On the afternoon of September 26, the 2025 National Defense Education Presentation was held in Zhejiang University. Sun Caibing, the Director at the Political Work Bureau of the Zhejiang Provincial Military Command, delivered a themed report titled Historical Insights from the Military Culture of the Song Dynasty.

 “A nation cannot endure without a strong defense; a people cannot be secure without national security.” Sun analyzed the military culture of the Song Dynasty from a military perspective, pointing out that: Although the policy of "stressing the civil and slighting the military" in the Song Dynasty brought about cultural prosperity, it caused the long-term lag in national defense, confirming the historical pattern that  a wealthy nation is not necessarily a strong nation. Sun stressed that, it is essential to establish panoramic awareness and systematic thinking, as well as to enhance strategic pre-positioning and risk management,only then can we gain the initiative in the situation.

Sun also pointed out thatthe erosion of the fighting spirit is an important factor in the decline of a country. A strong country must have a strong military, and only a strong military can ensure national security. He encouraged that the young generation is the hope of the country and the future of national defense and military construction. They should have the courage to shoulder the responsibilities of realizing national rejuvenation.

National defense education for all is a fundamental project for building a strong national defense and a powerful people's army, and an effective way to carry forward patriotism and enhance awareness of all. This report was not only a vivid historical and military lesson, but also a profound "political lesson". Students should keep in mind the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping, have in mind the "cardinal concern of the state", take the school motto of "Seeking Truth and Pioneering New Trails", gasp the relationship between the national, military, and personal dimensions of the Chinese Dream, and strive for their mission.

Reflections and insights

The warning of the Song Dynasty is just like a mirror. It reflects us that, if we lack foresight and resistance in strategy, it will only erode the cornerstone of our national security. And if our army lack martial spirits and innovative capability, we won’t successfully defend against enemy even if we own sharp arms. The past rings out a thunderous call: peace never earns from begging. It is the mighty military and fearless spirit that strengthens the nation. Let history be our guide, let constant alertness be our watchword, and let us stride forward with a indomitable spirit.

------Xu Yixuan, Mixed Class 2502

In today’s enlightening lecture, Sun deeply analyzed why the Song Dynasty kept losing and drew lessons from it. It gave me a clearer insight into China’s strong military strength and rising international stature. As a student from Xingjiang, I swear that I will spear no effort to commit myself into nation-building, using my knowledge to solid the base of the country, fulfilling my words with concrete actions and making my youth bloom in national development.

------Wang Binyue, 8-Year Clinical Medicine, Class 2403

After listening to this national defense lecture, I was deeply touched. Sun's account of the heavy price the Song Dynasty paid for neglecting military affairs was thought-provoking."Be vigilant in times of peace; forget war and you will be in danger." A consolidated national defense is the lifeline of national rejuvenation and the fundamental guarantee of peace and happiness for every citizen. As young people of the new era, we must always keep a clear mind, actively care about and support the construction of national defense and the military, internalize the sense of concern and externalize it in our actions, jointly building a solid wall of national security.

------Lu Yunhao, Mixed Class 2306

Today's lecture on national defense education has deeply touched me. The lessons of the Song Dynasty over a thousand years ago are still vivid in my mind. And in times of peace, we need to be more vigilant. The security of the country depends on a strong national defense force and the awareness of people. We should actively shoulder the responsibility, turn our patriotism into practical actions, study hard to enhance our capabilities, contributing our share to consolidating national security. A great nation is ever vigilant in times of peace.This lecture has given me a clearer understanding of the responsibility on my shoulders.

------Jia Haoyu, Humanities and Social Science Class 2202