超级军网龙腾网翻译《中国是超级大国吗》
来源：百度文库 编辑：超级军网 时间：2024/04/27 21:00:41
正文翻译
BEIJING - Reading the most frequently emailed article list on The New York Times website is instructive these days.
For days, China has ranked in the top three most popularly searched terms on the site.
Last weekend, four of the newspaper’s top ten most emailed articles were about China: the ongoing controversy over extreme Chinese parenting; a U.S. solar company’s decision to shut down its main operations in Massachusetts; an op-ed about the strength of Chinese education and the importance of Confucianism; and the opportunities for American architects to design and build, unfettered, in China.
最近，《纽约时报》网站上邮发量最多的那些文章，十分让人玩味。“中国”成了这几天网站上被检索最多的三个词之一。上周，邮发量最多的十篇文章中有四篇写的是中国（分别是）：中国虎妈式教育所引发的争论；美国太阳能公司决定关闭马萨诸塞州的母公司；一篇关于中国教育长处和儒学重要性的专栏文章；美国建筑师在中国如鱼得水般设计和建设。
Other Western media coverage of China has verged on hysteria: ranging from an entire Glenn Beck program last week devoted to the country (“Their kids are passing us!” “They’re grabbing more and more oil!”) to a bewildering piece in Foreign Policy magazine about not just the rise of China but the rise of the Han Chinese.
No wonder a poll last week found that nearly half of Americans surveyed say China is the world’s top economic power.
And just what do the Chinese make of all this talk?
其它西方媒体对中国的报道近乎歇斯底里：格林•贝克（译者注：美国当红节目主持人、政治评论家）上周的节目都在关注“中国”（“他们的小孩超过了我们的！”、“他们在攫取更多石油！”）；《外交政策》杂志也发表了大意为中国和汉族同步崛起这么一篇含糊其辞的文章。
上周一项民调显示约一半接受调查的美国人认为中国是世界第一经济强国，这样的结果就不足为奇了。
那中国人又是怎样理解这些论调的呢？
"What superpower?"
Well, we know there’s a large population in China that believes their country is a superpower and that, frankly, it’s about time. These hardcore nationalists can be found in Chinese Internet chat rooms, holding court on the “American conspiracy theory”:
“[Extreme nationalists] hold high the ‘patriotic’ banner, talk about hundreds of years of national humiliation, claim that the U.S.-led Western alliance is still ‘trying to push China to death,’ and regard the exchange rate, foreign debt purchase, trade deficit, climate change, Central Asian anti-terrorism campaigns and the neighboring countries’ worries against China as burdens. They insist ‘China can say no,’ and that the ‘China model’ will be popular all over the world.”
But speaking to young educated urban Chinese, we found a much more measured and reasoned view as well as a great deal of skepticism about whether China is indeed a superpower.
“什么超级大国？”
我们知道，在中国，有相当一部分人相信中国是一个超级大国，或者说这只是时间问题。这些愤青遍布中国的论坛，津津乐道着“美国阴谋论”：“（极端国家主义者）高举着‘爱国’旗帜；三句话不离‘百年国耻’；宣称美国带头的西方国家一直‘想要置中国于死地’；他们把汇率、购买外债、贸易逆差、气候变化、中亚反恐战争和邻国对中国的担忧，一并视作掣肘。他们宣称‘中国可以说不’和‘中国模式’定将大行于世。”
但我们在城市里和受教育的中国年轻人交谈过后，发现他们对“中国是否是一个真正的超级大国”有着更理性、慎重甚至批判的观点。
“China might look like [it’s very powerful] from the outside,” said He Rui, a 24-year-old local government employee in Changchun, Jilin Province. “However, there are still a lot of serious problems [like] the environment or income inequality. If [our government] can address these problems and also keep [the country] improving and growing, then maybe it can become a very powerful nation.”
Challenges such as pollution and environmental degradation; managing a population of 1.3 billion – 350 million to 400 million of whom are expected to move to cities within 20 years; widespread political corruption; a yawning gap between the haves and have-nots; a rapidly ageing population; a vociferous need for energy to keep the economy going – all these and more tend to offset any inclination for self-congratulation.
“表面上去中国是这样（很强大），但现在仍有很多沉疴痼疾，比如环境和收入差距。如果（我们的政府）能解决这些问题并且保持（国家）发展和增长，就可能成为一个非常强大的国家。”He Rui如此回答，他是吉林省长春市一名24岁的政府雇员。
污染和环境恶化；管理13亿人口（未来20年内有3.5亿至4亿人流向城市）；政治腐败横行；贫富差距拉大；老龄化加快；对能源的极度需求来维持经济运行——诸如此类和越来越多的挑战足以让各种意淫烟消云散。
In fact, only 12 percent of Chinese surveyed last month in an annual poll believe their country is a “superpower.” And that was a drop from the year before.
“I think when we look at our own country, we can be more critical and see the flaws or weaknesses,” said Mandy Wu, a 22-year-old resident of Beijing who is preparing to sit for a graduate school exam to study history or politics. “Maybe Americans look at certain areas where they think they are weak and then compare it to China, where those areas are strengths for China.”
The appeal of the American dream
Despite reading reports of American malaise or the viability of the American dream, some Chinese students said day-to-day life in their country is still very hard.
其实，上个月的年度调查中只有12%的中国人相信自己的国家是“超级大国”，比去年还有所下降。
“我认为在看待自己国家时，我们会比较审慎地检视缺点和不足。可能美国人在和中国比照时，会以己之短，量人之长。”22岁的Mandy Wu说，他是北京人，正在准备学校的一场毕业考试，以决定读历史还是政治。
The appeal of the American dream
Despite reading reports of American malaise or the viability of the American dream, some Chinese students said day-to-day life in their country is still very hard.
“I don’t know how many Americans feel frustrated or how many still hold their beliefs. But in China I think there are many people who believe that they should be better off or have a dream,” said Li Kaiyuan who is from Jiangsu Province but is studying acoustics at Beijing’s Academy of Science. “They spend the day in a very large machine. They do not have a dream.”
“Many people are unsatisfied with their current livelihood,” echoed Lu Jie from Shanghai Normal University. “I do not think a country with numerous domestic problems can be called a superpower.”
While everyone we interviewed acknowledged China’s economic might, some questioned its sustainability. “The economy is export-oriented, which is built on cheap labor,” said Wu Mian, a sophomore from Yunnan Province who is studying at Hong Kong’s Baptist University. “Now even that labor advantage is disappearing.”
美国梦的吸引力
虽然一些中国学生读过美国萎靡不振或美国梦不在的相关报道，但他们说在自己国家的日常生活还是非常艰辛。
“我不知道现在美国有多少人失魂落魄，又有多少在坚守信念。但在中国，我认为，很多人觉得自己本应该过得更好或者拥有一个梦。而他们只是在巨型机械设备当中穿梭度日，他们没有梦。”Li Kaiyuan说道，他来自江苏，正在北京的中科院研究声学。
来日上海师范大学的Lu Jie观点相同，“很多人对他们当前的生活并不满意。一个问题缠身的国家不应该叫做超级大国。”
尽管被采访的每个人都清楚中国的经济能力，一些人会质疑其持续性。在香港浸会大学读大二的云南人Wu Mian说，“这是出口导向型的经济，靠的是廉价劳动力。现在这种优势正逐渐丧失。”
And everyone believed their nation is still lagging in all other areas. For instance, the U.S. is still seen as the leading producer of innovative ideas and cutting edge technology across all industries.
“I don’t want to have my PhD education in China. I have a dream to go to America,” said Li, the acoustics student. “America is still the scientific center of the world.”
It’s not just science and technology.
“I do believe Chinese people or at least the majority of Chinese people are enjoying a higher standard of living,” said Wu Mian. “We consume more. We have more money in our pockets to buy more products from other countries. But I still think we are learning from other countries and the lifestyle we are imitating now is from other countries.”
The limits of soft power
所有人都认为中国在其他方面都步人后尘。比如，美国在所有工业领域仍然是创新概念和最新科技的老大哥。“我不想在中国读博士，我想去美国。美国仍是世界的科学中心。”声学专业学生Li说。
而且不仅仅是在科学和技术这些方面。
“我确实认为中国人或者至少大部分中国人的生活水平日渐提高，”Wu Mian说。“我们消费得更多了。口袋里的钱多了，买的外国产品也多了。但我还是觉得我们只是在学习其他国家并且模仿它们的生活方式。”
The limits of soft power
Chinese values might also be too esoteric for the country to have the kind of cultural influence exhibited by the U.S. Liu Zhuo-yu, a native of Chongqing studying at Hunan’s Central South University, characterized the current national values system as having two defining features: an inferiority complex that China fell behind the West in the 19th and 20th centuries and paradoxically a deep pride in its ancient history and culture.
“There is always a gap between China and the West in this field. That is why we cannot communicate with [the West] very well,” she added.
Limits on “soft power,” an essential ingredient to achieving superpower status, might also be due to censorship in China, others noted. “People do not have the complete freedom of speech,” said Wu Mian. “In this case, it’s too early to say whether the country’s culture is influential or not.”
有限的“软实力”
中国人的价值观太内敛，不可能像美国那样展现出文化影响力。Liu Zhou-yu，在湖南中南大学读书的重庆人，他把现在的国家价值体系分成不同的两部分：19世纪和20世纪中国落后西方的“自卑情结”；却又对古代历史和文化感到深深地自豪。
她说“在这点上，中国和西方一直存在距离，这就是为什么我们不能和西方很好的交流。”
“软实力”作为获得超级大国地位的重要部分，其受到限制也可能是因为中国的审查制度。Ma Mian说，“人们没有彻底的言论自由。所以，这个国家的文化影响力如何还未可知。”
“The Chinese model is not perfect, much less perfect than western countries,” said Wu Hao, a graduate student of journalism at Renmin University.
Underlying the criticism, however, was a sense of earnestness.
“I think it’s important for America to improve, because it will help China grow, too,” said He Rui. “Because then we have somewhere to turn to for direction and for learning. Of course, we have our own direction, but we want to grow with the U.S.”
“I don’t care whether China or the U.S. is a superpower,” said Wu Hao. “I just want the world to be better.” And, of course, there was a sense of anticipation, too.
“I think I can see [China becoming a superpower],” said Mandy Wu. “In my lifetime, I have seen the country become this strong.”
“But even if it rises, it doesn’t mean it’s dangerous country,” she added.
With assistance from He Xin and Zhu Tong.
中国人民大学新闻系毕业生Wu Hao“中国模式并不完美，怎么也比不上西方国家。”尽管这种批判之下，是一种真挚的情感。
《惊现体制党》
He Rui，“我觉得美国的增长也很重要，因为这可以帮助到中国。我们就有彼此学习和借鉴的地方。当然，我们有自己的方向，但我们想和美国一起发展。”
Wu Hao，“我不关心中国或者说美国是个超级大国，我只想世界变得更好。”当然，这里面满是期望。
Mandy Wu，“有生之年，我可以看到中国成为一个超级大国，毕竟我已经见到中国变得强大了。但中国的崛起并不意味着中国就是个危险国家。”
He Xin和Zhu Tong对此文亦有贡献。
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评论翻译
Tommywho?
All politicians have an agenda, as aimless as most are around the world(or even pointless). Don't matter what system is in place. The elected and appointed officials ultimately get Rich unlike the people that put them there. Ignorance is bliss...
所有政客都有议程，和这世上大部分政客们的议程一样无的放矢（甚至毫无意义）。不管是在什么样的体制内，民选或委任的官员最后中饱私囊，根本不会过像选民那样的日子。无知是福…
Adam from Canada
It's true, we hear from Gates that China is a force to reckon with, that we must keep it in tow in order to secure our interests. But from this article it would seem that the Chinese people are very different from the way they are portrayed by Western politicians. Not to vindicate their politicians though, because it is probable that they are the same belligerent, hawkish, egotistical and self serving politicians as we have here in the Western world. If only our politicians would listen to the people, "live and let live."
没错。盖茨（美国国防部长）对我们说：中国是必须应对的力量，必须让她待在后头以维护我们自己的利益。但在这篇文章中，中国人一点也不像西方媒体描绘的那样。他们没有为中国的政客们辩护，可能是因为那里的政客和西方的一样好斗、强硬、自负和自私。政客们要是能倾听人民的声音就好了，“各自安好，互不相扰”。
Eris2010
"because it is probable that they are the same beligerent, hawkish, egotistical and self serving politicians as we have here in the Western world. If only our politicians would listen to the people, "live and let live.""
I think that's the case pretty much in every country. The governments don't often represent the sentiments of the people. Even in Iran this is the case. A lot of their younger folk would actually like to be a little more "westernized".
It's the "have mores'" at the top who "want more" that keep countries in conflict with each other. Most average people just want to live their lives and be left alone.
引用“可能是因为那里的政客和西方的一样好斗、强硬、自负和自私。政客们要是能倾听人民的声音就好了，‘各自安好，互不相扰’”
每个国家都这样。政府并不一定代表人民意志，即使在伊朗也是如此，很多伊朗年轻人更愿意“西化”一点。位于社会顶端的人非要“吃着碗里的望着锅里的”，让国家陷入内部纷争。大部分普通人只是想相安无事的过日子罢了。
ROY WILSON-336103
Adam from Canada " If only our politicians would listen to the people, "live and let live." "
How cute, but that doesn't work very well when one side (China) is taking away our means of living through unfair trade practices and stealing our industrial secrets by 'hacking' into our industrial computers - an unofficial policy of the Chinese government.
引用Adam“政客们要是能倾听人民的声音就好了，‘各自安好，互不相扰’”。
好萌啊。但是有一方（中国）通过不公平的贸易规则夺去我们的生计，以及非法入侵工业计算机来窃取我们的工业秘密——中国政府的非官方政策。
hs321
If I were the Chinese people, I wouldn't want superpower status. Along with that status comes a responsibility, that acted upon, in the end leaves the rest of the world end's up hating and despising you.
如果我是中国人，我不会要什么超级大国地位的。这种地位需要承担一定责任，到最后整个世界都会讨厌和鄙视你。
craig speakman
Whenever I think of China I think of the classic line; who needs enemies when you've got friends like the Chinese. There is very little that the Chinese and American people share in common outside of the zest to improve one's quality of life.
Following WWII, America was full of pride and was restless with the ambition of creating a better quality of life through inspired innovation. Now that America has achieved what can only be described as a remarkable achievement is testament to what man can achieve when one sets lofty goals for itself.
However, that is not what is propelling China's growth. China's growth is being fueled by the West's desire to exploit a cheap labor pool and the largest pool of consumers the world has ever seen. Subsequently, billion of dollars of foreign investment has been pouring into China, and with it, decades of research and development which the Chinese are exploiting by stealing all the technology created by Western corporations, universities and govts.. Asia's strength has traditionally not been innovation, but taking the innovation and tweaking it to make it better (think Japan).
The Chinese are not America's friend, they are merely exploiters of man's achilles heel, which is greed. They will continue to take everything the West is willing to give away to them in their quest for profits, but when they reach the point where they no longer need the foreign investment and innovation, they will become the worst schoolyard bully the world has ever seen. Mark my words!
每次想到中国，我都会想起一句经典的段子：有了中国这样的朋友，你还需要敌人吗？除了提高生活质量的意愿，中国人和美国人几乎没有其它共同点。
二战之后，美国豪情满怀，通过激励创新雄心万丈地创造更好生活。美国完成的这一伟大成就，就是人类可以实现自己凌霄之志的有力佐证。
但是，推动中国发展的动力并非如此。中国的发展来自于西方意图利用廉价劳动力和开发世界上最庞大的消费市场。接着，成千上百亿外资涌入中国；随之而来的，是几十年间中国人窃取西方公司、大学和政府开发的技术后，进行研发。亚洲的优势从来都不是创新，而是获得创新产品后稍作改善（比如日本）。
中国人不是美国的朋友，他们只不过是人类作为开发者的“阿基琉斯之踵”（即软肋），贪得无厌罢了。他们还会拿走西方在追求利润时愿意赠送的一切，一旦他们到了不再需要国外的资金和创新能力时，就会变成最坏的校霸。等着瞧好了。
Yank-957120
Let the American's pay for fighting wars, deposing of dictators and nation building with their tax dollars and soldier citizen's. The US mantras is no spoils for the victors, allow massive immigration and spend billions to help the despicable country recover from the damages the US military and State Department causes or perceives before they leave to ruin another country. Chinese and Russians are smart.
美国人付出纳税人的钱和战士的生命，来打仗、推倒独裁者和建立国家。美国念的这部经就是：战胜方分文未得，接受大规模移民，不惜一掷千金来帮助惨遭美国军队和国务院蹂躏的流氓国家搞建设，接着去灭掉下一家。中国人和俄国人却很精明。
GMACH48
What difference does perception make? We trade with China and there is an imbalance, not only on the books but, also in the monetary exchange. If we're going to bend over and let them do what they are doing then we will reap the rewards and be not only a debtor nation but, also a non-respected one as well. We still have plenty and we have the ability to right ourselves. All this soul searching for what we should and shouldn't do is stupid. Get leaders that have our best interest as a country and ideals at heart and not those with a particular agenda to change our whole country from a capitalist one to a socialist one like the currrent admin.
看法有何不同？我们和中国贸易失衡，账目上和金融交易上都是。如果我们低头哈腰，让他们为所欲为；那么我们会颗粒无收、债台高筑，也会颜面尽失。我们现在还绰绰有余，也有能力回归正道。这种要做什么和不要做什么的自我反省是愚蠢的。让领导们心存理想、关心国家和人民的利益，不要像现在的奥巴马政府一样要把整个国家从资本主义变成社会主义。
Jp1969
Until our students are saying they want to go to China to get their education rather than vice versa, I'm not seeing an issue. China uses a majority of the world’s oil to make petroleum based products i.e. our kids toys and our picnics forks and spoons. They are just now becoming an industrialized nation. Look up when the U.S. became industrialized. Research what it is we make. We don't need to make cheap plastic crap because our economy hasn't been geared that way since before WW2. Most of you have bought into the sell our government is giving you on China and you've done nothing to study where and why the U.S. is great. I have no problem with that sell because it's based on fear. Without that fear our fat, spoiled nation will only become more complacent and countries like China and India will become a real issue. Talking up China only works to make those that can, do.
除非我们的学生说要去中国读书了，我不觉得这有什么问题。中国消耗世界的大部分石油来制造石油衍生产品。比如孩子们的玩具和餐具。他们才开始转变为工业国。去查一下美国进行工业化能造什么，我们没必要制造廉价塑料制品，因为从二战开始我们的经济就不再是这种模式了。很多人都很失望，认为政府向着中国，他们根本没去了解美国的伟大之处。我才不会失望，这种失望源于担忧。没有这种担忧，我们这个尾大不掉的国家只会更加妄自尊大，到时候中国印度这些国家就会成为真正的话题。热议中国只会让那些怀才之士先行一步。
ImoenOfTelengard
Once the majority of the Chinese population becomes morbidly obese and start calling themselves "consumers," then we'll talk.
等中国人都肠肥脑满、开始叫自己“消费者”的时候，我们再来好好聊一聊。（自嘲）
Jack Mack
In part through the aggressive pursuit of "free trade" agreements that open American markets but that do not enforce similar openness on the part of our partners, America has moved to a kind of post-national footing. The institutions that control our government have zero allegiance to or interest in uplifting the nation. Their interest lies exclusively in delivering value to their shareholders. If that value comes at the expense of the United States and its citizens, so be it. The shareholder, not the citizen, is the fundamental unit to whom stewardship is owed.
在过分追求“自由贸易”的协议中，美国的市场打开了，但没有让贸易伙伴同样开放市场。美国走向了一种后国家形态的立足点。监管政府的机构完全没有诚意和兴趣来发展国家，他们只关心给股东派发利益。如果这些利益以美国和美国人民为代价，随它去吧。这些分赃者，而不是人民，才是国家管理工作的基本单位。
What this means for America the nation is that we are on a path toward greater wealth disparity. The companies that run our government will "vote themselves benefits" by ensuring that tax structures support whatever activities they deem most profitable, and that subsidies will continue as well.
Meanwhile, the Chinese model appears to be different - there, there is a government that seems to serve a national interest (though it may be more self-serving than I can see from this distant perch). Therefore, companies that want to play there must do China's bidding - whether by giving up trade secrets or otherwise submitting to the will of the Chinese government.
As long as the American Government is controlled by corporate institutions, it will do their bidding and will spin to the citizenry all manner of tales of how good it is at protecting us. China has taken excellent advantage of this imbalance and in fact this weakness in our governance and culture.
在财富不均的道路上渐行渐远，这对美国意味着什么呢。统管我们政府的那些公司只“为利益投票”，这样，税务结构就会保护他们追求最高利润的任何行为，补贴也不会终止。
同时，中国模式却不同——在那里，政府会服务于国家利益（尽管在我这里看来，更像是自利行为）。这样，在中国开展业务的公司必须遵照中国的吩咐去做——要么交出商业机密，要么听从中国政府。
只要美国政府被握在公司机构的手里，它就会顺从这些公司的意愿，编造政府正在保护人民的美好故事。中国很好的利用了这种不平衡，这其实是我们的不足和文化。
Charles E. Chessa
If one believes that China isn't a Super Power they are lacking up stairs.
相信中国不是超级大国的人，他家没有楼梯。（译者注：暗指这种人没有“增长”概念）
realist-2947723
12% of 1.3 Billion = 150 Million Chinese who feel like they are a superpower.
No big deal, just half the population of the U.S. or the 10th largest nation in the world.
Real question should be what happens when those 12% demand their country start acting like a superpower. I don't remember 1950-1989 being a great age of cooperation in a bipolar world.
13亿人中的12%=1.5亿人觉得中国是超级大国。
不多啊，也就美国人口的一半，或者说人口排名第十的国家。问题在于，要是这些人强烈要求中国拿出超级大国的风范来，会怎么样呢？世界两极分化时的1950-1989年可不是伟大的合作时代。
Hob Sigmon
I read with interest the "Super Power" discussion. I spent several months in China in 2002. My hosts could not have been nicer. I enjoyed immensely the many places I was able to visit. My impressions are as follows: (1) China is definitely NOT a super power..certainly not at this time. There military capabilities are meager compared to the USA. (2) Their economy is based on export (primarily to the USA) so in a one on one show down they would be severely limited for the simple reason they would be at war with their #1 customer. (3) Have no doubt; their education system is effective..with outstanding results but because it is so controlled it lacks the ability to instill a sense of freedom and individualism that is imperative to long term successful personal growth. Sustained economic & social growth can only be achieved through a free and open society.
饶有兴趣地看完了关于“超级大国”讨论。2002年时我在中国待过几个月，房东是个大好人。我非常喜欢去过的那些地方，我的印象是：
⑴ 中国绝不是一个超级大国，至少现在不是。军事能力无法和美国相提并论。
⑵ 中国的经济是出口带动型（主要出口到美国），所以一对一摊牌时，仅受限于这个原因，中国就不会和自己最大的客户开战。
⑶ 毫无疑问，中国的教育制度卓有成效。但这套体制管理苛刻，缺乏能力去培养学生自由理念和个人主义思维，这对成功的个人长期发展不可或缺。经济和社会的持续发展只有在自由和开发的社会中才会实现。
http://www.ltaaa.com/wtfy/3263.html正文翻译
BEIJING - Reading the most frequently emailed article list on The New York Times website is instructive these days.
For days, China has ranked in the top three most popularly searched terms on the site.
Last weekend, four of the newspaper’s top ten most emailed articles were about China: the ongoing controversy over extreme Chinese parenting; a U.S. solar company’s decision to shut down its main operations in Massachusetts; an op-ed about the strength of Chinese education and the importance of Confucianism; and the opportunities for American architects to design and build, unfettered, in China.
最近，《纽约时报》网站上邮发量最多的那些文章，十分让人玩味。“中国”成了这几天网站上被检索最多的三个词之一。上周，邮发量最多的十篇文章中有四篇写的是中国（分别是）：中国虎妈式教育所引发的争论；美国太阳能公司决定关闭马萨诸塞州的母公司；一篇关于中国教育长处和儒学重要性的专栏文章；美国建筑师在中国如鱼得水般设计和建设。
Other Western media coverage of China has verged on hysteria: ranging from an entire Glenn Beck program last week devoted to the country (“Their kids are passing us!” “They’re grabbing more and more oil!”) to a bewildering piece in Foreign Policy magazine about not just the rise of China but the rise of the Han Chinese.
No wonder a poll last week found that nearly half of Americans surveyed say China is the world’s top economic power.
And just what do the Chinese make of all this talk?
其它西方媒体对中国的报道近乎歇斯底里：格林•贝克（译者注：美国当红节目主持人、政治评论家）上周的节目都在关注“中国”（“他们的小孩超过了我们的！”、“他们在攫取更多石油！”）；《外交政策》杂志也发表了大意为中国和汉族同步崛起这么一篇含糊其辞的文章。
上周一项民调显示约一半接受调查的美国人认为中国是世界第一经济强国，这样的结果就不足为奇了。
那中国人又是怎样理解这些论调的呢？
"What superpower?"
Well, we know there’s a large population in China that believes their country is a superpower and that, frankly, it’s about time. These hardcore nationalists can be found in Chinese Internet chat rooms, holding court on the “American conspiracy theory”:
“[Extreme nationalists] hold high the ‘patriotic’ banner, talk about hundreds of years of national humiliation, claim that the U.S.-led Western alliance is still ‘trying to push China to death,’ and regard the exchange rate, foreign debt purchase, trade deficit, climate change, Central Asian anti-terrorism campaigns and the neighboring countries’ worries against China as burdens. They insist ‘China can say no,’ and that the ‘China model’ will be popular all over the world.”
But speaking to young educated urban Chinese, we found a much more measured and reasoned view as well as a great deal of skepticism about whether China is indeed a superpower.
“什么超级大国？”
我们知道，在中国，有相当一部分人相信中国是一个超级大国，或者说这只是时间问题。这些愤青遍布中国的论坛，津津乐道着“美国阴谋论”：“（极端国家主义者）高举着‘爱国’旗帜；三句话不离‘百年国耻’；宣称美国带头的西方国家一直‘想要置中国于死地’；他们把汇率、购买外债、贸易逆差、气候变化、中亚反恐战争和邻国对中国的担忧，一并视作掣肘。他们宣称‘中国可以说不’和‘中国模式’定将大行于世。”
但我们在城市里和受教育的中国年轻人交谈过后，发现他们对“中国是否是一个真正的超级大国”有着更理性、慎重甚至批判的观点。
“China might look like [it’s very powerful] from the outside,” said He Rui, a 24-year-old local government employee in Changchun, Jilin Province. “However, there are still a lot of serious problems [like] the environment or income inequality. If [our government] can address these problems and also keep [the country] improving and growing, then maybe it can become a very powerful nation.”
Challenges such as pollution and environmental degradation; managing a population of 1.3 billion – 350 million to 400 million of whom are expected to move to cities within 20 years; widespread political corruption; a yawning gap between the haves and have-nots; a rapidly ageing population; a vociferous need for energy to keep the economy going – all these and more tend to offset any inclination for self-congratulation.
“表面上去中国是这样（很强大），但现在仍有很多沉疴痼疾，比如环境和收入差距。如果（我们的政府）能解决这些问题并且保持（国家）发展和增长，就可能成为一个非常强大的国家。”He Rui如此回答，他是吉林省长春市一名24岁的政府雇员。
污染和环境恶化；管理13亿人口（未来20年内有3.5亿至4亿人流向城市）；政治腐败横行；贫富差距拉大；老龄化加快；对能源的极度需求来维持经济运行——诸如此类和越来越多的挑战足以让各种意淫烟消云散。
In fact, only 12 percent of Chinese surveyed last month in an annual poll believe their country is a “superpower.” And that was a drop from the year before.
“I think when we look at our own country, we can be more critical and see the flaws or weaknesses,” said Mandy Wu, a 22-year-old resident of Beijing who is preparing to sit for a graduate school exam to study history or politics. “Maybe Americans look at certain areas where they think they are weak and then compare it to China, where those areas are strengths for China.”
The appeal of the American dream
Despite reading reports of American malaise or the viability of the American dream, some Chinese students said day-to-day life in their country is still very hard.
其实，上个月的年度调查中只有12%的中国人相信自己的国家是“超级大国”，比去年还有所下降。
“我认为在看待自己国家时，我们会比较审慎地检视缺点和不足。可能美国人在和中国比照时，会以己之短，量人之长。”22岁的Mandy Wu说，他是北京人，正在准备学校的一场毕业考试，以决定读历史还是政治。
The appeal of the American dream
Despite reading reports of American malaise or the viability of the American dream, some Chinese students said day-to-day life in their country is still very hard.
“I don’t know how many Americans feel frustrated or how many still hold their beliefs. But in China I think there are many people who believe that they should be better off or have a dream,” said Li Kaiyuan who is from Jiangsu Province but is studying acoustics at Beijing’s Academy of Science. “They spend the day in a very large machine. They do not have a dream.”
“Many people are unsatisfied with their current livelihood,” echoed Lu Jie from Shanghai Normal University. “I do not think a country with numerous domestic problems can be called a superpower.”
While everyone we interviewed acknowledged China’s economic might, some questioned its sustainability. “The economy is export-oriented, which is built on cheap labor,” said Wu Mian, a sophomore from Yunnan Province who is studying at Hong Kong’s Baptist University. “Now even that labor advantage is disappearing.”
美国梦的吸引力
虽然一些中国学生读过美国萎靡不振或美国梦不在的相关报道，但他们说在自己国家的日常生活还是非常艰辛。
“我不知道现在美国有多少人失魂落魄，又有多少在坚守信念。但在中国，我认为，很多人觉得自己本应该过得更好或者拥有一个梦。而他们只是在巨型机械设备当中穿梭度日，他们没有梦。”Li Kaiyuan说道，他来自江苏，正在北京的中科院研究声学。
来日上海师范大学的Lu Jie观点相同，“很多人对他们当前的生活并不满意。一个问题缠身的国家不应该叫做超级大国。”
尽管被采访的每个人都清楚中国的经济能力，一些人会质疑其持续性。在香港浸会大学读大二的云南人Wu Mian说，“这是出口导向型的经济，靠的是廉价劳动力。现在这种优势正逐渐丧失。”
And everyone believed their nation is still lagging in all other areas. For instance, the U.S. is still seen as the leading producer of innovative ideas and cutting edge technology across all industries.
“I don’t want to have my PhD education in China. I have a dream to go to America,” said Li, the acoustics student. “America is still the scientific center of the world.”
It’s not just science and technology.
“I do believe Chinese people or at least the majority of Chinese people are enjoying a higher standard of living,” said Wu Mian. “We consume more. We have more money in our pockets to buy more products from other countries. But I still think we are learning from other countries and the lifestyle we are imitating now is from other countries.”
The limits of soft power
所有人都认为中国在其他方面都步人后尘。比如，美国在所有工业领域仍然是创新概念和最新科技的老大哥。“我不想在中国读博士，我想去美国。美国仍是世界的科学中心。”声学专业学生Li说。
而且不仅仅是在科学和技术这些方面。
“我确实认为中国人或者至少大部分中国人的生活水平日渐提高，”Wu Mian说。“我们消费得更多了。口袋里的钱多了，买的外国产品也多了。但我还是觉得我们只是在学习其他国家并且模仿它们的生活方式。”
The limits of soft power
Chinese values might also be too esoteric for the country to have the kind of cultural influence exhibited by the U.S. Liu Zhuo-yu, a native of Chongqing studying at Hunan’s Central South University, characterized the current national values system as having two defining features: an inferiority complex that China fell behind the West in the 19th and 20th centuries and paradoxically a deep pride in its ancient history and culture.
“There is always a gap between China and the West in this field. That is why we cannot communicate with [the West] very well,” she added.
Limits on “soft power,” an essential ingredient to achieving superpower status, might also be due to censorship in China, others noted. “People do not have the complete freedom of speech,” said Wu Mian. “In this case, it’s too early to say whether the country’s culture is influential or not.”
有限的“软实力”
中国人的价值观太内敛，不可能像美国那样展现出文化影响力。Liu Zhou-yu，在湖南中南大学读书的重庆人，他把现在的国家价值体系分成不同的两部分：19世纪和20世纪中国落后西方的“自卑情结”；却又对古代历史和文化感到深深地自豪。
她说“在这点上，中国和西方一直存在距离，这就是为什么我们不能和西方很好的交流。”
“软实力”作为获得超级大国地位的重要部分，其受到限制也可能是因为中国的审查制度。Ma Mian说，“人们没有彻底的言论自由。所以，这个国家的文化影响力如何还未可知。”
“The Chinese model is not perfect, much less perfect than western countries,” said Wu Hao, a graduate student of journalism at Renmin University.
Underlying the criticism, however, was a sense of earnestness.
“I think it’s important for America to improve, because it will help China grow, too,” said He Rui. “Because then we have somewhere to turn to for direction and for learning. Of course, we have our own direction, but we want to grow with the U.S.”
“I don’t care whether China or the U.S. is a superpower,” said Wu Hao. “I just want the world to be better.” And, of course, there was a sense of anticipation, too.
“I think I can see [China becoming a superpower],” said Mandy Wu. “In my lifetime, I have seen the country become this strong.”
“But even if it rises, it doesn’t mean it’s dangerous country,” she added.
With assistance from He Xin and Zhu Tong.
中国人民大学新闻系毕业生Wu Hao“中国模式并不完美，怎么也比不上西方国家。”尽管这种批判之下，是一种真挚的情感。
《惊现体制党》
He Rui，“我觉得美国的增长也很重要，因为这可以帮助到中国。我们就有彼此学习和借鉴的地方。当然，我们有自己的方向，但我们想和美国一起发展。”
Wu Hao，“我不关心中国或者说美国是个超级大国，我只想世界变得更好。”当然，这里面满是期望。
Mandy Wu，“有生之年，我可以看到中国成为一个超级大国，毕竟我已经见到中国变得强大了。但中国的崛起并不意味着中国就是个危险国家。”
He Xin和Zhu Tong对此文亦有贡献。
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评论翻译
Tommywho?
All politicians have an agenda, as aimless as most are around the world(or even pointless). Don't matter what system is in place. The elected and appointed officials ultimately get Rich unlike the people that put them there. Ignorance is bliss...
所有政客都有议程，和这世上大部分政客们的议程一样无的放矢（甚至毫无意义）。不管是在什么样的体制内，民选或委任的官员最后中饱私囊，根本不会过像选民那样的日子。无知是福…
Adam from Canada
It's true, we hear from Gates that China is a force to reckon with, that we must keep it in tow in order to secure our interests. But from this article it would seem that the Chinese people are very different from the way they are portrayed by Western politicians. Not to vindicate their politicians though, because it is probable that they are the same belligerent, hawkish, egotistical and self serving politicians as we have here in the Western world. If only our politicians would listen to the people, "live and let live."
没错。盖茨（美国国防部长）对我们说：中国是必须应对的力量，必须让她待在后头以维护我们自己的利益。但在这篇文章中，中国人一点也不像西方媒体描绘的那样。他们没有为中国的政客们辩护，可能是因为那里的政客和西方的一样好斗、强硬、自负和自私。政客们要是能倾听人民的声音就好了，“各自安好，互不相扰”。
Eris2010
"because it is probable that they are the same beligerent, hawkish, egotistical and self serving politicians as we have here in the Western world. If only our politicians would listen to the people, "live and let live.""
I think that's the case pretty much in every country. The governments don't often represent the sentiments of the people. Even in Iran this is the case. A lot of their younger folk would actually like to be a little more "westernized".
It's the "have mores'" at the top who "want more" that keep countries in conflict with each other. Most average people just want to live their lives and be left alone.
引用“可能是因为那里的政客和西方的一样好斗、强硬、自负和自私。政客们要是能倾听人民的声音就好了，‘各自安好，互不相扰’”
每个国家都这样。政府并不一定代表人民意志，即使在伊朗也是如此，很多伊朗年轻人更愿意“西化”一点。位于社会顶端的人非要“吃着碗里的望着锅里的”，让国家陷入内部纷争。大部分普通人只是想相安无事的过日子罢了。
ROY WILSON-336103
Adam from Canada " If only our politicians would listen to the people, "live and let live." "
How cute, but that doesn't work very well when one side (China) is taking away our means of living through unfair trade practices and stealing our industrial secrets by 'hacking' into our industrial computers - an unofficial policy of the Chinese government.
引用Adam“政客们要是能倾听人民的声音就好了，‘各自安好，互不相扰’”。
好萌啊。但是有一方（中国）通过不公平的贸易规则夺去我们的生计，以及非法入侵工业计算机来窃取我们的工业秘密——中国政府的非官方政策。
hs321
If I were the Chinese people, I wouldn't want superpower status. Along with that status comes a responsibility, that acted upon, in the end leaves the rest of the world end's up hating and despising you.
如果我是中国人，我不会要什么超级大国地位的。这种地位需要承担一定责任，到最后整个世界都会讨厌和鄙视你。
craig speakman
Whenever I think of China I think of the classic line; who needs enemies when you've got friends like the Chinese. There is very little that the Chinese and American people share in common outside of the zest to improve one's quality of life.
Following WWII, America was full of pride and was restless with the ambition of creating a better quality of life through inspired innovation. Now that America has achieved what can only be described as a remarkable achievement is testament to what man can achieve when one sets lofty goals for itself.
However, that is not what is propelling China's growth. China's growth is being fueled by the West's desire to exploit a cheap labor pool and the largest pool of consumers the world has ever seen. Subsequently, billion of dollars of foreign investment has been pouring into China, and with it, decades of research and development which the Chinese are exploiting by stealing all the technology created by Western corporations, universities and govts.. Asia's strength has traditionally not been innovation, but taking the innovation and tweaking it to make it better (think Japan).
The Chinese are not America's friend, they are merely exploiters of man's achilles heel, which is greed. They will continue to take everything the West is willing to give away to them in their quest for profits, but when they reach the point where they no longer need the foreign investment and innovation, they will become the worst schoolyard bully the world has ever seen. Mark my words!
每次想到中国，我都会想起一句经典的段子：有了中国这样的朋友，你还需要敌人吗？除了提高生活质量的意愿，中国人和美国人几乎没有其它共同点。
二战之后，美国豪情满怀，通过激励创新雄心万丈地创造更好生活。美国完成的这一伟大成就，就是人类可以实现自己凌霄之志的有力佐证。
但是，推动中国发展的动力并非如此。中国的发展来自于西方意图利用廉价劳动力和开发世界上最庞大的消费市场。接着，成千上百亿外资涌入中国；随之而来的，是几十年间中国人窃取西方公司、大学和政府开发的技术后，进行研发。亚洲的优势从来都不是创新，而是获得创新产品后稍作改善（比如日本）。
中国人不是美国的朋友，他们只不过是人类作为开发者的“阿基琉斯之踵”（即软肋），贪得无厌罢了。他们还会拿走西方在追求利润时愿意赠送的一切，一旦他们到了不再需要国外的资金和创新能力时，就会变成最坏的校霸。等着瞧好了。
Yank-957120
Let the American's pay for fighting wars, deposing of dictators and nation building with their tax dollars and soldier citizen's. The US mantras is no spoils for the victors, allow massive immigration and spend billions to help the despicable country recover from the damages the US military and State Department causes or perceives before they leave to ruin another country. Chinese and Russians are smart.
美国人付出纳税人的钱和战士的生命，来打仗、推倒独裁者和建立国家。美国念的这部经就是：战胜方分文未得，接受大规模移民，不惜一掷千金来帮助惨遭美国军队和国务院蹂躏的流氓国家搞建设，接着去灭掉下一家。中国人和俄国人却很精明。
GMACH48
What difference does perception make? We trade with China and there is an imbalance, not only on the books but, also in the monetary exchange. If we're going to bend over and let them do what they are doing then we will reap the rewards and be not only a debtor nation but, also a non-respected one as well. We still have plenty and we have the ability to right ourselves. All this soul searching for what we should and shouldn't do is stupid. Get leaders that have our best interest as a country and ideals at heart and not those with a particular agenda to change our whole country from a capitalist one to a socialist one like the currrent admin.
看法有何不同？我们和中国贸易失衡，账目上和金融交易上都是。如果我们低头哈腰，让他们为所欲为；那么我们会颗粒无收、债台高筑，也会颜面尽失。我们现在还绰绰有余，也有能力回归正道。这种要做什么和不要做什么的自我反省是愚蠢的。让领导们心存理想、关心国家和人民的利益，不要像现在的奥巴马政府一样要把整个国家从资本主义变成社会主义。
Jp1969
Until our students are saying they want to go to China to get their education rather than vice versa, I'm not seeing an issue. China uses a majority of the world’s oil to make petroleum based products i.e. our kids toys and our picnics forks and spoons. They are just now becoming an industrialized nation. Look up when the U.S. became industrialized. Research what it is we make. We don't need to make cheap plastic crap because our economy hasn't been geared that way since before WW2. Most of you have bought into the sell our government is giving you on China and you've done nothing to study where and why the U.S. is great. I have no problem with that sell because it's based on fear. Without that fear our fat, spoiled nation will only become more complacent and countries like China and India will become a real issue. Talking up China only works to make those that can, do.
除非我们的学生说要去中国读书了，我不觉得这有什么问题。中国消耗世界的大部分石油来制造石油衍生产品。比如孩子们的玩具和餐具。他们才开始转变为工业国。去查一下美国进行工业化能造什么，我们没必要制造廉价塑料制品，因为从二战开始我们的经济就不再是这种模式了。很多人都很失望，认为政府向着中国，他们根本没去了解美国的伟大之处。我才不会失望，这种失望源于担忧。没有这种担忧，我们这个尾大不掉的国家只会更加妄自尊大，到时候中国印度这些国家就会成为真正的话题。热议中国只会让那些怀才之士先行一步。
ImoenOfTelengard
Once the majority of the Chinese population becomes morbidly obese and start calling themselves "consumers," then we'll talk.
等中国人都肠肥脑满、开始叫自己“消费者”的时候，我们再来好好聊一聊。（自嘲）
Jack Mack
In part through the aggressive pursuit of "free trade" agreements that open American markets but that do not enforce similar openness on the part of our partners, America has moved to a kind of post-national footing. The institutions that control our government have zero allegiance to or interest in uplifting the nation. Their interest lies exclusively in delivering value to their shareholders. If that value comes at the expense of the United States and its citizens, so be it. The shareholder, not the citizen, is the fundamental unit to whom stewardship is owed.
在过分追求“自由贸易”的协议中，美国的市场打开了，但没有让贸易伙伴同样开放市场。美国走向了一种后国家形态的立足点。监管政府的机构完全没有诚意和兴趣来发展国家，他们只关心给股东派发利益。如果这些利益以美国和美国人民为代价，随它去吧。这些分赃者，而不是人民，才是国家管理工作的基本单位。
What this means for America the nation is that we are on a path toward greater wealth disparity. The companies that run our government will "vote themselves benefits" by ensuring that tax structures support whatever activities they deem most profitable, and that subsidies will continue as well.
Meanwhile, the Chinese model appears to be different - there, there is a government that seems to serve a national interest (though it may be more self-serving than I can see from this distant perch). Therefore, companies that want to play there must do China's bidding - whether by giving up trade secrets or otherwise submitting to the will of the Chinese government.
As long as the American Government is controlled by corporate institutions, it will do their bidding and will spin to the citizenry all manner of tales of how good it is at protecting us. China has taken excellent advantage of this imbalance and in fact this weakness in our governance and culture.
在财富不均的道路上渐行渐远，这对美国意味着什么呢。统管我们政府的那些公司只“为利益投票”，这样，税务结构就会保护他们追求最高利润的任何行为，补贴也不会终止。
同时，中国模式却不同——在那里，政府会服务于国家利益（尽管在我这里看来，更像是自利行为）。这样，在中国开展业务的公司必须遵照中国的吩咐去做——要么交出商业机密，要么听从中国政府。
只要美国政府被握在公司机构的手里，它就会顺从这些公司的意愿，编造政府正在保护人民的美好故事。中国很好的利用了这种不平衡，这其实是我们的不足和文化。
Charles E. Chessa
If one believes that China isn't a Super Power they are lacking up stairs.
相信中国不是超级大国的人，他家没有楼梯。（译者注：暗指这种人没有“增长”概念）
realist-2947723
12% of 1.3 Billion = 150 Million Chinese who feel like they are a superpower.
No big deal, just half the population of the U.S. or the 10th largest nation in the world.
Real question should be what happens when those 12% demand their country start acting like a superpower. I don't remember 1950-1989 being a great age of cooperation in a bipolar world.
13亿人中的12%=1.5亿人觉得中国是超级大国。
不多啊，也就美国人口的一半，或者说人口排名第十的国家。问题在于，要是这些人强烈要求中国拿出超级大国的风范来，会怎么样呢？世界两极分化时的1950-1989年可不是伟大的合作时代。
Hob Sigmon
I read with interest the "Super Power" discussion. I spent several months in China in 2002. My hosts could not have been nicer. I enjoyed immensely the many places I was able to visit. My impressions are as follows: (1) China is definitely NOT a super power..certainly not at this time. There military capabilities are meager compared to the USA. (2) Their economy is based on export (primarily to the USA) so in a one on one show down they would be severely limited for the simple reason they would be at war with their #1 customer. (3) Have no doubt; their education system is effective..with outstanding results but because it is so controlled it lacks the ability to instill a sense of freedom and individualism that is imperative to long term successful personal growth. Sustained economic & social growth can only be achieved through a free and open society.
饶有兴趣地看完了关于“超级大国”讨论。2002年时我在中国待过几个月，房东是个大好人。我非常喜欢去过的那些地方，我的印象是：
⑴ 中国绝不是一个超级大国，至少现在不是。军事能力无法和美国相提并论。
⑵ 中国的经济是出口带动型（主要出口到美国），所以一对一摊牌时，仅受限于这个原因，中国就不会和自己最大的客户开战。
⑶ 毫无疑问，中国的教育制度卓有成效。但这套体制管理苛刻，缺乏能力去培养学生自由理念和个人主义思维，这对成功的个人长期发展不可或缺。经济和社会的持续发展只有在自由和开发的社会中才会实现。
http://www.ltaaa.com/wtfy/3263.html
BEIJING - Reading the most frequently emailed article list on The New York Times website is instructive these days.
For days, China has ranked in the top three most popularly searched terms on the site.
Last weekend, four of the newspaper’s top ten most emailed articles were about China: the ongoing controversy over extreme Chinese parenting; a U.S. solar company’s decision to shut down its main operations in Massachusetts; an op-ed about the strength of Chinese education and the importance of Confucianism; and the opportunities for American architects to design and build, unfettered, in China.
最近，《纽约时报》网站上邮发量最多的那些文章，十分让人玩味。“中国”成了这几天网站上被检索最多的三个词之一。上周，邮发量最多的十篇文章中有四篇写的是中国（分别是）：中国虎妈式教育所引发的争论；美国太阳能公司决定关闭马萨诸塞州的母公司；一篇关于中国教育长处和儒学重要性的专栏文章；美国建筑师在中国如鱼得水般设计和建设。
Other Western media coverage of China has verged on hysteria: ranging from an entire Glenn Beck program last week devoted to the country (“Their kids are passing us!” “They’re grabbing more and more oil!”) to a bewildering piece in Foreign Policy magazine about not just the rise of China but the rise of the Han Chinese.
No wonder a poll last week found that nearly half of Americans surveyed say China is the world’s top economic power.
And just what do the Chinese make of all this talk?
其它西方媒体对中国的报道近乎歇斯底里：格林•贝克（译者注：美国当红节目主持人、政治评论家）上周的节目都在关注“中国”（“他们的小孩超过了我们的！”、“他们在攫取更多石油！”）；《外交政策》杂志也发表了大意为中国和汉族同步崛起这么一篇含糊其辞的文章。
上周一项民调显示约一半接受调查的美国人认为中国是世界第一经济强国，这样的结果就不足为奇了。
那中国人又是怎样理解这些论调的呢？
"What superpower?"
Well, we know there’s a large population in China that believes their country is a superpower and that, frankly, it’s about time. These hardcore nationalists can be found in Chinese Internet chat rooms, holding court on the “American conspiracy theory”:
“[Extreme nationalists] hold high the ‘patriotic’ banner, talk about hundreds of years of national humiliation, claim that the U.S.-led Western alliance is still ‘trying to push China to death,’ and regard the exchange rate, foreign debt purchase, trade deficit, climate change, Central Asian anti-terrorism campaigns and the neighboring countries’ worries against China as burdens. They insist ‘China can say no,’ and that the ‘China model’ will be popular all over the world.”
But speaking to young educated urban Chinese, we found a much more measured and reasoned view as well as a great deal of skepticism about whether China is indeed a superpower.
“什么超级大国？”
我们知道，在中国，有相当一部分人相信中国是一个超级大国，或者说这只是时间问题。这些愤青遍布中国的论坛，津津乐道着“美国阴谋论”：“（极端国家主义者）高举着‘爱国’旗帜；三句话不离‘百年国耻’；宣称美国带头的西方国家一直‘想要置中国于死地’；他们把汇率、购买外债、贸易逆差、气候变化、中亚反恐战争和邻国对中国的担忧，一并视作掣肘。他们宣称‘中国可以说不’和‘中国模式’定将大行于世。”
但我们在城市里和受教育的中国年轻人交谈过后，发现他们对“中国是否是一个真正的超级大国”有着更理性、慎重甚至批判的观点。
“China might look like [it’s very powerful] from the outside,” said He Rui, a 24-year-old local government employee in Changchun, Jilin Province. “However, there are still a lot of serious problems [like] the environment or income inequality. If [our government] can address these problems and also keep [the country] improving and growing, then maybe it can become a very powerful nation.”
Challenges such as pollution and environmental degradation; managing a population of 1.3 billion – 350 million to 400 million of whom are expected to move to cities within 20 years; widespread political corruption; a yawning gap between the haves and have-nots; a rapidly ageing population; a vociferous need for energy to keep the economy going – all these and more tend to offset any inclination for self-congratulation.
“表面上去中国是这样（很强大），但现在仍有很多沉疴痼疾，比如环境和收入差距。如果（我们的政府）能解决这些问题并且保持（国家）发展和增长，就可能成为一个非常强大的国家。”He Rui如此回答，他是吉林省长春市一名24岁的政府雇员。
污染和环境恶化；管理13亿人口（未来20年内有3.5亿至4亿人流向城市）；政治腐败横行；贫富差距拉大；老龄化加快；对能源的极度需求来维持经济运行——诸如此类和越来越多的挑战足以让各种意淫烟消云散。
In fact, only 12 percent of Chinese surveyed last month in an annual poll believe their country is a “superpower.” And that was a drop from the year before.
“I think when we look at our own country, we can be more critical and see the flaws or weaknesses,” said Mandy Wu, a 22-year-old resident of Beijing who is preparing to sit for a graduate school exam to study history or politics. “Maybe Americans look at certain areas where they think they are weak and then compare it to China, where those areas are strengths for China.”
The appeal of the American dream
Despite reading reports of American malaise or the viability of the American dream, some Chinese students said day-to-day life in their country is still very hard.
其实，上个月的年度调查中只有12%的中国人相信自己的国家是“超级大国”，比去年还有所下降。
“我认为在看待自己国家时，我们会比较审慎地检视缺点和不足。可能美国人在和中国比照时，会以己之短，量人之长。”22岁的Mandy Wu说，他是北京人，正在准备学校的一场毕业考试，以决定读历史还是政治。
The appeal of the American dream
Despite reading reports of American malaise or the viability of the American dream, some Chinese students said day-to-day life in their country is still very hard.
“I don’t know how many Americans feel frustrated or how many still hold their beliefs. But in China I think there are many people who believe that they should be better off or have a dream,” said Li Kaiyuan who is from Jiangsu Province but is studying acoustics at Beijing’s Academy of Science. “They spend the day in a very large machine. They do not have a dream.”
“Many people are unsatisfied with their current livelihood,” echoed Lu Jie from Shanghai Normal University. “I do not think a country with numerous domestic problems can be called a superpower.”
While everyone we interviewed acknowledged China’s economic might, some questioned its sustainability. “The economy is export-oriented, which is built on cheap labor,” said Wu Mian, a sophomore from Yunnan Province who is studying at Hong Kong’s Baptist University. “Now even that labor advantage is disappearing.”
美国梦的吸引力
虽然一些中国学生读过美国萎靡不振或美国梦不在的相关报道，但他们说在自己国家的日常生活还是非常艰辛。
“我不知道现在美国有多少人失魂落魄，又有多少在坚守信念。但在中国，我认为，很多人觉得自己本应该过得更好或者拥有一个梦。而他们只是在巨型机械设备当中穿梭度日，他们没有梦。”Li Kaiyuan说道，他来自江苏，正在北京的中科院研究声学。
来日上海师范大学的Lu Jie观点相同，“很多人对他们当前的生活并不满意。一个问题缠身的国家不应该叫做超级大国。”
尽管被采访的每个人都清楚中国的经济能力，一些人会质疑其持续性。在香港浸会大学读大二的云南人Wu Mian说，“这是出口导向型的经济，靠的是廉价劳动力。现在这种优势正逐渐丧失。”
And everyone believed their nation is still lagging in all other areas. For instance, the U.S. is still seen as the leading producer of innovative ideas and cutting edge technology across all industries.
“I don’t want to have my PhD education in China. I have a dream to go to America,” said Li, the acoustics student. “America is still the scientific center of the world.”
It’s not just science and technology.
“I do believe Chinese people or at least the majority of Chinese people are enjoying a higher standard of living,” said Wu Mian. “We consume more. We have more money in our pockets to buy more products from other countries. But I still think we are learning from other countries and the lifestyle we are imitating now is from other countries.”
The limits of soft power
所有人都认为中国在其他方面都步人后尘。比如，美国在所有工业领域仍然是创新概念和最新科技的老大哥。“我不想在中国读博士，我想去美国。美国仍是世界的科学中心。”声学专业学生Li说。
而且不仅仅是在科学和技术这些方面。
“我确实认为中国人或者至少大部分中国人的生活水平日渐提高，”Wu Mian说。“我们消费得更多了。口袋里的钱多了，买的外国产品也多了。但我还是觉得我们只是在学习其他国家并且模仿它们的生活方式。”
The limits of soft power
Chinese values might also be too esoteric for the country to have the kind of cultural influence exhibited by the U.S. Liu Zhuo-yu, a native of Chongqing studying at Hunan’s Central South University, characterized the current national values system as having two defining features: an inferiority complex that China fell behind the West in the 19th and 20th centuries and paradoxically a deep pride in its ancient history and culture.
“There is always a gap between China and the West in this field. That is why we cannot communicate with [the West] very well,” she added.
Limits on “soft power,” an essential ingredient to achieving superpower status, might also be due to censorship in China, others noted. “People do not have the complete freedom of speech,” said Wu Mian. “In this case, it’s too early to say whether the country’s culture is influential or not.”
有限的“软实力”
中国人的价值观太内敛，不可能像美国那样展现出文化影响力。Liu Zhou-yu，在湖南中南大学读书的重庆人，他把现在的国家价值体系分成不同的两部分：19世纪和20世纪中国落后西方的“自卑情结”；却又对古代历史和文化感到深深地自豪。
她说“在这点上，中国和西方一直存在距离，这就是为什么我们不能和西方很好的交流。”
“软实力”作为获得超级大国地位的重要部分，其受到限制也可能是因为中国的审查制度。Ma Mian说，“人们没有彻底的言论自由。所以，这个国家的文化影响力如何还未可知。”
“The Chinese model is not perfect, much less perfect than western countries,” said Wu Hao, a graduate student of journalism at Renmin University.
Underlying the criticism, however, was a sense of earnestness.
“I think it’s important for America to improve, because it will help China grow, too,” said He Rui. “Because then we have somewhere to turn to for direction and for learning. Of course, we have our own direction, but we want to grow with the U.S.”
“I don’t care whether China or the U.S. is a superpower,” said Wu Hao. “I just want the world to be better.” And, of course, there was a sense of anticipation, too.
“I think I can see [China becoming a superpower],” said Mandy Wu. “In my lifetime, I have seen the country become this strong.”
“But even if it rises, it doesn’t mean it’s dangerous country,” she added.
With assistance from He Xin and Zhu Tong.
中国人民大学新闻系毕业生Wu Hao“中国模式并不完美，怎么也比不上西方国家。”尽管这种批判之下，是一种真挚的情感。
《惊现体制党》
He Rui，“我觉得美国的增长也很重要，因为这可以帮助到中国。我们就有彼此学习和借鉴的地方。当然，我们有自己的方向，但我们想和美国一起发展。”
Wu Hao，“我不关心中国或者说美国是个超级大国，我只想世界变得更好。”当然，这里面满是期望。
Mandy Wu，“有生之年，我可以看到中国成为一个超级大国，毕竟我已经见到中国变得强大了。但中国的崛起并不意味着中国就是个危险国家。”
He Xin和Zhu Tong对此文亦有贡献。
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评论翻译
Tommywho?
All politicians have an agenda, as aimless as most are around the world(or even pointless). Don't matter what system is in place. The elected and appointed officials ultimately get Rich unlike the people that put them there. Ignorance is bliss...
所有政客都有议程，和这世上大部分政客们的议程一样无的放矢（甚至毫无意义）。不管是在什么样的体制内，民选或委任的官员最后中饱私囊，根本不会过像选民那样的日子。无知是福…
Adam from Canada
It's true, we hear from Gates that China is a force to reckon with, that we must keep it in tow in order to secure our interests. But from this article it would seem that the Chinese people are very different from the way they are portrayed by Western politicians. Not to vindicate their politicians though, because it is probable that they are the same belligerent, hawkish, egotistical and self serving politicians as we have here in the Western world. If only our politicians would listen to the people, "live and let live."
没错。盖茨（美国国防部长）对我们说：中国是必须应对的力量，必须让她待在后头以维护我们自己的利益。但在这篇文章中，中国人一点也不像西方媒体描绘的那样。他们没有为中国的政客们辩护，可能是因为那里的政客和西方的一样好斗、强硬、自负和自私。政客们要是能倾听人民的声音就好了，“各自安好，互不相扰”。
Eris2010
"because it is probable that they are the same beligerent, hawkish, egotistical and self serving politicians as we have here in the Western world. If only our politicians would listen to the people, "live and let live.""
I think that's the case pretty much in every country. The governments don't often represent the sentiments of the people. Even in Iran this is the case. A lot of their younger folk would actually like to be a little more "westernized".
It's the "have mores'" at the top who "want more" that keep countries in conflict with each other. Most average people just want to live their lives and be left alone.
引用“可能是因为那里的政客和西方的一样好斗、强硬、自负和自私。政客们要是能倾听人民的声音就好了，‘各自安好，互不相扰’”
每个国家都这样。政府并不一定代表人民意志，即使在伊朗也是如此，很多伊朗年轻人更愿意“西化”一点。位于社会顶端的人非要“吃着碗里的望着锅里的”，让国家陷入内部纷争。大部分普通人只是想相安无事的过日子罢了。
ROY WILSON-336103
Adam from Canada " If only our politicians would listen to the people, "live and let live." "
How cute, but that doesn't work very well when one side (China) is taking away our means of living through unfair trade practices and stealing our industrial secrets by 'hacking' into our industrial computers - an unofficial policy of the Chinese government.
引用Adam“政客们要是能倾听人民的声音就好了，‘各自安好，互不相扰’”。
好萌啊。但是有一方（中国）通过不公平的贸易规则夺去我们的生计，以及非法入侵工业计算机来窃取我们的工业秘密——中国政府的非官方政策。
hs321
If I were the Chinese people, I wouldn't want superpower status. Along with that status comes a responsibility, that acted upon, in the end leaves the rest of the world end's up hating and despising you.
如果我是中国人，我不会要什么超级大国地位的。这种地位需要承担一定责任，到最后整个世界都会讨厌和鄙视你。
craig speakman
Whenever I think of China I think of the classic line; who needs enemies when you've got friends like the Chinese. There is very little that the Chinese and American people share in common outside of the zest to improve one's quality of life.
Following WWII, America was full of pride and was restless with the ambition of creating a better quality of life through inspired innovation. Now that America has achieved what can only be described as a remarkable achievement is testament to what man can achieve when one sets lofty goals for itself.
However, that is not what is propelling China's growth. China's growth is being fueled by the West's desire to exploit a cheap labor pool and the largest pool of consumers the world has ever seen. Subsequently, billion of dollars of foreign investment has been pouring into China, and with it, decades of research and development which the Chinese are exploiting by stealing all the technology created by Western corporations, universities and govts.. Asia's strength has traditionally not been innovation, but taking the innovation and tweaking it to make it better (think Japan).
The Chinese are not America's friend, they are merely exploiters of man's achilles heel, which is greed. They will continue to take everything the West is willing to give away to them in their quest for profits, but when they reach the point where they no longer need the foreign investment and innovation, they will become the worst schoolyard bully the world has ever seen. Mark my words!
每次想到中国，我都会想起一句经典的段子：有了中国这样的朋友，你还需要敌人吗？除了提高生活质量的意愿，中国人和美国人几乎没有其它共同点。
二战之后，美国豪情满怀，通过激励创新雄心万丈地创造更好生活。美国完成的这一伟大成就，就是人类可以实现自己凌霄之志的有力佐证。
但是，推动中国发展的动力并非如此。中国的发展来自于西方意图利用廉价劳动力和开发世界上最庞大的消费市场。接着，成千上百亿外资涌入中国；随之而来的，是几十年间中国人窃取西方公司、大学和政府开发的技术后，进行研发。亚洲的优势从来都不是创新，而是获得创新产品后稍作改善（比如日本）。
中国人不是美国的朋友，他们只不过是人类作为开发者的“阿基琉斯之踵”（即软肋），贪得无厌罢了。他们还会拿走西方在追求利润时愿意赠送的一切，一旦他们到了不再需要国外的资金和创新能力时，就会变成最坏的校霸。等着瞧好了。
Yank-957120
Let the American's pay for fighting wars, deposing of dictators and nation building with their tax dollars and soldier citizen's. The US mantras is no spoils for the victors, allow massive immigration and spend billions to help the despicable country recover from the damages the US military and State Department causes or perceives before they leave to ruin another country. Chinese and Russians are smart.
美国人付出纳税人的钱和战士的生命，来打仗、推倒独裁者和建立国家。美国念的这部经就是：战胜方分文未得，接受大规模移民，不惜一掷千金来帮助惨遭美国军队和国务院蹂躏的流氓国家搞建设，接着去灭掉下一家。中国人和俄国人却很精明。
GMACH48
What difference does perception make? We trade with China and there is an imbalance, not only on the books but, also in the monetary exchange. If we're going to bend over and let them do what they are doing then we will reap the rewards and be not only a debtor nation but, also a non-respected one as well. We still have plenty and we have the ability to right ourselves. All this soul searching for what we should and shouldn't do is stupid. Get leaders that have our best interest as a country and ideals at heart and not those with a particular agenda to change our whole country from a capitalist one to a socialist one like the currrent admin.
看法有何不同？我们和中国贸易失衡，账目上和金融交易上都是。如果我们低头哈腰，让他们为所欲为；那么我们会颗粒无收、债台高筑，也会颜面尽失。我们现在还绰绰有余，也有能力回归正道。这种要做什么和不要做什么的自我反省是愚蠢的。让领导们心存理想、关心国家和人民的利益，不要像现在的奥巴马政府一样要把整个国家从资本主义变成社会主义。
Jp1969
Until our students are saying they want to go to China to get their education rather than vice versa, I'm not seeing an issue. China uses a majority of the world’s oil to make petroleum based products i.e. our kids toys and our picnics forks and spoons. They are just now becoming an industrialized nation. Look up when the U.S. became industrialized. Research what it is we make. We don't need to make cheap plastic crap because our economy hasn't been geared that way since before WW2. Most of you have bought into the sell our government is giving you on China and you've done nothing to study where and why the U.S. is great. I have no problem with that sell because it's based on fear. Without that fear our fat, spoiled nation will only become more complacent and countries like China and India will become a real issue. Talking up China only works to make those that can, do.
除非我们的学生说要去中国读书了，我不觉得这有什么问题。中国消耗世界的大部分石油来制造石油衍生产品。比如孩子们的玩具和餐具。他们才开始转变为工业国。去查一下美国进行工业化能造什么，我们没必要制造廉价塑料制品，因为从二战开始我们的经济就不再是这种模式了。很多人都很失望，认为政府向着中国，他们根本没去了解美国的伟大之处。我才不会失望，这种失望源于担忧。没有这种担忧，我们这个尾大不掉的国家只会更加妄自尊大，到时候中国印度这些国家就会成为真正的话题。热议中国只会让那些怀才之士先行一步。
ImoenOfTelengard
Once the majority of the Chinese population becomes morbidly obese and start calling themselves "consumers," then we'll talk.
等中国人都肠肥脑满、开始叫自己“消费者”的时候，我们再来好好聊一聊。（自嘲）
Jack Mack
In part through the aggressive pursuit of "free trade" agreements that open American markets but that do not enforce similar openness on the part of our partners, America has moved to a kind of post-national footing. The institutions that control our government have zero allegiance to or interest in uplifting the nation. Their interest lies exclusively in delivering value to their shareholders. If that value comes at the expense of the United States and its citizens, so be it. The shareholder, not the citizen, is the fundamental unit to whom stewardship is owed.
在过分追求“自由贸易”的协议中，美国的市场打开了，但没有让贸易伙伴同样开放市场。美国走向了一种后国家形态的立足点。监管政府的机构完全没有诚意和兴趣来发展国家，他们只关心给股东派发利益。如果这些利益以美国和美国人民为代价，随它去吧。这些分赃者，而不是人民，才是国家管理工作的基本单位。
What this means for America the nation is that we are on a path toward greater wealth disparity. The companies that run our government will "vote themselves benefits" by ensuring that tax structures support whatever activities they deem most profitable, and that subsidies will continue as well.
Meanwhile, the Chinese model appears to be different - there, there is a government that seems to serve a national interest (though it may be more self-serving than I can see from this distant perch). Therefore, companies that want to play there must do China's bidding - whether by giving up trade secrets or otherwise submitting to the will of the Chinese government.
As long as the American Government is controlled by corporate institutions, it will do their bidding and will spin to the citizenry all manner of tales of how good it is at protecting us. China has taken excellent advantage of this imbalance and in fact this weakness in our governance and culture.
在财富不均的道路上渐行渐远，这对美国意味着什么呢。统管我们政府的那些公司只“为利益投票”，这样，税务结构就会保护他们追求最高利润的任何行为，补贴也不会终止。
同时，中国模式却不同——在那里，政府会服务于国家利益（尽管在我这里看来，更像是自利行为）。这样，在中国开展业务的公司必须遵照中国的吩咐去做——要么交出商业机密，要么听从中国政府。
只要美国政府被握在公司机构的手里，它就会顺从这些公司的意愿，编造政府正在保护人民的美好故事。中国很好的利用了这种不平衡，这其实是我们的不足和文化。
Charles E. Chessa
If one believes that China isn't a Super Power they are lacking up stairs.
相信中国不是超级大国的人，他家没有楼梯。（译者注：暗指这种人没有“增长”概念）
realist-2947723
12% of 1.3 Billion = 150 Million Chinese who feel like they are a superpower.
No big deal, just half the population of the U.S. or the 10th largest nation in the world.
Real question should be what happens when those 12% demand their country start acting like a superpower. I don't remember 1950-1989 being a great age of cooperation in a bipolar world.
13亿人中的12%=1.5亿人觉得中国是超级大国。
不多啊，也就美国人口的一半，或者说人口排名第十的国家。问题在于，要是这些人强烈要求中国拿出超级大国的风范来，会怎么样呢？世界两极分化时的1950-1989年可不是伟大的合作时代。
Hob Sigmon
I read with interest the "Super Power" discussion. I spent several months in China in 2002. My hosts could not have been nicer. I enjoyed immensely the many places I was able to visit. My impressions are as follows: (1) China is definitely NOT a super power..certainly not at this time. There military capabilities are meager compared to the USA. (2) Their economy is based on export (primarily to the USA) so in a one on one show down they would be severely limited for the simple reason they would be at war with their #1 customer. (3) Have no doubt; their education system is effective..with outstanding results but because it is so controlled it lacks the ability to instill a sense of freedom and individualism that is imperative to long term successful personal growth. Sustained economic & social growth can only be achieved through a free and open society.
饶有兴趣地看完了关于“超级大国”讨论。2002年时我在中国待过几个月，房东是个大好人。我非常喜欢去过的那些地方，我的印象是：
⑴ 中国绝不是一个超级大国，至少现在不是。军事能力无法和美国相提并论。
⑵ 中国的经济是出口带动型（主要出口到美国），所以一对一摊牌时，仅受限于这个原因，中国就不会和自己最大的客户开战。
⑶ 毫无疑问，中国的教育制度卓有成效。但这套体制管理苛刻，缺乏能力去培养学生自由理念和个人主义思维，这对成功的个人长期发展不可或缺。经济和社会的持续发展只有在自由和开发的社会中才会实现。
http://www.ltaaa.com/wtfy/3263.html正文翻译
BEIJING - Reading the most frequently emailed article list on The New York Times website is instructive these days.
For days, China has ranked in the top three most popularly searched terms on the site.
Last weekend, four of the newspaper’s top ten most emailed articles were about China: the ongoing controversy over extreme Chinese parenting; a U.S. solar company’s decision to shut down its main operations in Massachusetts; an op-ed about the strength of Chinese education and the importance of Confucianism; and the opportunities for American architects to design and build, unfettered, in China.
最近，《纽约时报》网站上邮发量最多的那些文章，十分让人玩味。“中国”成了这几天网站上被检索最多的三个词之一。上周，邮发量最多的十篇文章中有四篇写的是中国（分别是）：中国虎妈式教育所引发的争论；美国太阳能公司决定关闭马萨诸塞州的母公司；一篇关于中国教育长处和儒学重要性的专栏文章；美国建筑师在中国如鱼得水般设计和建设。
Other Western media coverage of China has verged on hysteria: ranging from an entire Glenn Beck program last week devoted to the country (“Their kids are passing us!” “They’re grabbing more and more oil!”) to a bewildering piece in Foreign Policy magazine about not just the rise of China but the rise of the Han Chinese.
No wonder a poll last week found that nearly half of Americans surveyed say China is the world’s top economic power.
And just what do the Chinese make of all this talk?
其它西方媒体对中国的报道近乎歇斯底里：格林•贝克（译者注：美国当红节目主持人、政治评论家）上周的节目都在关注“中国”（“他们的小孩超过了我们的！”、“他们在攫取更多石油！”）；《外交政策》杂志也发表了大意为中国和汉族同步崛起这么一篇含糊其辞的文章。
上周一项民调显示约一半接受调查的美国人认为中国是世界第一经济强国，这样的结果就不足为奇了。
那中国人又是怎样理解这些论调的呢？
"What superpower?"
Well, we know there’s a large population in China that believes their country is a superpower and that, frankly, it’s about time. These hardcore nationalists can be found in Chinese Internet chat rooms, holding court on the “American conspiracy theory”:
“[Extreme nationalists] hold high the ‘patriotic’ banner, talk about hundreds of years of national humiliation, claim that the U.S.-led Western alliance is still ‘trying to push China to death,’ and regard the exchange rate, foreign debt purchase, trade deficit, climate change, Central Asian anti-terrorism campaigns and the neighboring countries’ worries against China as burdens. They insist ‘China can say no,’ and that the ‘China model’ will be popular all over the world.”
But speaking to young educated urban Chinese, we found a much more measured and reasoned view as well as a great deal of skepticism about whether China is indeed a superpower.
“什么超级大国？”
我们知道，在中国，有相当一部分人相信中国是一个超级大国，或者说这只是时间问题。这些愤青遍布中国的论坛，津津乐道着“美国阴谋论”：“（极端国家主义者）高举着‘爱国’旗帜；三句话不离‘百年国耻’；宣称美国带头的西方国家一直‘想要置中国于死地’；他们把汇率、购买外债、贸易逆差、气候变化、中亚反恐战争和邻国对中国的担忧，一并视作掣肘。他们宣称‘中国可以说不’和‘中国模式’定将大行于世。”
但我们在城市里和受教育的中国年轻人交谈过后，发现他们对“中国是否是一个真正的超级大国”有着更理性、慎重甚至批判的观点。
“China might look like [it’s very powerful] from the outside,” said He Rui, a 24-year-old local government employee in Changchun, Jilin Province. “However, there are still a lot of serious problems [like] the environment or income inequality. If [our government] can address these problems and also keep [the country] improving and growing, then maybe it can become a very powerful nation.”
Challenges such as pollution and environmental degradation; managing a population of 1.3 billion – 350 million to 400 million of whom are expected to move to cities within 20 years; widespread political corruption; a yawning gap between the haves and have-nots; a rapidly ageing population; a vociferous need for energy to keep the economy going – all these and more tend to offset any inclination for self-congratulation.
“表面上去中国是这样（很强大），但现在仍有很多沉疴痼疾，比如环境和收入差距。如果（我们的政府）能解决这些问题并且保持（国家）发展和增长，就可能成为一个非常强大的国家。”He Rui如此回答，他是吉林省长春市一名24岁的政府雇员。
污染和环境恶化；管理13亿人口（未来20年内有3.5亿至4亿人流向城市）；政治腐败横行；贫富差距拉大；老龄化加快；对能源的极度需求来维持经济运行——诸如此类和越来越多的挑战足以让各种意淫烟消云散。
In fact, only 12 percent of Chinese surveyed last month in an annual poll believe their country is a “superpower.” And that was a drop from the year before.
“I think when we look at our own country, we can be more critical and see the flaws or weaknesses,” said Mandy Wu, a 22-year-old resident of Beijing who is preparing to sit for a graduate school exam to study history or politics. “Maybe Americans look at certain areas where they think they are weak and then compare it to China, where those areas are strengths for China.”
The appeal of the American dream
Despite reading reports of American malaise or the viability of the American dream, some Chinese students said day-to-day life in their country is still very hard.
其实，上个月的年度调查中只有12%的中国人相信自己的国家是“超级大国”，比去年还有所下降。
“我认为在看待自己国家时，我们会比较审慎地检视缺点和不足。可能美国人在和中国比照时，会以己之短，量人之长。”22岁的Mandy Wu说，他是北京人，正在准备学校的一场毕业考试，以决定读历史还是政治。
The appeal of the American dream
Despite reading reports of American malaise or the viability of the American dream, some Chinese students said day-to-day life in their country is still very hard.
“I don’t know how many Americans feel frustrated or how many still hold their beliefs. But in China I think there are many people who believe that they should be better off or have a dream,” said Li Kaiyuan who is from Jiangsu Province but is studying acoustics at Beijing’s Academy of Science. “They spend the day in a very large machine. They do not have a dream.”
“Many people are unsatisfied with their current livelihood,” echoed Lu Jie from Shanghai Normal University. “I do not think a country with numerous domestic problems can be called a superpower.”
While everyone we interviewed acknowledged China’s economic might, some questioned its sustainability. “The economy is export-oriented, which is built on cheap labor,” said Wu Mian, a sophomore from Yunnan Province who is studying at Hong Kong’s Baptist University. “Now even that labor advantage is disappearing.”
美国梦的吸引力
虽然一些中国学生读过美国萎靡不振或美国梦不在的相关报道，但他们说在自己国家的日常生活还是非常艰辛。
“我不知道现在美国有多少人失魂落魄，又有多少在坚守信念。但在中国，我认为，很多人觉得自己本应该过得更好或者拥有一个梦。而他们只是在巨型机械设备当中穿梭度日，他们没有梦。”Li Kaiyuan说道，他来自江苏，正在北京的中科院研究声学。
来日上海师范大学的Lu Jie观点相同，“很多人对他们当前的生活并不满意。一个问题缠身的国家不应该叫做超级大国。”
尽管被采访的每个人都清楚中国的经济能力，一些人会质疑其持续性。在香港浸会大学读大二的云南人Wu Mian说，“这是出口导向型的经济，靠的是廉价劳动力。现在这种优势正逐渐丧失。”
And everyone believed their nation is still lagging in all other areas. For instance, the U.S. is still seen as the leading producer of innovative ideas and cutting edge technology across all industries.
“I don’t want to have my PhD education in China. I have a dream to go to America,” said Li, the acoustics student. “America is still the scientific center of the world.”
It’s not just science and technology.
“I do believe Chinese people or at least the majority of Chinese people are enjoying a higher standard of living,” said Wu Mian. “We consume more. We have more money in our pockets to buy more products from other countries. But I still think we are learning from other countries and the lifestyle we are imitating now is from other countries.”
The limits of soft power
所有人都认为中国在其他方面都步人后尘。比如，美国在所有工业领域仍然是创新概念和最新科技的老大哥。“我不想在中国读博士，我想去美国。美国仍是世界的科学中心。”声学专业学生Li说。
而且不仅仅是在科学和技术这些方面。
“我确实认为中国人或者至少大部分中国人的生活水平日渐提高，”Wu Mian说。“我们消费得更多了。口袋里的钱多了，买的外国产品也多了。但我还是觉得我们只是在学习其他国家并且模仿它们的生活方式。”
The limits of soft power
Chinese values might also be too esoteric for the country to have the kind of cultural influence exhibited by the U.S. Liu Zhuo-yu, a native of Chongqing studying at Hunan’s Central South University, characterized the current national values system as having two defining features: an inferiority complex that China fell behind the West in the 19th and 20th centuries and paradoxically a deep pride in its ancient history and culture.
“There is always a gap between China and the West in this field. That is why we cannot communicate with [the West] very well,” she added.
Limits on “soft power,” an essential ingredient to achieving superpower status, might also be due to censorship in China, others noted. “People do not have the complete freedom of speech,” said Wu Mian. “In this case, it’s too early to say whether the country’s culture is influential or not.”
有限的“软实力”
中国人的价值观太内敛，不可能像美国那样展现出文化影响力。Liu Zhou-yu，在湖南中南大学读书的重庆人，他把现在的国家价值体系分成不同的两部分：19世纪和20世纪中国落后西方的“自卑情结”；却又对古代历史和文化感到深深地自豪。
她说“在这点上，中国和西方一直存在距离，这就是为什么我们不能和西方很好的交流。”
“软实力”作为获得超级大国地位的重要部分，其受到限制也可能是因为中国的审查制度。Ma Mian说，“人们没有彻底的言论自由。所以，这个国家的文化影响力如何还未可知。”
“The Chinese model is not perfect, much less perfect than western countries,” said Wu Hao, a graduate student of journalism at Renmin University.
Underlying the criticism, however, was a sense of earnestness.
“I think it’s important for America to improve, because it will help China grow, too,” said He Rui. “Because then we have somewhere to turn to for direction and for learning. Of course, we have our own direction, but we want to grow with the U.S.”
“I don’t care whether China or the U.S. is a superpower,” said Wu Hao. “I just want the world to be better.” And, of course, there was a sense of anticipation, too.
“I think I can see [China becoming a superpower],” said Mandy Wu. “In my lifetime, I have seen the country become this strong.”
“But even if it rises, it doesn’t mean it’s dangerous country,” she added.
With assistance from He Xin and Zhu Tong.
中国人民大学新闻系毕业生Wu Hao“中国模式并不完美，怎么也比不上西方国家。”尽管这种批判之下，是一种真挚的情感。
《惊现体制党》
He Rui，“我觉得美国的增长也很重要，因为这可以帮助到中国。我们就有彼此学习和借鉴的地方。当然，我们有自己的方向，但我们想和美国一起发展。”
Wu Hao，“我不关心中国或者说美国是个超级大国，我只想世界变得更好。”当然，这里面满是期望。
Mandy Wu，“有生之年，我可以看到中国成为一个超级大国，毕竟我已经见到中国变得强大了。但中国的崛起并不意味着中国就是个危险国家。”
He Xin和Zhu Tong对此文亦有贡献。
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评论翻译
Tommywho?
All politicians have an agenda, as aimless as most are around the world(or even pointless). Don't matter what system is in place. The elected and appointed officials ultimately get Rich unlike the people that put them there. Ignorance is bliss...
所有政客都有议程，和这世上大部分政客们的议程一样无的放矢（甚至毫无意义）。不管是在什么样的体制内，民选或委任的官员最后中饱私囊，根本不会过像选民那样的日子。无知是福…
Adam from Canada
It's true, we hear from Gates that China is a force to reckon with, that we must keep it in tow in order to secure our interests. But from this article it would seem that the Chinese people are very different from the way they are portrayed by Western politicians. Not to vindicate their politicians though, because it is probable that they are the same belligerent, hawkish, egotistical and self serving politicians as we have here in the Western world. If only our politicians would listen to the people, "live and let live."
没错。盖茨（美国国防部长）对我们说：中国是必须应对的力量，必须让她待在后头以维护我们自己的利益。但在这篇文章中，中国人一点也不像西方媒体描绘的那样。他们没有为中国的政客们辩护，可能是因为那里的政客和西方的一样好斗、强硬、自负和自私。政客们要是能倾听人民的声音就好了，“各自安好，互不相扰”。
Eris2010
"because it is probable that they are the same beligerent, hawkish, egotistical and self serving politicians as we have here in the Western world. If only our politicians would listen to the people, "live and let live.""
I think that's the case pretty much in every country. The governments don't often represent the sentiments of the people. Even in Iran this is the case. A lot of their younger folk would actually like to be a little more "westernized".
It's the "have mores'" at the top who "want more" that keep countries in conflict with each other. Most average people just want to live their lives and be left alone.
引用“可能是因为那里的政客和西方的一样好斗、强硬、自负和自私。政客们要是能倾听人民的声音就好了，‘各自安好，互不相扰’”
每个国家都这样。政府并不一定代表人民意志，即使在伊朗也是如此，很多伊朗年轻人更愿意“西化”一点。位于社会顶端的人非要“吃着碗里的望着锅里的”，让国家陷入内部纷争。大部分普通人只是想相安无事的过日子罢了。
ROY WILSON-336103
Adam from Canada " If only our politicians would listen to the people, "live and let live." "
How cute, but that doesn't work very well when one side (China) is taking away our means of living through unfair trade practices and stealing our industrial secrets by 'hacking' into our industrial computers - an unofficial policy of the Chinese government.
引用Adam“政客们要是能倾听人民的声音就好了，‘各自安好，互不相扰’”。
好萌啊。但是有一方（中国）通过不公平的贸易规则夺去我们的生计，以及非法入侵工业计算机来窃取我们的工业秘密——中国政府的非官方政策。
hs321
If I were the Chinese people, I wouldn't want superpower status. Along with that status comes a responsibility, that acted upon, in the end leaves the rest of the world end's up hating and despising you.
如果我是中国人，我不会要什么超级大国地位的。这种地位需要承担一定责任，到最后整个世界都会讨厌和鄙视你。
craig speakman
Whenever I think of China I think of the classic line; who needs enemies when you've got friends like the Chinese. There is very little that the Chinese and American people share in common outside of the zest to improve one's quality of life.
Following WWII, America was full of pride and was restless with the ambition of creating a better quality of life through inspired innovation. Now that America has achieved what can only be described as a remarkable achievement is testament to what man can achieve when one sets lofty goals for itself.
However, that is not what is propelling China's growth. China's growth is being fueled by the West's desire to exploit a cheap labor pool and the largest pool of consumers the world has ever seen. Subsequently, billion of dollars of foreign investment has been pouring into China, and with it, decades of research and development which the Chinese are exploiting by stealing all the technology created by Western corporations, universities and govts.. Asia's strength has traditionally not been innovation, but taking the innovation and tweaking it to make it better (think Japan).
The Chinese are not America's friend, they are merely exploiters of man's achilles heel, which is greed. They will continue to take everything the West is willing to give away to them in their quest for profits, but when they reach the point where they no longer need the foreign investment and innovation, they will become the worst schoolyard bully the world has ever seen. Mark my words!
每次想到中国，我都会想起一句经典的段子：有了中国这样的朋友，你还需要敌人吗？除了提高生活质量的意愿，中国人和美国人几乎没有其它共同点。
二战之后，美国豪情满怀，通过激励创新雄心万丈地创造更好生活。美国完成的这一伟大成就，就是人类可以实现自己凌霄之志的有力佐证。
但是，推动中国发展的动力并非如此。中国的发展来自于西方意图利用廉价劳动力和开发世界上最庞大的消费市场。接着，成千上百亿外资涌入中国；随之而来的，是几十年间中国人窃取西方公司、大学和政府开发的技术后，进行研发。亚洲的优势从来都不是创新，而是获得创新产品后稍作改善（比如日本）。
中国人不是美国的朋友，他们只不过是人类作为开发者的“阿基琉斯之踵”（即软肋），贪得无厌罢了。他们还会拿走西方在追求利润时愿意赠送的一切，一旦他们到了不再需要国外的资金和创新能力时，就会变成最坏的校霸。等着瞧好了。
Yank-957120
Let the American's pay for fighting wars, deposing of dictators and nation building with their tax dollars and soldier citizen's. The US mantras is no spoils for the victors, allow massive immigration and spend billions to help the despicable country recover from the damages the US military and State Department causes or perceives before they leave to ruin another country. Chinese and Russians are smart.
美国人付出纳税人的钱和战士的生命，来打仗、推倒独裁者和建立国家。美国念的这部经就是：战胜方分文未得，接受大规模移民，不惜一掷千金来帮助惨遭美国军队和国务院蹂躏的流氓国家搞建设，接着去灭掉下一家。中国人和俄国人却很精明。
GMACH48
What difference does perception make? We trade with China and there is an imbalance, not only on the books but, also in the monetary exchange. If we're going to bend over and let them do what they are doing then we will reap the rewards and be not only a debtor nation but, also a non-respected one as well. We still have plenty and we have the ability to right ourselves. All this soul searching for what we should and shouldn't do is stupid. Get leaders that have our best interest as a country and ideals at heart and not those with a particular agenda to change our whole country from a capitalist one to a socialist one like the currrent admin.
看法有何不同？我们和中国贸易失衡，账目上和金融交易上都是。如果我们低头哈腰，让他们为所欲为；那么我们会颗粒无收、债台高筑，也会颜面尽失。我们现在还绰绰有余，也有能力回归正道。这种要做什么和不要做什么的自我反省是愚蠢的。让领导们心存理想、关心国家和人民的利益，不要像现在的奥巴马政府一样要把整个国家从资本主义变成社会主义。
Jp1969
Until our students are saying they want to go to China to get their education rather than vice versa, I'm not seeing an issue. China uses a majority of the world’s oil to make petroleum based products i.e. our kids toys and our picnics forks and spoons. They are just now becoming an industrialized nation. Look up when the U.S. became industrialized. Research what it is we make. We don't need to make cheap plastic crap because our economy hasn't been geared that way since before WW2. Most of you have bought into the sell our government is giving you on China and you've done nothing to study where and why the U.S. is great. I have no problem with that sell because it's based on fear. Without that fear our fat, spoiled nation will only become more complacent and countries like China and India will become a real issue. Talking up China only works to make those that can, do.
除非我们的学生说要去中国读书了，我不觉得这有什么问题。中国消耗世界的大部分石油来制造石油衍生产品。比如孩子们的玩具和餐具。他们才开始转变为工业国。去查一下美国进行工业化能造什么，我们没必要制造廉价塑料制品，因为从二战开始我们的经济就不再是这种模式了。很多人都很失望，认为政府向着中国，他们根本没去了解美国的伟大之处。我才不会失望，这种失望源于担忧。没有这种担忧，我们这个尾大不掉的国家只会更加妄自尊大，到时候中国印度这些国家就会成为真正的话题。热议中国只会让那些怀才之士先行一步。
ImoenOfTelengard
Once the majority of the Chinese population becomes morbidly obese and start calling themselves "consumers," then we'll talk.
等中国人都肠肥脑满、开始叫自己“消费者”的时候，我们再来好好聊一聊。（自嘲）
Jack Mack
In part through the aggressive pursuit of "free trade" agreements that open American markets but that do not enforce similar openness on the part of our partners, America has moved to a kind of post-national footing. The institutions that control our government have zero allegiance to or interest in uplifting the nation. Their interest lies exclusively in delivering value to their shareholders. If that value comes at the expense of the United States and its citizens, so be it. The shareholder, not the citizen, is the fundamental unit to whom stewardship is owed.
在过分追求“自由贸易”的协议中，美国的市场打开了，但没有让贸易伙伴同样开放市场。美国走向了一种后国家形态的立足点。监管政府的机构完全没有诚意和兴趣来发展国家，他们只关心给股东派发利益。如果这些利益以美国和美国人民为代价，随它去吧。这些分赃者，而不是人民，才是国家管理工作的基本单位。
What this means for America the nation is that we are on a path toward greater wealth disparity. The companies that run our government will "vote themselves benefits" by ensuring that tax structures support whatever activities they deem most profitable, and that subsidies will continue as well.
Meanwhile, the Chinese model appears to be different - there, there is a government that seems to serve a national interest (though it may be more self-serving than I can see from this distant perch). Therefore, companies that want to play there must do China's bidding - whether by giving up trade secrets or otherwise submitting to the will of the Chinese government.
As long as the American Government is controlled by corporate institutions, it will do their bidding and will spin to the citizenry all manner of tales of how good it is at protecting us. China has taken excellent advantage of this imbalance and in fact this weakness in our governance and culture.
在财富不均的道路上渐行渐远，这对美国意味着什么呢。统管我们政府的那些公司只“为利益投票”，这样，税务结构就会保护他们追求最高利润的任何行为，补贴也不会终止。
同时，中国模式却不同——在那里，政府会服务于国家利益（尽管在我这里看来，更像是自利行为）。这样，在中国开展业务的公司必须遵照中国的吩咐去做——要么交出商业机密，要么听从中国政府。
只要美国政府被握在公司机构的手里，它就会顺从这些公司的意愿，编造政府正在保护人民的美好故事。中国很好的利用了这种不平衡，这其实是我们的不足和文化。
Charles E. Chessa
If one believes that China isn't a Super Power they are lacking up stairs.
相信中国不是超级大国的人，他家没有楼梯。（译者注：暗指这种人没有“增长”概念）
realist-2947723
12% of 1.3 Billion = 150 Million Chinese who feel like they are a superpower.
No big deal, just half the population of the U.S. or the 10th largest nation in the world.
Real question should be what happens when those 12% demand their country start acting like a superpower. I don't remember 1950-1989 being a great age of cooperation in a bipolar world.
13亿人中的12%=1.5亿人觉得中国是超级大国。
不多啊，也就美国人口的一半，或者说人口排名第十的国家。问题在于，要是这些人强烈要求中国拿出超级大国的风范来，会怎么样呢？世界两极分化时的1950-1989年可不是伟大的合作时代。
Hob Sigmon
I read with interest the "Super Power" discussion. I spent several months in China in 2002. My hosts could not have been nicer. I enjoyed immensely the many places I was able to visit. My impressions are as follows: (1) China is definitely NOT a super power..certainly not at this time. There military capabilities are meager compared to the USA. (2) Their economy is based on export (primarily to the USA) so in a one on one show down they would be severely limited for the simple reason they would be at war with their #1 customer. (3) Have no doubt; their education system is effective..with outstanding results but because it is so controlled it lacks the ability to instill a sense of freedom and individualism that is imperative to long term successful personal growth. Sustained economic & social growth can only be achieved through a free and open society.
饶有兴趣地看完了关于“超级大国”讨论。2002年时我在中国待过几个月，房东是个大好人。我非常喜欢去过的那些地方，我的印象是：
⑴ 中国绝不是一个超级大国，至少现在不是。军事能力无法和美国相提并论。
⑵ 中国的经济是出口带动型（主要出口到美国），所以一对一摊牌时，仅受限于这个原因，中国就不会和自己最大的客户开战。
⑶ 毫无疑问，中国的教育制度卓有成效。但这套体制管理苛刻，缺乏能力去培养学生自由理念和个人主义思维，这对成功的个人长期发展不可或缺。经济和社会的持续发展只有在自由和开发的社会中才会实现。
http://www.ltaaa.com/wtfy/3263.html
不错的话题
卖萌是没有用地，人美国人民眼睛是雪亮地，一眼就看穿了。
超级大国？哈，湄公河上的飘尸，菲佣国手里的25艘小艇，棒子抓地三艘渔船。你让天朝情何以堪。
zhaishengmao 发表于 2011-10-24 10:15
超级大国？哈，湄公河上的飘尸，菲佣国手里的25艘小艇，棒子抓地三艘渔船。你让天朝情何以堪。
是呀墨西哥每年定期都要去报到的80多个敏煮兹游的美鬼对乃发来请柬请你去和他们聊聊什么叫超级大国
zhaishengmao 发表于 2011-10-24 10:15
超级大国？哈，湄公河上的飘尸，菲佣国手里的25艘小艇，棒子抓地三艘渔船。你让天朝情何以堪。
是呀墨西哥每年定期都要去报到的80多个敏煮兹游的美鬼对乃发来请柬请你去和他们聊聊什么叫超级大国
我们是超级大国吗？显然目前不是，以后会是！
我们每个人都要努力！
我们每个人都要努力！
是一个被小流氓欺负的超级大国
崩溃论 碰上了 带路JY；
忽悠局 喜遇见 分局同志。
皆大欢喜。
忽悠局 喜遇见 分局同志。
皆大欢喜。
美国人民被洗脑把MD为自己的利益到处欺负人当成是主持正义以至于亏了自己，让TG占了便宜
zhaishengmao 发表于 2011-10-24 10:15 ![]()
超级大国？哈，湄公河上的飘尸，菲佣国手里的25艘小艇，棒子抓地三艘渔船。你让天朝情何以堪。
{:wu:}
某美国少年在菲律宾被绑架，就出来没有？
还超级大国呢
o(∩_∩)o 哈哈
超级大国？哈，湄公河上的飘尸，菲佣国手里的25艘小艇，棒子抓地三艘渔船。你让天朝情何以堪。
{:wu:}
某美国少年在菲律宾被绑架，就出来没有？
还超级大国呢
o(∩_∩)o 哈哈
什么超级大国，人家才不是呢！人均，人均懂不懂呀！美帝自己忽悠自己玩去吧！
悲剧啊悲剧啊！文章里居然出现了我的初中班长！
淫比淫，气死淫
淫比淫，气死淫可以看出被采访的没一个混CD的
可以看出被采访的没一个混CD的
列兵来混脸熟 支持小白兔
不是说过了么，我们永远是发展……中国家
不要 被超级
能够存活五千年的老家伙，绝对不是这些爆发富能一句一语评价的、中国能有今天的发展，只是利益于宏大的人口基数和可以啃很久的历史。
都已经被超级勒
美国网民的各种口气简直和我们门户网如出一辙，美国在外为了国家利益吃的小亏让的小利都被骂，就像我们援助非洲会被说不管国内贫穷一样。
哎，天下网民真是一家。
哎，天下网民真是一家。
西方的采访模式越来越幽默了····我并不是这样认为的。
我认为：在国内，只要JY还可以恬不知耻的辱骂爱国者，只要爱国没有成为美德之一，中国人就不会有真正抬起头的那天，中国也不会成为什么超级大国，我们也不能看齐那些缔造辉煌的王朝。
我认为：在国内，只要JY还可以恬不知耻的辱骂爱国者，只要爱国没有成为美德之一，中国人就不会有真正抬起头的那天，中国也不会成为什么超级大国，我们也不能看齐那些缔造辉煌的王朝。
这么一算。国内带路党比例还是很高的。。。
四个人中就有一个。。。
四个人中就有一个。。。
走自己的路，让他人说去吧
别提这个问题，最近ＢＫＣ的紧我觉得中国的言论自由已经很充分了
“我们在城市里和受教育的中国年轻人交谈过后”
原来找了一批未来的精英
而我们都是没受教育的年轻人。。
原来找了一批未来的精英
而我们都是没受教育的年轻人。。
中国从来就没说自己要当超级大国
“彻底的言论自由”~~~~~
Every dog has its day!
唉，虽然他们不太相信中国现在就是个超级大国，但是已经有了逐渐模糊的意识即：中国就是未来的超极大国。
这种问题谈谈就行了，谁要是相信了那可就真不入流了。
美国民众的看法？
我感觉美国和中国最大的不同点就是
美国是 统治阶层的人 是精英， 智商特高，手段特犀利， 民众都是傻逼~
我感觉美国和中国最大的不同点就是
美国是 统治阶层的人 是精英， 智商特高，手段特犀利， 民众都是傻逼~
一个还没统一的国家没法说自己是超级大国。世界大国也没资格说，顶多算个地区大国而已