| In the spring of 2003, China was struck by a sudden outbreak of 
              severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). In the weeks that followed, 
              32 countries and regions reported SARS cases. Worldwide, SARS infected 
              more than 8,000 people, over 800 of whom died. China was the hardest-hit area. In a sense it was the frontline 
                in the global war against SARS.  Under the threat of SARS, the Chinese people manifested unusual 
                calm and strength. They remained strong in their resolve, encouraging 
                and supporting each other in various ways. As quickly as the disease exploded, the world witnessed an equally 
                rapid response in fighting SARS, accompanied by great achievements 
                in China. The united will of the people proved to be the most powerful 
                weapon in combating SARS.
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