
More interestingly, the history happened to make a joke in that period. On April 30 1984, when the Central Military Commission, the leading members of the State Council and Chinese aerospace elite attended a conference to celebrate China's successful launch of communications satellite in Beijing People's Congress hall, Reference News, the newspaper sponsored by Xinhua News Agency, published the news that the relevant departments of China, signed a contract with the United States and France to buy communications satellite!
实事求是地说,中国有关部门根据当时现状,出于不同角度的考虑,购买外国卫星并请外国发射,无可非议,更无过错。但此事却恰恰说明了一个问题,即当时的中国,对自身的运载火箭究竟有多大能耐,是缺乏清醒和统ー认识的;而且更不会想到,原本需要请美国发射卫星的中国,短短几年后居然会反过来为美国发射卫星。
To be honest, it is beyond reproach and without fault for the relevant Chinese departments to purchase foreign satellites and ask foreign countries to launch them out of the situation and thoughtful considerations. However, this precisely illustrates a problem, that is, at that time, China lacked a clear and unified understanding of the latent capacity of its own carrier rockets. More unexpectedly, China, which would have had to ask the United States to launch satellites, was about to launch satellites for the United States just a few years later.
当时只有一个事实确定无疑,这就是“长征三号”火箭把中国第一颗同步通信卫星发射上天后,全世界都多多少少感到了中国的分量。
At that time, there was only one thing for sure, that is, after the "Long March 3" rocket launched China's first synchronous communications satellite into the space, the whole world felt China's power more or less.
于是,中国航天界ー批大智大勇者,便悄悄地有了自己的梦想:中国的“长征三号”火箭,能不能打入国际商业市场,去发射外国的卫星呢?
As a result, a number of Chinese space industry veterans with extraordinary wisdom and courage, secretly had their own dreams of China's "Long March 3" rocket’s entry into the international commercial market to launch foreign satellites.

上官浑身都是金
The Real Talent, Shangguan Shipan
北京。黄寺大街。
Beijing. Huangsi street.
夜,很深了,国防科工委大楼的ー间小屋里,还透出一束橘黄色的光亮。台灯下,一位中年男子正在面壁苦思。
It was late at night. A beam of orange light split from a room in the building of the Commission of Science Technology and Industry for National Defense (COSTIND). Under the desk lamp, a middle-aged man was pondering towards the wall.
这是1984年初夏的一个夜晚。四周很静,只有星星伴着月亮在天上散步。中年男子身材不高,却显得仪表堂堂,脸上总是挂着些许不易被人察觉的微笑。他给人的总体感觉是,温文尔雅,气度非凡,既有学者的派头,又有外交家的风度。特别是宽宽的额头下,那双充满着东方男子汉智慧与胆略的眼睛,只要留心看上一眼, 便很难再从记忆中抹掉。
It was a night in the early summer of 1984. It was very quiet around. The stars strolled with the moon in the sky. The man was not tall, but looked handsome, with a small, unobtrusive smile always on his face. The overall impression he gave others was that he was gentle and elegant, with an extraordinary bearing, both the style of a scholar and the demeanor of a diplomat. Under the broad forehead were his eyes full of the wisdom and courage as an oriental man, which was difficult to erase from the memory after a deliberate glance.
这位中年男子,名叫上官世盘.
This middle-aged man is named Shangguan Shipan.
上官世盘是中国卫星发射测控系统部副主任。他最大的特点是,人人都承认他身上有一种男子汉的魅力,但又谁都说不清这种魅力究竟是什么。
Shangguan was the Deputy Director of China Satellite Launch & Tracking Control General Department (CLTC). His most obvious characteristic is that everyone admits that he had a charm of manhood, which can’t be clarified by others.
国务委员宋健,对上官世盘曾有这样一句评价:“上官浑身都是金!”
The State Councilor Song Jian once commented on him: "Shangguan himself is all covered in gold", which presents an appreciation to Shangguan's outstanding talent.

而上官世盘的部下王建蒙先生则对我说:“上官就是一部长篇。他思维敏捷, 卓有远见。就像下棋,你刚刚还在想第一步,他已经想到第四步、第五步了。”
Mr. Wang Jianmeng, a subordinate of Shangguan, said to me, "Shangguan himself is a long story. He is quick-minded and far-sighted. Just as playing chess, when you still think over the first step, he has thought of the fourth or the fifth step."

“上官善于在夹缝中求生存,善于在没有条件把事情办成的情况下把事情办成。”翻译许建国先生也这样对我说,“他简直就像墙上的ー只壁虎,没有任何依靠,也能攀上去,而且能稳稳当当地贴在那儿,绝不随风偏倒。”
"Shangguan is good at surviving in the cracks and getting things done without prepared conditions." The translator Xu Jianguo told me, "He is like a gecko on the wall without any rely on, but he can still climb up, sticking to the wall firmly, never tilted with the wind.”
据说,上官世盘还有一个特点:特能抗困!晚上加班熬夜,每当困得实在不行时,他便往墙角一站,两拳紧握,双目怒睁,1〇分钟内绝不眨眼,很快便额头冒汗, 困意全无。他说,干事业,这是基本功,得练！
It is said that there is another characteristic of Shangguan Shipan, that is, his ability to resist drowsiness! When working overtime till late at night and too sleepy to continue, he would stand in the corner of the wall and clenched his fists, with eyes wide opened, not blinking for 10 minutes. Soon his forehead was sweating and his sleepiness was gone. He said this was the basic skill to make achievements, and it had to repeated practice!
这个晚上,上官世盘刚刚练完“基本功”,便孤坐灯下,面壁苦思:中国的“长征三号”运载火箭怎么才能打入国际商业市场?
This evening, when Shangguan Shipan had just finished practicing the "basic skill," he sat alone under the lamp, facing the wall and pondering : How can China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket enter the international commercial market?
这个问题在六年后的今天看来,既合情又合理,可当时在有的人眼里,却是天方夜谭。
This question seems truly reasonable today, but it was considered as a fantasy six years ago.
上官世盘1936年生于福建,1958年毕业于厦门大学物理系。大学毕业后,他去了戈壁酒泉卫星发射基地,一直从事航区的测控工作。其间,他曾出任过高级技校的教师,如今这能说善辩的口オ,与那段当教师的经历有关。
Shangguan Shipan was born in Fujian Province in 1936 and graduated from the Physics Department of Xiamen University in 1958. After graduating from college, he went to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gobi Desert and has been engaged in the measurement and control of the navigation area. During that time, he once served as a teacher in an advanced technical school, which contributed to his eloquence.
从1958年至1990年,上官世盘在发射场摸爬滚打,一晃便是三十二年。三十二年来,上官世盘曾参加过中国第一枚导弹、第一颗人造卫星、第一颗返回式卫星、第一颗原子弹、第一颗氢弹、第一颗同步通信卫星等发射试验任务,同时还参加组织过“ 154”跟踪测量工程的研制工作和“远望号”测量船的研制、论证工作。
From 1958 to 1990, Shangguan Shipan spent 32 years at the launch site. In the past 30 years, Shangguan has participated in a number of launch tests, including tests of China's first missile, the first man-made satellite, the first recoverable satellite, the first atomic bomb, the first hydrogen bomb, the first synchronous communication satellite, etc. He has also organized and participated in the development of the tracking and measurement of "154 Project" as well as the development and demonstration of the "Yuanyang" oceangoing measuring fleet.
毫无疑问,积数十年发射场之经验,上官世盘对中国的航天技术水平以及发射队伍的现状是非常熟悉的,而且对这支队伍的过去、现在和未来也有着较为清晰的认识。
Undoubtedly, with rich experience accumulated for decades, Shangguan is very familiar with the level of China's aerospace technology and the status quo of the launch team, and has a clear understanding of the past, present and future of this team.
在采访过程中,当我问上官世盘,当时国防科工委和航天部为什么会想到要把中国火箭发射技术打入国际商业市场时,他坦率地谈了自己的看法。他说:
During the interview, when asked why the COSTIND and the Ministry of Aerospace Industry thought of introducing China's rocket launching technology into the international commercial market, he frankly talked about his own views. He said:
“第一,我觉得航天事业就应该有所开拓有所创新,而不能因循守旧,只走老路。当时,国防科工委的领导和我们不仅想到了这个问题的艰难,甚至还准备为此付出牺牲和代价,但中国的出路在于改革开放。一个人,ー个部门,如何在自己的行业里体现这一国策,是问题的根本。中国有一支过硬的航天技术队伍,已经具备了数套完整的发射、测控设施,并且又有’长征’系列火箭。因此,如果我们能将中国的航天技术打入国际商业市场,岂不正是改革开放的最好体现?虽然肯定是困难重重,但我们认为是完全可以做到的。
"Firstly, I think there should be something innovative rather than the only pursuit of the old way. At that time, the leaders of the COSTIND and we not only thought of the difficulty of this problem, but also prepared to sacrifice and pay for it. However, China's future lies in reform and opening up. The way a person or a department chooses to embody this national policy in his own industry is the root of the problem. China has an excellent team of aerospace technicians, boasting several complete sets of launching, TT & C facilities, and the 'Long March' rockets. Therefore, if we can introduce China's space technology into the international commercial market, it will be the best embodiment of the policy of reform and opening up. Despite the odds, we think it is completely achievable.
“第二,国防科工委在全国有几个承担着不同试验任务的基地,总的来看,每个基地的任务都不是很重。有的一年最多发射两颗卫星,这就使得几万人待在大戈壁或者大山沟,常年没有多少紧迫的事情要干。同时,航天部有一大批专家年纪都不小了,而年轻一代一时还未接上茬,如果再不采取有效措施,那老ー辈专家所开创的航天事业,很可能就再也无法发展下去了,甚至还有断送的可能。
"Secondly, the COSTIND has several bases throughout the country that undertake different experimental tasks. Generally speaking, the task of each base is not very heavy. Some launch up to two satellites a year, which makes tens of thousands of people to stay in the Gobi or remote gully, always having few urgent things to do. At the same time, a large number of experts in the Ministry of Aerospace Industry are getting old, while the younger generation has not yet taken over. If still no effective measures, the space industry pioneered by the older generation may no longer be able to develop, and even may be ruined.
“因此,中国的航天发射必然面临两种选择:ー是精简队伍,砍掉ー些基地,因为中国的航天队伍全靠国家财政支撑。如果不砍,国家很穷,像国防科エ委这样一支庞大的科技队伍,长久下去,靠什么来养活?如果砍,随之而来的问题是,航天发射的需要是多种多样的,从我国当前的现状和发展趋势来看,哪ー个基地也少不了。将来一有新的发射任务,技术力量没有保留下来,怎么办?而另一条路,就是打出去!利用我们航天技术的优势和余力,承揽国外发射任务,这样,既可以造福人类,为国家赚取外汇,还可以保存、锻炼、提高技术队伍,使中国的航天事业不断发展、壮大下去。
"Therefore, China's space launch has to choose between two: one is to streamline the team, cutting some bases, because China's space team depends entirely on the state financial support. If we don't do that, in our penurious years at that time, what would a huge scientific and technological team like the COSTIND rely on to sustain itself in the long run? If we do that, the problem becomes that, due to a variety of needs of space launches, each base is necessary based on the current situation and development trend of our country. What if there is a new launch mission in the future but the technology is not preserved? And the other choice is to open foreign markets! That is, taking advantages of our space technology so as to undertake foreign launches. In this way, it will not only benefit mankind and earn foreign exchange for our country, but also preserve, train and improve the technical team, so that China's space industry will continue to develop and grow.
“第三,国务院、中央军委一再提出要军转民,但国防科工委的发射队伍如何军转民?生产产品,对各基地来说,又不是根本的出路。如果光搞生产经营,小打小闹,急功近利,不仅没有出路,长久下去,还会削弱技术力量,甚至会拖垮这支队伍。但如果我们把航天技术打入国际市场,从这里杀出一条血路,便能从根本上实现军转民的问题。否则,火箭故乡的子孙们永远直不起腰杆。”
"Thirdly, the State Council and the Central Military Commission have repeatedly proposed to convert military facilities to civilian facilities, but how can the launch team of the COSTIND be converted? Merely producing, for those bases, is not the fundamental way out. If only engaging in the small-scale production and marketing and be eager for quick success and instant benefits, not only can we not find the way out, but we will also weaken our technological strength and even drag down this contingent in the long run. Conversely, if we enter the international market with space technology and fight a bloody road from here, we can fundamentally realize the problem of transforming the military facilities into the civilian facilities. Otherwise, the descendants of the rocket's hometown will never be able to stand up."
上官世盘说着,竟按捺不住地站了起来,在屋里踱起了步子。
As Shangguan Shipan spoke, he couldn't help but stand up and paced in the room.
望着上官世盘那ー副忧国忧民的面孔,我突然想起法国大作家雨果先生的话: “世界上最广阔的是海洋,比海洋更广阔的是天空,比天空更广阔的是人的胸怀。”
Looking at the concern for the country and the people written across his face, I suddenly remembered the words of the great French writer Hugo: “The vastest thing in the world is the ocean; but what is broader than the ocean is the sky, and what is broader than the sky is human's mind.”
是的,历史进入20世纪80年代后,中国究竟靠什么来重塑自己在国际舞台上的形象,这个问题如同肚子饿了就要吃饭ー样,早就摆在了我们的面前。
Yes, after the 1980s, the question of how China would reshape its image on the international stage has long been placed in front of us, just like we have to eat when hungry.
中国曾以“四大发明”闻名天下,也以“火箭的故乡”著称于世,但这些老本早就吃光了。中国的形象,无疑需要今天的火箭子孙们重新塑造。既然中国有了可以造福人类的“长征”系列火箭,当然应该让它走向世界。不然,总不能让它永远留在本国尘封的宫殿,去做祭奠“四大发明”的供品吧。
China was famous for its "four great inventions" and "the hometown of rockets," but these old funds have long been eaten up. The image of China undoubtedly needs to be reshaped by today's rockets. Since China has the "Long March" series of rockets that can benefit mankind, they should naturally be allowed to go to the world. After all, they can't just stay in the dusty palace in our country forever being a sacrifice for "the Four great inventions".
记得波尼亚托夫斯基在《变幻莫测的未来世界》ー书中说过:“生活的唯一答案,就是生存下去。所谓生存,就是思考和行动。”
M. Poniatowski once said in his book The Unpredictable Future: "The only answer to life is to survive. And the so-called survival, is to think and act."
看来,中国目前最需要的,正是“思考”和“行动”
It seems that what China needs most at present is "to think" and "to act."

蒙古大汉与陈老板
The Mongol Man and Boss Chen
英雄所见略同。
Great minds think alike.
几乎在同一个夜晚,国家科委主任宋健坐在灯下,扶着眼镜,认认真真地读着一封来自航天部的信。
Almost on the same night, Song Jian, the Director of the State Science and Technology Commission, sat under the lamp, holding his glasses and reading a letter from the Ministry of Aerospace Industry earnestly.
这封来信说:
The letter read:
利用“长征三号”运载火箭搞商业发射,把中国的航天技术打入国际商业市场,我们认为完全可能。
We believe that it is entirely possible to introduce China's space technology into the international commercial market by utilizing the "Long March 3" carrier rocket for commercial launch.
其理由是......
There are reasons...
宋健后来说,那天晚上他看完信后,心情久久不能平静。
Song Jian later said that after reading the letter that night, he could not calm down for a long time.
宋健曾是航天部副部长,让中国的火箭走向世界,也是他多年的梦想。因此, 他看完信后,想了想,又拿起信来看了看,而后オ将信慢慢展开,拿起笔来,在信的天头批道:
Song Jian was once the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Aerospace Industry, and it was his dream for long to let China's rockets into the world. Therefore, after he read the letter, he pondered, and read it again, and finally he unfolded the letter slowly and marked at the beginning of the letter:
我完全同意这个建议。希望你们为中国的火箭走向世界而努力奋斗!
I totally agree with the proposal. I hope you will work hard for China's rockets to go global!
写这封建议信的人,便是如今中国长城エ业公司的两位副总经理:乌可カ和陈寿椿。
It was Wu Keli and Chen Shouchun, two deputy general managers of China Great Wall Industrial Corporation, that wrote this letter of suggestion.
中国长城エ业公司,是一家全国性的具有法人资格、独立经营权的工贸结合、技贸结合的进出口贸易公司。自中国宣布进入国际商业发射市场起,长城エ业公司便成为中国政府批准的经营运载火箭发射服务、卫星合作业务的唯一机构。长城工业公司自成立以来,已同世界70多个国家和地区的公司、经济组织有着广泛的贸易合作关系。特别是中国“长征号”系列火箭进入国际市场以来,长城エ业公司已先后同五大洲几十家公司建立了业务联系,并签订了多项卫星发射及卫星搭载订座协议的合同,积极发展了与各国公司之间的经济贸易与友好合作,受到客户的赞誉。
China Great Wall Industry Corporation is a national import and export trading company with legal person status and independent management right, which combines industry and trade, technology and trade. Since China announced its entry into the international commercial launch market, the Great Wall Industrial Corporation has become the only organization approved by the Chinese government to operate launch vehicle launch services and satellite cooperation. Since its establishment, China Great Wall Industry Corporation has had extensive trade and its cooperation relations with companies and economic organizations in more than 70 countries and regions in the world. Especially since China's "Long March" series rockets entered the international market, Great Wall Industry Corporation has established business contacts with dozens of companies on five continents and signed a number of satellite launch and satellite boarding reservation agreements. The company has actively developed the economic trade and friendly cooperation with companies in various countries, winning high praises from customers.
1990年夏季一个炎热的上午,我在中国长城エ业公司见到了乌可カ先生。
On a sweltering summer morning of 1990, I met Mr. Wu Keli in China Great Wall Industry Corporation.
乌可力是成吉思汗的后裔。他的父亲,便是大名鼎鼎的乌兰夫。
Wu Keli is the descendant of Genghis Khan. His father is Wu Lanfu, who was very famous.
乌可カ原名“乌宾”。这是他刚刚来到这个世界时,父亲特意为他取下的名字。但当他考入哈军エ即中国人民解放军军事工程学院后,便自作主张,将名字改成了“乌可カ”。“乌可カ”在蒙语中,就是“牛”的意思。
Wu Keli's original name is "Wu Bin", which his father chose for him as he just came to the world. However, when he was admitted to the PLA Military Institute of Engineering, he changed his name to "Wu Keli" on his own initiative. In Mongolian, "Wu Keli" means "cattle".
乌可力的确像头牛,高大的个子,粗壮的身板,宽阔的胸脯如同一堵厚实的墙。我俩会面这天,他穿一件花格子短衬衫,满头白发,两眼有神,乍一望去,颇像一位来自欧洲的大商人。尤其是嘴唇上方那撮贺龙式小胡子,既潇洒漂亮,又显出几分刚毅与傲气。
He was really like a bull, tall, stout, with a broad chest like a thick wall. On the day we met, he wore a plaid blouse, with grey hair and bright eyes. At first glance, he looked like a rich businessman from Europe. His He Long-style mustache above the lips was both natural and beautiful, showing a bit of perseverance and an air of arrogance.
“这胡子还是贺老总让我留的呢!”说到胡子,乌可カ伸出胖胖的指头理了理, 眼里竟闪烁着泪花。
"It was Mr. He who let me grow a beard!" When speaking of the mustache, Wu Keli trimmed it with his chubby fingers, tears flickering in his eyes.
那时,乌可カ还是一名二十来岁的大学生。一次,贺龙到他家里看望他父亲, 他刚打开门,贺老总当胸就给他ー拳,说:“小子,你这胡子长得不错啊!”
At that time, Wu Keli was still a college student in his twenties. Once, He Long came to Wu’s house to visit his father. As soon as Wu opened the door, Mr. He punched him and said, "Boy, you do have a nice beard!"
乌可力望着贺龙的胡子,说:“贺伯伯,不错是不错,可您是老总,是国家元帅, 胡子想怎么留就怎么留,而我还是个学生娃娃,学校不让我留胡子!”
Looking at He Long's beard, Wu Keli said, “Uncle He, thank you for your praise. You can grow beards as you like because you're a boss as well as a marshal. But I'm a student. I'm not allowed to grow a beard in school!"
“是吗?这好办!”贺龙理了理自己的胡子,说,“你回去告诉学校的头儿,你的胡子就这么留定了,就说是我贺龙批准的！”
"Really? That's easy to solve!" He Long trimmed his beard and said," Go back and tell the headmaster that you are allowed to do this by me, He Long!"
“这太好了,贺伯伯！”乌可カ欢呼着,转身拿起一块西瓜,一下塞进贺龙的嘴里。
"That's great, Uncle He!" Wu Keli cheered, turned around, pick up a piece of watermelon and stuff it into He Long's mouth.
乌可力的胡子,便这么留下来了。
That's how Wu Keli grew his beard.
后来,有人见他这撮胡子长得实在太漂亮了,而且很像贺龙的胡子,便给他的胡子取了个绰号一贺龙式小胡子。
Later, someone saw that his beard was really beautiful and looked very much like He Long's beard, so they gave it a nickname -- the beard in He Long's style.
据说,近几年来他总喜欢对着镜子抚摸自己的胡子;每当抚摸着胡子时,他总会想起贺老总,想起新中国一大批老元帅。
It is said that in recent years, he always likes touching his beard in the front of a mirror; every time he touches it, he would recall the boss He, and a number of veteran marshals in new China.
1940年,乌可力告别内蒙古大草原,随父亲去了延安,并在延安度过了半军事化的少年时代。在延安上小学时,乌可力就是有名的“乌大胆”。有一次,他独自一人,挽起裤腿瞠延河水〇不料,他刚ー下水,上游的洪水便ー个劲儿地猛涨,眼看就要奔泻而下！就在这时,一匹骏马沿着河岸向他飞奔而来。马上的汉子跳下马背,几步瞠进河里,一把便将他抱回岸上。等他脱下裤子,撩了一把河水,回头一看,这人竟是周恩来伯伯！
In 1940, Wu Keli bid farewell to the Inner Mongolia prairie, went to Yan 'an with his father, and spent a semi-militarized boyhood there. When he was in primary school in Yan 'an, Wu Keli was famous as " Daredevil Wu." Once, he was rolling up his trousers and extending the river alone. Unexpectedly, as soon as he stepped into the water, the flood upstream surged fiercely and was about to rush down! At this moment, a steed galloped towards him along the river bank. The man jumped off the horse, stepped into the river within few steps and carried him back to the bank quickly. When he took off his pants and pulled a handful of the river, he looked back, only to find the man was Uncle Zhou Enlai!
还有一次,他和一群小同学正在路边“打仗”,忽见ー辆美式嘎斯正朝他们这边开来。他急忙领着小伙伴们冲上前去,往路中央ー站,手中的“枪”ー举,大喊ー声:“停车！什么人?”车乖乖地停下了,随后从车上走下一位高大魁伟的人来,双手高高举起,脸上却露着慈祥的微笑。他定睛ー看,原来是毛主席！他一下便扑了过去,欢快地叫着:“毛伯伯!毛伯伯!快给我们讲个打仗的故事吧!”
On another occasion, when he was playing with his classmates on the side of the road, an American style gas suddenly came towards them . He quickly led his companions forward and headed towards the center of the road, holding up his "gun" and shouting loudly, "Stop! Who are you?" The car stopped as asked, and then a tall and burly person walked out of the car, raising his hands high with a kind smile on his face. After a closer look, he found it was Chairman Mao! He pounced on him immediately and exclaimed joyfully, "Uncle Mao! Uncle Mao! Tell us a story about the war!"
乌可カ天资聪明,加之后天环境的影响,刚满十三岁,便被选去当了电报员和骑兵通讯员。在哈军工学习期间,他和科研小组的同学一起,研究成功了人工降雨火箭;而他自己研制的耐高温材料,还获得了国家专利。大学毕业后,他去国防科技大学深造了五年的空气动力学,接着就搞起了飞机设计。
Due to his extraordinary talent and the influence of the acquired environment, Wu Keli was chosen to be a telegraph operator and cavalry correspondent when he just turned thirteen years old. During his study in PLA Military Institute of Engineering, he and the students of the scientific research team successfully studied the rocket for artificial rainfall. And the high-temperature resistant materials he developed himself also won national patents. After graduating from college, he went to the National University of Defense Technology to study aerodynamics for five years, and then started to design aircraft.
但是,父亲的权位并未给乌可力的人生道路铺上鲜花,反而一度带给他的是厄运！
However, his father's position of power did not pave the way for Wu Keli's life, but always brought him bad luck!
1967年,乌可カ因受父亲的牵连,银铛入狱。
In 1967, Wu Keli was imprisoned for being incriminated by his father.
然而四年的监狱生活,并未折断乌可カ鹰一般的翅膀,反而铸就了他ー颗蒙古大汉的雄心。在蹲监狱的日子里,每当夜深人静之时,他常常凭窗眺望,ー颗孤独的心,便会随着先祖成吉思汗的铁蹄,在辽阔的内蒙古草原自由狂奔;而每次他被发配去埋死人时,则会想到另ー个问题:ー个没死的人,该为自己的祖国干点什么呢?
Nevertheless, the four-year prison life did not break the wings of his eagle, but forged his ambition as a Mongolian man. In the days of prison, he often looked out from the window in every still night. His lonely heart, then, would run freely in the vast Inner Mongolia grassland with the iron hooves of the ancestor Genghis Khan; And every time he was sent to bury the dead, he would think of another question: What should a living man do for his motherland?
1982年,他调到航天部担任科技预研局副局长。其间,他对中国和世界航天的局势,做了透彻的分析和科学的预测。所以当1984年4月8日“长征三号”火箭发射成功后,他和陈寿椿、黄作义等人,很快便想到了如何把“长征三号”运载火箭打入国际商业市场的问题。
In 1982, he was transferred to the Ministry of Aerospace Industry as deputy director of the Science and Technology Advanced Research Bureau. During his term of office, he made a thorough analysis and scientific prediction of the situation of China and the world space industry. Therefore, when the "Long March 3" rocket was successfully launched on April 8, 1984, Wu Keli, Chen Shouchun, Huang Zuoyi and others quickly knew how to enter the international commercial market with the "Long March 3" carrier rocket.
陈寿椿是这次发射“亚洲一号”卫星的新闻人物。他的同事和部下都称他为 “陈老总”；但外国朋友还有港商,则习惯叫他“陈老板”。
Chen Shouchun was the news figure of the launch of the "Asia-1" satellite. His colleagues and subordinates all called him "Chief Chen"; but other foreign friends and Hong Kong businessmen preferred to call him "Boss Chen".
我在西昌卫星发射场见到了陈老板。陈老板很忙,忙得不可开交。凡是去了西昌卫星发射场的记者都想找他,但几乎都没找到他。
I met Mr. Chen at the Xichang Satellite Launch Site. Chen was so busy that no reporter who went to the Xichang Satellite Launch Site could find him.
一天傍晚,我趁他刚刚放下碗筷的时候堵住了他。这是一位用ー个脑袋可以同时思考三个问题的人物。ー进他的房间,他用下巴夹住电话筒,ー边给北京打着电话,ー边复印着文件,ー边不时看看复印的效果;同时怕冷落了我,还总是抓住点滴间隙,与我天南海北,侃侃而谈。
One evening, I stopped him when he had just finished his dinner. This was a person who could think over three questions at the same time. Hardly had he entered his room, when he talked with someone in Beijing, the telephone receiver just clamped with his chin; simultaneously, he copied documents, and checked the copies from time to time. Also, to avoid ignoring me, he seized every spare time to talk with me, freely and fluently.
陈老板戴ー副眼镜,穿一件棕色夹克衫,说话办事,都是“短平快”,ー看便是个爽快利落、性情急躁的人。而且不用多问,听口音便可断定是个地道的广东人。
He was wearing a pair of glasses and a brown jacket, and he always talked and acted outright. His look has already revealed his straightforwardness and impatience. And needless to ask more, you could conclude that he was a real Cantonese just from his accent.
陈寿椿1960年毕业于苏联莫斯科机械工程学院。回国后,曾担任过“长征一号”火箭的主任设计师,在航天部总体设计部整整干了两个七年。陈寿椿胸怀大志,加上南方人天生就有一个会做生意的脑袋,所以他最终还是舍弃了设计师的宝座,当上了推销中国火箭的大老板。
Chen Shouchun graduated from the Moscow Institute of Mechanical Engineering in 1960. After returning to China, he served as the chief designer of the "Long March 1" rocket and worked in the overall design department of the Ministry of Aerospace for fourteen years. Entertaining a great ambition and born with a business mind as a southerner, he finally abandoned the designer's throne and became a big boss of selling Chinese rockets.
乌可力和陈寿椿等人的建议,得到了航天部领导的大力支持。
The suggestions of Wu Keli, Chen Shouchun and others have received strong support from the leaders of the Ministry of Aerospace Industry.
1984年4月下旬的某个晚上,航天部部长李绪鄂和原副部长刘纪原专门召集乌可力等人谈话,具体讨论了中国航天技术打入国际市场的有关问题;并指示乌可カ全力以赴,负责开展“长征三号”火箭打入国际市场的工作。
One night in late April 1984, the Minister Li Xue and former Deputy Minister Liu Jiyuan of the Ministry of Aerospace Industry specially called on Wu Keli and others to have a talk. On the one hand, they specifically discussed issues related to China's space technology's entry into the international market; on the other hand, they instructed him to make every effort to carry out the launching the "Long March 3" rocket into the international market.
接着,航天部拨款20万元人民币,组织成立了以乌可カ、陈寿椿、黄作义为首的“航天开发十人小组”,开始了中国空间技术走向世界的早期活动。
Subsequently, the Ministry of Aerospace Industry allocated 200,000 yuan to organize the establishment of a "Ten-Member Team for Aerospace Development" headed by Wu Keli, Chen Shouchun and Huang Zuoyi, which began the early activities of China's space technology to the world.

六、序幕在戴高乐机场拉开

Ⅵ. The Prologue at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

1984年底,ー份关于把中国“长征三号”运载火箭打入国际商业市场的正式报告,摆在了国防科エ委领导的办公桌上。

At the end of 1984, a formal report on the entry of China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket into the international commercial market was placed on the desk of the leader of the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (COSTIND).

这份报告,既体现了国防科工委和航天部决策者们的远见卓识,又表达了航天战线一大批科技精英希望早日把中国火箭打入国际商业市场的美好愿望。

The report not only reflected the farsightedness of the decision-makers of the COSTIND and the Ministry of Aviation Industry, but also embodied the good wish of a large number of scientific and technological elites in the aerospace field to bring China's rockets into the international commercial market as soon as possible.

此报告受到了国防科エ委领导的高度重视。根据国防科工委的指示,张敏参谋长很快组织航天部、西昌卫星发射基地、西安测控中心、洛阳测量通信所和科エ委有关部、局负责人,对报告进行了充分的讨论与研究。

This report was highly valued by the leaders of the COSTIND. In accordance with the instructions of the COSTIND, the Chief of Staff Zhang Min soon organized relevant personnel and units to have a full discussuion and study of the report, including the XSLC, Xi'an Satellite Control Center, Luoyang Measurement and Communication Institute, and personnels of relevant departments and bureaus of the COSTIND.

同时,国防科エ委领导还向张爱萍将军做了汇报。

Besides, the leaders of the COSTIND also made a report to General Zhang Aiping.

张爱萍将军听了后,兴奋不已,竟激动地从藤椅上一下站了起来,用手中的黄藤手杖连连戳着地面说:“好!让中国的火箭走向世界,是壮国威、壮军威的大事, 一定要想方设法尽快干成。我们既然有了这个能力,就要敢于竞争,敢于向世界挑战,而绝不能落于人后,更不能受制于人!”

Hearing this, the general was so thrilled that he stood up suddenly from the cany chair, continuously poking at the ground with the yellow cany cane in his hands, saying: "Great! It's a major event to let China's rocket go to the world, which strengthens the national and military power. We must try to make it as soon as possible. Now that we have the strength, we must dare to compete and challenge the world. We must not fall behind other countries, still less be controlled by other countries!"

接着,国防科工委和航天部的领导又向中央军委和国务院有关领导专门做了一次口头汇报。

Then, the leadres of the COSTIND and the Ministry of Aviation Industry specially made a oral report to the relevant leaders of the CMC and the State Council.

中央军委和国务院有关领导听完汇报后,对此表示了极大的兴趣,并对这ー设想给予了充分的肯定与鼓励。国务院领导最后还指示说:“希望科工委回去后抓紧这ー工作,尽快拿出具体的方案和意见来。”

After listening to the report, the leaders showed great interest in it and gave full affirmation and encouragement to this assumption. The leader of The State Council finally instructed, "I hope that the Commission will pay close attention to this work and give us specific plans and opinions as soon as possible."

于是,1985年4月2日,国防科工委在国防部大院五楼会议室,召开了关于 “长征三号”运载火箭发射外国卫星可行性的论证会。

Therefore, on April 2,1985, the COSTIND held a meeting on the fifth floor of the Ministry of National Defense, which was on the feasibility of launching foreign satellites with the Long March-3 carrier rocket in the conference room.

会议认为,航天作为ー个产业,在国际上正处于开发的初始阶段。航天发射获利非常之大,仅运载火箭,欧美每年获利都达5亿美元。目前欧美正为航天技术商业化进行激烈的竞争,苏联也在积极探索如何参与这ー竞争。从中国航天的现状来看,中国是世界上同时拥有运载火箭和卫星测控网的国家之一。为了开发航天产业,进入国际市场;为了开展国际合作,加速提高航天技术水平;为了促进四化建设,增辟一条新的财源,中国应该让自己的航天技术打入国际市场。

The attendees held that aerospace, as an industry, was in the initial stage of its international development. Space launches always brought huge benefits. The United States and Europe earned $500 million a year from launch vehicles alone. At present, Europe and the United States were competing fiercely for the commercialization of space technology, and the Soviet Union was also active in exploring how to participate in this competition. Taking the current situation of China's aerospace industry into consideration, China was one of the countries in the world that had both carrier rockets and the satellite tracking and control network. In order to develop the aerospace industry and enter the international market; to prompt international cooperation and accelerate the improvement of space technology; to promote informatization, socialization, marketization, and internationalization, and to create a new source of financial resources, China should let its own space technology enter the international market.

国防科工委主任丁衡高说:“这个工作是一定要干的,否则将来就很被动。中国的航天,就是要在国际竞争中求发展。只要第一次打开了局面,今后的路就会越走越宽。”

Ding Henggao, the director of the COSTIND, said: "This work must be done, otherwise we will be very passive in the future. China's space industry is destined to grow in international competitions. As long as we take the first step, the road ahead will become wider and wider."

国防科工委副主任沈荣骏也说:“发射外国卫星,这是我们前人从未干过的事业,肯定会遇到不少困难和阻カ,甚至还要冒风险,但我们首先要树立起雄心,要有敢于开拓、敢于创新的精神。只要我们下决心脚踏实地地去干,终归能把事情干成。因为这不仅仅是国防科工委的一件大事,也是整个中华民族的一件大事! 一旦做成,就会改变中国在世界的形象,同时也会在历史上留下深远的影响。”

Shen Rongjun, the deputy director of the COSTIND, also marked: "launching a foreign satellite is something that our predecessors have never done before, and we will certainly encounter many difficulties and obstacles, and even take risks. But first of all, we must set up ambition and have the spirit of daring to strike out and to innovate. As long as we make up our mind to do it down to earth, we will make it in the end. This is not only a major event of the COSTIND, but also a major event of the whole Chinese nation! Once it is achieved, it will change China's image in the world and at the same time leave a far-reaching impact in history."

1985年6月,国际航空航天展览会在巴黎举行。

这是一次规模空前的盛会,近100个国家的代表,200多名各国记者,纷纷聚会法国首都巴黎。

中国,这个火箭的故乡,有史以来第一次将自己的火箭、卫星等高科技产品送到国际航展会上。

而中国代表团的团长,正是乌可カ。

In June 1985, the International Aerospace Exhibition was held in Paris.

At this unprecedented event, representatives from nearly 100 countries, more than 200 journalists from all over the world, gathered in Paris, the capital of France.

China, the hometown of rockets, showed its own rockets, satellites and other high-tech products at an international air exhibition for the first time.

The head of the Chinese delegation was Wu Keli.

那天,航展会开幕仪式在戴高乐机场隆重举行。当五星红旗第一次在巴黎上空徐徐升起时,乌可力和代表团的所有成员,全都忍不住流下了自豪的热泪……

That day, the opening ceremony of the air exhibition was grandly held at Charles de Gaulle Airport. When the five-star red flag rose slowly in Paris for the first time, Wu Keli and all the members of the delegation could not help but shed tears of pride.

是啊,巴黎既是一座英雄的城市,又是革命的摇篮。它不仅孕育了法兰西民族灿烂的文明,还对中国的一代革命家产生过深远的影响。当年,周恩来、朱德、邓小平、聂荣臻、李富春、陈毅、蔡和森、王若飞、徐特立等一大批中国留学生,曾抱着研究马克思主义真理,寻找改造中国出路和“科学救国”的思想,漂洋过海,来到巴黎,勤工俭学。岁月匆匆,往事如烟。而今半个多世纪过去了,经几代中国人的不懈奋斗,终于有了代表中国实力的“长征三号”运载火箭和同步通信卫星,并有机会展示在世人的面前。这实在是一件令人欣喜、令人自豪的事情。

Surely, Paris is both a city of heroes and a cradle of revolution. It not only gave birth to the splendid civilization of the French nation, but also had a profound impact on a generation of Chinese revolutionaries. In those days, a large number of Chinese overseas students, including Zhou Enlai, Zhu De, Deng Xiaoping, Nie Rongzhen, Li Fuchun, Chen Yi, Cai Hesen, Wang Ruofei, Xu Teli, etc., who entertain the ideal of studying Marxist truth to seek for a way to transform China and "save the country through science," traveled across the sea to Paris, working their ways through college. Time flies; past events have faded like a puff of smoke. Now more than half a century has passed, after several generations of Chinese people's unremitting struggle, finally the "Long March 3" carrier rocket and synchronous communication satellite came out, which represented China's strength, and were displayed in front of the world. This was really an exciting and proud event.

而作为火箭故乡的子孙,乌可力更不会忘记:ー个世纪前,美国在费城举办某科技成果博览会时,美国送展的是第一代发电机和莫尔斯的发报机;英国送展的是瓦特发明的蒸汽机;而中国送展的,却是一双小脚女人的绣花鞋和ー只手工制作的挖耳勺!而今天,中国向世界展示的,是世界高科技的先进成果一同步通信卫星和“长征三号”火箭!

As a descendant of the rocket's hometown, there was something Wu Keli would never forget. A century ago, at an exhibition held by the United states on scientific and technological achievements in Philadelphia, the United States presented the first-generation generator and the transmitter invented by Morse. Britain presented the steam engine invented by Wattt. But what China presented to the exhibition were a pair of embroidered shoes for a feet-bound woman and a handmade ear digging spoon! Today, however, what China was showing the world is the world's advanced high-tech achievements--a synchronous communication satellite and the "Long March 3" rocket!

因此,当乌可カ站在飘扬的国旗下,不停地抚摸着自己那撮骄傲的贺龙式小胡子时,内心涌动着的是ー股奔腾不息的滚滚热流……700多年前,他的先祖成吉思汗率领铁骑横跨欧亚大陆,用武力将中国的古代火箭传入欧洲;700多年后的今天,他这个成吉思汗的子孙,却在鲜花与笑脸中将中国的现代火箭带出国门,让欧洲人再一次目睹了中国火箭的风采。

Therefore, when Wu Keli stood under the fluttering national flag and kept stroking his He Long-style mustache he was pround of, his felt a surging heat flow running through his heart. More than 700 years ago, his ancestor Genghis Khan led his cavalry across Eurasia and introduced ancient Chinese rockets into Europe by force. Over 700 years later, now, he, a descendant of Genghis Khan, brought China's modern rockets abroad with flowers and smiling faces, and let Europeans once again witness the elegant demeanour of Chinese rockets.

这难道是历史的巧合吗?

Is this a coincidence of history?

开幕式结束的第二天,乌可カ便在戴高乐机场附近的一家私人餐厅举行了新闻发布会。

他站在餐厅的中央,西装革履,风度翩翩,来自世界各国的200多名记者将他围了个水泄不通。当他大声宣布中国的“长征三号”火箭将投入国际商业发射市场时,全场报以热烈的掌声。

新闻发布会从下午1点进行到4点,他回答了记者们100多个提问。

On the second day after the opening ceremony, Wukeli held a press conference at a private restaurant near Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Dressed in a suit and shoes, he stood in the center of the restaurant with a graceful demeanor, surrounded by over 200 journalists from all over the world. When he loudly announced that China's "Long March 3" rocket will access to the international commercial launch market, the audience responded with warm applause.

The press conference lasted from 1 to 4 p. m., and he answered more than 100 questions from reporters.

新闻发布会的召开,让中国的火箭在展览会上一开始便掀起一个高潮。第二天,法国各家报纸纷纷报道了这ー消息,而乌可力的照片也出现在《巴黎日报》头版头条的位置上,照片上那一撮贺龙式的小胡子,更是格外引人注目。

The press conference made China's rockets set off a climax at the beginning of the exhibition. The next day, French newspapers reported the news one after another, and the photo of Wu Keli also appeared on the front page of Paris Daily, and his He Long-style beared in the photo was particularly eye-catching.

一天傍晚,乌可力和王若飞之子王兴先生走进一家法籍华人开的饭馆。二人刚一落座,老板和服务生便围了过来,指着乌可カ问:“您就是乌先生吧?”

One evening, Wu Keli and Wang Xing, the son of Wang Ruofei, walked into a restaurant owned by a French Chinese. As soon as the they sat down, the owner and the waiters came around, pointing to Wu Keli, and asked: "Are you Mr. Wu?"

乌可力有些莫名其妙:“是啊!你们怎么知道?”

Wu Keli answered with a little confusion, "Yes, I am! But how do you know that?"

老板说:“哎呀,您的照片我们在报上都看见了。你们来巴黎宣传中国的火箭, 我们太高兴了 !过去,不仅外国人不知道我们中国有火箭、卫星,就连我们这些中国人都不知道呢。今天这顿饭,算我请客了!”

The restanrant owner said, "Oh, Sir, we have seen your photo in the newspaper. We are so happy that you came to Paris to promote China's rockets! In the past, not only did foreigners not know that China had rockets and satellites, but even we Chinese did not know it. Today this meal, it's my treat!"

说完,老板亲手做了几个中国菜,还拿出两瓶世界名酒,免费请他俩吃了一顿。

After that, he took out two bottles of world-known wine and treated them to a free meal.

航展会期间,国务院副总理李鹏外访途经巴黎。乌可カ得知后,忙跑到中国驻法大使馆,找到李鹏,向他汇报了中国这次参加国际航展的情况,以及在世界各国产生的影响,希望他能到航展会上看ー看。

During the exhibition, the Vice Premier Li Peng stopped off in Paris on his way to overseas visits. Knowing this, Wu Keli hurriedly ran to the Chinese Embassy in France, where he found Li Peng and reported to him on China's participation in the international air show as well as its influence on other countries in the world. He hoped that Li Peng could take a look at the air show.

听了乌可力的介绍,李鹏异常兴奋。据乌可カ后来说,李鹏在窗前站了片刻, ォ重新坐回沙发上,向乌可カ问起有关中国火箭打入国际商业市场的进展情况。最后,李鹏表示:明天一定去国际航空航天展览会看看!

Li Peng was extremely excited after hearing Wu keli's introduction. Wu Keli later told us, Li Peng stood by the window for a moment before sitting back on the sofa and asked him about the progress of the Chinese rocket's entery into the international commercial market. At last, Li Peng promised that he would definitely go to the exhibition tomorrow!

第二天,李鹏忙里偷闲,来到国际航空航天展览会现场。在乌可カ的陪同下, 李鹏认真观看了中国参展的火箭和卫星。ー边看,还ー边详细询问了有关情况。当他亲眼看见世界各国的同行纷纷拥向中国展厅并不时发出由衷的赞叹时,高兴得不停地晃动着右臂;特别是当他看到不少白发苍苍的华侨ー边看着中国的火箭、卫星,ー边擦拭着热泪时,更是激动难抑。

The next day, Li Peng took a break from his busy work and came to the scene of the air show. Accompanied by Wu Keli, Li Peng carefully watched the rockets and satellites China had exhibited. While watching, Li Peng asked about the situation in detail. As he saw with his own eyes that his counterparts from all over the world were crowding the exhibition hall of China and occasionally expressed heartfelt admiration, he was so happy that he kept shaking his right arm, especially when he saw many white-haired overseas chinese wiping away their tears while looking at China's rockets and satellites, he could not contain his excitement. However, when Li Peng noticed that the exhibition halls of the United States, France, Japan, the Soviet Union and other countries were luxurious and magnificent, while the exhibition hall of China was pitifully small, he was silent.

但是,当李鹏看到美国、法国、日本、苏联等国的展厅又豪华又气派,而中国的展厅却小得可怜时,却沉默了。

片刻,李鹏问乌可力:“你这展厅的面积有多大?”

乌可カ有些不好意思地回答说:“18平方米。”

“怎么不搞大一点,气派一点?”李鹏说。

乌可カ无可奈何地摇了摇头,笑了:“没钱!”

李鹏:“没钱?”

After a while, Li Peng asked Wu Keli,"What's the size of this exhibition hall?"

"18 square meters," answered Wu Keli with a little akwardness.

"Why not make it bigger and grander? "Li Peng asked.

He shook his head helplessly and smiled, "We have no enough money!"

Li Peng repeated, "No enough money?"

“对。就是这个展厅的资金,也是想方设法,好不容易オ凑的。”乌可カ说, “当然了,中国的’长征’系列火箭和同步通信卫星是第一次在全世界面前亮相,我们心里都没底。怕一下搞大了,万一人家不来看,不买账,到时就很难下台了。”

“Yes. Even the funds for this exhibition hall were also managed to raise with great difficulty," Wu Keli said, "And, this is the first time that China's 'Long March' rockets and geostationary communication satellites have been unveiled in the world, so we had nothing to learn from. We were afraid that if we had made a bigger one, it would be a bit embarrassing with few people coming to see."

“没关系,可以再搞大一点,再搞气派一点嘛!”李鹏说,“要知道,这代表的是我们中国的形象!”

"That doesn't matter. We can definitely make it bigger and grander!" said Li Peng. "You know, this embodies the image of China!"

有了李鹏副总理的尚方宝剑,乌可カ很快就把中国参加航展的面积,由18平方米变成了81平方米。

With the reassurance given by Vice Premier Li Peng, WuKeli soon expanded the area of China's exhibition hall from 18 square meters to 81 square meters.

于是,中国航展的影响越来越大。许多外国朋友看了中国的展品后说:“过去, 我们只知道中国有原子弹、氢弹,没想到中国还有’长征’系列火箭、返回式卫星、同步通信卫星。而且,还有像’长征三号’这样的世界第一流的火箭!”

As a result, the impact of China's air shows became increasingly significant. After seeing the exhibits from China, many foreign friends said, "In the past, we only knew that China had atomic bombs and hydrogen bombs. We didn't expect that China also had the 'Long March' rockets, recoverable satellites and synchronous communication satellites. Moreover, there are such world-class rockets as the 'Long March 3'!"

巴黎航展,拉开了中国空间技术走向世界的序幕。

It was the Paris Air Show that kicked off the prelude to China's space technology going to the world.

巴黎航展结束不久,即1985年6月,由苏联、美国、日本、澳大利亚等国联合举办的国际空间技术会在日内瓦举行。就在这个会上,陈寿椿代表中国代表团,作了关于《中国向外国提供发射服务可能性》的报告,并向世界正式宣布:“长征三号” 火箭发射服务的价格,将比国际市场同类低15% 〇因为中国并不借此谋取高利润,同时也因为中国的原材料和劳动カ比较便宜。

此报告在会上引起各国代表的强烈反响。会议主持人当即在会上郑重宣布: 没有中国参加的空间会议,是不完整的。

Shortly after the end of the Paris Air Show, that is, in June 1985, the International Space Technology Conference jointly organized by the Soviet Union, the United States, Japan, Australia and other countries was held in Geneva. At the meeting, Chen Shouchun, on behalf of the Chinese delegation, made a report on "China's Possibility of Providing Launch Services to Foreign Countries" and officially announced to the world that the price of the "Long March 3" rocket launch service would be 15% lower than that of the same kind in the international market. That because, for one thing, China did not intend to gain high profits through this; for another, China's raw materials and labor were relatively cheap.

This report aroused strong reactions from the representatives of various countries at the meeting. The meeting host immediately solemnly announced: the space technology conference without China was incomplete.

同年1〇月,中国又一次将一颗科学探测卫星和技术试验卫星发射成功。国防科工委副主任沈荣骏及时组织有关人士召开会议,认为面对急剧变革的世界形势, 中国再也不能沉默了,中国航天,到了必须做出选择的时候。

In October of the same year, China once again successfully launched a scientific exploration satellite and a technical test satellite. Shen Rongjin, Deputy Director of the COSTIND, promptly organized relevant personnel to have a meeting. He believed that in the face of the rapidly changing world situation, China could no longer remain silent. It was high time that China's aerospace industry had had to make a choice.

于是,10月27日,由航天部部长李绪鄂以答新华社记者问的形式,正式向世界庄严宣布:

中国自行研制的“长征二号”和“长征三号”运载火箭将投入国际市场,以优惠价格承揽国外卫星发射业务,并负责培训技术人员;而且,中国人民保险公司愿意以国际市场的优惠价格,为要求发射卫星的外商承担经济保险。

Therefore, on October 27, Li Xue, Minister of the Ministry of Aviation Industry, formally and solemnly announced to the world in the form of answering questions from Xinhua News Agency reporters:

The "Long March 2" and "Long March 3" carrier rockets developed by China would be put into the international market, and foreign satellite launching services would be contracted at preferential prices, and technical personnel would be trained; In addition, the People's Insurance Company of China was willing to provide economic insurance for foreign investors who requested to launch satellites at preferential prices in the international market.

这是ー个民族的心声;

也是ー个民族的胸怀;

更是ー个民族的气魄!

This was the voice of a nation;

This was the breadth of vision of a nation;

This was also the spirit of a nation!

中国,这个火箭的故乡,走过了几千年蒙昧苦难的岁月,今天终于敞开空间技术的大门,面对挑战的世界,第一次举起了火箭的旗帜。

China, the hometown of rockets, has gone through thousands of years of ignorance and suffering. Today, it has finally opened the door to space technology and raised the banner of rockets for the first time in the face of a challenging world.

七、天时·地利·人和

Ⅶ. Favourable Timing, Geographical and Human Conditions

中国火箭承揽外国卫星发射业务的消息刚一宣布,一股强大的“中国火箭热”很快蔓延全球。

As soon as the news that China's rocket contracted foreign satellite launch business was announced, a powerful "Chinese rocket fever" quickly spread around the world.

于是,机遇的脚步,随之向着中国走来;公正的阳光,开始照在了中国这片文明古国的大地上。

Therefore, the steps of opportunities, then, was coming towards China; the sunshine of justice began to shine on the land the ancient civilization.

而恰在这时,美国、法国的航天发射连连惨败。世界航天局势,陡然间发生了戏剧性的变化。

At this moment, the launches done by the United States and France suffered consecutive disastrous failures. Dramatic changes took place suddenly in the world aerospace situation.

1986年1月28日上午,数以万计的美国人拥挤在美国肯尼迪航天发射中心,等待观看人类历史上最壮美的一次飞行。

On the morning of January 28th, 1986, tens of thousands of Americans crowded at Kennedy Space Launch Center, waiting to watch the most magnificent flight in human history.

随着一声隆隆的巨响,一个庞然大物在滚滚烈焰中,徐徐升向天空。

With a loud rumbling noise, a colossus slowly rising into the sky in the roaring flame.

然而,当这个庞然大物升空后仅73秒钟突然一声闷雷般的巨响,成千上万的碎片在火光和烟雾中拖着熊熊的火焰,纷纷撒向离发射点10公里的太平洋,前后持续时间竟达1个小时之久。

However, only 73 seconds after the launch of the giant, with a sudden noise sounding like muffled thunder, tens of thousands of debris, in the fire and smoke dragged flames, were scattered to the Pacific Ocean 10 kilometers from the launch site, which lasted for one hour unfortunately.

这就是人类载人航天史上最悲惨的一幕:美国“挑战者号”航天飞机大爆炸!

It is the most tragic scene in the history of manned space flight that the Space Shuttle "Challenger" developed by the US exploded!

“挑战者号”大爆炸,震动了白宫。布什副总统即刻赶赴发射场,慰问遇难者家属。当天下午和晚上,里根总统向全国发表广播、电视讲话,赞扬7名宇航员是航天事业中的先锋和英雄,并强调美国将继续探索太空。两天后,里根总统还亲自出席了在休斯敦约翰逊航天中心举行的万人追悼大会。

The explosion shook the White House. Vice President Bush immediately rushed to the launch site to express condolences to the families of the victims. From that afternoon to night, in a broadcasted and televised address to the nation, President Reagan praised the seven astronauts as pioneers and heroes in the space industry and stressed that the United States will continue to explore space. Two days later, President Reagan personally attended the 10,000-person memorial meeting at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

两个多月后,即4月18日,美国“大力神--34D”火箭在美国范登堡空军基地携带一颗价值5000万美元的军事侦察卫星发射升空,不料几秒钟后随即爆炸。这是“大力神--34D”（以下简称“大力神”）火箭继1985年8月28日爆炸后的第二次爆炸。

More than two months later, on April 18, the US-developed "Titan-34D" rocket was launched in Vandenberg Air Force Base carrying a military reconnaissance satellite worth $50 million, only to be seen explode a few seconds later. This was the second explosion of the Titan-34D rocket, following the first on August 28, 1985.

5月3日,美国用“德尔塔”火箭发射一颗气象卫星,因火箭发动机故障而失去控制,升空后仅91秒便被地面指令炸毁。

On May 3, the United States had launched a weather satellite with a Delta rocket, but it was destroyed by ground instructions only 91 seconds after liftoff, due to the engine failure and its loss of control.

接着,在5月31日,法国“阿里亚娜”火箭继1985年第15次飞行爆炸后,在第 18次飞行中又不幸惨遭爆炸!发射被迫停止16个月。

Then, on May 31, the French Ariane rocket exploded on its 18th flight, following its 15th flight in 1985! So the launch was forced to stop for 16 months.

后来有人总结说:1986年,是世界航天史上的“大灾年”。

It was later concluded that 1986 was the "catastrophe year" in the history of the world's aerospace.

上述航天史上连续四次罕见的大失败,迅速改变了世界商业卫星发射市场的行情,从而使西欧诸国陷入一种十分尴尬的局面。

The four major failures mentioned above, which are rare in the history of space flight, have quickly changed the market of the world commercial satellite launch, thus putting Western European countries in a very embarrassing situation.

从美国的情况来看,三次连续大失败,打乱了原有的航天发射计划。因为航天飞机和“大力神”火箭,是美国当时运送大型卫星仅有的工具。相隔80天就出现两次失败,使其航天活动几乎陷于瘫痪。所以美国被迫宣布:航天飞机的飞行计划至少推迟一至两年。美国宇航局局长詹姆斯•弗莱彻说:“航天飞机拟在1988年第一季度オ可恢复飞行,在以后的三至四年,可能仅有三架航天飞机提供发射卫星服务。”

Judging from the perspective from the United States, three consecutive major failures have disrupted the original space launch plan. Because the space shuttle and the Titan rocket were the only tools America owned to transport large satellites. Two failures occurred 80 days apart, which almost paralyzed its space activities. So the United States was forced to announce that the flight plan of the space shuttle would be postponed by at least one to two years. NASA Administrator James Fletcher said,"The shuttle is scheduled to resume flight in the first quarter of 1988. In the next three to four years, there may be only three shuttles providing satellite launch service."

由此造成的结果是,各国卫星发射计划陷入一片混乱。已经列入发射计划的卫星用户,捶胸顿足,叫苦不迭。全世界几十颗亟待升空的卫星,只好无可奈何地躺在冷冷清清的仓库里或者生产线上;一些原定使用美国航天飞机发射的商用卫星,也只得推迟发射;而有的卫星用户则干脆取消了用航天飞机发射的合同,重新寻找火箭为其发射。

As a result, the satellite launch plans of various countries were in chaos. Those satellite users who had participated in the launch plan were regretful and complaint incessantly. Consequently, dozens of satellites around the world which were in urgent need of launching could only helplessly lay in cold and empty warehouses. And some of the commercial satellites that were scheduled to be launched by the US space shuttle had to be delayed. Besides, some satellite users cancelled their contracts to launch with space shuttles and searched for new rockets to launch them.

然而另寻火箭谈何容易!

However, how difficult it was to find another rocket!

由于在过去几年里,美国政府对航天飞机的发射服务给予了特殊的政策,美国国内的火箭根本无法与之抗衡,致使“大力神”“德尔塔”和“阿特拉斯”火箭纷纷败下阵来,大部分生产线均已关闭。所以,尽管航天飞机失败后里根政府曾宣布,为承揽美国及国外民用商业卫星的发射,“大力神”等多种火箭要竭尽全力恢复生产,以便同国外的运载火箭竞争。可惜,马丁公司的“大力神”火箭,至少要等两年之后才能飞行;麦道公司的“德尔塔”火箭要恢复生产,最快也需一年半至两年;而通用动カ公司的“阿特拉斯”火箭,由于大多数是为国防部提供军事服务的,目前也仅剩下一发库存。

In the past few years, the U.S. government had made special policies to the space shuttle launch, which the U.S. domestic rockets couldn't compete with. Hence "Titan,""Delta" and "Atlas" rockets lost one after another and most of the production lines being shut down. Therefore, the Reagan administration announced after the failure of these launches that, in order to undertake the launch of the United States and foreign civil commercial satellites,"Titan" and other rockets would restore production as much as possible so as to compete with foreign carrier rockets. Unfortunately, the "Titan" rocket produced by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company's would take at least two years later to be used; McDonnell-Douglas Corporation's "Delta" would take at least a year and a half to two years to resume production; while General Motors's "Atlas", most of which provided military services to the Ministry of Defense, currently only one shot was left in stock.

所以,美国企图用火箭在国际卫星发射市场东山再起,在短期内是不现实的, 也是缺乏竞争力的。

Therefore, it was unrealistic and uncompetitive for the United States to attempt to use rockets to make a comeback in the international satellite launch market in the short term.

再看看法国的情况,“阿里亚娜”火箭是由法国、联邦德国、英国等11个国家组成的欧洲空间局共同研制而成的。在美国“挑战者号”爆炸之前,“阿里亚娜”火箭是世界上唯一可与美国航天飞机抗衡的运载工具。1984年,“阿里亚娜”火箭首次承揽商业卫星发射,第一年就发射了 9颗卫星,一跃而成当年世界上最佳商业发射火箭。截至1985年底,“阿里亚娜”火箭已占领全世界42%的商业卫星发射市场,而且正暗暗发奋,要在1986年至1990年间,夺取50%的国际商业卫星发射市场。

In the case of France, the Ariane rocket was jointly developed by the European Space Agency, which was composed of 11 countries at that time including France, the Federal Republic of Germany and the United Kingdom. Before the explosion of the US's "Challenger", the "Ariane" was the only carrier in the world that could compete with the US space shuttle. In 1984 when the "Ariana" rocket undertook the first commercial satellite launch, it launched 9 satellites in its first year, becoming the world's best commercial launch rocket at that time. By the end of 1985, Ariane had accounted for 42% of the world's commercial satellite launch market and was secretly working to capture 50% of the international commercial satellite launch market between 1986 and 1990.

为此，阿里亚娜”公司于1985年不惜耗资12亿美元,在库鲁新建起了可供国际卫星发射的第二个发射场。其现代化的发射能力,可达每月发射一颗卫星。

For this reason, Ariana Company unhesitatedly invested 1.2 billion US dollars in 1985 to build a second launch site in Kuru for international satellite launches. Its modern launch capability was sufficient to support the launch of one satellite per month.

而且,为了稳定商业发射任务,提高竞争能力,从1986年1月起,“阿里亚娜” 公司的保险子公司也开始正式营业,其保险费率仅为11% -13%。

Moreover, in order to stabilize commercial launch missions and improve competitiveness, from January 1986, the insurance subsidiary of Ariana also began to operate, with insurance rates of only 11%-13%.

但是,由于“阿里亚娜”火箭在1985年和1986年连续两次失败,人们对它的可靠性也产生了怀疑;加之“阿里亚娜”公司为了补偿美元的贬值,又决定对新的国外卫星发射用户大幅度提高发射价格,必然大大降低其威信,削弱其在国际市场的竞争能力。

However, due to the failure of the Ariane rocket in 1985 and 1986, people also doubted its reliability, and Ariane Group decided to raise the launch price significantly for new foreign satellite launch users in order to compensate for the depreciation of the US dollar. This would inevitably result in a great reduction in its credibility and weaken its competitiveness in the international market.

那么,航天大国苏联的情况又怎么样呢?

So, how about the space power, the Soviet Union?

苏联的“质子号”火箭,具有相当大的运载能力,一直在积极寻求国外卫星发射用户,力争打入国际市场。但由于苏联多年来实行的不是开放政策,西方世界担心一旦用苏联火箭发射卫星,其卫星技术就会流入苏联,所以严格限制本国卫星进入苏联;而另一方面,苏联对“质子号”火箭的技术资料保密非常严格,致使国外用户很难了解到“质子号”火箭的真实可靠性。尽管两年前苏联利用电视台播放了 51秒钟的介绍“质子号”火箭的电视新闻,但西方世界对苏联发射服务的政策,始终持怀疑和观望的态度。

The Soviet "Proton" rocket, with extraordinary carrying capacity, had been actively seeking foreign satellite launch users, and striving to enter the international market. However, since the Soviet Union had not implemented an open policy for many years, the Western world was concerned that once a Soviet rocket was used to launch a satellite, their satellite technology would flow into the Soviet Union, so the western countries strictly restricted its own satellites from entering the Soviet Union. On the other hand, the Soviet Union strictly kept to the technical data confidentiality of its "Proton", making it difficult for foreign users to know "Proton"'s true reliability. Although the Soviet Union broadcasted a 51-second television news about the Proton rocket two years ago, the Western world always kept a skeptical and wait-and-see attitude toward the Soviet Union's launch service.

因此,尽管苏联的“质子号”火箭发射卫星的价格相当低廉一比中国还低, 但苏联的火箭在欧美国家用户中并不受欢迎,所以至今也未打入国际商业市场,无法形成很强的竞争力。

Therefore, although the price of the "Proton" rocket to launch satellites was quite low--lower than that of China, the Soviet rocket was not popular in Europe and the United States. Therefore, it failed to enter the international commercial market and be highly competitive.

由此可见,1986年的国际航天形势,导致欧洲诸国均处于被动不利的局面,而对中国的火箭打入国际商业市场却十分有利。

It could be concluded that the international space situation in 1986 led to a passive and unfavorable situation for European countries, but it was very advantageous for China's rockets to enter the international commercial market.

于是,有人分析了这一年的世界航天局势后,信誓旦旦地说:“ 1986年,中国火箭走向世界,真是天时、地利、人和。”

So, someone after analyzing the world space situation this year, confidently said: "In 1986, China's rocket went global, which is truly a combination of favourable timing, geographical and human conditions."

然而,初次上阵的中国,能否抓住这一契机呢?

However, could China, which was on its first trip, seize this opportunity?

八、周游列国的中国专家们

Ⅷ. Chinese Experts Traveling Around the World

1986年4月初的一天,中国商业卫星发射服务代表团从北京乘坐波音747飞机,前往美国进行有关卫星发射的商务接触。代表团团长乌可カ,副团长上官世盘。

One day in early April 1986, a Chinese commercial satellite launch service delegation took a Boeing 747 from Beijing to the United States for business contacts about satellite launch. Wu KeLi, the head of the delegation, and Shangguan Shipan, deputy head of the delegation.

自中国宣布对外承揽发射业务后,特别是美国的“挑战者号”航天飞机爆炸后,中国的“长征三号”火箭,一下子成了全世界瞩目的对象。

Since China had announced that it would undertake launching operations abroad, especially after the explosion of the US space shuttle Challenger, China's Long March 3 rocket suddenly attracted the attention of the whole world.

早在两个月前,瑞典公司便抢先与中国第一个签订了为其发射一颗邮政卫星的订座协议。紧接着,不少国家的公司也表示了愿同中国进行接触、磋商和洽谈的意向。如此良好的开局,对初出茅庐的中国来说,多少有点惊喜的感觉。

As early as two months ago, a Swedish company firstly signed a reservation agreement with China for its launch of a postal satellite. After that, companies from many countries also expressed their willingness to contact, consult and negotiate with China. Such a good start, for the fledgling China, was a surprise more or less.

但中国航天人同时也意识到,面对如此局势,世界各个航天大国绝不会等闲视之,也绝不肯让这种局势长久持续下去。比如,美国宇航局就迅速采取了各种弥补措施,正加紧提高竞争力;法国四处招揽生意,乘机扩大自己在国际市场的地盘;苏联也不肯放弃打入国际市场的雄心壮志,匆匆宣布将“质子号”火箭投入国际商业发射市场,并在短短3个月里组织成立了卫星发射服务机构;而身居岛国、一向精明的日本人,更非等闲之辈,早就瞄准了这一时机,果断取消了具有800公斤发射能力的某火箭发射计划,而直接加紧研制具有2吨发射能力的H-2大型运载火箭,并以惊人的速度,在华盛顿设立了卫星发射服务办事处,其目的显而易见,就是要乘机挤进国际商业发射市场!

At the same time, however, those Chinese working in the areospace industry realized that in the face of such a situation, the world's major aerospace powers would never stand by, nor would they allow this situation to continue for a long time. NASA, for example, quickly took various remedial measures trying to enhance its competitiveness. France solicited business around the world and took the opportunity to expand its territory in the international market. The Soviet Union also refused to give up the ambition to enter the international market, and hastily announced that the "Proton" rocket would put into the international commercial launch market, and a satellite launch service establioshed in just three months. While the Japanese, who lived in the island country, shrewd and smart, had aimed at this opportunity long before so that they decisively cancelled the launch plan of a certain rocket with a carrying capacity of 800 kilograms. Instead, it began to step up the development of the H-2 large carrier rocket with a 2-ton launching capacity, and set up a satellite launching service office in washington at an astonishing speed. Its purpose was obvious, that is, to seize the opportunity so as to squeeze into the international commercial launch market!

那么中国唯一的选择,就是抓住这一空隙,乘机出击!

Then China's only choice was to seize this opportunity to act timely!

而出击的第一个对象,就是威震天下的航天大国一美利坚合众国。

And China's first target was the United States, a space power that had shook the world.

这是华盛顿的一个礼拜天。

It was a Sunday in Washington.

上午8点整,中国商业卫星发射服务代表团在中国驻美大使馆一个会议大厅举行关于“中国商业卫星发射服务”的报告会。

At 8:00 a.m., the delegation of China's Commercial Satellite Launching Service held a briefing on "China's Commercial Satellite Launching Service" in the Conference Hall of the Chinese Embassy in the United States.

这一天,100多名听众济济一堂,会议大厅座无虚席。听众中,有美国外交部、国防部、运输部、商业部、宇航局等各政府部门近30名大小官员,还有媒体记者、各界名流、友好人士以及美籍华人等。他们既怀着一腔的热忱,又揣着好奇的心,第一次来听漂洋过海、远道而来的中国人谈中国的火箭。

On this day, more than 100 listeners gathered and the conference hall was full. Among the audience were nearly 30 officials ranging from the US Foreign Affairs Department, Defense Department, Transportation Department, Commerce Department, NASA and other government departments, as well as media reporters, celebrities from various circles, friendly people and Chinese Americans. With both enthusiasm and curiosity, they came for the first time to listen to Chinese people who had traveled across the ocean to talk about Chinese rockets.

首先,乌可カ致开场白。他刚一走上讲台,全场便响起热烈的掌声。他用目光扫视了一下台下,又理了理嘴上那撮剪得整整齐齐的贺龙式小胡子,然后オ亮开了嗓门。

First of all, Wu Keli delivered opening remarks. As soon as he stepped onto the platform, the audience burst into warm applause. Having glancing down the stage, he sorted out his neatly cut He Long-style mustache on his mouth then he started to speak.

在短短30分钟的演讲中,乌可カ既讲了 30年来中国航天事业走过的艰难历程,也讲了中国航天发展的美好前景,同时还讲了中国“长征号”火箭的性能、特点以及各种优惠政策等。讲着讲着,这位感情丰富的蒙古族汉子,眼里竟涌出了泪花。

In his short 30-minute speech, Wu Keli talked about not only the difficult history of China's space industry in the past 30 years, but also the bright prospects for China's space development. At the same time, he also spoke of the performance, characteristics of China's "Long March" rocket and various preferential policies on it. While speaking, the eyes of this emotional Mongolian man naturally poured out of tears.

乌可カ后来说,在那一刻,他仿佛感到自己不是站在国际讲台上,而是跪在先祖传说中的草原天堂“蒙兀圣地”上。

Wu Keli later said that at that moment, he felt as if he was not standing on the international platform, but kneeling on the grassland paradise "Mongolia Holy Land" in the legend of his ancestors.

接下来,上官世盘以中国政府官员的身份,作关于《中国商业卫星发射服务》的报告。

Next, Shangguan Shipan, as a Chinese government official, made a report on "China's Commercial Satellite Launch Service".

上官世盘的报告,同样激起听众一阵又一阵的掌声。人们听到的,仿佛不是上官世盘个人的发言,而是多年沉默的中国向世界发出的声音。

The report of Shangguan Shipan also aroused another round of applause from the audience. What people heard seemed not to be the personal speech of Shangguan Shipan, but the voice of China, which had been silent for many years, to the whole world.

的确,中国不能再封闭下去了,也不能再沉默下去了。千年的封闭与沉默,导致的是科技的衰败、生产カ的萎缩。今天,尘封的国门已经开启,昨天的秘密不再是秘密,中国到了应该讲讲自己的时候了,也早该讲讲自己了。因为中国不光搞出了原子弹、氢弹,还搞出了火箭、卫星;不光有了向世界展示自己的资格,也有让世界认识自己的责任。你不讲,别人怎么知道你?你不说,别人怎么了解你?不知道你、不了解你,怎么走向你?如何接近你?

China certainly could no longer be closed and silent. The continuous closure and silence for thousands of years led to the degradation of technology and the shrinkage of production. Today, the dusty door finally opened, and yesterday's secret was no longer a secret. It was high time for China talk about itself. And it should have done this long ago. China not only developed the atomic bomb and hydrogen bomb, but also produced the rockets and satellites. It not only have the qualifications to show themselves to the world, but also the responsibility to let the world know themselves. How could others know you if you didn't speak for yourself? How could others get close to you if they didn't know you?

果然,上官世盘的报告刚一结束,几十名记者便拥到他的身边,就中国火箭要承揽外国卫星发射问题,纷纷提问;之后,所有的华侨也都来到前台,向全体代表团成员表示问候与祝贺!

As soon as Shangguan's report ended, dozens of reporters rushed to his side and asked questions one after another as expected, mainly on the issue of China's rockets contracting for foreign satellite launches. After that, all the overseas Chinese came to the front desk to express their greetings and congratulations to all the members of the delegation!

一位老华侨拉着乌可カ的手说:“你们代表团来美国宣传中国的火箭,太让我们高兴了!不过,你们知道美国人说什么吗?”

An old overseas Chinese took Wu Keli's hand and said, "We are so happy to see your delegation coming to the United States to publicize China's rockets! But do you know what those Americans said?"

乌可カ问:“说什么?”
Wu Keli asked: "What?"

“他们说,中国人在美国只能开饭馆!”
"They said: 'Chinese can only run restaurants in the United States!'"

老华侨说完,潸然泪下。
Having said so, the old overseas Chinese shed silent tears.

乌可力的内心,也禁不住一阵酸楚。
Wu Keli could not help but feel a pang of sadness in his heart as well.

老华侨接着说道:“我们听了后,泪水只有往肚子里咽呀!”
The old man continued, "We can only digest the pain ourselves brought by those words!"

这时,另一位白发苍苍的华侨也走了过来,拉着代表团成员的手,眼泪汪汪地说:“中国是火箭的故乡,今天,火箭的故乡终于来人了。我活了 70岁,终于盼到了,盼到火箭又回到了火箭的故乡！”

At this time, another grey-haired overseas Chinese also came over, who took the hands of delegation members, said with tears: "China is the hometown of rockets. Today, someone finally came from the hometown of rockets. I have lived for 70 years and finally witness the return of rockets to its hometown!"

而几位年轻的美籍华人,则拉着代表团成员的手,一定要请他们到华人餐厅去喝上几盅！

While several young Chinese-Americans took the hands of the delegation members and insisted on inviting them to the Chinese restaurant for a few drinks!

当晚,几位知名美籍华人还来到代表团的住处,热情诚恳地向代表团介绍国际卫星市场的一些行情和背景。他们对代表团说:“你们到了美国,人生地不熟,千万不能轻举妄动。商业卫星发射市场,是商人们驰骋的世界,里面的事情复杂着呢! 如果遇上不摸底的公司找你们签合同,你们一定要先把情况摸清之后,再做决定, 而不能见人就同意,有合同就签。这好比说,本来是一个叫花子到你家门口讨饭, 你却把他当贵宾接待。这样就会把中国火箭的牌子搞砸了,以后的生意就很难做了!”

That evening, several well-known Chinese Americans also came to the residence of the delegation and warmly and sincerely introduced the delegation to the market and background of the international satellite market. They told the delegation,"You're in the United States, where you are almost unfamiliar with anything. So remember not to act recklessly. Commercial satellite launch market is the world of businessmen. The things inside the circle are intricated! If you are asked to sign a contract by a company you do not know, you must first find out the situation before making a decision. By no means can you agree with anyone or sign the contract recklessly. It's like that a beggar come to your door to beg, but you received him as a VIP. This will ruin the reputation of China's rockets, making it difficult to do business in the future!

第二天,《纽约日报》《华盛顿日报》等,以头版头条位置推出一条新闻:《中国商业卫星发射服务代表团到美国游说,企图与美国争夺卫星发射市场!》

The next day, Newsday and Washington Daily published a news headline: "China's Commercial Satellite Launch Service Delegation lobbied in the United States in an attempt to compete with the United States for the satellite launch market!”

是的,既然是国际商业市场,买卖就该大家做,竞争就该人人平等,任何国家和个人都不能独霸市场。这是市场经济的规律。

Since it is an international commercial market, everyone has opprotunities, and equal competitions should be guaranteed. No country or individual should dominate the market. This is the law of the market economy.

为了扩大影响,中国商业卫星发射服务代表团又分成4个小组,分别在华盛顿、纽约、洛杉矶、旧金山等地,宣传中国的火箭,并同十多个卫星公司进行了广泛的接触与交流。

In order to expand its influence, the China's Commercial Satellite Launch Service Delegation was divided into four groups, which were in Washington, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other places to publicize China's rockets, and had extensive contacts and exchanges with more than 10 satellite companies.

然而,远在东方、初出茅庐的中国,想到称霸世界的航天大国来“抢饭碗”,并不是一件容易的事。

However, as a newcomer from the far East in the Western world, it was not easy for China to attempt to scramble markets from the world's dominant aerospace power.

中国商业卫星发射服务代表团最先接触的,是美国休斯卫星公司。由于中国火箭专家首次涉足世界商业发射市场,一无基础,二无资本,三无关系,靠的仅是几张皱皱巴巴的火箭图纸和几张嘴。所以,代表团第一天到美国休斯卫星公司,首先就感觉让人瞧不起,美国人压根儿就没把他们这群黄皮肤的中国人放在眼里。美国休斯卫星公司的人与中国代表团的专家们见面握手时,伸出的手既无カ度,也无温度,更无诚意,完全是一种礼节性的表示而已;甚至有个别美国人环抱双臂,爱理不理,眼睛里还透露出几丝轻蔑。

The delegation first contacted Hughes Aircraft in the United States. It was the first time for Chinese rocket experts to set foot in the world commercial launch market. They had no foundation, no capital, and no connections. What they relied on were only a few crumpled rocket drawings and several mouths. So, on the first day to Hughes Aircraft, the delegation was looked down upon because those Americans never took that group of yellow-skinned Chinese seriously. When the people of the Hughes Aircraft met and shook hands with Chinese experts, the hands they extended were neither warm nor sincere without strength. They were purely a courtesy gesture. A few Americans even embraced their arms, ignoring the experts, a few traces of contempt found in their eyes.

中国商业卫星发射服务代表团与第二家美国卫星公司接触时,情况同样不妙。中国代表团按照事先与对方的约定,风尘仆仆地赶到美国这家卫星公司时,却被对方当成皮包公司的说客,毫不客气地拒之门外。

When the delegation contacted the second American satellite company, the situation was also not good. The Chinese delegation who were travel-stained arrived at the company as agreed, only to be impolitely turned away by the company as a lobbyist for a shell company.

中国商业卫星发射服务代表团又找到第三家美国卫星公司。这家公司还算不错,总算给了面子,让他们进了公司的大门。可当这家公司的一位副总裁出面接待时,并不热情,也看不出有多少诚意;尤其是当中方提出希望就某些发射事宜进行洽谈时,这位副总裁态度很是傲慢,看了中国专家一眼,张ロ就说:“洽谈?洽谈当然可以。不过,按我们西方人的规矩,得先付洽谈费!”

the Chinese delegation had no choice but to seek for a third satellite company. It was not so bad to be allowed enter the company this time. But when a vice president of the company came forward to receive them, he looked neither enthusiastic nor sincere very much. Especially when the Chinese delegation proposed to hold talks on certain launch matters, the vice president showed great arrogance. Glancing at the Chinese experts, he said: "Negotiations? Of course we can. The point is, you have to pay the negotiation fee first! That's our Westerners' rule!"

“洽谈费?什么洽谈费?”乌可カ一头雾水。 “就是先付钱。”

"Negotiation fee? What's that?" Wu Keli was confused. "That means paying in advance."

乌可カ一听要钱,觉得不可思议。
Wu Keli felt incredible when being asked for money.

之后,乌可カ又掏出一份三四页纸的意见书,用试探的口气对这位副总裁说: “我们准备了一份意见书,请您看看,是否有合作的基础?”

Then, Wu Keli took out a position paper of three or four pages, tentatively speaking to the vice president, " We have prepared a position paper. Could you please take a look and consider if there is a foundation for cooperation?"

这位副总裁拿起意见书,翻了一下,说了一句话:“等你们能拿得出一尺厚的意见书之后,再来谈吧。”

The vice president picked up the paper, looked it through, and said, "We can talk about it again only when you show me a one-foot-thick paper."

“为什么?”乌可カ问。
"Why?" asked Wu Keli.

副总裁抬腕看了看表,说:“先生,对不起,我们约定的时间已到。”
The vice president raised his wrist and looked at his watch, saying, "Sir, I'm sorry, but the time we agreed has arrived."

一连在三家公司受挫,中国商业卫星发射服务代表团颇感沮丧。

The delegation was frustrated by consecutive setbacks in three companies.

这时,有的美籍华人便指点他们说:“你们与美国的公司打交道,光凭嘴说不行,得有一个招标书之类的东西。”

At this time, some Chinese Americans reminded them: "You cannot deal with American companies by mere lip service. You have to prepare a tender or something like that."

但美籍华人说的这“招标书”,具体是什么,中国商业卫星发射服务代表团并不明白,有的团员甚至还是第一次听说。比如,招标书在商务中起什么作用,起多大的作用,怎么运作,他们一点也搞不清楚,脑子里只有一个大致的概念。至于招标书具体怎么写,更是一无所知。 Chapter Seven 于是,他们只好找到第四家美国公司,想请对方帮他们编写一份招标书。在他们的概念中,请美方帮着编写一份招标书,就像在国内随便找个人帮着起草一份企划稿,小事一桩,算不了什么。

But the delegation didn't know what the "tender" Chinese Americans said referred to, and some memebers even heard of it for the first time. For example, what role did the tender play in business, how much it plays, and how it operates, they don't know at all, and they only have a general concept in mind. As for how to write the tender, they had no idea at all. So, they had no choice but to find the fourth American company to ask them to help them write a tender. In their view, asking the U.S. company to help them prepare a tender was like asking someone in China to help them draft a business plan, a trivial matter, nothing more.

“我们想请你们编写一份招标书。”他们来到一家公司,开诚布公,说明来意。
"We would like to ask you to prepare a tender." They came to a company, openly and honestly, explained their demands.

该公司负责人听了后,说:“帮你们编写招标书,当然可以。”
The company's director listened and said, "Of course I can help you write the tender.”

乌可カ一听很高兴,几天来的一件心事总算有了着落。
Wu Keli was very happy to hear because a load on his mind haunting him for the past few days had finally been set down.

“不过,”这位负责人说,“得先付定金。”
"Well," said the director, "you have to pay a deposit first.”

一听又要钱,乌可カ转身就想走。但在走之前,他还是小心翼翼地试着问了一句:“要付多少定金啊?”
Hearing that money had to go first like before, Wu Keli turned around, planning to leave. But before leaving, he asked cautiously: "How much is it?"

“一百万美元”！
"One million dollars!"

“什么? 一百万美元!？”
"What? One million dollars?"

乌可力和代表团成员个个惊得目瞪ロ呆。等清醒过来后,第一件事就是急忙握手,马上“拜拜”。

Wu Keli and the delegation were all stunned. When they came to their senses, the first thing they did was to shake hands and say "goodbye" immediately.

接下来,他们又找到另一家美国公司。可他们刚与这家公司的人见面,对方就让他们介绍自己的专业背景,意思是看你有没有谈论发射火箭问题的资格。等他们介绍了自己的专业背景后,对方又提出一个稀奇古怪的问题:“你们西昌发射场四周都是山,发射卫星时,要是火箭喷出的大火把山冲倒了,山再翻过来,把火箭推倒了怎么办?”

Then they found another American company. But at their first meeting, they were asked to introduce their professional background, to show the company whether they were qualified to talk about launching rockets. After this part, the company asked another strange question: "There are mountains all around the Xichang launch site. When you launch the satellite, what if the rocket shoot out fire and blow down the mountain, and then the mountain fragments knock down the rocket?"

乌可カ一听这话,感到非常窝火,便来了脾气,毫不客气地回敬说:“你说的这个问题,根本就不是个问题。我们西昌发射场发射了那么多颗卫星,从来没有出现过像你说的这种情况。很显然,你提的这个问题没有根据。如果你不信的话, 我可以邀请你们去西昌发射场参观一次我们的发射,看看到底是不是像你说的那样。”

Hearing this, Wu Keli felt very annoyed, so he lost his temper and replied unceremoniously: "The problem you mentioned is not a problem at all. We have launched so many satellites from the Xichang launch site, but there has never been such a situation as you said. Obviously, your question is groundless.If you don't believe me, I can invite you to visit our launch at the Xichang launch site to see if it is as you said.”

其实,上述发生的这些不愉快,算不了什么。乌可カ告诉我,真正让中国代表团感到气愤的,是后来与美国特雷卫星公司打交道时发生的一件事。

In fact, the above-mentioned unhappiness was nothing. What really irritated the Chinese delegation, Wu Keli told me, was an incident that occurred later when dealing with the American company Trey Satellite.

那天,按事先的约定,乌可カ与美国特雷卫星公司总经理舒尔兹先生进行会谈。两人相见后,乌可カ刚一落座,舒尔兹先生便将一本画报递到他的手上,说: “看看吧!”

On that day, as agreed in advance, Wu Keli had a meeting with Mr. Schulz, the general manager of the American Trey Satellite Company. When they met, Mr. Schulz handed him a pictorial newspaper as soon as he was seated, saying: "Take a look!"

乌可カ接过画报一看,惊呆了!画报第9页竟有这样一幅漫画:4个啤酒瓶组成一个“发射架”，“发射架”上挂着一个又粗又长的鞭炮,鞭炮上写着:中国“长征三号”！

Wu Keli took the pictorial and was astonished! On page 9 of the pictorial there was a cartoon of four beer bottles forming a "launcher" on which a thick and long firecracker was hung, and on the firecracker wrote "China's "Long March 3"!

“奇耻大辱!简直是奇耻大辱!”乌可カ气得手指发颤,半晌说不出话来。

"What a shame! What a shame!" Wu Keli's fingers trembled with rage, and he was speechless for a while.

舒尔兹先生叹了口气,说:“这就是有些美国人对你们中国航天技术的评价！他们认为你们的发射架是啤酒瓶做的,不保险;而’长征三号’火箭,则像一挂小孩子玩耍的鞭炮！”

Mr. Schulz sighed and said, "This is how some Americans think about your Chinese space technology! They think your launcher is made of beer bottles, not safe; and the 'Long March III' rocket is just like firecrackers made for children! "

乌可カ啪地合上画报,说:“是的,我这次到美国来,有人还问我,中国有没有自来水?”

Wu Keli flapped it hard and replied, "That's true, when I came to America this time, someone even asked me if China has tap water?"

“什么?竟有这等事情?!”舒尔兹反倒惊诧起来。
"What? Really?" It was Schulz’s turn to be surprised this time.

“我回答他们说,中国不仅有自来水,还有原子弹、氢弹、亿次计算机！还有同步通信卫星,还有’长征号’火箭!”乌可カ一ロ气说完,非常激动,一脸通红。

"I replied to them that China not only had tap water, but also atomic bombs, hydrogen bombs, billion-time computers! There are also synchronous communication satellites, and the 'Long March' rocket!" Wu Keli finished speaking in one breath with great excitement and a red face.

舒尔兹先生望着气呼呼的乌可カ,深感歉意,什么话也说不出来。

Looking at the angry Wu Keli, Mr. Schultz was deeply apologetic and could not say anything.

片刻,乌可カ转过身来,说:“舒尔兹先生,谢谢您今天让我看到了这幅漫画！不过,我有个小小的请求,不知能否如我所愿?”

For a moment, Wu Keli turned around and said,"Mr. Schultz, thank you for letting me see this cartoon today! And may I have a small request?"

“什么请求?请讲,我一定尽力而为。”舒尔兹先生说。

"What's that? Just say it, and I'll do it as much as possible." Mr. Schultz said.

乌可カ抖了抖手中的画报,非常平静地说:“这本画报,您能不能送给我?”

Wu Keli shook the pictorial in his hand and said calmly, "Can you give me this pictorial?"

舒尔兹先生说:“你要它干吗?”

"Why do you want this?" asked Mr. Schultz.

乌可カ说:“我要把它带回我的祖国去,让我的同胞们都好好看看！然后,再将它放到博物馆里,做个永久的’纪念’！”

"I'll take it back to my motherland and let all my compatriots read it! Then, put it in the museum and make a permanent 'memorial'!"

“既然如此,那就随意吧。”舒尔兹先生说。

"Well, you can bring it back," said Mr. Schultz.

乌可カ抓起画报,转身离去。

Wu Keli grabbed the pictorial and turned to leave.

中国代表团此次去美“游说”,长达半月。在这半个月里,尽管代表团碰到了许多坎坷,遇到了不少挫折,甚至还经历了一些有苦难言的心酸,但到了后期,当休斯公司一位首席科学家认真听取了中方介绍的“长征”系列火箭的详细情况后,认为用中国的“长征三号”运载火箭发射美国的卫星,在技术上是可行的,也是可信的。这让美国一些卫星公司对中国火箭的信任度明显增加,双方最终还是进入了商务性谈判阶段。

The Chinese delegation went to the United States to "lobby" for half a month. In the past half month, the delegation had encountered many obstacles, setbacks, and even some unspeakable grief. However, in the later stage, a chief scientist of Hughes Aircraft carefully listened to the detailed information of the "Long March" series rockets introduced by China and believed that using China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket to launch American satellites was technically feasible and credible. This led some US satellite companies to significantly increase their trust in Chinese rockets, and the two sides have finally entered the stage of commercial negotiations.

因此,就首次出征而言,中国代表团这次“游说”美国,虽不能说首战告捷,但也算可圈可点;不光与美国泛美太平洋公司、多美尼影视卫星公司等签订了 6个订座协议,还与美国特雷卫星公司草签了2个发射合同。

Therefore, in terms of its first expedition, the Chinese delegation's "lobbying" of the United States this time was commendable, even if it couldn't be said that it won the first battle smoothly. Not only did we sign six seat-booking agreements with the Pan-American Pacific Company and the Domeny Television Satellite Company, but it also initialled two launch contracts with the Trey Satellite Company.

九、轨道大转移

IX. Orbit Transfer

中国承揽外国卫星发射业务这一史无前例的举动,不仅在国外引起很大震动, 在国内也引起强烈反响。从中央到地方,从航天专家到普通老百姓,无不对此表示深切的关注,也无不对此表示莫大的担心。

China's unprecedented act to undertake foreign satellite launch business not only caused great shock abroad, but also aroused strong repercussions at home. From central authorities to local authorities, from aerospace experts to the ordinary people, all of them have expressed deep concern and great worry about this.

众所周知,近代以来中国是一个贫穷落后的国家,中华民族是一个长期备受欺辱的民族。直到1949年10月,用毛泽东的话来说,中国人民才站起来了。
It is widely known that China has been a poor and backward country since modern times, and the Chinese nation has been bullied and humiliated for a long time. It was not until October 1949, in Chairman Mao's words, that the Chinese people stood up.

但是,站起来了,并不等于一定能走下去。任何一个国家,任何一个民族,要想在这个世界上求生存、求发展,有威望、有地位,不受外来侵略、不受外来欺侮,除了必须具有完善的社会制度,还必须拥有高度发达的经济、军事和科学技术;尤其是历史发展到大科学时代的今天,科学技术发达与否,事关重大,举足轻重。

However, standing up does not necessarily mean you can go on. For any country or nation, in order to survive and develop in this world, to have prestige and status, and to be free from foreign invasion and humiliation, it must not only have a sound social system, but also have a highly developed economy, military, and science and technology. Especially in today's era of big science, whether science and technology are developed or not does matter.

因此,在当今这个大科学时代,“科学社会化,社会科学化”已然成为一种日益发展的新趋势。科学技术的发展,不仅对社会生产、社会生活以及军事领域等的连锁变革产生了深远影响,而且对社会经济也产生了重大作用。

Therefore, in this age, "the socialization of science and the scientifization of society" has become a growing new trend. The development of science and technology not only has a profound impact on the continuous reform of social production, social life and military fields, but also has a major role in social economy.

众所周知,“热兵器”时代的诞生,使得“冷兵器”时代成为历史;舰船、飞机、大炮、坦克和战略导弹的出现和应用,使人类的战争舞台上出现了海军、空军、机械化部队和导弹部队;而!957年10月4日,苏联将人类第一颗人造卫星送上天,又把人类带入了神奇的航天时代。

As we all know, the birth of the era of "hot weapons" makes the era of "cold weapons" history; the emergence and application of warships, aircraft, large artillery, tanks, and strategic missiles have brought about the emergence of navies, air forces, mechanized units, and missile units on the stage of human warfare. On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union sent the first artificial satellite into space, which brought mankind into the wonderful space age.

而中国,这个早在一千多年前就发明了世界上第一枚火箭的国家,这个过去连自行车、汽车、飞机都不能制造的国家,1970年4月24日,将中国第一颗人造卫星 “东方红一号”成功地送上了茫茫太空!

China, which had invented the world's first rocket more than 1,000 years ago, and which used to be unable to manufacture bicycles, automobiles and airplanes, successfully launched its first man-made satellite named "Dong Fang Hong 1" into space on April 24, 1970!

此后,中国开始了向现代火箭技术的挺进。经过几十年的艰苦奋斗,不仅研制成功了近程、中程和远程火箭,而且在航天技术上实现了三次重大突破:飞向太空, 返回地面,发射同步通信卫星。

Since then, China has begun to advance to modern rocket technology. After decades of hard work, China has not only successfully developed short-range, medium-range, and long-range rockets, but also made three major breakthroughs in space technology: flying into space, returning to the ground, and launching synchronous communication satellites.

而今天,中国的火箭又将走向世界,为国外发射商业卫星,实现从国内试验轨道到国际商业轨道的大转移。这是中国航天发射的一个重大转变,也是一个民族一次新的飞跃。

Today, China's rockets would go to the world by launching commercial satellites for foreign countries, and the great transfer from domestic test tracks to international commercial tracks would be realized. This was a major change in China's space launch and a new leap for a nation.

中国改革开放后,整个国家工作重点转移到社会主义现代化建设上,1985年5月的军委扩大会议上,中央对国防科技工业也提出了要求一国防科技工业也要实行相应的战略大转变。

After China's reform and opening up, the focus of the whole country's work shifted to the construction of socialist modernization. At the enlarged meeting of the Military Commission in May 1985, the Central Committee also put forward requirements for the defense-related science, technology and industry, which was required to implement corresponding strategic changes.

但国防科技工业如何实现这一转变,却是一道大难题。

However, how to realize this transformation in the defense-related science, technology and industry was a throny problem.

产冰箱,搞彩电,固然是条门路;造轮胎,做灯泡,也是一种办法;开公司,办工厂,外加技术输出,同样无可非议。

Producing refrigerators, color TV sets was certainly a solution; making tires and light bulbs was also another one; operating a company, running a factory with technology output were equally justifiable.

问题是,若是长此下去,最终的出路到底在哪里?

The question was, if continuing for long, what would be the ultimate solution?

过去,中国所有的发射,都是属于科研试验性质。也就是说,无论是火箭还是卫星,都是科研试验产品,不能像食盐、酱油、红薯、土豆那样随便拿到市场去卖,所有的研制经费都是靠国家拨专款支撑;而且,高科技必然是高投资。

In the past, all of China's launches were of a scientific and experimental nature. That is to say, both rockets and satellites were mede for scientific research and experiments, which couldn't be sold on the market like salt, soy sauce, sweet potatoes and potatoes, because all research and development funds came from special funds allocated by the state.

但是,如果能发射外国卫星,就属于商业性质的发射,就是一种不出国门的高技术服务。换句话说,中国的高科技就可以从原来的科研试验轨道,一下转移到商品经济的轨道。除了壮国威、壮军威、鼓士气,还可创造经济价值,赚取大量外汇。而中国改革开放后,要引进大量的先进技术、先进设备,急需的正是外汇!

However, the launch of foreign satellites was of a commercial nature, as a high-tech service at home. In other words, China's high-tech could transferred from the stage of scientific research and experiment to the stage of the commercial economy. In addition to strengthening national prestige, military prestige and morale, it would also create economic value and earn a large amount of foreign exchange. After China's reform and opening up, which meant a large amount of advanced technology and equipment would be introduced, what was urgently needed was nothing less than foreign exchange!

同时,发射外国卫星,是一种商业性质的国际技术交流与合作。通过这种交流与合作,中国的发射队伍和测控队伍,可以开阔眼界,获得实践和提高业务水平的机会,从中学到不少宝贵的经验,借以改进不足,促进自身技术水平的发展。

Besides, launching foreign satellites turned to be a commercial international technical exchange and cooperation. Through such exchanges and cooperation, China's launching and tracking, testing and controling teams could broaden their horizons, gain opportunities to practice and improve their professional skills, and learn a lot of valuable experience from them, so as to improve their inadequacies and promote the development of their own technical level.

此外,由于发射外国卫星是商业性质,国外厂商对发射质量的要求必然十分严格,甚至相当苛刻,这就逼着中国的科技队伍必须提升自己,去适应和满足国外市场的要求。

In addition, due to the commercial nature of the launch of foreign satellites, and those strict or even harsh requirements put forward by foreign manufacturers for launch quality, China's technology team was forced to improve themselves and adapt to and meet the requirements of foreign markets.

当然了,既然发射外国卫星是商业性质,就必然要考虑经济效益问题,这就迫使中国从思想观念到思维方式、从技术革新到队伍管理等各个方面,来一次彻底改变。

Moreover, since it was commercialized, naturally its economic benefits should also be considered, which forced China to make a thorough change in all aspects, from ideology to thinking mode, from technological innovation to team management.

因此,发射外国卫星对中国而言,不光是一次技术革命,更是一次思想革命! 1986年7月17日上午,国防科工委和航天部领导在国务院第十三会议室就发射外国卫星问题,向中央财经领导小组专门作了详细的汇报。

Therefore, launching foreign satellites was not only a technological revolution for china, but also an ideological revolution! On the morning of July 17, 1986, leaders of the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense and the Ministry of Aerospace Affairs made a detailed report to the Central Financial and Economic Leading Group on the issue of launching foreign satellites in the 13th Conference Room of the State Council.

很快,国务院、中央军委下达了正式文件,将发射外国卫星列入国家的重点工程。

Soon the State Council and the Central Military Commission issued an official document listing the launch of foreign satellites as a national key project.

于是,有关发射外国卫星的工程、技术及生活等各方面的准备工作,很快在全国展开。仅西昌卫星发射基地亟待抢建的工程,就达十项之多!

As a result, preparations for the launch of foreign satellites in engineering, technology and life soon spread throughout the country. There were as many as 10 projects that needed building urgently just at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center!

十、面对世界的挑战

X. Facing the Challenges from the World

厄运降临时

When Bad Luck Striking

1986年夏,国际空间技术商务会议在美国华盛顿举行。中国代表团怀着忐忑的心情,第一次迈进了这个会场。

In the summer of 1986, the International Space Technology Business Conference was held in Washington, USA. The Chinese delegation entered the venue for the first time with anxiety.

就在这次会上,中国“长征三号”运载火箭第一次在美国、英国、法国、日本、澳大利亚等数十个国家的代表面前正式亮相,并经受了对方各种各样的考验,当然也包括某些刁难。

At this meeting, China's "Long March 3" carrier rocket for the first time was shown to the representatives of the official in the United States, Britain, France, Japan, Australia and other dozens of countries, and withstood the a variety of tests of them, of course, including deliberate harassment.

此后几个月里,美国、加拿大的4家保险公司和17家空间技术公司先后与中国开展了业务联系,20多颗不同类型的卫星开始微笑着向中国靠拢。

Over the past few months, four insurance companies and 17 space technology companies from the United States and Canada had established business ties with China, and more than 20 satellites of different types have begun to approach China.

198年底,中国与美国西联卫星公司签订了用“长征三号”火箭发射“西联六号”卫星的发射订座协议。

At the end of 1986, China signed a reservation agreement with the Western Union Satellite Company of the United States for the launch of the Westar-6 satellite by the Long March 3 rocket.

此外,印度尼西亚、澳大利亚、加拿大、联邦德国和泰国等,则与中国在洽谈之中;而其他一些公司,也表示了要让中国发射卫星的意向。

In addition, Indonesia, Australia, Canada, the Federal Republic of Germany and Thailand were in negotiation with China. Other companies have also expressed their willingness to launch satellites with assistance of China.

中国对外商业卫星发射,可谓形势大好,前景喜人。

It could be said that the situation of China's foreign commercial satellite launch was in good times with a promising future.

然而,竞争激烈的国际航天发射市场毕竟不是什么人都可以随便出入的,更不是任凭中国随意运作的。正当中国在通向国际商业卫星发射市场的路上春风得意并钏足了劲儿拼命往里挤时,一场似乎早已注定的商业危机却悄然降临了。

However, the highly competitive international space launch market was not a place where any country could enter and exit at will, let alone let China develop at will. Just as China was incresingly growing in the the international commercial satellite launch market, a business crisis that seemed to be doomed quietly arrived.

由于国际商业市场中某种微妙的原因,一双双神秘的大手最早伸向的是已经和中国签订了发射订座协议的美国西联卫星公司:不仅银行纷纷拒绝为它提供贷款,所有“绿灯”也突然统统对它关闭。最后,在残酷的商业竞争和无形的外力挤压下,西联卫星公司被迫倒闭!

Due to some subtle reasons in the international commercial market, pairs of mysterious hand first grasped the US Western Union Satellite Company which had signed a launch reservation agreement with China. Not only did banks refuse to provide loans for it, but all the "green lights" is suddenly closed to it. Finally, under the cruel business competition and invisible external coercion, Western Union Satellite Company was forced to collapse!

西联卫星公司倒闭后,美国特雷卫星公司的总裁施瓦兹先生却接过西联卫星公司的六号卫星订座协议,亲自率领几名专家来到中国,坚持继续用中国的火箭为其发射卫星。

After the collapse of Western Union Satellite Company, Mr. Schwartz, president of Trey Satellite Company in the United States, took over the reservation agreement of Western Union Satellite Company's No.6 satellite, personally led several experts to China, and insisted on continuing to use Chinese rockets to launch satellites for it.

施瓦兹先生是位美籍华人,对中国感情极深。他之所以要前仆后继,知难而上,一方面出于某种商业道德的考虑,另一方面则出于对中国的深厚感情。当他千里迢迢来到北京时,中方代表曾提醒他说:“美国西联卫星公司已经倒闭,请您务必慎重行事。”但他说:“正因为西联卫星公司失败了,我才要接着干下去。我这一生最后的愿望,就是要在亚洲地区建立一个庞大的专业卫星通信网络,让亚洲地区的人民,充分享受到中国火箭带给他们的欢乐与幸福。我要用自己的行动来向世界证明,中国的火箭完全能够发射美国的卫星,中国的火箭一定能够打入国际商业发射市场!”

Mr. Schwartz was a Chinese-American who had deep feelings for China. The reason why he took on it with throny difficulties, was that, for one thing, he did that out of some business ethics considerations; for another, out of his deep feelings for China. When he came to Beijing from afar, the Chinese representative reminded him, "Western Union Satellite Company has closed down. Please be careful." But he answered, "It's because of its collapse that I have to go on. My last wish in this life is to build a huge professional satellite communications network in Asia so that the people in Asia can fully enjoy the joy and happiness Chinese rockets bring to them. I want to prove to the world by my own that China's rockets can completely launch US satellites, and that China's rockets will definitely be able to enter the international commercial launch market!"

于是在取得特雷公司的大力支持后,施瓦兹先生开始周游列国、游说八方,最后终于获得了加拿大、澳大利亚等财团的资助,很快与中国草签了协议书,并预付了第一笔定金。之后不久,在北京香格里拉饭店,施瓦兹先生坐在一个月前西联卫星公司总裁签字的同一位置上,挥笔与中国签订了正式合同。

So after obtaining the strong support of Trey Company, Mr. Schwartz began to travel around the world to lobby other countries. Finally, he was funded by consortia such as Canada and Australia. He quickly initialed an agreement with China and paid the first deposit in advance. Shortly thereafter, at the Shangri-La Hotel in Beijing, Mr. Schwartz sat in the same position as the president of Western Union Satellite who had signed a month ago and signed a formal contract with China.

这是中国发射外国卫星的第一个正式合同。

This is the first formal contract for China to launch a foreign satellite.

可惜,特雷卫星公司最终还是和西联公司一样,没有逃脱破产的命运。据说, 当施瓦兹先生收到中止合同的法律文书时,这位六十岁的总裁竟流下了满脸热泪。

Unfortunately, Trey Satellite, like Western Union, could not escape bankruptcy in the end. It is said that when Mr. Schwartz received the legal documents to terminate the contract, the 60-year-old president actually shed tears on his face.

至此,中国好不容易签订的两份正式发射合同就这样作废了。

At this point, the two official launch contracts signed by China with great difficulty were invalidated.

更惨的是,不到一年的时间里,最后除瑞典一家外,国外所有公司与中国签订的发射合同与订座协议,通通退得一干二净。甚至某些过去曾向中国大献殷勤的外商,也纷纷退避三舍。

To make matters worse, in less than a year, all the launch contracts and reservation agreements foreign companies had sighedwith china, except for the Swedish one, were completely withdrawn. Even some foreign businessmen who used to court China also retreated.

这是怎么回事呢?
What was going on?

中国政府自宣布对外承揽卫星发射业务后,世界各国的卫星公司先后来到中国,在北京万源公司、西昌卫星发射基地和西安卫星测控中心等地进行了一系列的参观、访问和洽谈活动。尽管他们不得不承认,中国无论是火箭的设计、研制水平, 还是火箭的发射、测控技术,都还不错。但国外的专家和老板们不是理想主义者, 他们拒绝空谈,只认事实,在没有绝对把握的情况下,是不可能把一个公司的命运随随便便系在中国的裤腰带上的。

Since the Chinese government announced that it would undertake satellite launching business, satellite companies from all over the world came to China one after another and conducted a series of visits and negotiations in Beijing Wanyuan Company, Xichang Satellite Launch Center and Xi'an Satellite TT & C Center. They had to admit that either the design and development level of China's rockets or the technology of launch and measurement and control was good. But for those foreign experts and bosses who were not idealists, they refused to just have a lip service and only believed the facts. It was impossible for them to easily tie the fate of a company to China without absolute certainty.

那么,到底是什么原因致使中国陷入如此难堪的境地呢?
So, what caused China to fall into such an embarrassing situation?

第一,中国火箭发射次数太少。“长征号”火箭尽管已经成功地发射了几颗卫星,但与国外相比,发射的次数太少一只有两三次。由于发射次数少,所以火箭技术缺乏令人充分信服的根据。其可靠程度就难说,也不好预料。

Firstly, China had too few rocket launches. Although the Long March rocket had successfully launched several satellites, compared with foreign countries, the launches were too few--only two or three times. Due to the small number of launches, the rocket technology lacked a fully convincing basis. And the degree of reliability was hard to evaluate and unpredictable.

第二,中国西昌发射场尚未达到国际标准。虽然西昌发射场在中国算是一个最现代化的发射场了,但当年筹建这个发射场时,可能什么都想到了,就是没想到今后有一天中国的火箭会发射外国的卫星。因此,尽管外国人承认中国的发射场具有发射外国卫星的能力,但从实际情况来看,在设施、交通、通信、生活等方面,目前尚未达到国际标准。比如,没有符合国际标准的卫星测试厂房,没有从美国直达西昌的航班,这一点对讲究时间效率的美国人来说非常重要;甚至连一个像样的宾馆也没有。虽说老外们也亲眼看到,西昌发射场确实正在抢建之中,但他们无法相信,如此复杂庞大的工程,中国能在一年时间内抢建出来。

Second, China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center failed to meet international standards. Although the XSLC was considered the most modern launch site in China and everything was taken into consideration when they built the launch site years ago, they didn't expect that one day China's rockets would launch foreign satellites. Therefore, although foreigners recognized that China's launch sites had the capability to launch foreign satellites, the actual situation showed that China's facilities, transportation, communications, and daily life didn't reach international standards. For example, China had no internationallty standardized satellite test plant, and there was no direct flight from the United States to Xichang, which was very important to Americans who valued time efficiency. And there was even no decent hotel. Although foreigners also saw with their own eyes that the Xichang launch site was indeed under construction, they didn't believe that such a complex and huge project could be built in China within a year.

第三,国际保险界对中国火箭缺乏信任。发射商业卫星,属于高投资、高难度、高风险的行业,无论是火箭飞行阶段,还是卫星与火箭分离后从同步轨道到定点静止轨道,每个阶段随时都存在失败的可能,所以国际上有专门的保险公司出面为其担保。但美国、法国近期几次发射失败后,世界不少保险公司严重亏损,最后被迫退出空间保险市场,有的甚至彻底破产。在此情况下,一方面,国际空间发射保险率急剧上涨,由原来的15%上涨到近40%一一即便如此,保险商仍然不愿出面担保;另一方面,国际保险公司对中国火箭的可靠性本来就缺乏认识,再遇上美国、法国的连连失败,就更不愿出面为中国火箭保险了。中国的保险公司又从未担任过空间保险,再加上中国尚无一个完善的保险机构,保险问题便成了一大难题。而只要发射商业卫星,就必须有保险公司承保;没有保险公司承保,万一发射失败,谁来赔钱?

Third, the international insurance community lacked trust in Chinese rockets. Launching commercial satellites is an industry with high investment, high difficulty and high risk. Whether it is the rocket flight phase or the phase of the satellite moving from the synchronous orbit to the fixed point static orbit after its speration with the rocket, each stage may fail at any time, so the international special insurance company to guarantee for it. However, after the recent launch failures of the United States and France, many insurance companies in the world suffered serious losses and were forced to withdraw from the space insurance market, and some even went bankrupt completely. Under such circumstances, on the one hand, the insurance rate for international space launches rised sharply, from 15 percent to nearly 40 percent. Even so, insurers were still unwilling to take out insurance. On the other hand, international insurance companies had a lack of understanding of the reliability of Chinese rockets. Having encountering repeated failures in the United States and France, they were even more reluctant to come forward to insure Chinese rockets. China's insurance companies havd never acted as a space insurance, and China had no a perfect insurance institution, thus insurance became a big problem. But as long as a commercial satellite is launched, it must be insured by an insurance company. Without insurance coverage, who will compensate if the launch fails?

第四,金融界不愿贷款。中国人办事,是钱多多办事,钱少少办事,没钱就不办事。外国人则不同,有钱要办事,没钱也要办事,而且还要办大事。这就是靠贷款。外国商家要购买一颗卫星请人发射,至少需要上亿美元。如此一笔巨款,别无选择,只能靠贷款。但是,当时国际金融界对中国的火箭缺乏了解,或者说不信任,所以不愿轻易为其贷款。

Fourth, the financial community was reluctant to lend. Chinese people always act with the principle that if they have much money, they will do more; if they have little money, they will do less; if they have no money, they will not do anything. Foreigners, on the other hand, they do things whether they have money or not, even they will do great things without enough money. Loans then became the soluition. For foreign businesses, it took at least hundreds of millions of dollars to buy a satellite to launch. Facing such a huge sum of money, there was no choice but to rely on loans. However, at that time, the international financial community lacked understanding, or distrusted of China's rockets, so they were reluctant to lend them easily.

第五,美国卫星出境困难。在美国,卫星属于高技术产品,而高技术产品的出境,必须经美国国务院、国防部、武器出口控制委员会等有关部门批准;此外,还要受到国际巴黎统筹委员会的限制。而巴黎统筹委员会是由英、美、法、德、日等多国组成的一个专管高技术出口的国际性组织,全世界所有高技术产品的出口 , 都要在它那里注册备案;凡是未经批准者,一律不许出境。所以,外商们对中国到底有没有能力打通这一系列的关口,最后搞到卫星出境许可证,持怀疑、观望的态度。

Fifth, it was difficult for US satellites to go abroad. In the united states, satellites are high-tech products, and the exit of high-tech products must be approved by the US State Department, the Department of Defense, the Arms Export Control Committee, and other relevant departments. In addition, it was subject to the restrictions of the International Paris Coordinating Committee for Export to Communist Countries. The Paris Coordinating Committee was an international organization composed of Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Japan and other countries. All exports of high-tech products from all over the world must be registered and put on record with it. Anythting unapproved were not allowed to exit. Therefore, foreign businessmen held a skeptical and wait-and-see attitude to China's ability to clear series of barriers and finally get a satellite exit permit.

第六,西欧某些国家在暗中进行抵制、阻挠。客观地说,不是所有西方国家都欢迎中国进入国际商业市场,甚至有的国家一开始就对中国进行抵制。所以在谈判过程中,他们在一些条款、技术、价格等问题上,总是想方设法出难题;有的还在背后散布一些对中国火箭很不利的言论,甚至不时搞点小动作。

Sixth, some countries in Western Europe secretly resisted and obstructed China. Objectively speaking, not all western countries welcomed China's entry into the international commercial market, and some even boycotted China from the very beginning. Therefore, in the process of negotiation, they always managed to raise difficulties on some issues such as terms, technology, and price. Some even spread behind the scenes some remarks that were very unfavorable to China's rockets, and even sometimes secretly engaged in actions adverse to China.

基于上述六点,外商们纷纷离去,也就不难理解了。

Based on the above six factors, it is not difficult to understand why foreign businessmen left one after another.

对此,中国火箭研究院院长沈辛茹深有体会,他说:“外国公司并不希望我们中国的火箭进入国际市场,成为他们的竞争对手。记得1988年我去法国库鲁发射场参观’阿里亚娜’火箭的第二十五次发射,临走前领导对我说,去了法国要多做工作,多向外商说明,我们一年只提供两枚火箭来发射外国卫星,只作为国际商业市场的一个补充,我们主要是满足国内的卫星发射。带着这个任务,我见到他们就宣传,可得到的反应却非常强烈,也很一致,他们激动地说:’你说得很轻松,中国一年才提供两枚火箭发射,我们一年才八枚火箭呢!’这次给我留下的印象是,我们要进入国际市场,他们不欢迎,绝对不欢迎！”

In this regard, Shen Xinru, president of the China Rocket Research Institute, held a deep understanding. He said, "Foreign companies do not want our Chinese rockets to enter the international market and become their competitors. I still remember in 1988 when I visited the 25th launch of the 'Ariane' rocket at the French launch site in Kurrou, the leaders told me before I left that I should step up lobbying in France and explained to foreign businessmen that we only provided two rockets a year to launch foreign satellites as a supplement to the international commercial market, and that we mainly focused on meeting the domestic satellite launch needs. With such mission, I preached to them as soon as I saw them, but the their response was very strong and consistent. They said with feeling,"you make it sound easy. China only provides two rockets a year for foreign launch, while we only have eight rockets a year!" What impressed me most at that time is that in terms of our entry into the international market, they completely do not support!"

现在的问题是,面对如此困境,中国怎么办?
The question now was that, in the face of such a dilemma, what should China do?

全世界都知道,中国要发射美国卫星。不仅海外华侨、港澳同胞翘首以盼,亿万中国人民也望眼欲穿,而今如此狼狈不堪,如何向中央汇报?怎么向国人交代?

The whole world knew that China would launch an American satellite. Not only were overseas Chinese and compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao looking forward to it, but hundreds of millions of Chinese people were also earnestly awaiting it. But now they were in such a dilemma, how would they explain to the central authorities, and to all Chinese people?

更为严峻的是,动用了上亿元的专款来抢建的发射外星的工程,正处在争时间、抢速度、大干快干拼命干的热烈气氛之中。但现在,生意突然做不成了,这些工程是继续上马,还是悬崖勒马?

More seriously, the extraterrestrial launch project, which was invested hundreds of millions of yuan of special funds to rush to build, was in a warm atmosphere of fighting for time, speed, and hard work. But now, the business came to an abrupt end. Would these projects continue to be built, or would they stop from the brink?

“这是一段最叫人伤心而又难受的日子!”有人后来回忆说,“在这段日子里, 我们顿顿吃不好饭,夜夜睡不着觉。”

This was the most heartbreaking and uncomfortable day! "Someone later recalled," During these days, we couldn't eat well and couldn't sleep day and night.”

发射测控系统部和长城公司的人,无论走到哪里,都会被人问:

Staff of the Launch Measurement and Control Department and the Great Wall Coperation would be asked as wherever they went:

“怎么,听说全砸啦?”
"I've heard it all messed up. Is that true?"

“你们是怎么搞的,没有吃准,咋就乱签合同呢?”
"What's wrong with you? How dare you sign the contract when you were not sure enough?"

“下一步怎么办?是进,还是退?是上马,还是下马?”
"What should we do next? Go ahead or retreat?"

办公室,发射场,饭桌上,电梯里,到处议论纷纷:
Discussions poured in from all directions, in office, at launch site, at the dining table, in the elevator...

“我早就说了,这事办不成!”
"I already told you, this can't be done!"

“花了那么多钱,现在又搞砸了,这简直就是犯罪吗?”
You have spent so much money but now screwed it up again. It's equal to a crime!"

“早知今日,何必当初呢！老老实实待着,不比啥强?我看都是吃饱了撑的！”
"If you had known this, you wouldn't have done it. Shouldn't it be the best to just stay in your place? I think you're so idle as to get involved in this!"

有人询问,有人感叹,有人抱怨,有人指责,甚至还有人指着鼻子骂娘。
Some people asked, some sighed, some complained, some accused, and even pointed to the nose to curse.

是的,用中国的火箭发射外国卫星,是中国人的一件大事。身为火箭故乡的子孙,谁不关心?谁不着急?发点牢骚,讲点怪话,可以理解,也很正常。

Yes, it is a great event for the Chinese people to launch foreign satellites with Chinese rockets. As childs of the rocket's hometown, who could be totally indifferent? So it was resonable and normal to complain or take a cheap shot.

问题是,面对善良的人们,有苦难言的航天专家们能说什么呢?

The question was, in the face of good people, what could the space experts who were suffering say?

1985年初,欧洲航天界一位权威人士就说过:中国的火箭进入国际商业市场, 至少需要5年。

In early 1985, an authoritative figure in the European space industry said that it would take at least five years for China's rockets to enter the international commercial market.

说这话的人,叫吉普森仁。
The man who said this was called Gibson Ren.

吉普森仁是欧洲空间局第一任局长,国际宇航联合会副主席。欧洲空间联合共同体,就是在他的倡导下建起来的。这是一位对中国的航天事业有过积极贡献的英国人。1984年春天,在日本东京召开的国际宇航联合会上,中国也是在他的支持下迫使台湾退出,オ正式加入国际宇航联合会的。

Gibson was the first director of the European Space Agency and vice-president of the International Astronautical Federation. The European Space Union was founded under his initiative. This was an Englishman who has made positive contributions to China's space industry. In the spring of 1984, at the International Astronautical Federation held in Tokyo, Japan, China also forced Taiwan Province to withdraw with his support and officially joined the International Astronautical Federation.

1985年初,孙家栋副部长和乌可力到欧洲各国进行卫星发射市场的调研时, 首先对他进行了私访。

In early 1985, when Vice Minister Sun Jiadong and Wu Keli went to European countries to investigate the satellite launch market, they first paid a private visit to him.

那是巴黎一个很美的夜晚,吉普森仁将孙家栋和乌可力迎进他的小别墅。几句寒暄后,他便从地窖里拿出十几种世界名酒,请两位中国老朋友入席。

It was a beautiful evening in Paris, and Gibson welcomed Sun Jiadong and Ukolai into his villa. After a few words of greeting, he took out more than a dozen world famous wines from the cellar and invited two old Chinese friends to the table.

吉普森仁的夫人是位钢琴家,为了助兴,特意为两位中国朋友弹奏贝多芬的《命运交响曲》。吉普森仁酒量过人,且有收藏名酒的嗜好,地窖里存有几千瓶世界名酒。孙家栋喝酒不怎么样,但乌可力是海量,因此彼此喝得很是痛快。

Gibson Ren's wife, a pianist, specially played Beethoven's Symphony of Destiny for the two Chinese friends to liven things up. As a man with extraordinary alcohol tolerance and a hobby of collecting famous wine, there were thousands of bottles of world famous wine in Gibson's cellar. Sun Jiadong was not good at drinking, but Wu Keli was the opposite, so they drank freely with great joviality。

席间,孙家栋谈起中国火箭打入国际市场一事,吉普森仁听后很激动,说:“中国火箭若能打入国际市场,当然是好事。不过我要提醒你们的是,火箭发射打入国际商业市场,是件非常困难的事。因为火箭发射是高保险、高投资,用户选择的条件是十分苛刻的。”

During the dinner, When Sun Jiadong talked about the Chinese rocket's entry into the international market, Gibson Ren was very excited, and said: "If Chinese rockets can enter the international market, of course, is a good thing. But I want to remind you that it is very difficult for the rocket launch to penetrate the international commercial market. Because the rocket launch is involved in high insurance and high investment, so the conditions to choose users are very demanding.

孙家栋说:“我们对这方面确实还缺乏了解。”
Sun Jiadong said: "We really lack understanding in this regard."

吉普森仁说:“我们的'阿里亚娜’火箭当初面临的是美国航天飞机的竞争,所以一开始采用的是免费发射的办法,接着又用低价格为对方发射了两发,最后オ打入国际市场的。这就像卖东西,让你先尝尝味道怎么样,然后再谈价格,再说交易。”

Gibson said: "Our 'Ariane' rocket was originally faced with competition from the US space shuttle, so we took the method of free launch at first, then launched two rockets for our cooperation partner at a low price, and finally entered the international market after that. It's like selling things in that the shopper lets you taste first, and then talks about the price, and then the deal."

乌可力说:“您认为中国的火箭打入国际市场,有希望吗?”

Wu Keli asked: "Do you think there is any hope for China's rockets to enter the international market?"

吉普森仁说:“中国的火箭要打入国际市场,我相信可以办到;但是,现在你们的问题是没有经验,而且面临的又是美国和法国这两个非常强大的竞争对手,因此要有长期的打算。”

Gibson said: "I think China can make it. However, your problem now is that you have no experience, and you are facing two very strong competitors, the United States and France, so you should have a long-term plan."

“大概需要多少年啊?”乌可力举起酒杯,急不可待地问了一句。

"How long will it take?" Wu Keli raised his glass, and asked reanestly.

吉普森仁也举起酒杯,却停了停,说:“依我之见,恐怕至少需要5年!”

Gibson Ren also raised his glass, but paused, saying: "in my opinion, I'm afraid it will take at least five years!

后来的事实证明,吉普森仁的预测是正确的。是的,发射外国卫星,并非易事。

Later, it turned out that Gibson Ren's prediction was correct. Yes, launching a foreign satellite was not easy.

截至1990年底,能进入国际商业卫星发射市场的,全世界只有美国和法国,而法国还是靠11个国家的力量オ进入的。它的“阿里亚娜”火箭打入国际市场,前后用了 8年时间。甚至连苏联那样的航天大国,至今还板着委屈的面孔,被冷落场外。

By the end of 1990, only the United States and France had access to the international commercial satellite launch market, and it was the strength of 11 countries that helped France enter. It took eight years for Ariane rocket to enter the international market. Even a space power like the Soviet Union still was left out feeling wronged and not convinced.

再说,商业卫星发射市场,已被美国等航天大国垄断了 20多年,其甜头妙不可言,他们当然还想继续垄断下去,绝不希望有第三者来抢饭碗。所以在通向西方人把守的国际商业市场的道路上,暗藏着温柔的利剑和美丽的陷阱,中国简直防不胜防。

Moreover, the United States and other space powers had monopolized the commercial satellite launch market for more than 20 years, from which they obtained too many benefits. Consequently, they wanted to continue to monopolize the market and never wanted others to get in on the act. Therefore, on the road to the international commercial market guarded by Westerners, there were gentle swords and beautiful traps, which China was simply impossible to prevent.

此外,中国是第一次踏进西方人统领的禁区,别说经验,连教训都没有;加上国门封闭太久,刚一打开,就急于挤进国际商业发射市场。这一急,当然就会摔跟斗。

In addition, this was the first time that China stepped into a forbidden zone led by westerners, and there was not even a lesson to be learned, let alone experience. After our national gate being closed for too long, we were eager to squeeze into the international commercial launch market as soon as it was opened again. A fall was inevitable when one was in a hurry.

所以说,中国想一下子就挤进国际卫星发射市场,是不现实的。

Therefore, it was unrealistic for China to squeeze into the international satellite launch market at once.

但是,面对如此困境,中国航天决策者们一致认为,发射外国卫星的工程绝不能下马,不管有多大的困难和阻力,一定要坚持下去!

However, in the face of such difficulties, China's aerospace policy makers unanimously believed that the project of launching foreign satellites must not be aborted, and no matter how difficult and resistant it was, it must be continued!

因为中国正面临着一个开放的世界。发射外国卫星,既是改革开放的一个伟大壮举,也是中国科技史上的一次重大革命。而历史的经验一再证明,机会是非常重要的,如同维纳斯的断臂,一旦失去,便永远无法续接。所以,在科学技术发生重大变革的关键时刻,一个国家只有利用科学技术的先进成果,抓住时机,才能实现腾飞。中国近几百年之所以落在了世界的后面,其中一个很重要的原因,正是在科学技术上错过了几次腾飞的机会。例如:

Because China was confronted with an open world. Launching foreign satellites was not only a great feat of reform and opening up, but also a major revolution in China's scientific and technological history. Historical experience has repeatedly proved that opportunity is very important, just like Venus's broken arm, once lost, it can never be renewed. Therefore, at the critical moment when major changes are taking place in science and technology, only by making use of the advanced achievements of science and technology and seizing the opportunity can a country achieve rapid development. One of the most important reasons why China fell behind the world in recent hundreds of years is that it has missed several opportunities to take off in science and technology. Here are examples.

—明末清初之际,中国历史上兴起了第一次科技革命。当时,江南一带商品经济勃勃兴起,在手工业中出现了资本主义萌芽,这与欧洲最早的资本主义国家几乎同时起步。就在这时,以意大利人利玛窦为首的西方传教士来到中国,带来了天文学、地理学和火器等西方近代科学技术。于是,中西方两种科学技术产生了巨大的接触与碰撞,使中国长期以来死气沉沉的科学技术第一次出现了复苏的景象。遗憾的是,由于封建社会的重压,中国科技的翅膀最终还是没有展开。而远在欧洲的英国,这时却抓住了历史赐予的大好时机,迅速赶超了意大利和荷兰,一跃而成为世界头号工业大国。

At the end of Ming Dynasty and the beginning of Qing Dynasty, the first scientific and technological revolution arose in China. At that time, the commodity economy flourished in the south of the Yangtze River, and capitalism began to sprout in handicraft industry, which started almost at the same time as the earliest capitalist countries in Europe. At this time, western missionaries headed by Italian Matteo Ricci came to China with western modern science and technology such as astronomy, geography and firearms. As a result, the two kinds of science and technology in China and the West experienced an indepth contact and a violent collision, thus China's long stagnant science and technology has shown signs of recovery for the first time. Unfortunately, due to the oppression of the feudal society, the wings of China's science and technology failed to expand in the end. Britain, as far away as Europe, seized the great opportunity given by history, quickly overtook Italy and the Netherlands, and became the world's largest industrial power.

—19世纪60至90年代,中国兴起洋务运动之时,正是世界第二次科技革命爆发之际。当时,中国的科技在沉沦了100多年之后,爆发出新的活力。但终因内外交困,国力贫弱,腾飞的翅膀最终还是无カ起飞。

Then, from the 1860s to the 1890s, when the Westernization Movement began in China, it was at the time of the outbreak of the second scientific and technological revolution in the world. During that period, a new vitality of China's science and technology broke out after more than 100 years of stagnation. However, due to domestic and diplomatic difficulties and the weakness of our country, we finally failed to take off.

—19世纪末,西方爆发了以相对论和力学为标志的科学革命,继而在20世纪四五十年代又兴起了第三次技术革命浪潮。本来,中国的民族资本主义这时已有一定的发展,可惜因战火纷飞的社会环境和贫困落后的经济,最终失去大好时机。

At the end of the 19th century, the scientific revolution marked by the theory of relativity and mechanics broke out in the West, and then the third wave of technological revolution arose in the 1940s and 1950s of the 20th century. China's national capitalism could have developed to a certain extent at this time, but unfortunately, due to the war-torn social environment and the backward economy, it finally lost the good opportunity.

—1949年之后,本来1956年至1966年是中国科技发展的“黄金时代”。那时,单就航天技术而言,中国与西方的差距并不遥远;而日本在某些方面还落在中国的后面。但“文化大革命”一场浩劫,竟长达10年!等中国从噩梦中醒来,世界科技的车轮早已滚滚向前。甚至与中国几乎处于同一起点的日本,也一跃而起,比中国早一个月发射了第一颗人造卫星!

The period from 1956 to 1966 was originally the "golden age" of China's technological development. At that time, in terms of space technology alone, the gap between China and the West was not far away, and Japan was also left behind in some aspects. But a catastrophe called the "Cultural Revolution" lasted for 10 years! When China woke up from the nightmare, the wheels of world technology had already rolled forward. Even Japan, which was almost at the same starting point as China, took off and launched its first artificial satellite one month earlier!

那么今天,当世界科技革命的大潮再次将中国推到时代的十字路口时,中国能否背水一战,抓住这一大好时机呢?

So today, when the tide of the world's scientific and technological revolution once again pushed China to the crossroads of the times, could China fight back and seize this great opportunity?

1988:希望与危机同行

1988: Hope Coming with Crisis

历史是个魔术大师,总让人难以捉摸。

History is a master of magic, always elusive.

当岁月的日历翻到1988年时,世界航天的局势又发生了奇妙的变化。这一年,世界航天事业东山再起,重振雄风,全世界一下就发射了 125颗不同的卫星。其中,苏联100颗,美国1I颗,欧洲空间局7颗,中国4颗,日本2颗,以色列1颗。

When the calendar of years turned to 1988, the world space situation changed wonderfully again. This year, the world's space industry made a comeback and regained its vigor, with 125 satellites launched in the whole world. Among them, 100 satellites belonged to the Soviet Union, 11 to the United States, 7 to the European Space Agency, 4 to China, 2 to Japan and 1 to Israel.

此外,美国航天飞机恢复了发射功能;苏联“暴风雪号”航天飞机首次发射成功;法国“阿里亚娜”火箭重整旗鼓并连续进行了 7次发射,将14颗不同国家的通信卫星送入了太空。而且,1988年6月15日,“阿里亚娜一4 ”型火箭首次发射成功,为法国争夺国际卫星发射市场又提供了一种新的运载工具。

In addition, the US space shuttle resumed its launch function; the Soviet Space successfully Launched the Space Shuttle Blizzard for the first time. The French's "Ariane" rocket reshowed and had seven consecutive launches, sending 14 communication satellites from different countries into space. Moreover, on June 15, 1988, the first successful launch of the Ariane-4 rocket provided France with a new vehicle for competing for the international satellite launch market.

让人吃惊的是,在欧洲空间局频繁的活动下,截至1990年,“阿里亚娜”火箭已夺取50%的国际卫星发射市场,各国的发射订座已排到了1991年,获利150亿法郎。而且,为提高在国际市场的竞争能力,法国还压低了“阿里亚娜”火箭的发射价格。

Surprisingly, the activities of the European Space Agency were so frequent that by 1990, the “Ariane" had captured 50% of the international satellite launch market, with national launch bookings up to 1991 and a profit of 15 billion francs. Moreover, in order to improve its competitiveness in the international market, France also lowered the launch price of the Ariane rocket.

这种咄咄逼人的世界航天局势,对中国不仅是挑战,更是威胁!

This aggressive world space situation was not only a challenge to china, but also a threat!

然而,“物竞天择,适者生存”。

However, everything follows the rule of "survival of the fittest in natural selection".

外国公司纷纷退出,虽然对中国是当头一击,但中国航天人却认真反省,吸取教训,不断改进。比如,外国专家看了中国发射场,提了许多建设性的意见;外商谈判中对发射提出这样那样的要求；中国通过到国外参观学习,也长了不少见识。这样一来,中国航天人渐渐明白:中国的火箭要想打入国际商业发射市场,在技术、生活设施等各方面必须具备哪些符合国际标准的条件。于是中国一边继续加紧同国外有关厂商的业务联系,一边狠抓发射场的技术和生活设施的建设。

Although the consecutive back-pedallings of foreign companies was a blow to China, the Chinese astronauts seriously reflected on themselves, learned lessons, and continuously improved. For example, foreign experts put forward many constructive suggestions when they saw China's launch sites. In the negotiations, foreign businessmen made various demands for the launch. China also gained a lot of experience by visiting and studying abroad. In this way, Chinese astronauts gradually understood that if China's rockets wanted to enter the international commercial launch market, they must have certain conditions meeting international standards in terms of technology and living facilities. Therefore, while continuing to step up business ties with relevant foreign manufacturers, China also paid close attention to the construction of technology and living facilities at launch sites.

而与此同时,有关部门也采取了许多积极的措施,譬如,中国人民保险公司愿冒着风险,以国际市场优惠价格为外商提供经济保险;中国海关决定对入境的外国卫星实行免检政策;中国人民银行对发射外国卫星所需的贷款,表示尽力给予保证;负责发射设施改造和工程兴建的设计部门以及施工单位,也愿意通力合作,拼命苦干,确保按期完成任务;等等。

At the same time, the departments concerned also took many positive measures. For example, the People's Insurance Company of China ran risks for providing economic insurance for foreign businessmen at preferential prices in the international market; China Customs decided to implement an inspection exemption policy for foreign satellites entering the country; the People's Bank of China indicated that it would do its best to guarantee the loans needed for launching foreign satellites; the design departments and construction units responsible for the renovation and construction of the launch facilities were also willing to cooperate with each other and work hard to ensure the completion of the task on schedule.

1988年3月7日,“长征三号”火箭又将一颗通信卫星成功送入太空。世界的目光,再次转向中国。

On March 7, 1988, the Long March 3 rocket successfully launched another communications satellite into space. The sight of the world once again cast to China.

据说,一年前,当外商纷纷退出中国时,西方一位记者曾打了一个比喻,说中国的“长征三号”火箭就像一只又大又肥的螃蟹,刚刚摆上国际餐桌时,各国卫星公司的老板们纷纷伸长了鼻子,抢着去闻香味,尽管个个垂涎三尺,却又谁都不敢先尝第一口。

It was said that one year ago, when foreign businessmen withdrew from China one after another, a western reporter once made an analogy. He said China's "Long March 3" rocket was like a big, fat crab. When it was just put on the international table, the bosses of the satellite companies elongated nose and vied to smell the fragrance. Although evryone was salivating, no one dared to taste the first bite.

没想到,一年后,终于走来一个敢尝第一口“螃蟹”的人。这个敢尝第一口“螃蟹”的人,便是而今誉满全球的亚洲卫星公司。

Unexpectedly, a year later, the one who dared to taste the first bite of "crab" finally arrived. That was the globally renowned Asian satellite company these days.

亚洲卫星公司是在香港注册的一家卫星公司,它由英国大东电报局、中国国际信托投资公司、香港和记黄埔公司三家共同投资,并各持相等股份。由于三家公司均有雄厚的资金和技术专长,所以不惜巨款,冒着极大的风险,购买了美国休斯公司的“亚洲一号”卫星,第一个让中国的“长征三号”火箭将其送入太空。

AsiaSat, a satellite company registered in Hong Kong, was jointly invested by Cable and Wireless, China International Trust and Investment Corporation and Hutchison Whampoa. With strong capital and technical expertise, these three companies took risks to buy the “AsiaSat 1” satellite produced by Hughes at the expense of money, as the first to let China's "Long March 3" rocket carry it into space.

1988年9月9日,通过中国多方面的努力,美国国务院正式批准用中国火箭发射3颗美国通信卫星的计划。

On September 9, 1988, through China's efforts in various aspects, the US State Department officially approved the plan to launch three US communication satellites with China-made rockets.

这是有史以来美国政府第一次批准由一个社会主义国家发射美国卫星的计划。

It was the first time in history that the U.S. government had approved a plan to launch a U.S. satellite from a socialist country.

为此,中国外交部发言人在当天发表声明说:“美国的卫星运到中国发射,安全是有保证的。”并在答记者问时,再次表示:“中国对美国政府支持中国为外国提供卫星发射服务表示赞赏。”

To this end, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the same day: "The safety of the U.S. satellite is guaranteed when it is transported to China for launch. In response to a reporter's question, he said again: "China appreciates the US government's support for China's satellite launching services to foreign countries.

但是,这仅仅是事情的开始。

However, this is just the beginning of everything.

十一、外交场上的风云

Chapter Ⅺ The Volatile Situation of Diplomacy

1988年11月24日,中国谈判代表团前往美国进行第二轮关于商业卫星发射服务问题的会谈,代表团团长孙家栋。

On November 24, 1988, the Chinese negotiating delegation headed by Sun Jiadong went to the United States for the second round of talks on commercial satellite launch services.

这天,航空航天部部长林宗棠、副部长刘纪原亲临机场送行。临上飞机时,刘纪原握住孙家栋的手,一再嘱咐说:“这次谈判,无论遇到多大的困难与阻力,只能成功,不可失败!”

On this day, Lin Zongtang, Minister of the Ministry of Aviation Industry, and Vice Minister Liu Jiyuan personally saw them off at the airport. Before boarding the plane, Liu Jiyuan took Sun Jiadong's hand and repeatedly instructed: "No matter how difficult and challenging the negotiation may be, you must make it!"

飞机起飞时,清晨的阳光洒满北京首都机场。机场上,送行的人群使劲地挥动着祝愿的手臂;其中两位女士,眼里还含着泪水。

When the plane took off, the early morning sun filled the Beijing Capital Airport. At the airport, the people who saw them off waved their blessing arms vigorously. Among them were two women whose eyes were filled in tears.

发射外国卫星,看起来好像只是一次国际性的商业活动,但实际上除了两个公司之间要签订有关合同外,两国政府之间还必须签署正式的协议文件。

Launching a foreign satellite seemed like an international commercial activity, but in fact, in addition to the relevant contracts signed between the two companies, the two governments must also sign formal agreement documents.

这就需要谈判。
Then negotiation was required.

此次谈判,若是成功,“亚洲一号”卫星的出境许可证便可颁发;倘若失败,则一切就此结束!

The negotiations, if successful, the exit permit of the “AsiaSat 1” satellite would be issued; on the contrary, it would be the end.

因此,中国代表团此次出征,不管是飞机上的谈判代表,还是飞机下的送行人员,无不感到深深的忧虑与担心。

Therefore, whether the negotiators on the plane or the people off the plane all felt deep anxiety and worry about the delegation.

10月初,中国航空航天部起草了一封信函,通过中国驻美大使韩叙先生转交给美国国会。在这封信中,主要阐明了中国卫星发射进入国际商业市场的理由。

In early October, the Ministry of Aviation Industry of China drafted a letter and forwarded it to the US Congress via the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Han Xu. In this letter, the main reasons for China's satellite launch to enter the international commercial market were explained.

美国国会收到中方信函后,由美国空间委员会主席罗伯特・罗埃先生召集国会有关人员讨论了中方的意见,然后将国会意见提交里根政府。里根在原则上表示同意,但要求中美双方必须就如下三个问题进行会谈:

After the US Congress received the letter from China, Mr. Robert Roe, chairman of the US Space Committee, convened relevant personnel of the National Committee to discuss the Chinese views, and then submitted the congressional views to the Reagan Administration. Reagan agreed in principle, but demanded that China and the United States hold talks on the following three issues.

第一,卫星是高技术出口,中方如何保证其技术安全;

First, satellites are high-tech exports. How can China ensure their technical safety?

第二,中国不属于联合国空间责任条约国,万一火箭发射失败,危及第三方国家,如何承担责任;

Second, China is not one of the United Nations Space Responsibility Treaty Partners. In case the rocket launch fails and endangers third-party countries, how can China assume responsibility?

第三,有关卫星发射中的商务问题,必须落实到具体的条款中。

Third, commercial issues related to satellite launches must be implemented in specific provisions.

于是,10月中旬,中美两国政府代表团在北京钓鱼台,就卫星技术的安全问题和卫星发射的责任问题,举行了第一轮会谈。

Therefore, in mid-October, Chinese and American government delegations held the first round of talks on the safety of satellite technology and the responsibility of satellite launch in Diaoyutai, Beijing.

会谈中,双方各持一个谈判稿。几轮谈判下来,中美两国政府终于达成一致意见,签订了关于《卫星技术安全》和《卫星发射责任》两个协议备忘录。

During the talk, both sides held a negotiating draft. After several rounds, the Chinese and US governments finally reached an agreement and signed two memorandums of agreement on "Satellite Technical Safety" and "Satellite Launch Responsibility."

而与此同时,全国人大常务委员会也通过了中国加入“外层空间”三个条约的决议,为“亚洲一号”卫星的发射奠定了相互信任的基础,并具备了可靠的法律保证。

At the same time, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress also adopted a resolution on China's accession to the three treaties on "outer space," laying a foundation for mutual trust and providing reliable legal guarantee for the launch of the "Asia-1" satellite.

可惜,此次谈判最终未达成一致协议,故两国政府的谈判桌,又从北京搬到了美国。

Unfortunately, no agreement was reached in the end, so the negotiating table between the two governments was moved from Beijing to the US.

飞机穿破云层,在12000米的高空翱翔。

The plane pierced through the clouds and soared at an altitude of 12,000 meters.

飞机下方,就是波涛滚滚的太平洋,但飞机上的中国代表团所有成员,谁也顾不上去看一眼。

Below the plane were waves rolling in the Pacific Ocean, but all the members of the Chinese delegation on the plane were to busy to look out of the window.

本来,10月在北京谈判结束时,双方约定,这次在美国的谈判,由美方先拿出一个谈判意见稿,作为谈判的基础。但不知何故,美方迟迟未将意见稿寄出。后几经催促,直到11月22日下午,中方オ收到美方寄来的谈判稿。可中方打开谈判稿一看,意见相差甚远。本想推迟谈判,但机票已经定好,只好匆匆启程。

As agreed by two sides, at the end of the talks in Beijing in October, the US side should have produced a draft of negotiation opinions first as the basis for the talks in the United States. However, for some reason, the US didn't send out the opinion draft. After urging them for several times, the Chinese delegation didn't recieve the negotiation draft sent by the US side until the afternoon of November 22. However, when the Chinese delegation unfolded the draft, only to find distinctly differenct views. They wanted to postpone the negotiations, but the ticket had been booked, so they had to leave in a hurry.

为了在这次谈判中争取主动,一上飞机,中国代表团便分三个小组,对美方提交的谈判稿进行修改。小组修改完之后,再交到孙家栋的手上。

In order to gain the initiative in this negotiation, the Chinese delegation divided into three groups to revise the negotiation draft submitted by the US as soon as they boarded the plane. After the team revised it, it was handed over to Sun Jiadong.

孙家栋是此次赴美代表团的团长。此刻,他靠在舷窗前,正逐字逐句地推敲着美方拟定的谈判稿。

Sun Jiadong was the head of the delegation to the United States. At the moment, he leaned against the porthole and was deliberating word for word on the negotiation draft the US submitted.

孙家栋是东北辽宁人。1950年,尚未从哈军工毕业。他便参了军,成为空军志愿军一名年轻而出色的翻译官。1952年,他赴苏联茹柯夫斯基空军工程学院深造。在6年的学习中,他因各科成绩优异,荣获苏联茹柯夫斯基空军工程学院金质奖章。

Sun Jiadong is a native of Liaoning Province in Northeast China. In 1950, he had not graduated from PLA Military Institute of Engineering. Then he joined the army and became a young and outstanding translator in the Air Force Volunteers. In 1952, he went to the Soviet Union Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering College for further study. During his six years of study, he was awarded the Gold Medal of the Soviet Union's Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy for his outstanding achievements in all subjects.

1958年,孙家栋回国,因他俄语出色,常作为高级翻译陪同中国代表团前往苏联进行有关谈判。1982年,他作为中国代表团副团长,出席了联合国空间代表大会;1984年,他作为中国代表团副团长,先后同英国、法国、联邦德国和意大利进行有关空间合作的谈判;1986年,他同巴西进行关于中巴资源卫星合作的谈判。因此在国际谈判席上,堪称一位经验丰富的高手。

In 1958, Sun Jiadong returned to China. Because of his excellent Russian, he often accompanied the Chinese delegation to the Soviet Union as a senior translator for relevant negotiations. In 1982, as the deputy head of the Chinese delegation, he attended the United Nations Space Representative Conference. In 1984, as deputy head of the Chinese delegation, he successively held negotiations on space cooperation with Britain, France, Federal Republic of Germany and Italy. In 1986, he attended the negotiation with Brazil on cooperation between China and Brazil in resource satellites. Therefore, in the international negotiation table, he could be called an experienced player.

孙家栋宽宽的额头,胖胖的脸,留着一个小平头。他能言善辩,口才极好,特别能讲故事。他肚子里似乎装有一个故事公司,一讲便是一个系列。无论多么重大复杂的事情,他只要讲一个小小的故事,便可让你一清二楚。并且,每当讲话时,孙家栋的脸上总是洋溢着一种充满智慧与慈善的微笑。这种微笑,能让你获得一种信任,感到一种轻松,留下很难抹去的印象。

Sun Jiadong has a broad forehead and a fat face, with a screw hair. He is eloquent and articulated, especially good at telling stories. There seems to have a story company in his mind, and stories are always told in series. No matter how important and complicated things are, you will understand everything after he tells you a small story. Moreover, whenever he speaks, Sun Jiadong always wears a smile full of wisdom and charity, which always gives you a sense of trust, a sense of relief, and leaves an impression that is hard to erase.

但此刻,孙家栋的脸上毫无笑容,全是忧虑。等他合上谈判稿,抬起头来,将疲惫的目光投向窗外时,旧金山已近在眼前。

But now, his face was full of worries instead of a smile. When he closed the draft, looked up, and looked out the window, San Francisco was just around the corner.

华盛顿。美国总统商务代表处。
Washington, DC. The President Business Office of the United States.

这是一幢充满商业气息的简易小楼。中国代表团到华盛顿的第二天,双方便在此摆开了谈判的阵容。

This was a simple building full of commercial flavor. The day after the Chinese delegation arrived in Washington, the two sides laid out the lineup for negotiations.

美国总统商务代表处,是总统府下设的一个商务机构。世界各国同美国的各种贸易活动,都必须与美国总统商务代表处洽谈后,再由商务代表处向总统直接报告。

The President Business Office of the United States was a business organization under the President Palace. All kinds of trade activities between other countries and the United States must be negotiated with the President Business Office of the United States, and then reported directly to the President by the Business Representative Office.

中国代表团11月25日抵达旧金山后,一下飞机,便用了一个下午和一个晚上的时间,对美方的谈判稿再次进行了复议、修改,并将修改后的中文稿译成了英文。第二天下午,又从旧金山赶到华盛顿。一到华盛顿,马上找到中国驻美大使馆大使韩叙先生,就此次谈判一事,专门向他做了汇报。

After arriving in San Francisco on 25 november, the Cinese delegation spent one afternoon and one night on the plane reviewing and revising the US draft and translating the revised Chinese version into English. The next afternoon, they went to Washington from San Francisco. As soon as they arrived in Washington, they immediately found Mr. Han Xu, Ambassador of the Chinese Embassy in the United States, and gave him a special report on the negotiations.

韩叙是中国第一任驻美大使,在美国政界享有很高的威望。早在五六十年代, 他作为周恩来总理政府代表团的随行人员,参加过1954年和1961年的日内瓦会议、1955年的万隆会议,出访过欧亚11国;曾参与接待了大量来访的各国元首或政府首脑,比如197I年基辛格访华,1972年尼克松访华,参与1982年中美“八一七公报”的后期谈判以及1984年两国首脑的互访等。1982年出任中华人民共和国外交部副部长,1985年出任中国驻美国大使。

Han Xu was China's first ambassador to the United States and enjoyed high prestige in the US political arena. As early as the 1950s and 1960s, as an entourage member of premier Zhou Enlai's government delegation, he participated in the Geneva Conference in 1954 and 1961, the Bandung Conference in 1955, and visited 11 European and Asian countries. He has been involved in recieving a large number of visiting heads of state or government, such as Kissinger's visit to China in 1971 and Nixon's visit to China in 1972. He also participated in the late-stage talks of the August 17 Communiqué between China and the United States in 1982 and the exchange visits between the heads of state of the two countries in 1984. In 1982, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, and in 1985, he was appointed Ambassador of China to the United States.

韩叙大使听了代表团汇报的情况后,和代表团商量,决定第二天就开始与美方谈判。

After listening to the report of the delegation, Ambassador Han Xu discussed with the delegation and decided to start the negotiation with the US the next day.

当晚,代表团在大使馆就第二天谈判的有关对策,再次进行了讨论。

That night, the delegation discussed again at the embassy on the relevant countermeasures for the coming negotiations.

代表团成员中,有一位叫王秀亭的女士,因一路匆忙,昼夜加班,头发乱得不成样子也顾不上。大使馆的理发员小王发现后,主动找上门来,要为王秀亭烫发。小王说:“明天就要谈判了,应该打扮得漂漂亮亮的。让美国人好好看看,咱们中国女谈判家的形象!”于是,小王连夜为王秀亭烫了一个漂亮的“东方式”。

Among the members of the delegation, there was a woman named Wang Xiuting, who worked overtime day and night and was too busy to fix her hair. After Wang, the barber of the embassy, found it, he took the initiative to come to the door and perm Wang Xiuting. Wang said, "You're going to negotiate tomorrow. You should dress up beautiful. Let the Americans have a good look at the image of our Chinese female negotiators!" So, Wang gave Wang Xiuting a beautiful "Oriental" perm overnight.

第二天一早,中美双方拉开了谈判的序幕。
In the early morning the next day, China and the United States kicked off the negotiation.

美方代表团可谓实力雄厚。团长是尤金・麦卡里斯特,首席谈判代表是威克逊。威克逊是一位经验丰富、有着多年外交工作经历的谈判老手。美国同国外的所有商务联系,几乎都是由他出面进行主谈,因而在西欧诸国享有盛名。

The US delegation was strong. The head of the delegation was Eugene McAllister, and the chief negotiator was Wickson. Wickson is an experienced negotiator with rich diplomatic experience. All the business contacts between the United States and foreign countries were almost always conducted by him, and thus he enjoyed a high reputation in Western Europe.

美国人似乎天生富有幽默感。这天,中美双方代表在谈判席上刚一握手相见, 威克逊便指着楼下的房间,对中方代表说: “尊敬的中国朋友们,你们远道而来,请允许我向你们表示诚挚的欢迎!不过, 在谈判前,我想提醒一句:你们知道我这楼下过去是干什么的吗?”

Americans seem to have a natural sense of humor. On this day, as soon as the representatives of China and the United States shook hands at the negotiating table, Wickson pointed to the room downstairs and said to the Chinese representative: "Dear Chinese friends, you have come from afar, please allow me to express my sincere welcome to you! But, before the negotiation starts, I'd like to remind you that if you know the role of the downstairs in the past?"

中方代表看了看,不知所以然。
The Chinese representative looked at it, perplexed.

“告诉你们吧,”威克逊说,“在美国南北战争时期,这儿曾是专门关押俘虏的地方！”
"Let me tell you," Wickson said,"this was a place for prisoners during the American Civil War!"

“关押俘虏的地方?”中方代表更是不解。
"For prisoners?" the Chinese representative was even more puzzled.

“是的。”威克逊说;你们这次谈判要是输了,我就把你们留在楼下啦!”说罢, 威克逊笑了。

"Yes," said Wickson, "if you lose this negotiation, I'll leave you downstairs!" Wickson laughed after saying that.

中方代表这オ恍然大悟。
The Chinese representative suddenly understood.

“尊敬的威克逊先生,”孙家栋笑眯眯地接过话茬道,“这次我们谈判要是赢了呢?”

"Dear Wickson," said Sun Jiadong with a smile, "but what if we win?"

“那……那就把我关在楼下!”威克逊说罢,哈哈大笑起来。

"Then... you can lock me downstairs!" Saying that, Wickson burst into laughter.

“我看呀,”上官世盘插话道,“最好的结局,是谁都不要被关在楼下。”

"In my view," interrupted Shangguan Shipan, "the best outcome is that no one should be locked downstairs."

“对对对,睡席梦思毕竟比躺地板强!”威克逊说完,双方代表都笑了。

"That's right! Sleeping on the mat is better than lying on the floor after all!" Wakeson said, and representatives from both sides laughed.

威克逊的开场白,看似一个玩笑,但中方代表分明预感到,这是对方有意发出的一个挑战信号,此次谈判,绝不会轻松。

Wickson's opening remarks seemed to be a joke, but the Chinese representative clearly sensed that this was a challenge signal deliberately sent by the US. The negotiation would not be easy.

果然,第一个回合下来,美方便占了上风。
As expected, in the first round, the US gained the upper hand.

美方在谈判中说:中国的火箭不应进入国际市场,因为有国家力量的支持;而美国的火箭公司是商业性的私人公司。这违背了平等竞争的商业原则,不符合一般商业规律。

During the talks, the US said that China's rockets should not enter the international market because they were supported by the country, but the US's rockets companies were commerce-related and privately owned. This violated the business principle of equal competition and did not conform to the general business law.

美方在谈判中还说:中国的火箭发射价格太低,是利用倾销价格进入国际市场,这就扰乱了国际市场价格。此外,中国在挤进国际卫星发射市场的过程中,某些做法不符合商业规则。

The US also said that China's rocket launch was too cheap. China used dumping prices to enter the international market, which disturbed the international market price. In addition, some of China's practices in the process of squeezing into the international satellite launch market were not in line with commercial rules.

此次谈判,由于一开始是以美方的谈判文本为基础,加之中方代表团又是第一次触及此类问题,所以一涉及对外发射服务中的国际贸易问题,中国代表团就感到很陌生,一下子处于被动局面。

Since the negotiations were based on the US's negotiation text at the beginning, and it was the first time that the Chinese delegation touched on such issues, the Chinese delegation was unfamiliar with international trade in foreign launch services, thus suddenly being in a passive situation.

中方出师不利,有人面露尴尬,有人忐忑不安。

The Chinese side did not get off to a good start. Some were embarrassed and some uneasy.

而恰在这时,中方的主谈人又不幸病倒。

And just at this time, the chief negotiator of the Chinese delegation unfortunately fell ill.

下一步怎么办?
What should they do next?

谁来接替原来的主谈人?
Who was going to replace the original chief negotiator?

当晚,中国代表团第一次出现了集体失眠。
That night, the Chinese delegation experienced insomnia together for the first time.

身为团长的孙家栋自然更是睡不着了,本来就发白的头发一夜间仿佛又白了许多。他深知这次谈判的重要,清楚一旦谈判失败,后果是什么。

As the head of the delegation, Sun Jiadong was unable to sleep, either. His already gray hair seemed to have turned much whiter overnight. He was well aware of the importance of this negotiation and knew what the consequences would be if the negotiation failed.

中国的火箭要发射美国的卫星,无论是在国内还是国外,呼声都越来越高。前天,他刚到美国,就接到不少美籍华人打来的电话,纷纷询问中国代表团这次谈判情况,并向他表示鼓励与祝愿。有的在电话里当即表示说:“一定尽全力支持中国谈判代表团!”有的在电话里满含深情地说:“中国的火箭只有成功地走向了世界, 我们这些海外的华人才能真正抬得起头,挺得起腰杆!”

China's rockets to launch American satellites, whether at home or abroad, arouse increasing calls. The day before yesterday, as soon as he arrived in the US, he received many calls from Chinese Americans who asked about the talks and expressed encouragement and wishes to him. Some immediately said on the phone: "We will do our best to support the Chinese delegation!" Some of them said on the phone with deep feelings: "Only when China's rockets successfully go to the world, can we overseas Chinese really lift our heads and stand up!"

孙家栋再也无法入睡了。他把代表团全体成员召集起来,再一次认真研究了美方的谈判文本,然后具体拟定了第二天的谈判对策。鉴于原主谈人生病,他又果断决定:由上官世盘出任主谈人。

Sun Jiadong couldn't sleep anymore. He called together all the members of the delegation, once again carefully studied the US's negotiation text, and then worked out the specific countermeasures for the next day's negotiation. In view of the original chief negotiator was ill, he quickly decided to assign shangguan ShiPan as the original negotiator.

第二天,上官世盘的发言,有礼有节,不仅情感真挚,而且在外交分寸的把握上恰到好处,游刃有余。于是局面开始发生好转。

The next day, Shangguan Shipan's speech was polite and restrained, not only sincere in emotion, but also just right in grasping diplomatic discretion. So the situation began to improve.

第二个回合,双方打了个平局。
In the second round, the two sides played a draw.

谈判仍在继续,且越谈越难。
Negotiations were still continuing and became more and more hard.

20天时间,一晃而过。
Twenty days passed in a flash.

谈判,从第一稿,谈到第十稿。
Negotiations rolled from the first draft to the tenth draft.

1988年12月17日,孙家栋终于代表中国代表团草签了中美两国政府间的最后一个协议文件一《关于商业发射服务的国际贸易问题协议备忘录》。

On December 17, 1988, Sun Jiadong, on behalf of the Chinese delegation, finally initialed the last agreement document between the governments of China and the United States, the Memorandum of Agreement on International Trade in Commercial Launch Services.

中国代表团离开美国那天,美方代表团的团长尤金・麦卡里斯特前往机场送行。麦卡里斯特握着孙家栋的手,说:“孙先生,这次谈判我什么都想到了,但就是有一点没想到。”

On the day the Chinese delegation left the United States, Eugene McAllister, head of the US delegation, went to the airport to see them off. McAllister held Sun Jiadong's hand and said, "Mr. Sun, I've thought of everything except one point in this negotiation."

孙家栋问:“哪一点没想到?”
"What?" asked Sun Jiadong.

麦卡里斯特说:“你们竟然在飞机上就将谈判文本改了一稿!”
McAllister said,"You had changed the negotiation text on the plane!

孙家栋忍不住笑了,说:“麦卡里斯特先生,我们这也是被你们逼上梁山的啊!” 麦卡里斯特说:“中国代表团不仅效率高,谈判水平也高。我祝贺你们!”

Sun Jiadong couldn't help but laugh and said, "Mr. McAllister, we were also forced to do that because of you!" McAllister replied, "The Chinese delegation is not only efficient, but also has a high level of negotiation. Congratulations!"

孙家栋说:“祝愿我们下一步的合作顺利进行!”
Sun Jiadong said: "I wish our next cooperation successful!

麦卡里斯特说:“好,希望如此。”
"Well, I hope so," McAllister said.

北京。首都机场。

Beijing. Beijing Capital Airport.

这一天,以刘纪原为首的欢迎中国谈判代表团凯旋的队伍,早在机场等候多时。

On this day, the team headed by Liu Jiyuan to welcome the triumphant Chinese negotiating delegation waited at the airport for a long time.

中国谈判代表团乘坐的飞机刚一着陆,人群中就传来一片欢呼声。

As soon as the plane of the Chinese negotiating delegation landed, a cheer burst from the crowd.

孙家栋率先走出机舱。他一边向迎接的人群挥手致意,一边匆匆走下舷梯,然后抢先握住刘纪原的手,第一句话就说:“老刘,谈判成功了！”

Sun Jiadong went out of the cabin first. He waved to the welcoming crowd, hurried down the gangway and competed to hold Liu Jiyuan's hand. His first sentence was, "Lao Liu, we succeed!"

望着孙家栋明显消瘦的脸庞,刘纪原副部长笑了:“当然成功了,你不想想,你们身后站着一个强大的中华人民共和国!”

"Surely," looking at Sun's visibly emaciated face, Liu Jiyuan said with a smile, "because behind you stands a powerful country--People's Republic of China!"

十二、布什:不愿得罪十亿中国人

Ⅻ: Bush: Unwilling to Offend 1 billion Chinese

1989年1月23日,北京人民大会堂江苏厅。

January 23, 1989, in the Jiangsu Hallof the Great Hall of the People, Beijing.

下午4时,中国长城工业公司副总经理乌可力代表中方,亚洲卫星公司执行总裁薛栋代表用户,签署了关于用中国“长征三号”运载火箭发射“亚洲一号”卫星的正式合同。

At 4:00 p.m., Wu Keli, deputy general manager of the China Great Wall Industry Corporation, on behalf of China, and Xue Dong, executive director of the AsiaSat Corporation, on behalf of the user, signed a formal contract on launching the AsiaSat-1 satellite with China's "Long March-3" carrier rocket.

全国人大常委会副委员长荣毅仁,国务委员邹家华和国防科工委、航空航天部负责人出席了隆重的签字仪式。

Rong Yiren, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, Zou Jiahua, State Councilor, and responsible persons of the COSTIND and the Ministry of Aviation Industry attended the grand signing ceremony.

当晚,在人民大会堂宴会厅举行庆祝宴会。300余名中外来宾和记者,济济一堂,频频举杯。

In that evening, a celebration banquet was held in the banquet hall of the Great Hall of the People. More than 300 Chinese and foreign guests and journalists gathered together and raised their glasses from time to time.

迷人的灯光,成功的笑脸,舒心的乐曲,飘香的茅台,整个人民大会堂宴会大厅,洋溢着浓浓的喜庆气氛。

Charming lights, smiling faces because of success, soothing music, fragrant Maotai spirit created a thick festive atmosphere filling the banquet hall of the Great Hall of the People.

乌可力端着酒杯,穿梭于各个座席之间,与外宾们频频碰杯。乌可力不仅在外交场上是一位谈判能人,在酒席上也是一位常常压倒对手的强者。年轻时,他一仰脖子,能灌下两斤白干;现在,一斤白酒,依然不在话下。

Wu Keli carried the wine glass, shuttled between the seats, and frequently clinked glasses with the foreign guests. Wu Keli was not only a negotiator on the diplomatic field, but also a strong man who often overpowered his opponent at the banquet. When he was young, he lifted up his neck and could fill two jin in vain; now, one jin was also a piece of cake. (1 jin is equivalent to 0.5 kilogram)

据说,有一次在联邦德国谈判时,联邦德国卫星专家听说乌可力是位蒙古族汉子,特能喝酒,便拿出几瓶84度的酒,要与他豪饮一番。乌可力也不客气,端起酒杯,与他连连对碰。结果,这位号称“海量”的联邦德国专家刚喝下三杯,便放下酒杯,拱手承让道:“乌先生不仅谈判是这个（竖大拇指）,喝酒也是这个（竖大拇指）, 佩服,佩服!”

It was said that once in the Federal Republic of Germany negotiations, when their satellite expert heard that Wu Keli was a Mongolian man and was a good drinker, he took out a few bottles of 84 degrees of wine, to imbibe with him. Without demur and hesitation, Wu Keli raised his glass and exchanged blows with him frequently. Unexpectedly, the Federal Republic of Germany expert with so-called "enormous capacity for liquor" just drank three cups, then put down the wine cup, clasping his hands together and said with admiration: "Mr Wu is not only ... in the negotiations (giving a thumbs-up), but also ... in drinking (giving a thumbs-up). I admire a lot!"

可今天,乌可力刚喝下第八杯茅台,便有些醉眼蒙咙,一种疲劳之感频频袭来。

But today, Wu Keli was a little drunk with a feeling of fatigue hitting him frequently after he just drank the eighth cup of Maotai.

他,实在太累了……
He was ... really tired.

从提议发射外国卫星,到今天正式签订发射合同,整整5年。

From the proposal to launch foreign satellites to the formal signing of the launch contract today, it has taken five years.

5年来,为了把中国的火箭打入国际商业市场,乌可力的足迹几乎遍布全球。从亚洲到美洲,从美洲到欧洲,他跑了 30多个国家和地区,光乘坐飞机的时间就有 4200多个小时,共计行程90多万公里！

In the past five years, in order to bring Chinese rockets into the international commercial market, Ukeli traveled almost all over the world. From Asia to the Americas, from the Americas to Europe, he traveled to more than 30 countries and regions. He spent more than 4,200 hours by plane alone, with a total journey of more than 900,000 kilometers!

1988年,为了卫星等谈判之事,有一次他从中国飞到洛杉矶,再从洛杉矶飞到巴西;从巴西飞到联邦德国,再从联邦德国飞到伊拉克;从伊拉克飞到巴西,再从巴西飞回中国。连续一个星期,几乎全是在上万米的高空中度过的。

In 1988, for the sake of negotiations on satellites, he once flew from China to Los Angeles and then from Los Angeles to Brazil; then fly from Brazil to Federal Germany, and next from Federal Germany to Iraq; from Iraq to Brazil, and then fly back to China from Brazil. For a week in a row, almost he spent all his time in the tens of thousands of meters high in the air.

当然,还有比累更令他难受的事情。

Of course, there were more than tireness to make him uncomfortable.

1986年,他带领中国代表团去加拿大考察,与某卫星公司洽谈有关发射的问题。按国家规定,出国考察人员每人每天费用只有52美元,显然不可能去住四星级、五星级的宾馆。因为这样的宾馆,一晚上就是250美元。于是他和代表团成员住进了加拿大最普通、最便宜的旅店一“大马店”。

In 1986, he led the Chinese delegation to Canada to investigate and discuss with a satellite company about the launch. According to state regulations, the daily cost of each person on an overseas inspection tour was only 52 US dollars, which obviously made it impossible to stay in a four-star or five-star hotel. For a hotel like this costed $250 one night. So he and the delegation members lived in one of the most common, the cheapest hotels in Canada, where they had to sleep with many people together, crowded and uncomfortable.

有一天,乌可力打电话跟那家卫星公司联系,希望能派车接他们去公司洽谈。那家卫星公司问他们住在什么地方,乌可力把住址告诉对方后,那家公司并没有来人,而是派了两辆出租车过来。

One day, Wu Keli called to contact the satellite company, hoping that they could send a car to pick them up to the company to negotiate. The satellite company asked where they lived, and after Wu Keli told the other party the address, the company did not send anyone over, but sent two taxis.

更令人气愤的是,他们到了公司后,别说公司董事长出面接待,就连一个副经理都没露面,只派了一个科员出来应付了几句,便起身送客。

What's even more infuriating was that when they arrived at the company, there was even no deputy manager to recieve them, let alone the chairman. Only one staff member came out to perfunctorily say a few words and then stood up to see off the guests.

在回来的路上,乌可力一言不发,心里生着闷气。出租车司机是位侨民,见乌可力愁眉苦脸,便问了一句:“先生,你们是干什么的?”

On the way back, Wu Keli said nothing and was in a sulk. "What are you doing here, sir?" Seeing Wu Keli's sad face, the driver asked, who was an overseas Chinese.

乌可力一听司机会说中国话,一下多了几分亲近,说:“我们是中国卫星发射代表团的,这次来加拿大,是谈发射卫星业务的。”

As soon as Wu Keli heard that the driver could speak Chinese, he became a bit closer and said, "We are from the Chinese satellite launch delegation. This time we are coming to Canada to discuss satellite launch business."

“什么?!你们是卫星发射代表团的?”出租车司机突然一个急刹车,脸上露出惊讶与疑惑。

"What?! You are from the satellite launch delegation? "The taxi driver suddenly braked sharply, his face showing surprise and doubt.

“怎么啦?”乌可力说。
"What's the matter?" asked Wu Keli.

出租车司机说:“坏了,这家公司把你们当成骗子了!”
The taxi driver said,"Awful. This company treats you like a liar!"

乌可力愣了 :“什么,骗子?不可能,我们的确是中国卫星发射代表团的,怎么会是骗子呢?”

Wu Keli was stunned and said, "What, liars? That's impossible. We are indeed members of the Chinese satellite launch delegation, how could we be scammers?"

出租车司机这オ说道:“你知道你们住的大马店,是咋回事吗?”

Then the driver asked, "Do you know anything about the caravansary you lived in?"

乌可力说:“不知道。我们只知道它便宜。”

"No," he said. "We just know it's cheap."

出租车司机说:“加拿大的大马店,是过去赶大车的马夫住的地方。你们想想, 哪有堂堂中国卫星发射代表团住这种地方的?瞧你们这副寒酸样,他们能不把你们当骗子吗?”

The taxi driver continued: "Canada's caravansary is the place where the driver cart groom lived in the past. Think about it, how can a Chinese satellite launch delegation live in such a place? They must have treated you as scammers because of your shabby demeanor!"

听罢出租车司机的分析,乌可力恍然大悟。本想发泄一通,却又一句话也说不出来。

After listening to the analysis of the taxi driver, Wu Keli suddenly realized. He originally wanted to vent, but couldn't say a word.

当晚,乌可力来到中国驻加拿大大使馆,找到大使说:“由你们大使馆出面发请帖,明天我要请客!”

That night, Wu Keli came to the Chinese Embassy in Canada and found the ambassador, saying,"Please send out the invitation in the name of the embassy. Tomorrow will be my treat!"

大使见乌可力脸色不对,忙问:“怎么了?请什么客?”

"What happened? What treat?" He asked, noticing Wu Keli's strange expression.

乌可力说:“我要把加拿大所有大的卫星公司的总裁全部请来,让他们见识一下,中国卫星发射代表团到底是地道的正牌货,还是江湖骗子！”

Wu Keli answered, "I want to invite all the presidents of all the large satellite companies in Canada and let them know if the Chinese satellite launch delegation is a real one or a charlatan!"

第二天,加拿大各大卫星公司的总裁准时来到大使馆。中国驻加大使和乌可力等,依次站在大使馆的门前,同前来赴宴的大老板们一一握手。

The next day, the presidents of Canada's major satellite companies came to the embassy on time. The Chinese ambassador to Canada and Wu Keli and others stood in front of the embassy in a line and shook hands with the bosses who came to the dinner.

席间,乌可力端着酒杯,故意走到冷落他的那家公司的总裁面前。翻译忙向那位总裁介绍说:“这是中国商业卫星发射服务代表团副团长乌可力先生!”乌可力举起酒杯,理了理贺龙式小胡子,说:“总裁先生,我们今天第一次幸会,来,喝上几杯!”乌可力说罢,一仰脖子,咕咚咕咚,一连灌下三大杯。

At the banquet, Wukeli deliberately walked up to the CEO of the company that ignored him, holding a glass of wine. "This is Mr. Wu Keli, Deputy Head of the Chinese Commercial Satellite Launch Service Delegation!" The translator hastened to introduce him to the CEO. Wu Keli raised his glass, trimmed his Long style mustache, and said, "Mr. President, it's my pleasure to meet you for the first time today. Come and have a few drinks!" Having said that, Wu Keli raised his neck and gulped down three cups in a row.

后来有人说,单凭乌可力那喝酒的气势,便把对方震得目瞪口呆!

Later on, some people said that relying solely on Wu Keli's drinking demeanor greatly shocked the CEO!

第二天,那家公司的总裁给乌可力打来电话,要回请中国商业卫星发射服务代表团,并在电话里简单表示说,愿意用中国的火箭发射他们的卫星。

The next day, the president of the company called Wu Keli to invite the Chinese commercial satellite launch service delegation, and said on the phone that they were willing to launch their satellite with a Chinese rocket.

是的,5年奋斗,5年辛酸,5年风风雨雨,5年坡坡坎坎。今天,中国终于签订了第一个正式发射合同,乌可力当然欣慰不已。

Yes, five years of struggle, five years of bitterness, five years of ups and downs, five years of ups and downs. Today, China finally signed its first official launch contract, which made Wu Keli pleased.

于是,乌可力又端起酒杯,走到亚洲卫星公司执行总裁薛栋先生面前,感叹地说:“来,薛先生,为了今天的合同,为了下一步合作成功,我俩再干一杯!”

So, Wu Keli raised his glass again and walked up to Mr. Xue Dong, the CEO of Asia Satellite Company, exclaiming, "Come on, Mr. Xue. For today's contract, for the success of our next cooperation, let's drink another toast!"

“好!”薛栋先生举起酒杯,一饮而尽。
"Of course!" Mr. Xue Dong raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp.

接着,薛栋先生斟满一杯茅台,高高举起,乘兴向在场的各位嘉宾和新闻记者们宣布道: “各位女士们、先生们,中国是火箭的故乡,’长征号’系列火箭可靠性强,有很高的信誉。我愿意在此宣布,我们从美国休斯公司购买的‘亚洲一号’卫星,将在明年初由中国的’长征三号’运载火箭发射到预定轨道!”

Then, Mr Xue Dong filled a cup of Maotai, holding it high, announced to the presence of the guests and journalists on an impulse: "Ladies and gentlemen, China is the home of rockets. The 'Long March' series rockets are highly reliable and have a high reputation. I would like to announce here that the 'Asia-1' satellite we purchased from the Hughes Company of the United States will be launched into the scheduled orbit by China's 'Long March-3' carrier rocket early next year!"

薛栋先生话音刚落,全场立即响起一片掌声。

As soon as Mr. Xue's voice fell, the audience immediately burst into applause.

然而,正当“亚洲一号”卫星的发射工作逐步往前推进时,1989年那个火热的夏天,中国震惊世界的政治风波发生了！

However, just as the launch of the "Asia-1" satellite was gradually advancing, in the fiery summer of 1989, a political turmoil in Chian which shocked the whole world occurred!

于是,本来美国政府已经同意发放的卫星出境许可证,立即遭到冻结。

As a result, the satellite exit permit that the US government had agreed to issue was immediately frozen.

没有许可证,美国的卫星不能插翅飞到中国,无疑等于取消这次发射。

Without a permit, the US satellite could not fly to China with wings, which would undoubtedly mean canceling the launch.

而就在这时,国外有的卫星发射服务商乘虚而入,想挖走“亚洲一号”卫星的发射业务;法国的“阿里亚娜”火箭也再次降低发射价格;甚至有的客商还明确表示,不惜一切代价,也要从中国手上夺走这颗卫星,另找发射的主人！

At this time, some foreign satellite launch service providers took advantage of the opportunity to poach the launch business of "Asia No.1" satellite; France's Ariane rocket has also lowered its launch price again; Even some businessmen have made it clear that they would snatch this satellite from China at all costs and find another owner to launch it!

这对中国来说,无疑又是沉重一击！

This was undoubtedly another heavy blow to China!

几年来,为了拿到“亚洲一号”卫星的发射许可证,中国外交部、中国驻美大使馆、中国航空航天部以及中国卫星发射测控系统等,通过各种渠道,采用各种方式, 向美国政府和国际巴黎统筹委员会做了大量难以描述的工作。

Over the past few years, in order to obtain the launch license of "Asia-1" satellite, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese Embassy in the United States, the Chinese Ministry of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Chinese Satellite Launch Control System had done a lot of indescribable work to the US government and the International Paris Coordinating Committee through various channels and in various ways.

几年来,为了拿到“亚洲一号”卫星的发射许可证,航空航天部部长林宗棠远涉重洋,找英国、美国、联邦德国、意大利等国的大使,让他们向各国政府反映中国的情况,然后各国政府再向巴黎统筹委员会反映中国的情况,最后好不容易オ形成国际舆论,促使美国政府和巴黎统筹委员会同意发放“亚洲一号”卫星的许可证。

Over the past few years, in order to get the launch license of "Asia-1" satellite, Minister of Aeronautics and Astronautics Lin Zongtang had traveled far and wide to find ambassadors from Britain, the United States, the Federal Republic of Germany, Italy and other countries. He asked them to reflect China's situation to the governments of various countries, and then the governments of various countries to reflect China's situation to the Paris Coordinating Committee. Finally, the international public opinion that formed with great difficulties prompted the US government and the Paris Coordinating Committee to agree to issue the license for "Asia-1" satellite.

可万万没想到,万事俱备,只欠东风,眼看离成功只有一步之遥,又要擦肩而过。

But unexpectedly, when it was only one step away from success it seemed to pass by.

13,在西方人的眼里,是一个不吉利的数字。
13, for westerners, is an unlucky number.

但1989年的12月13日,对中国人来说,却是一个可喜的日子。
But December 13, 1989, for Chinese, is a happy day.

这一天,经中国驻美大使馆与美国有关当局联系后,孙家栋副部长为“亚洲一号”卫星的许可证一事,专程赶往美国,同美国国会议员、美国空间委员会主席罗伯特罗埃以及美国国务院代理助理克里斯托弗•汉金进行会谈。

On the same day, after the Chinese Embassy in the United States contacted the relevant US authorities, Vice Minister Sun Jiadong made a special trip to the United States for talks with US Congressman Robert Troyer, Chairman of the US Space Committee, and Acting Assistant to the US State Department Christopher Hankin on the issue of the "Asia-1" satellite license.

1989年10月5日,林宗棠部长曾在北京钓鱼台国宾馆三号楼,同美国大使和美国科技参赞就卫星许可证一事,进行过一次专门的会谈。美方当时表示,对中国的心情表示理解,愿意及时将中国的意愿转告美国政府。

On October 5, 1989, Minister Lin Zongtang held a special meeting with the US Ambassador and the US Science and Technology Counsellor on the issue of satellite licenses at the No. 3 Building of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. The US delegation said at that time that it understood China's feelings and was willing to convey China's wishes to the US government in a timely manner.

但是,由于离合同所签订的发射日期越来越近,而且“亚洲一号”卫星许可证又是有期限的,所以为防止夜长梦多,节外生枝,孙家栋副部长决定再次亲赴美国, 促使“亚洲一号”卫星许可证尽快得以落实。

However, as the launch date of the contract was getting closer and closer, and the "Asia" satellite license had a time limit, in order to avoid possible troubles, Vice Minister Sun Jiadong decided to go to the United States again, to promote the "Asia" satellite license to be implemented as soon as possible.

孙家栋同美方的这次会谈,是在相对平静的气氛中进行的,而且双方都显得真挚与坦率。

The talk this time between Sun Jadong and the US were conducted in a relatively calm atmosphere, and both sides appeared sincere and frank.

会议一开始,罗伯特罗埃先生便坦诚地说:“中国与美国打交道,不能只与行政当局打交道,还要和议会打交道。美国期待中国采取行动的信号,这将是极其重要的,愈早发生愈好。两国人民之间误解的消除,将有助于增进政府、议会间的了解。”

At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Robert Roe said frankly: "If China try to make contact with the United States, you can not only deal with the executive authorities, but also with the parliament. The United States waits for the signal from China to take action, which will be extremely important, and the sooner it happens, the better it will be. The elimination of misunderstandings between the two peoples will help enhance understanding between the governments and parliaments of the two countries.

片刻,罗伯特・罗埃继续说道:“新的一年马上就要到了,人们在旧的一年快结束时都愿意进行反思,愿意做出妥协。如果能采取某种行动,对于中美之间的友谊的恢复实在是太重要了。我们期待着能到中国去访问。”

A moment later, Robert Roe continued,"The new year is coming. People are willing to reflect and compromise at the end of the old year. If we can take certain action, it will be very important to the restore the friendship between China and the United States. We are looking forward to visiting China."

接下来,国务院代理助理汉金说:“我们非常清楚’亚洲一号’卫星许可证的期限,目前高层正在做决断。我们知道时间不多了,但具体发放许可证的日期还不太清楚。本月15日发放'亚洲一号’卫星许可证是一个大概的时限。我们正在考虑, 最高层也在积极考虑,在此特提请中国政府予以注意。”

Next, Han Jin, Acting Assistant to the State Council, said, "We are very clear about the duration of the Asia-1 satellite license, and the decision is being made at the top. We know time is running out, but it's not quite clear exactly when the permit will be issued. The 15 th of this month is an approximate time limit for issuing the license for Asia-1. We are considering it, and the highest level is also actively considering it. I would like to draw the attention of the Chinese government."

孙家栋听了美方的发言,首先表示感谢,然后强调说:“'亚洲一号’卫星许可证的发放,牵涉发射场各项具体准备工作的安排与实施。为了确保明年4月能够发射,卫星必须在2月运往西昌发射场,现在时间已经相当紧迫了。”

After listening to their speech, Sun Jiadong first expressed his gratitude and then stressed, "The issuance of the license involves the arrangement and implementation of various specific preparations for the launch site. In order to ensure that it can be launched in April next year, the satellite must be transported to the Xichang Launch Center in February. Now the time is quite tight."

孙家栋说完,停顿了一下,继续说道:“至于中国发生的事,我国政府领导人已清楚地向美国朋友做了介绍。为了取得美国人民和议会的了解与支持,也一再做了阐明。最近美国已派特使对中国做了访问,会晤了包括邓小平在内的中国领导人,这对某些问题的解决是有益的。我希望能按他们商量的意见,一步一步地去做。”

After Sun Jiadong finished speaking, he paused for a moment and then continued, "As for what happened in China, the leaders of our government have made it clear to our American friends. To gain the understanding and support of the American people and Congress, it has also repeatedly clarified. Recently, the United States has sent special envoys to visit China and met with Chinese leaders including Deng Xiaoping, which is beneficial to the solution of some problems. I hope we can do it step by step according to the outcome of meeting."

最后,罗伯特・罗埃先生表示,“亚洲一号”卫星许可证一事,一定尽快予以答复。

Finally, Mr. Robert Roe said that he would definitely respond to the issue of the "Asia-1" satellite license as soon as possible.

会谈结束后,罗伯特・罗埃先生当即向美国国会做了报告。
Immediately after the talks, Mr. Robert Roe made a report to the United States Congress.

据说,当美国政府最后商定是否给中国发放“亚洲一号”卫星许可证时,会场上出现了两种不同的意见。值此关键时刻,布什总统起身走到窗前,沉思片刻,而后望了望东方,转身轻轻说了一句:

It was said that when the U.S. government finally negotiated whether to grant China a license for the "Asia-1" satellite, two different opinions appeared at the meeting. At this critical moment, President Bush stood up and walked to the window, pondered for a moment, then looked east, turned around and said softly:

“我不愿得罪十亿中国人!”

"I don't want to offend billions of Chinese people."

于是,1989年12月16日,美国白宫发言人菲茨沃特正式宣布:布什总统今天批准了“亚洲一号”卫星（及其他两颗卫星）的出口许可证。

So, on December 16, 1989, the White House spokesman Fitzwater officially announced that President Bush today approved an export license for the Asia-1 satellite (and two others).

这项决定是基于美国的国家利益做出的,因为它将为美国公司赢得3亿美元的生意!

The decision was made in the national interest of the United States because it would win US companies $300 million in business!

尾声：走向新大陆

The End: Coming to the New World

一个月后。

A month later.

美国洛杉矶长滩。休斯公司总部大楼。

Long Beach, Los Angeles, USA. Hughes Company headquarters building.

这是一个阳光温和的上午。孙家栋和乌可力款步走进休斯公司副董事长鲍夫曼先生的办公室。鲍夫曼先生急忙迎出,张开热情的臂膀,同两位中国友人紧紧拥抱。

It was a mild sunny morning. Sun Jiadong and Wu Keli walked slowly into the office of Mr. Bowman, Vice Chairman of Hughes Company. Mr. Baufman hurried out to greet him, warmly opening his arms and tightly hugging his two Chinese friends.

鲍夫曼:“孙家栋先生,祝贺你们啊!”
Baufman said, "Mr. Sun, congratulations to all of you!"

孙家栋:“鲍先生,也祝贺你们啊!”
"Thank you. Congratulations too, Mr. Baufman."

鲍夫曼:“你们发射上天的卫星,现在工作得很好！”

Baufman said, "The satellite you launched into the sky is working very well now!"

孙家栋:“是吗?那太好了!鲍先生,您对中国的这次发射,不知有何评价?”

Sun replied, "Really? That's great! Sir, so what is your evaluation of China's launch this time?"

“太棒了!”鲍夫曼伸了伸大拇指说,“我个人认为,中国这次有三点干得非常漂亮。”

"That's great!" Baufman said with a thumbs up."Personally, I think China did three things very well this time."

“哦,请问有哪三点?”孙家栋问。
"Oh, what are they?" asked Sun Jiadong.

鲍夫曼说:“一是气象预报准确;二是发射时间准,说9点半发射就9点半发射;三是卫星入轨精度高。而且,发射成功后,向我方报轨道参数也非常及时!”

Baufman answered: "Firstly, the weather forecast was accurate; secondly, the launch time was accurate and it launched on time at 9:30 pm as scheduled; thirdly, the satellite's entry into the orbit was highly accurate. Moreover, after the successful launch, the orbital parameters were reported to us in a timely manner!"

孙家栋问:“卫星入轨的偏差数测算出来了吗?”
Sun Jiadong asked, "Have you got the satellite obrital deviations?"

鲍夫曼说:“测算出来了。本来按我方原来的要求,不能超过100公里,但经我们的测量结果表明,只偏差了 54公里。后来我们又做了进一步计算,实际只偏差了9公里！这个数据,是我们休斯公司发射的80多颗卫星,入轨精度最高的一次!”

"It's done," said Boffman. "Our original request was not to exceed 100 km, but our measurements showed that there is only a deviation of 54 km. Then we did a further calculation and found that the actual deviation is only 9 km! This data manifestified that this satellite is of the highest accuracy of its entry among over 80 satellites we Hughes Company has launched!"

鲍夫曼一说完,便激动地站了起来,来回地踱着步子。

As soon as Baufman had finished, he stood up excitedly and paced back and forth.

这时,休斯公司另一位主管卫星工作的高级助理也兴奋地说:“休斯公司自从 1962年开始发射第一颗卫星到今天,我一直是参与者。这么多年来,还从未发射过这么高精度的卫星。方オ董事长说到的三个方面的情况,已在我们公司传为佳话!”

At this time, another senior assistant in charge of satellite work at Hughes also said excitedly: "I have been a participant in Hughes' first satellite launch since 1962. Over the years, there has never been such a highly-precise satellite launch. The three aspects mentioned by Chairmanjust now have been greatly appreciated in our company!"

“是吗?”孙家栋站了起来。
"Really?" Sun Jiadong stood up.

“是的,是的！”鲍夫曼先生接着说道,“这些日子以来,我们一直在兴奋地谈论着中国的这次发射。有人说,中国是个神秘的国家,也是一个很神奇的国家。有些看起来很容易办的事情,就是办不好;但有些很复杂的事情,比如像这次发射’亚洲一号’卫星,条件这么差,时间如此仓促,却居然干得如此漂亮！而且速度之快、效率之高,令人吃惊！甚至在计划上还撵着美国人走,逼着美国人提前。过去,我们是竖一个大拇指;现在,我们是竖两个大拇指!”

"Yes! That's true!" continued Mr. Boffman."We've been talking excitedly about the Chinese launch these days. Some people said that China was a mysterious country, but also a very magical country. Some things that seemed easy to do were just not done well. But some very complicated things, such as the launch of the 'Asia-1' satellite, with bad conditions and , were actually done so beautifully! And your speed and efficiency was amazing! Even in terms of planning, you drove Americans to accelerate and forced them to advance. In the past, we gave you one thumb-up; but now, you deserve two!"

鲍夫曼先生说完,双手伸出大拇指,比画着走到20层楼高的窗户前,哗地拉开了天蓝色的纱幔。

Saying that, Mr. Boffman, with his thumbs up, walking to the window of the twenty-story building, and drew the sky-blue gauze curtain.

窗外,人流如潮,云层似海。孙家栋仿佛看见,一轮鲜活的太阳,正从东方的地平线上缓缓升起。

Out of the window were people like tide, and clouds like the sea. Sun Jiadong seemed to see that a lively sun was rising slowly from the eastern horizon.

是的,历史记住了1990年4月7日。

Yes, April 7, 1990 was engraved in history.

在中国“长征三号”火箭腾飞的一刹那,全世界都感到了中国的分量,同时也感到了人类智慧与力量的伟大。20世纪末,中国以自己的实力,又一次显示了自己的存在;中国以新的形象,再一次受到世界的瞩目!“亚洲一号”卫星的冲击波, 很快就传遍了地球这个小小的村落。

At the moment when China's "Long March 3" rocket took off, the whole world felt the weight of China, but also felt the greatness of human wisdom and strength. At the end of the 20 th century, China once again showed its own existence with its own strength; China has once again drew the attention of the world with its new image! The impact of the "AsiaSat 1" satellite soon spread to this small global village.

美国休斯公司一位负责人说:“这次发射成功,是美、中在太空方面长期合作的开端,并将成为继续改善美、中两国人民关系的基础。”

"The successful launch is the beginning of a long-term Sino-US cooperation in space, and will serve as the basis for further improving the relations between the peoples of the United States and China," said an official with Hughes.

联邦德国的德新社驻京记者报道说:“这次卫星发射意味着中国以其经过考验的运载火箭进入国际卫星商业市场,与美国人和欧洲人竞争的努力取得突破。中国的卫星发射技术被外国专家认为是可靠的。中国的口袋里已经装着另外一些外国卫星的发射合同。”

"The satellite launch represents a breakthrough in China's efforts to enter the international commercial satellite market with its proven launch vehicle and compete with the Americans and Europeans," said the a correspondent from Deutsche Presse Agentur who was based in Beijing. China's satellite launching technology is considered reliable by foreign experts. China already has signed other foreign satellite launch contracts.

泰国《中华日报》发表社论说:“事实证明,中国发射卫星技术优异,而收费比西方国家便宜,将有更强的竞争力。”

"It has been proved that China's satellite launch technology is excellent, and the cost is cheaper than that of Western countries, which brirngs it stronger competitiveness," commented an editorial in Tong Hua Daily News.

英国《泰晤士报》报道说:“中国火箭将美国卫星送入太空轨道,这表明中国已经成为国际航天工业中一个重要的商业竞争者。”

The British newspaper The Times reported: "The Chinese rocket sent a US satellite into space orbit, which shows that China has become an important commercial competitor in the international space industry."

美国《基督教科学箴言报》报道说:“对中国来说,’亚洲一号’卫星的成功发射,不仅是一项技术成就,还是一项重大的外交成就。”

The Christian Science Monitor of the United States reported: "For China, the successful launch of the Asia-1 satellite is not only a technological achievement, but also a major diplomatic achievement.

日本东京消息说:“中国发射的’亚洲一号’卫星,作为一颗超越亚洲各国和地区间的’政治篱笆’,象征信息国际化的卫星而引人注目。”

"The “AsiaSat 1” satellite launched by China has attracted attention as a satellite that transcends the 'political fence' between Asian countries and regions and symbolizes the internationalization of information," said a report from Tokyo, Japan.

苏联《消息报》发表评论说:“中国第一次把美国卫星送入轨道,说明中国长城公司终于开辟了这条通往国际商业服务市场的艰难道路,开辟了亚洲远程通信和通信发展的新阶段。亚洲问题专家相信,’亚洲一号’今后将于亚洲国家生活的各个方面一社会、实业和经济产生影响。”

The Soviet newspaper Izvestia commented: "China's first launch of an American satellite into orbit shows that the Great Wall Company of China has finally paved a throny road for the international commercial service market and opened up a new stage in the development of telecommunications and communications in Asia. Experts on Asian issues believe that AsiaSat 1 will have an impact on all aspects of Asian life--society, industry and economy.

一位香港人士说:“这次发射终生难忘。这不单是一次技术性发射,它提高了中国的威望,使人们看到了中国的高技术形象。国内有这么好的技术,我们要研究投资的可行性问题。比如在香港搞卫星制造业,利用内地的技术人才,利用香港的地位和资金搞合作。”

A Hong Kong source said: "This launch will be unforgettable. This is not only a technical launch. It has increased China's prestige and made people see China's high-tech image. Having such good technology, we should study the feasibility of investment. For example, to engage in satellite manufacturing in Hong Kong. Make use of skilled personnel from the mainland, and Hong Kong's position and capital to engage in cooperation."

然而,中国火箭发射国外的商业卫星,东方与西方携手架设空间桥梁,这毕竟还是第一次。严格说来,在通向国际商业发射市场的道路上,中国オ迈出了一小步。一切还刚刚开始,也仅仅是开始。

However, it was the first time that Chinese rockets launched foreign commercial satellites, jointly build space bridges with western countries. Strictly speaking, China has just taken a small step on the road to the international commercial launch market. Everything just began, and it was just a beginning.

美国让中国发射卫星,除了信任中国的航天技术外,还有诸多因素,比如价格便宜。如果我们就此关起门来,夜郎自大,只见长城,不见世界,甚至将此事作为一种民族的炫耀,满足民族虚荣心,那未免也太浅薄了!

As for the resaons why the United States let China launch satellites, in addition to trusting China's space technology, there are many other factors, such as cheap prices. If we closed the door with arrogance, not exchanging with the world, and even considerd this as a kind of national event to show off so as to satisfy the national vanity, that was too shallow!

此时离21世纪还有10年!

At that time, there were still 10 years left until the 21st century!

已故现代航天之父布劳恩曾大胆预言:“21世纪,将是在外层空间进行科学活动和商业活动的世纪,是载人星际飞行和开始在母星地球之外建立永久性人类立足点的世纪。”

Braun, the father of modern space, who was passed away, once boldly predicted: "The 21st century will be the century of scientific and commercial activities in outer space, the century of manned interstellar flight and the beginning of the establishment of permanent human footprints outside the mother planet Earth."

是的,科技已经改变了我们的生活。原子弹早把人类的命运紧紧绑在了一起; 通信卫星的升天,已把偌大的地球变成了一个小小的村落;当第一枚威武的火箭撞开通向宇宙的大门后,人类便发现,自己赖以生存的这个星球,原来竟是如此的孤独、渺小和可怜!

Yes, technology has changed our lives. The atomic bomb has already tightly bound the fate of humanity together; The ascent of communication satellites has transformed the vast earth into a small village. When the first mighty rocket smashed the door open to the universe, human beings then found that the planet they relied on for sueviva turned out to be so lonely, small and poor!

而地球一这个人类的母星球,如今已是遍体伤痕,岌岌可危。人口、资源、环境、粮食、能源等问题,如同五条粗壮的绳索,紧紧勒住了人类的喉咙。生存与发展,将是未来的主题。战争,已不再是人们重视的热点。人们着眼关注的,是未来历史进程中,人类如何在新的世界和新的生存空间中和谐共处,生存发展。

And earth, the mother planet of mankind, is now covered in scars and in jeopardy. Issues such as population, resources, environment, food, and energy are like five thick ropes that tightly hold the throat of mankind. Survival and development will be the theme in the future. War is no longer a hot spot that people attach importance to. What people pay attention to is how human beings can coexist harmoniously and survive and develop in the new world and new living space in the future historical process.

于是,开拓天疆,造福人类,成为世界响亮的口号,成为历史赋予人类神圣而伟大的使命。尽管我们只有一个地球,但生活在这个地球上的50亿同类,有一个共同的未来！因为宇宙空间将是人类另一个美丽的家园,随着航天技术的不断发展, 人类走进宇宙母亲的怀抱,将越来越近,越来越近。

Therefore, exploiting the space and benefiting mankind have become the resounding slogan of the world and the sacred and great mission entrusted to mankind by history. Although we have only one Earth, the 5 billion people who live on this Earth share a common future! Because space will be another beautiful home for mankind. With the continuous development of space technology, mankind will be getting closer and closer to the embrace of the mother universe.

进军宇宙,开拓空间的战略,早已受到世界各国的关注,更受到美国政府的高度重视。早在1984年初,里根总统在国情咨文中,便首次将开拓宇宙空间列入国家的战略目标,并将建立一个永久载人空间站,计划于1992年送入太空。

The strategy of marching into the universe and exploiting space has long been the concern of all countries in the world, and it has been highly valued by the US government. As early as early 1984, in his State of the Union Address, President Reagan listed the exploration of outer space as a national strategic goal for the first time and planned to build a permanently manned space station to be launched into space in 1992.

1985年,里根总统还宣称:开拓和利用太空,是美国的第二次革命,是一场把知识和空间的边疆向后移,从而使我们达到进步和新高度的革命,更是一场把世界和平和人类自由的美好希望带到地球之外的革命。

In 1985, President Reagan also declared that the exploration and utilization of space was the second revolution in the United States, a revolution that pushed back the frontiers of knowledge and space, thus bringing us to new heights of progress, and even more so, a revolution that brought the bright hopes of world peace and human freedom off the Earth.

当然,探索宇宙、开拓空间的伟大事业,绝不是一个民族、一个国家的事情,也不是一天、一年或者一个世纪的问题,而需要的是全人类世世代代的共同合作与奋斗！

Of course, the great cause of exploring the universe and opening up space is by no means a matter for a nation or a country, nor is it a matter of a day, a year or a century. What is needed is the common cooperation and struggle of all mankind from generation to generation!

今天,中国与美国,东方与西方,第一次成功地在25亿亚洲人头顶的上空,架起了一座空间文明的桥梁。相信在世界的明天,全人类也将携手并肩,踏着阳光的阶梯,向着宇宙隆隆挺进!宇宙间一切的一切,时空中所有的所有,都将在地球纪元2000年后,逐一向人类一一展现。

Today, for the first time, China and the United States, East and West, have successfully erected a bridge of space civilization over the heads of 2.5 billion Asians. It's believed that in the future, all humanity will join hands, step on the ladder of sunshine, rumbling into the universe! Everything in the universe, in space and time, will be presented to humanity one by one after the Earth era in the year 2000 AD.

那时,太阳将不再是红色,月宫将不再会清寒。人类大踏步走进的,必将是一个远比地球更加美好的大同世界!

At that time, the Sun will no longer be seen red, the Lunar Palace on the Moon will no longer be desolate. What mankind strides into is bound to be a world far more beautiful than the Earth!

（原载《当代》1991年第1期）

(Originally Published in Dangdai Bimonthly, vol.1, 1991)

==卷四：6.闪着泪光的事业==

闪着泪光的事业

——“和谐号”:“中国创造”的加速度

蒋巍

为什么我的眼里常含泪水?

因为我对这土地爱得深沉……

—艾青

引子

20世纪70年代,一位西方政要访问中国时登上长城,他看到ー个古老大国的沉雄奇伟,也看到ー个民族的封闭与落后。归国后他发出这样一句感慨:“一个停滞的民族是没有前途的。”

1978年那个静悄悄的雪夜,地球似乎突然晃了晃,整个世界都感觉到来自东方大陆的震动。一位睿智的中国老人靠在中南海的沙发上,他目光深邃,沉思良久,做出这样ー个判断:中国不改革开放,不发展经济,不改善人民生活,只能是死路一条。

从此,中国进入改革开放的新时期。从此,中国铁路进入一个崭新的历史阶段

八九十年代,铁道部挥师塵战,先是“南攻衡广,北战大秦,中取华东”,后来又 “强攻京九、兰新,速战宝中、侯月,再取华东、西南”,中国铁路版图的红色箭头有了强劲的延伸。

2008年6月24日,“中国速度史”上一个闪闪发光的日子。那天有雨,乌云密布,但耀眼的闪电不在空中而在地上,那就是中国铁路最新的“形象大使”一造型优美时尚的乳白色“和谐号”。司机李东晓浓眉长目,体形壮硕,身着笔挺制服, 衣袋里装着“中华人民共和国铁道部CRH3型动车组第0001号驾驶证”,号称“中国一号铁路司机” 〇此刻他手握操纵杆,稳稳上推,列车渐渐加快,城镇绿野飞速向后掠过。铁道部的相关同志屏息注视着驾驶室内不停闪烁的屏幕,显示时速的数字不断跳跃冲高,人们的心跳也不断加速:150,200,250,300,350

“今天天气不好,不要冲了!”铁道部总工程师何华武大声对司机李东晓说。他的声音激动得有些喑哑,但这句话已被淹没在热烈的欢呼声和掌声中。394. 3 公里一由国产动车组创造的中国高铁最高时速纪录诞生了。

这样的速度,插上翅膀就可以起飞了 !

笑声和掌声中,在场所有的铁路人都泪光闪闪。

“中国高铁速度”的第一座里程碑昂然崛起!

29分43秒,“和谐号”抵达天津,比开车从北京的东直门到西直门还快。后来北京市长对天津市长笑说:“看来我是你的北郊了。”天津市长笑答:“不,我是你的海边了。”

三十年河东,三十年河西。从牛背上的中国到高铁上的中国,最伟大的变化就是:速度。“中国速度”已成为中国发展的代名词。“和谐号”诞生的速度和它创造的速度,让整个世界为之震动。大洋彼岸的白宫就被惊动了,奥巴马总统在他的第一部国情咨文中这样表述他的心情:“我们没有理由让欧洲和中国拥有最快的铁路。”

ー、涌动的人潮:“中国之梦”和“中国之痛”

仿佛一夜之间,南国ー个贫穷破败的小渔村忽然变成梦幻般绚丽的大都市。那是世界上最年轻的大都市。

就是它创造的“深圳速度”,唤醒了亿万农民的渴望与梦想:打エ去,赚钱去! 农民们扛起简单的行李卷,从乡村的泥泞小路跋涉到长沙、贵阳、成都、郑州等中西部的大小车站,然后坐在行李卷上茫然四顾。其中很多人没有预定的目的地,只要买到向东向南的车票,扛起行李就出发。于是在改革开放的中国,形成人类文明史上一个前所未有的奇观:范围最广、规模最大、持续时间最长的人口大流动。30年来,亿万脸色苍黑的农民工汇集成全球最壮阔的“候鸟群”,一年一度,春节前“回巢”,春节后“南飞”,在中国版图上像海浪ー样潮涨潮落、涌来涌去。他们在追寻和创造文明的同时,也领悟和接受着文明。

这是20世纪80年代以来充满生机和诱惑的“中国之梦”。但是,或许没有多少人意识到,正是这个令人振奋的“中国之梦”,同时造就了一个范围最广、规模最大、持续时间最长的“中国之痛”。

你听到了吗?多少年来,延伸在全国各地的两条钢轨一直在颤抖和呻吟！你看到了吗?那么多铁路员エ在谈到自己和同事的辛劳、付出和牺牲时,谈到家庭、老人和孩子时,眼里都闪着痛楚的泪光。新时期以来,在中国,大概没有任何ー个行业,像铁路这样承受着巨大的压カ,付出极大的努力,却又遭受着无尽的责难。他们半委屈半幽默地说:“我们累个半死,又给骂个半死……”

中国铁路无愧于“国脉”的光荣称号。那时,它仅占世界铁路营业里程的6%, 却承载了世界铁路25%的运输量。全国85%以上的木材和石油,80%以上的钢铁和冶炼物资,60%以上的煤炭和大部分“三农”物资,都是通过铁路运输的。但是, 国门打开之初,当我们好奇地张望这个陌生世界的时候,让ー些人最眼热、最心跳的不是铁路,而是民航、高速公路和互联网ーー民航更快,高速公路更便捷,有了互联网就不用出差了:这オ叫信息化和现代化!至于叮当作响、老旧不堪、趴在轨道上喘粗气的火车,一些人认为它已经沦为“タ阳产业”,未来只有等着进博物馆了。

ー批批从欧美购入的飞机在各大城市间翱翔起落,一条条高速公路在大江南北迅速延伸,但穿行于群山荒野和城市里隔着斑驳老墙的铁路,似乎成了“被爱情遗忘的角落”,延伸在蒸汽机车喷出的团团白雾之中……

但是,“国脉”在艰难地、坚忍地默默运行着,因为亿万民工和普通百姓需要它!日夜不停地运往全国各地的煤炭、矿石、木材和石油需要它!来自城镇、乡村并享受半票优惠待遇的大学生们（这在世界上是独ー份）需要它！在冰冻灾害、汶川地震、玉树地震等大灾大难中,驰援军队、救灾物资、运送伤员需要它！现代文明史上一年一度的人口大流动、中国最独特的社会景观一春运需要它！

那一幕记忆犹新

哓当,哓当……冬夜的冷风中,刚刚参加工作的列车员小曾（后为广铁集团干部）抱着一位旅客发高烧的1岁女儿落泪了,他ー筹莫展。他服务的是棚车,俗称 “闷罐车”。20世纪八九十年代春运期间,因客车数量不足,只好临时用货运棚车来装人,ー节车厢里塞进二三百人,挤得像沙丁鱼罐头。地板上铺些稻草,角落处打个洞就算“方便”的地方。列车员的“服务工具”主要是手电、钳子和铁丝。入夜,小曾一定先用手电检查ー下旅客的安全和状态,再用铁丝把大铁门拧死,以免中途有人想透透气被甩下去。因为车厢里人太多,想“方便”都无法移动,大家只好在黑暗中就地解决。小曾只能站着喊着,或者像走过瓜地ー样,跨过席地而坐的旅客们的脑袋进行服务,等到中途有人下车了,他才能在稻草铺上歇歇……

那一幕惊心动魄

2008年春,冰冻灾害席卷南国,广州地区聚集了 350万等待回家的旅客大军。春节前10天,仅广州站就拥入200万人。站前广场上,每平方米平均站8个人以上,体重轻的脚都悬空了,几昼夜动弹不得,想出都出不来。有的孩子挤晕了,旅客们就高举双手组成长长的“天桥”,把孩子传出来。时间长了,人海昏昏欲睡,浪潮般东倒西歪。铁路和部队、武警派出上万人,手挽手在外围组成六道铁壁铜墙。ー会儿,半睡半醒的几十万人ー齐向南歪倒,过一会儿又向北歪倒,只要外围用血肉组成的“长城”顶不住,一旦被冲垮,多少人将被踩踏在地……有时,心情焦灼的几十万旅客激动亢奋起来,一起高喊着“回家!回家!”,向站前候车室潮涌而去,咆哮的人浪、声浪、气浪如怒海狂涛,难以遏止。“长城”们被撞得头破血流,但他们仍然手挽手肩并肩,好言劝解,屹立不倒。登车而去的旅客们可以吃喝和睡觉了, 而“血肉长城”不吃不喝不睡,夜以继日地挺立在人民的周围,守护着生命的价值。以至于铁道部不得不下达了一道死命令:“让大家轮流休息,每人每天不得少于2 小时!”

客运员高惠英刚做过心脏搭桥手术,每天引导十几万旅客排队上车,春运结束回家后,鞋子被踩得变了形,袜子只能用剪刀一块块剪下来,因为和血肉模糊的脚粘在一起了。

电路中断,信号灯失灵,张权林顶着严寒,手挥信号旗在风雪中挺立了整整I8 个小时。第二天接班的李建强赶到时,浑身凝着霜雪的“冰制信号灯”张权林砰地摔倒在地,已不能弯曲的手仍然保持着举旗的姿势,李建强抱着严重冻伤的战友大哭不止……

2月6日大年三十上午,集中在广州站的200万旅客终于全部被安全送走,站前广场空空荡荡,只有旅客扔下的行李和被踩掉的鞋子堆积如山。ー些筋疲カ尽、依然守在广场上的工作人员歪靠在栅栏上就睡着了,很多媒体的年轻记者目睹这一幕都掉了泪。他们说:“你们创造了世界铁路史上的奇迹!”

那一幕令人心痛一

因风雪阻隔,西安至广州的L307次列车被困在湖南益阳境内的一个小站望城。断水断电断粮,乘务员的进餐停了,休息车的供暖停了,自备的厚衣服给老人和孩子披上了。没水,19名列车员带上水桶和脸盆,冒着风雪,在列车和农家小院的300米距离之间组成一条传水人链;黑夜中,厨师杨大伟带人摸索到附近村庄, 总算买到350斤大米和一些面条、蔬菜（ー棵白菜卖到20元啊！），4个小时后扛回列车。ー批盒饭做好了,两天两夜没有进餐的列车组人员ー盒未动,而是像押送钞票ー样,前面乘警开路,车长负责殿后,中间列车员护送着ー车水ー车盒饭,他们宣布:“首先保证老人和孩子进餐!”

受阻第四天,旅客们的忍耐力已经超出极限,哭声、喊声、叫骂声响成一片。他们觉得,两条轨道好端端地摆在那儿,火车不动,就是列车长“怕出事,磨洋エ”
一群人围住车长发泄着满腔怒火,制服被撕碎了,帽子被掀掉了。几位女列车员用身体挡住那些失控的拳头,她们哭着喊:“你们以为就你们想家啊?我们车长的2 岁女儿已经生病住院了;我们厨师刚刚接到岳母病危的电话;为了大家能吃上饭, 我们乘务员已经两天没吃一口饭了 !你们怎么能这样?”

车长的眼圈也红了,他平静地说:“其实,我们大家都是同样的心情,如果有什么不同,那就是我们肩上还有一份责任!如果你们觉得打我一下骂我一句就能解气、就能回家的话,那就打吧,骂吧。”

铁路人坦率地说,春运对他们而言就是ー场灾难,年年躲不过。为尽可能缓解春运期间“ 一票难求”和“黄牛党”倒票的问题,从电话订票、团体订票、上门送票, 再到2010年在广州、成都试行的“实名制”,中国铁路人绞尽脑汁,想尽了一切办法,同时他们给自己制定了世界上最严格的管理制度:售票员的手机禁止带入工作室,禁止内部人“走后门”购票,等等。2009年春运,广铁一位售票员为亲戚从内部购买了一张全价票,上午发生的事,下午她就被警告处分并调离现职。她是哭着走的。

承受着世界上最大运输压カ的中国铁路人不愧为ー支铁军。他们是一群把 “家”安在轨道上的人;他们是送人民回家过年而自己不能回家过年的人;他们是扛着压カ、咬碎委屈而把微笑送给群众的人。他们从事的是“闪着泪光的事业”。

二、从“加快”到“跨越”:中国等不及了!

ー个人口最多、发展速度最快的大国,坐在两条脆弱而行驶缓慢的轨道上,那不就是“大象走钢丝”吗? 2002年,中国火车平均时速只有50多公里。全国铁路日装车请求量最高达到30万辆,铁路只能提供!0万辆左右。中国铁路无疑处于泰山压顶、四面楚歌的巨大压カ之下。无论铁路人付出怎样巨大的辛劳与牺牲,赔上多少委屈和笑脸,只要“一票难求、ー车难求”的现象不能从根本上扭转,人们怨气冲天甚至跳脚骂娘就是不可避免的。

现实不相信眼泪,需求不相信眼泪,市场不相信眼泪。

历史已经到了这样的时刻:站在新世纪的大幕前,望中华大地风起云涌,千帆竞发,百舸争流,积重难行的中国铁路究竟向何处去?铁路人必须做出选择,必须向人民、向时代提交自己的答卷了。

要加快发展,要跨越发展,中国已经等不及了 !国家需要重如山,人民利益高于天。为实现铁路的跨越式发展,200万铁军誓师出征,开始了一场排山倒海的大决战。

提速,提速,再提速!从1997年4月到2007年4月,中国铁路共进行了 6次大提速。I〇年间,纵横全国的主要干线时速相继提升到120公里、160公里乃至200 公里以上,催逼得国人走路似乎也快了许多。登上流线型的“和谐号”,人们忽然有了许多新鲜感和愉悦感。看来,“老土”的铁路人终于和时代接轨了,“ー站直达” “タ发朝至” “旅游专列”等等,成了那几年的流行语,女列车员们的服务与微笑也变得分外温情和靓丽。第六次大提速时,曾担任京津既有线时速200公里动车组首任列车长,后又担任京津城际铁路时速350公里动车组第一任列车长的徐颖, 见证了中国铁路从提速到高速的巨大变化。徐颖身材高挑,容貌姣美,服务细致入微,是网上的明星级人物,人气极旺,堪称中国高铁的“形象大使”。“和谐号”驶过的第一个母亲节,她和同事们向所有“母亲旅客”赠送了 5000朵康乃馨。旅客们高兴地对她说:“姑娘们和空姐绝对有一拼了,我们就叫你们’动姐’吧!”

天上有空姐,地上有动姐,我们的生活变得分外美丽了。

但是,没多少人知道,在6次大提速的背后,铁路人付出了何等艰辛的努力！在遍及高山平原、穿越江河峡谷的线路上,所有客货列车都在紧张地运行,所有时限都不得突破。因此,沿线换枕、换轨、换岔和线涵桥隧的整治工程、电气化改造エ程,大都必须在下半夜,在列车行驶的间隙当中插空进行。数十万建设大军就这样默默无闻,夜战数年。一列列灯火通明的客车风ー样掠过,没人知道他们的名字, 甚至没人看到过他们的身影。

为适应大提速,必须精简铁路沿线层层叠叠的管理机构。2005年3月18日, 那是个悲壮的日子。在全路电视电话会议上,铁道部正式宣布,从即日起撤销43 个铁路分局,由四级管理改为三级管理。一夜之间,数万名科以上干部进入“待业”状态,许多对政治前途抱有热望的青年干部和“后备干部”,自此加入“等待重新分配工作”的行列。但他们是经过“铁律”训练出来的人。他们忍下巨大的痛楚与失落,需要继续在岗位上尽责的,就默默守在岗位上;不需要的,就默默清理好自己的办公桌,走上新的岗位。经历了涉及人数如此之多、牵动面如此之广的体制性 “大手术”,那个夜晚,中国铁路安然无恙,稳如泰山,安全正点！

2002年,中国铁路营业里程为7. 2万公里,人均铁路长度仅为5.5厘米,“还不如一根香烟的长度”。如此严峻的现实意味着,仅靠现有铁路提速是远远不够的, 必须加快速度,建设更多的运量大、能耗低、占地少的现代化高速铁路！大决战的前夜,几间堆满国内外资料的“暗无天日”的房间一全世界的“铁路”从最落后到最现代的都装在里面了。铁道部精英云集,全员出动,茶杯里泡着让人亢奋的浓茶,烟缸里插着不睡觉的烟蒂,墙上挂着巨大的中国地图。历经几个月智慧与勇气、激情与思考、技术与梦想的激烈碰撞,房间里云遮雾罩,火花四射,键盘山响,图纸纷飞,墙上的中国地图用红蓝铅笔画了那么多穿山越岭、粗重有力的线条……

入秋,国家发改委会同铁道部将一份关于铁路发展规划的建议送达国务院。 2004年1月7日,国务院常务会议讨论并原则通过了《中长期铁路网规划》。这是大力推进铁路建设的纲领性文献。

号角已经吹响,道路已经指明。规模空前的铁路建设大潮澎湃而起,中国铁路实现“陆地飞行”的历史时刻即将到来!

三、中国“高铁模式”:没有失败者的大国博弈

2004年1月,49岁的何华武出任了铁道部总工程师。

他出生于四川省资阳市一个宁静的小镇,每天走在上学路上和夜里睡觉时,他能听到的最瞭亮的声音,也是小镇上唯一代表工业文明的声音,就是成渝线上隆隆而去的火车声,那雄壮的汽笛声仿佛是对他青春之梦的召唤。因此,上大学、读硕士,他都毫不犹豫地选择了铁路专业。接受高铁任务的那个夜晚,何华武对身患胃癌、体质极为虚弱的妻子说:“以后工作会比现在更忙了,我恐怕抽不出多少时间来照顾你了,孩子也在读大学,我们都伸不上手,你可要照顾好自己啊!”同为铁路人的妻子泪水盈盈地说:“你去忙吧,我理解,我会照顾好自己的……”

何华武唯一能做的,就是给妻子备下ー些方便食品,然后毅然走向紧张繁忙的高铁建设现场。从选址到组织重大工程攻关,从主持关键技术试验到论证各种建设方案,何华武全身心投入崭新的高铁事业之中。京津城际铁路通车之后,何华武专门陪妻子登上“和谐号”,让妻子体验一下今日中国的“高铁速度”。妻子兴奋得两眼炯炯闪光,那驾风驭电的速度是丈夫的梦想,也是她的梦想啊……

在北京城市建设规划中,北京南站原本没有如此宏大的规模。正是京津城际铁路和京沪高速铁路的建设,催生了京南这座富于流线美、闪耀着人文光辉的椭圆形建筑。能容纳上万人的宽阔候车区,进出方便快捷的无障碍通道,能发电、采光、保温、隔热的5700块太阳能板,把城市地铁、轻轨、公交、出租全部纳入“内循环”的精妙设计……这一切都闪耀着以人为本的熠熠光辉,使北京南站成为中国高铁“皇冠上的明珠”。当然,还有新建的武汉站、广州南站、上海虹桥站……在迅速延伸的高速线上,一座座各具特色、造型优美的现代化建筑拔地而起,犹如五线谱上一个个华美的音符,共同汇聚成一首凝固的“交响乐”。

2004年4月,国务院召开专题会议,就发展高速铁路和机车装备问题提出ー个重大指导方针:“引进先进技术,联合设计生产,打造中国品牌。”在“中国铁路”这个世界最大的棋盘上,ー场需要深谋远虑、大智大勇的大国博弈开始了。

中国决定海纳百川,博采众长,走“引进消化吸收再创新”的技术道路。于是, 掌握和代表着当今世界高铁技术制高点的四大跨国集团一德国西门子、法国阿尔斯通、日本川崎重工和加拿大庞巴迪纷至沓来,进入中国的旋转门。红地毯上出演了真诚而热烈的美酒加咖啡的欢迎仪式,中国东道主们个个西装革履,彬彬有礼一因为他们都是地道的“学生辈”。改革开放以来,铁道部的诸多领导和高层技术人员都曾到这几个国家或留学,或考察访问,或参加相关学术会议。那时,他们还年轻,坐在西方的高速列车上,风ー样的速度让他们眼界大开,激动不已一火车原来可以跑得这样快呀,“火车跑得快,全靠车头带”的模式原来可以改变,牵引动カ可以分散到各个车厢啊!他们不断向东道主表达着真诚的敬意,同时又觉得脸上一阵阵潮红,中国的火车何年何月才能赶上西方的速度啊?

可以肯定,当时他们谁都没有预料到,这个激动人心的时刻来得这样快,这个伟大的历史使命竟然是在自己的手上完成的。改革开放,为他们缔造人生辉煌提供了千载难逢的机遇!

那是2004年初夏的早晨,学生和老师分坐在谈判桌两侧。中国“学生”们注意到,座中的德国老师们不仅鼻子最高,神情也相当倨傲。他们确实有恃オ傲物的资本一德国高铁堪称世界一流,他们的精密制造技术也一向是称雄世界、无可匹敌的。

中方郑重表示,希望引进各国高铁机车车辆制造的先进技术,不过,铁道部明确表示:“参观过故宫的外国朋友都知道,进入中国大门是有门槛的。我们的政策是:中国铁路市场不搞‘诸侯混战’,只有一个买主,就是铁道部。从整车技术到任何ー个零部件,都由铁道部代表中国政府,统ー招标,统一向制造商下订单。要进入中国铁路市场,必须实行关键技术全面转让,必须使用中国品牌,实行本土化生产,必须价格合理……”

行事谦恭的日本人频频点头,性情浪漫的法国人报以灿烂的微笑,表情深沉的加拿大人不动声色,只有盛产哲学家的德国人保持着“哲学式”的孤傲。在他们看来,一流的德国高铁技术是中方非买不可的。不过,两个月后,铁道部一位小科长十分同情地对西门子公司谈判代表说:“可惜啊,你们德国人长着方脑袋!”

德国人不好意思地笑了,那笑容分明含着几丝苦涩ーー因为他们出乎意料地出局了。

那些日子,长春客车公司同时拉住法国阿尔斯通和德国西门子分别谈。那意思很明白,谁的价格优惠就跟谁合作。但过于自信的德国代表根本没把法国对手看在眼里,也完全不考虑中方意愿方脑袋”和大鼻子挺得高高的,就是不肯变通,咬住每列原型车单价3.5亿元人民币、技术转让费3.9亿欧元的天价,死不松口。

他的一口价就是“底线”,天下哪有这么做生意的?

所有谈判进程当然都在铁道部的密切掌控之中。开标前夜,即2004年7月27 日,双方依然没有达成协议。关键时候,必须由总エ何华武出面了,他把话说得语重心长,直截了当:“作为同行,我们对德国技术是非常欣赏和尊重的,很希望西门子成为我们的合作伙伴,但你们的出价实在不像是伙伴,倒有点儿半夜劫道、趁火打劫的意思。我可以负责任地表明中方态度:你们每列车价格必须降到2. 5亿人民币以下,技术转让费必须降到1.5亿欧元以下,否则免谈。”

德方首席代表靠在沙发椅上,不屑地摇摇头:“不可能。”

何华武坚定地说:“中国人一向是与人为善的,我不希望看到贵公司就此出局。何去何从,给你们五分钟,出去商量吧。”

“方脑袋”确实像个撬不开的钱匣子,商量回来,脑袋仍然很“方”,没有一点变通的余地。中方翻译都忍不住了 ,他瞅瞅何华武的眼色,然后礼貌地说:“各位可以订回程机票了。”

第二天早晨7时,距铁道部开标仅有2个小时,长客宣布,他们决定选择法国阿尔斯通作为合作伙伴,“双方在富有诚意和建设性的气氛中达成协议”。大梦初醒的德国人呆若木鸡。早餐桌上,得意扬扬的法国人品着香甜的咖啡,还不忘幽了德国哥们儿ー默:“回想当年的滑铁卢之战,今天可以说我们扯平了。”

“德国人从中国的旋转门又转出去了”,消息传开,世界各大股市的西门子股票随之狂泄。放弃世界上最大、发展最快的中国高铁市场,显然是战略性的错误。西门子有关主管执行官递交了辞职报告,谈判团队被集体炒了觥鱼。

不过,西门子知道,他们还有一棵“救命稻草”,即中国北车集团唐山轨道客车公司。富有戏剧性的是,在铁道部这次招标中,雄心勃勃的唐车和野心勃勃的西门子同时“流标”,被关在中国高铁事业的大门之外。

唐车,始建于清末的1881年,迄今横跨3个世纪,被誉为“中国机车车辆エ业的摇篮”。中国第一台蒸汽机车“中国火箭号”,供慈禧太后乘坐的第一辆专列“銮舆龙号”,就诞生于唐车。中华人民共和国成立后,唐车青春焕发,贡献卓著,但在 1976年唐山大地震中又遭受重创,厂房大面积坍塌,员エ和家属死伤过半,并遗留下由エ厂扶养的“八百孤儿”,活下来的员工也大都深陷丧亲之痛。老厂长说,“八百孤儿”进入结婚年龄以后,他作为唯一的“家长”,参加过的婚礼不计其数,每次都让他喜笑颜开又老泪纵横。大地震之后的唐车似乎再没恢复过元气,干部职エ每月只能领到二三百元的最低生活费,许多人被迫流落到社会上打エ,或者蹲街头卖羊肉串儿。

2003年,山雨欲来风满楼,唐车人嗅到浓烈的临战气息。他们搜集了大量国外高铁资料进行学习,并主动送到部里以期引起重视。他们勒紧腰带,组织力量清理环境,翻新厂房,准备迎战。他们还自筹经费造了一辆“高速样板车”,欢天喜地、披红挂彩拉到北京,让部里看看他们是多么积极主动,干劲冲天,志在必得。听说世界高铁技术四大巨头的谈判代表到了国内,他们立即派人联系游说,期望合作。但那时的唐车困难重重,老外根本不理睬他们。倔强的唐车人不甘心,“没有门就跳窗户,没窗户就撞墙” !开标之前,他们费时数月,精心制作了一套一尺多厚的投标书递了上去

2004年7月28日,铁道部开标之日,气氛空前紧张。凌晨3时,眼睛熬得血红的唐车老总王润（后出任北车集团副总エ）对结果已经有所预感,他命手下给西门子总部发了一份传真,大意是:如果贵公司在这次招标中出局,我们愿意与你们精诚合作,争取下次机会。文中颇有点儿惺惺相惜、同病相怜的意味。不想放弃中国市场的德国人很快给唐车回了一份传真,算是给自己留了一条“后路”。

这个夜晚,聚集在北京的30多位唐车人无事可干又都没有合眼。睡不着,“我们就像等待宣判的囚犯ー样”,女工程师出身的党委副书记孔学云说。上午,派到现场的工作人员终于打来电话,声音极为沉重:“流标了 !”

所有的努力付诸东流,梦碎了。守在房间里的唐车人全哭了。王润铁青着脸跟大家说:“你们在北京哭个够吧,不过绝不能把这种情绪带回厂里!”过后,王润依然干劲十足,要求全厂振奋精神,不可松懈。他说:“我们还是大有希望的。其一,现在引进的高铁技术时速是200公里,中国的雄心绝不会停止在这个水平上; 其二,西门子的高铁技术是有优势的,只要价格合理,铁道部的大门对它还是敞开的,我们只要抓住西门子就有希望……”

孔学云嘲笑他:“你就天天给我们画饼充饥吧!”

2005年,铁道部启动第二次招标。唐车与西门子同时意识到,对方是自己必须抓住不放的最后一棵“救命稻草” 〇这回,西门子终于放下身段,同意以每列车 2. 5亿元人民币、技术转让费8000万欧元的价格与唐车合作。

ー举中标！

与德国人第一次出价相比,中方节省了 90亿元人民币采购成本,但中国的“高铁模式”没有失败者,德方也获得一份巨额订单和广阔而统ー的中国市场一双赢!

德国人的脑袋其实还是很“圆”的。

四、“山高我为峰”:ー个民族的雄心与胸怀

高速铁路自1964年在日本发端,首开时速210公里的纪录,此后在西方国家走过漫长的40多年发展道路,运营时速一直在250公里上下徘徊。这显然与他们民航和高速公路比较发达、高铁缺少紧迫而巨量的市场需求有关系。而在中国,辽阔的疆土、广阔的市场、人民的需求和高速发展的国民经济,一切让铁路人疲于奔命、泪光闪闪的巨大压カ,都转化为助推高铁事业呼啸猛进的强大动カ!

天下争雄,舍我其谁!现在来看看中国高铁令人目眩的发展速度:

—从2004年、2005年相继引进日本、法国、加拿大和德国的高铁技术,到 2010年3月,中国投入运营的高速铁路长达6552公里,时速和里程都冲到世界第ー的位置。

ーー时速高达380公里的动车组日前刚刚下线,这是中国创造的高铁运营速度的更高纪录,同时意味着世界上更快的京沪高铁将很快投入运营。

ーー时速400公里的检测车、时速500公里的试验高速动车组及相关路网、信号配套系统,正在紧张的研发之中。

前后不过6年,中国ー举跨过发达国家高铁40年的发展道路,创造了后来居上、自主创新、领跑世界的奇迹!

ー个国家的雄心,会激发出全民族巨大的精神能量。回望高铁6年征程,我们看到,众志成城的举国体制和闻风而动的统一政令,展现出强大的动员カ和凝聚カ。50多名院士,15万科研人员,150多家核心企业,数百家产业链上的企业,200 万铁路大军,数十万筑路工人,全国各行各业的有识之士和支援团队,ー呼百应,呵气成云,攻坚克难,所向披靡……

辉煌就这样被创造出来并在祖国大地上迅速延伸。

集中力量办大事,一心一意谋发展ーー中国特色社会主义制度的优越性又一次得到验证。

毫无疑问,中国高铁超乎寻常的发展速度,首先源于我国综合国力的迅速提升,源于几代铁路科研人员的技术积累。但是,还有一个重要的助推力是我们不应
当忘记的,那就是发达国家近半个世纪的科学探索和技术研发,给我们提供了一飞冲天的平台。“山高我为峰”一那是因为我们站到巨人的肩膀上了。

按照合作协议,青岛四方、唐山客车曾分别派出ー批青年工人,到日本和德国学习铝合金车体焊接技术。洋师傅们对中国工人普遍十分友好,认真负责地传授了相关的知识和技术。所有这些工人回国后,无一例外,全部成为企业的技术骨干。青岛工人离开日本时,日本师傅与他们紧紧拥抱,相约再见,洒泪而别。

张雪松,唐山客车工人技师,两获“全国技术能手”称号,“河北省十大金牌エ人”之一。他从钳エ转入数控机床操作,再转入装调维修,每次都成为行内“状元”。这样一位优秀的专家型工人,他的勇于探索的积极性,有一次却遭到德国エ人的严厉批评。那天,他趴在焊接机器人下面的地上,正在为排除故障冥思苦想时,耳畔传来一句生硬的德语。张雪松爬出来抬头ー看,ー个高高瘦瘦的西门子エ人紧皱眉头站在面前。德国人看张雪松没有听懂他的话,于是招手叫来一名翻译。

翻译对张雪松说:“他问你在设备下面干什么。”张雪松说:“设备坏了,我在修设备。”德国工人又问:“你有维修焊接机器人的资质吗?”张雪松摇摇头:“我是负责数控设备维修的……”德国工人严肃地说:“如果你没有维修资质,你就不能维修这台设备,请离开吧。”

“谢谢你!”面红耳赤的张雪松脱口而出。那是他发自内心的声音,那一刻他深刻认识了德国式的“一切都有规矩,一切都按规矩办”的严谨作风。正是这些看来似乎过于“刻板”的规定和纪律,培育了德国精密制造在世界上的崇高声望。

唐车因此在全厂展开ー个学习运动,要求广大员エ全面学习、模拟和落实德国严格、严谨、严密的工作方法和工作作风。

日本川崎重工的专家和技术工人进入青岛四方以后,也让四方人耳目一新,深受震动。过去中国工人把机车线路接上头并保证无差错,就算完活了,日本专家却要求线路配管一定要“横平竖直”。日本工人到达工作点,首先铺开ー块布,把エ具按顺序排好,工作结束,再按顺序裹起来带走,ー样不会丢失。而中国工人用ー个大背範,用什么掏什么,干完稀里哗啦ー装,走人。一把钳子就这样遗忘在动车组车厢里。为此,日本专家石野主动召集中国工人开了个班组会,他严肃地说,把工具忘记在产品里,“就像医生做手术把钳子刀子遗忘在病人肚子里”〇深受教育的青岛四方,为此在全厂轰轰烈烈开展了一场长达半年的“向不良习惯说不”的运动,厂报记者每天四处抓拍中方工人随意、粗放的行为表现,登报示众,进行批评。工人们说,平时没感觉,登报ー对比,“真是惊出ー身冷汗” !

在长期的合作中,中国工人和外国专家结下深厚的友谊,过年过节,德国专家
被请到家里一起包饺子,法国人、加拿大人被请到联欢派对上跳舞唱歌。在青岛四方工作的日本专家归国后,有些人借休假之机,还自费到青岛来看望他们的中国 “师兄弟”。看到中国工人夜以继日地奋战,德国专家布拉赫激动地跑进唐车领导人办公室,强烈要求安排工人休息。看到中国工人那么辛苦,ー些德国人不计报酬,和中国工人一起加班……

唐车建厂129年,青岛四方建厂110年,都是中国民族工业和产业工人生长发育的“摇篮”。但是,面对西方数百年工业文明打造的科学精神、优良素质和严谨作风,中国铁路人看到自己的巨大差距并用心学习、奋起直追,这无疑是我们更为重要、更具长久意义的收获。

和平、发展、合作是当今时代的主题。谈判桌上的讨价还价、唇枪舌剑都是“各为其主”,不必苛责。虚怀若谷,海纳百川,始终保持清醒的头脑,善于学习借鉴世界各国的文明成果和发达国家的先进经验,オ是ー个伟大民族的胸怀和希望所在。

五、让闪电掠过大地:中国铁路人在行动!

引进消化时速200公里动车组技术ー自主研发时速350公里动车组ー创新研制时速380公里动车组一6年时间,中国高铁完成了惊人的“三级跳”。

高铁是当代新技术、新材料、新工艺集大成的产物,除了没有翅膀（却多了两条信息化、现代化的轨道）,其复杂程度几乎与航空航天技术不相上下。让中国高铁运营速度冲到世界第一,没有强大的自主创新能力是不可能办到的。

—那个夜晚,在千里冰封、万里雪飘的塞北大地,赵明花“冻成了冰棍儿”。 2007年冬,京哈线上的一列动车组在行驶中因突然断电而停车。长客副总工程师赵明花立即带领ー批专家赶往现场了解情况。旅客安全“摆渡”登程之后,浓浓夜色中,只剩下孤零零、空荡荡的动车组。这位身体单薄、性情文静的朝鲜族女性与同事们ー起登上车顶,查找故障原因,测试各种数据,最后认定:速度飞快的动车组从北京到哈尔滨,经历了急剧变化的温差,造成车顶出现冷凝水,导致电路短路。赵明花和同事们意识到:“这肯定不是偶然的事情,如果不从内部结构上加以防范, 在高寒地区有可能经常发生!”由赵明花主持的ー个设计团队迅速组成,几个月之后,ー项动车组电器内部构造的创新设计完成了,从根本上杜绝了冷凝水断电故障。ー个看似偶然的事故,激发出ー项中国创新!

2009年圣诞节前タ,穿越英吉利海峡海底隧道的“欧洲之星”高速列车遭遇大雪天气,进入隧道后因冷凝水浸漫导致断电,4列列车被堵在隧道里动弹不得,“欧
洲之星”被迫停运3天。赵明花看到这则新闻,感慨地对同事们说:“幸好我们早有发现、早做预防了!”

—高铁“水土不服”的难题就是多。北方有冰冻,南方又多雨。飞驰在武广线的动车组,面临着长时间的雨季漏水和潮湿浸润的问题,在唐车副总工程师杜会谦的主持下,又一项防雨防潮的创新设计诞生了。

南辕北辙,各有高招!

—赵秀丽“叫板”两条大汉的故事,是高铁建设工地上的一段佳话。2005年 7月,京津城际铁路开エ建设,中铁六局丰桥公司承担了 !4910块无砕轨道板的预制任务。轨道板是无砕轨道结构体系中最基本、最重要的部件,精度要求非常高。按德国工艺要求,轨道板必须用超细水泥制作,而国内尚无厂家能够生产,如果全部进口,不仅价格昂贵,工期也很难保证。

ー个受制于人的大难题横在高铁人面前。丰桥公司副总工程师赵秀丽跑遍华北各大水泥厂,动员游说厂方进行试制。一次次试验的失败,令多家水泥厂先后告退,只有一家还在犹豫不决。厂长是个膀大腰圆的汉子,赵秀丽对他说:“你ー个大男人,还不如我坚强吗?”几个月后,符合国际标准的高规格水泥终于试制成功,实现了原材料国产化的重大突破,仅此ー项,为丰桥公司节约资金!500多万元。

但是,赵秀丽的思考与探索没有停止。超细水泥不仅成本过高,而且耐久性差。能不能用改进的国产普通水泥替代呢?她和同事们废寝忘食,反复研究试验, 寻找最佳配比和路径。京沪高铁开エ以后,赵秀丽找到山东一家水泥厂,厂长ー听她对水泥成分的新要求,吓了一跳,连连摇头说:“我们的产品已经达标,不愁市场。你的要求我们做不到,算了。”赵秀丽向他介绍了中国高铁的宏伟计划,说:“高铁市场这么大,要是把新型国产水泥搞出来,将带来源源不断的效益,你连这点雄心壮志都没有吗?”

这位山东大汉热血沸腾了。经过数百次反复试验,又一项创新成果ーー国产新型“绿色高性能水泥”问世,世界一流的无砕轨道板诞生了,为企业节省投资 7000万元,更为今后中国高铁大发展提供了充足可靠的材料保障！

ーー中国幅员辽阔,地形、地质之复杂是国外同行不曾遇到的。郑州至西安, 是全世界唯一建造在黄土地带的高铁,何华武说:“黄土缺少支撑カ,遇雨就沉降变形,像水浸过的面包ー样。”高铁路基架在这样的土质上,如果固化不好,轨道就变成“面条”了。十几位院士和一批专家汇集到黄土高坡上“集体会诊”。就凭着这样的集体智慧和创新勇气,郑西线的湿陷性黄土地基、武广线的岩溶地基、广深港和甬台温的淤泥地基、合宁的膨胀地基、哈大线的高寒软土地基等高铁修建难题, 都被中国铁路人ーー攻克,并实现了“零”沉降!

再来看看空中的创新。

2009年12月9日,在武广线试运行过程中,中国动车组以“双弓重联”的方式,创造了时速394.2公里的速度,这是当时的又一项世界级的新纪录!

所谓“双弓重联”,就是将两列动车组共16节车厢联挂运行,上部同时升起两个受电弓,从空中的接触网导线获取动カ。这种大编组联挂,无疑会大大提高运输效率。但这绝不是“ 1 +1 =2”的简单等式,因为列车前弓高速冲击接触网后,会引起接触网的振动,使后弓与导线的“密贴跟随性”（专业术语称之为“弓网耦合”）大为降低,剧烈的振动有可能造成后弓离线、撞线,产生大量火花,严重的时候可能会出现烧线、刮弓,引发重大故障。此前,仅有西门子在西班牙高速铁路上做过“双弓重联”试验,尚未在正式运营中应用。

中铁电气化局年轻的副总工程师董安平率领他的团队,承担了攻克“双弓重联”这ー世界性难题的重任。回忆这段艰辛的历程,董安平感慨良深,他说,中铁电气化局是个老企业,搞了几十年电气化铁路建设,过去把导线ー挂,平直度差个ー两公分无所谓,只要不出现波浪弯和扭面,跑起来不打火就算万事大吉。武广高铁建设按标准要求,导线在1米长的范围内平直度不得超过0.1毫米。中国这些架线老手必须从零开始,在上千公里的辽阔线路上,那些粗糙的大手仿佛在ー针ー线地“绣花”。完工之后经检测,武广线牵引导线的平直度平均达到0.05毫米,比头发丝还细。这不仅是工程质量、技术水平的质的飞跃,更是中国工人在素质、理念、作风上的跨越性进步!

高铁系统对导线性能的要求是极高的:ー是要有足够的硬度,受电弓几十万次与它高强度、高频率的摩擦,硬度不够、耐磨性低是不行的;二是必须有很高的导电率。但在金属材料学中,强度和导电率恰恰是一对矛盾体:强度越高,导电性越差; 导电性越高,强度越差。比如铜比铁软,导电性却比铁高。

那么,能不能找到ー种新的合金材料,两种性能都能得到足够的保证呢?董安平知道,20世纪80年代,日本研制出ー种性能良好的PSC导线,于是他向日本有关方面表示,希望引进这个技术。日方专家经过内部讨论,最后以“我们的技术还不成熟”为由,拒绝了中方要求。毕竟,中国曾是远远落后于他们的角色,如今变成强大的竞争对手,他们必须小心提防了。

中国高铁发展的前景,又一次遭遇受制于人的瓶颈。董安平的心情久久不能平静,他和同事们开始探寻自主创新之路。一个偶然的机会,他们与浙江大学金属材料研究所所长、博士生导师孟亮教授遇上了。窗外一弯月,桌上几杯茶,海阔天空聊起高铁上的导线,孟教授说,中国航天器上用过ー种新材料,他进行过专题研究,还发表过论文。

董安平大喜过望,双手把桌子拍得山响,茶杯都跳起来了。电化设计院总工程师王立天迅速飞往浙江,在孟教授的实验室看到ー小块样品,那一刻,他激动得眼泪都涌出来了!“我们成立个合资公司怎么样?”王总当即提议。铁路系统的河北一家制造商闻讯自愿加盟,十几天后合资公司正式启动。

年近六旬的孟教授有胃病,试验过程中,他天天靠冷水吞药片顶在第一线;董安平瘦了十几斤,笑称“攻关就是最好的减肥运动”;项目经理何劲松35岁时オ要孩子,为了高铁事业,妻子怀孕5个月时他“离家出走”。孩子渐渐大了,会认爸爸了,妻子只能抱着孩子到公司大厅的光荣榜前,指着何劲松的照片说:“那是爸爸……”

“中国导线”终于在千里武广线上横空飞架,牵引着“和谐号”高歌猛进。

通信信号是铁路的“神经系统”。从当年“李玉和”式的手摇信号灯,到今天集成创新的数字技术控制,与共和国同龄的中国铁路通信信号集团做出了重大贡献。研发中心总工程师江明那一年32岁,他的话可以代表所有高铁科研人员的心声: “我们的工作很有干头,因为我们解决的都是前人和别人没有解决的问题。”他还有一句更牛的话:“什么难题我们都能找出办法来,主要是时间不够用。唉,人类为什么要睡觉呢?”

在迅猛前进的高铁事业中,还行进着一个默默无闻的庞大群体一中国新一代知识化、专业化的产业工人。他们全是80后甚至90后,个个朝气蓬勃,英姿勃发。就是这些被父辈视为掌上明珠的独生子女一代,构成中国新一代“铁军”。

—“五朵金花”坐在我面前,谈起这些年的艰辛与劳苦,全哭了。她们是青岛四方的“女焊花”:史秀华、曲先华、孙国华、于延伟、崔恩霞。

“和谐号”工程上马之初,还没有机械化焊接设备,由她们负责焊接铝合金车体。从接受任务的第一天开始,她们就成了一群“不要命也不要家的女人”,被不叠、衣不洗、锅不刷了,化妆品扔抽屉里了,几乎天天踏着晨露上班,顶着星光回家, ー进家门骨头就散架了。吃奶的孩子,狠狠心断了奶,扔给老人。上学的孩子,经常一连几个星期见不到妈妈的影子。那天曲先华半夜回家,丈夫去上夜班了,她一进门就听3岁女儿在梦中喊“妈妈”。黑暗中,曲先华坐在床头热泪长流,哽咽不止。

她们无数次答应过孩子:“等妈妈忙过这阵子,就带你去公园,看电影。”可她们从未实践过自己的诺言。读小学的孩子批评说:“你是最不守诚信的妈妈!”上大学的孩子说:“放假我再也不回家了,你们都在厂里忙,剩我ー个人守着空房子有啥意思!”

背过身,妈妈怎么也抹不尽滚滚而下的泪水。

终于有一天不加班了,史秀华乐疯了,脱下工作服就往家跑,跑到家门口才发现自己忘乎所以,拎包和钥匙都锁在工具箱里忘带了,只好敲门。孩子上学,老公在单位,家里只有瘫痪在床多年的老母亲。老母亲挣下床,在地板上爬了近半个小时,オ颤巍巍支撑起来把门打开。门开的那一刻,史秀华抱起母亲,ー边往屋里走ー边哭

列动车组有几万个接线头,接线エ必须成年累月以跪蹲方式进行工作, 那大概是世界上最枯燥的劳动,一天忙下来眼花缭乱,夜里做梦,满脑子仍然飞舞着五颜六色的线头。唐车接线工高向丽,文静柔弱,走路和说话都是轻轻的。因为长时间跪蹲工作,第一次怀孕不幸流产。但就是她,以惊人的定力创造了两万根接线无差错的纪录。唐车所有接线エ都保持着极高的无差错纪录,德国专家说,你们已经超过西门子的水平。

—身材纤秀、容貌端丽的孙斌斌,是唐车选送到德国培训的首批青年焊エ之一,家里三代都是唐车人。中华人民共和国成立初期,唐车制造出第一辆火车头, 上面的毛泽东像就是她爷爷亲手刻制的。好家风培育了一个意志坚定、好学上进的好女儿,孙斌斌在德国顺利通过“国际焊接教师”的资格考试,成为全球第一位获得此项资格的女性。她受邀走上讲台,为西门子培训德国学员一她又成为“中国第一人”。因为她授课耐心细致,德国学员们把好几位本国教师赶走了,说:“你们能上哪儿就上哪儿吧,我们只让中国老师教!”

在唐车动车组奋战的第一代优秀青年焊エ,都是孙斌斌一手“克隆”出来的。

ーー女工吕开香,两个姐姐在地震中不幸遇难,她成了父亲唯一的掌上明珠。唐车决定送她去德国培训时,父亲老泪纵横,不愿意女儿跑到那么远的异国他乡去,但她还是扔下2岁的女儿,和同厂的丈夫ー起踏上征途。从她离家那天起,女儿每天夜里都抱着妈妈的枕头睡觉,而且不允许任何人碰那个枕头,因为枕头上有 “妈妈的味道”。

说到这里,吕开香泣不成声。

女人是水做的,中国高铁女工们是汗水和泪水做的。但她们无比骄傲和自豪, 她们说:“我们做出了世界上最好最快的动车!”

截至目前,中国南车和北车集团已经出口轻轨动车组成套设备达23亿美元。

无论多么绚丽的梦想,无论多么伟大的设计,当最后一道工序完成时,站在旁边默默擦汗的一定是一群工人。他们是中国高铁真正的钢轨和基石。他们如同春蚕,用自己的爱和生命,默默吐出一条流光溢彩的钢铁的“丝绸之路”。

尾声

2009年9月,中华人民共和国成立60周年大庆前夕,北京南站披红挂绿,热闹非凡。铁道部组织全路上万名劳模,登上京津“和谐号”城际列车,以领略中国高铁的建设成就。伴随着速度显示屏上节节上升的红色数字,劳模们站立起来,激动地挥动双臂,齐声高喊,仿佛不是接触网上的巨大电流,而是他们的喊声在推动列车飞速前进。那是“中国创造”的加速度,那是几代铁路人的梦想与追求,那是中华民族走向伟大复兴的激越步伐啊!两鬓飞霜的老劳模老泪纵横,气宇轩昂的青年劳模热泪盈眶……

是泪花,也是骄傲与自豪,在他们的脸上闪闪发光。

十六大以来的8年,中国铁路谱写了辉煌壮丽的篇章:从世界上最快的“和谐号”到地球上海拔最高的青藏铁路,从6次大提速的技术集成创新,到运煤专线大秦线（大同至秦皇岛）创造的世界重载最高纪录一那可是壮观到令人惊叹的景观啊!第一位上线的“和谐号”重载货运列车司机程利甫是西北汉子,英眉朗目, 虎虎生威。他告诉我,大秦线上每天飞驰着95对重载列车,年运量达4亿吨。ー列重载列车最高载重达2万吨,编组200多节车辆,总长2.5公里,最高时速120 公里,这意味着大秦线平均每秒飞过去13.7吨煤,如同一条波澜壮阔的煤河,每天源源不断地从大同流到秦皇岛……

中国铁路人终于在大地上画出最新最美的图画。高速、高原、重载、既有线提速等创新成就一鸣惊人,傲立于世,并在国际上一举打响“中国创造”的最优品牌。 “火车ー响,黄金万两”,这是国人对轨道交通价值意义最通俗也最精到的概括。到2012年,随着京沪、京广、沪汉蓉、沪昆等“四纵四横”高速铁路网的建成,闪闪发光的高铁将如一条条彩带,把北京和各省会城市紧密联系起来,从“ 1小时生活圈” 到“ 8小时生活圈”,再到西部边疆省区的“ 一日生活圈”，56个民族组成的“中华大家庭”载歌载舞,仿佛都汇聚到辉煌壮丽的天安门广场……

横空出世、光彩熠熠的高铁,成为中国递给世界的ー张亮丽名片。国际铁路联盟高速铁路部总监说:“中国正成为全球领跑者,世界铁路的未来在中国。”一位曾在广州车站当过春运志愿者的大学生,在经历和目睹了太多的崇高和感动之后,写下这样一首温情的小诗:

有一种车次,千百趟的终点

都是同一个站名家

有一种运送,千百趟的目标

都是同一个向往团圆

有那么一群铁路人,日夜工作

都是同一个希望——让您回家团圆

因为他们的坚守,因为他们的温暖

这个除タ不太冷

中国铁路人以对国家和人民的勇敢担当、艰难奋斗和炽热情感,在中华大地建立起一座以“无私奉献”命名的历史丰碑。

面对这座丰碑,我们充满敬意。

（原载《人民日报》2010年6月11日）

Report CN EN 08

2023-06-01T07:03:40Z

Zhang Wenqi: /* 卷三：3.飞向太空港 */

Report CN EN 08

2023-06-01T03:33:16Z

Zhang Wenqi: /* 卷三：3.飞向太空港 */