This is the first time humans have ever succeeded in climbing to the core area of Dome A, thought to be the highest region of the icecap. According to media reports, Dome A has a reputation for being particularly inaccessible owing to the extremely foul weather conditions there - even by polar standards. It is yet another example of human beings conquering nature, a magnificent feat that has attracted worldwide attention.

While reading the news story, I could not help thinking of those who are currently engaged in an unpre-cedented struggle to recover from the aftermath of the powerful tsunami that hit Asia recently. In a broader sense, the Chinese scientists' success once again proves that we humans can draw on our own wisdom and courage to conquer nature as well as ourselves. At a time when survivors of the tsunami are pulling themselves together to rebuild their homes, it is indeed a piece of very encouraging news for them.

For all our technology, humanity has yet to conquer the most powerful force on earth - nature. Extreme weather and natural disasters have been striking throughout human history with little warning, wreaking havoc on the lives of millions around the globe. We have seen on a global scale the world's worst calamities: the worst cyclones and hurricanes, the deadliest massive floods and droughts as well as the most powerful volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. These natural disasters have resulted in tremendous loss of life and property. And now we have the latest addition, tsunami.

However, no disasters have ever stopped people from pressing on. It is said that the thinking of "man can conquer nature" stems from the Christian belief that God created mankind, in his own image, to take control of the world and have domi-nion over nature. God created nature, and all of the things within it, for man's use. Mankind is the leader, the hub of the universe, the master. Mankind learns the secrets of nature in order to manipulate it according to his desires. Nature exists for man's use and for him to conquer.

I don't feel at all qualified to give an opinion on this religious story. But I do know that even when natural calamities have brought about devastating economic loss and left costly human tolls in their wake, they have never destroyed people's determination to conquer the catastrophe and rebuild their homeland from the ruins. And each time such calamities united people even more closely in a stronger belief that humans will triumph over nature. And each time they do win.

The Asian tsunami has tugged at consciences the world over. People are searching their hearts and their bank accounts, deciding what they can do and give. Apart from material relief, I think it is also important to help them gain confidence and inspire in them greater efforts in rebuilding their lives after the tragedy.

I am certain the success of China's expedition team in making it to the highest point on the ice-coved continent must once again drive the message home that while nature is sometimes treacherous and merciless, we human beings do possess the bravery and intelligence to bring it under control. So we have every reason to believe that the people victimized by the tsunamis will rise with force and spirit from the "ground zero" left by the tidal waves and make a fresh, great start.