'Chinese dream' resonates online after Xi's speech

BEIJING - Chinese Internet users are vigorously talking about their own aspirations and their relation to the "Chinese dream," a phrase that went viral in the country's cyberspace overnight after new helmsman Xi Jinping used it to describe the "great renewal" of the Chinese nation.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China?(CPC) Central Committee, views?"The Road Toward Renewal" exhibition in Beijing Thursday,??along with other members of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau.[Ju Peng/Xinhua]

Their dreams range from "fewer corrupt officials," "a more decent life" to "the complete reunification of China."

On popular microblogging site Sina Weibo, every tweet about Xi's remarks on the "Chinese dream" was followed by hundreds of retweets and comments.

Weibo user "Mikeymouseflies" said his own version of the "Chinese dream" is "a stronger China," adding that his dreams are rooted in the nation's revitalization.

On Thursday, Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC)Central Committee, said "realizing the great renewal of the Chinese nation is the greatest dream for the Chinese nation in modern history" when he visited "The Road Toward Renewal" exhibition in Beijing along with other members of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau.

"Everybody has one's own ideal and pursuit as well as one's own dream," he said. "... history tells us that everybody has one's future and destiny closely connected to those of the country and nation."

Internet user "XuyanXY" said "the renewal of the Chinese nation" is a dream shared by every Chinese.

"It reflects the interests of the country and the nation as a whole," the user said. "As long as we can achieve the renewal of the Chinese nation, to realize the 'Chinese dream,' our own dreams will be realized. It is our shared belief."

Some web users compared and contrasted the "Chinese dream" with the "American dream," with many saying the former is more of a "collective thing."

"To my understanding, the 'American dream' is more about every individual, while the 'Chinese dream' is more about the whole Chinese nation," said Sina Weibo user "Leelooyu."

The "American dream," the national ethos of the United States, is believed to mean equal opportunity for prosperity and success and an upward social mobility achieved through hard work for each individual.

But other web users commented that there are more similarities than differences between the two belief systems.

"As long as you work hard, you can achieve a better life," said internet user "Lizhiqiang."