**Editor's Note:** Comrade Xia Yaofeng, formerly the director of the Abrasive Research Institute at the Zhengzhou Abrasives and Grinding Research Institute (commonly known as "Sanmao"), was a member of the Sanmao Institute of Synthetic Diamond (121), directly under the leadership of Yu Hongchang, Wang Guangzu, Lu Feixiong, Yu Zhengmin, and Li Jinbao. As an expert representative, he was invited to attend the 50th Anniversary of China’s Artificial Diamond Birth and the 6th China Zhengzhou International Superhard Materials and Products Seminar, which took place on the morning of November 14, 2013. The event included a special flower-giving ceremony for veteran experts (see Photo 1). This article reflects his deep emotions and pride upon receiving flowers, celebrating the achievements of China’s synthetic diamond industry.
He highlights the support from the Party Central Committee and the State Council, the encouragement from various ministries, and the spirit of unity, self-reliance, and perseverance that have driven the development of superhard materials in China. His words serve as an inspiration for the next generation of professionals working toward making China a global leader in this field.
As a veteran who has dedicated 57 years to the abrasive industry, he has witnessed the entire journey of China’s superhard materials industry—from its humble beginnings to becoming a global powerhouse. Being invited to the 50th-anniversary celebration was a great honor.
When he stepped onto the stage and received the bouquet of flowers, his heart was filled with memories. Over half a century of hard work, sacrifices, and triumphs flooded back. It was a moment full of emotion and pride.
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One of the most memorable moments was in 1963, when he successfully synthesized the first artificial diamond in China. After verification, he went to Beijing to report to the ministry leaders. He was accompanied by officials from the Machine Tool Bureau and the Science and Technology Department. Upon arrival, they were told to wait, as the ministers were in a meeting. However, after some time, Vice Minister Zhou Zijian personally came to receive them. He was very excited to hear about the success of the synthetic diamond. At the time, all he had to show was a small bag of black powder with a few sparkling particles, but it was warmly received and encouraged by the leadership.
Later, during the 1985 Beijing New Technology Achievements Exhibition, Premier Zhao Ziyang visited their booth and wanted to see the diamonds with his own eyes. A large single crystal model was displayed, and he examined several selected stones under a microscope (see Photo 2). Today, you can visit any company and see mountains of crystals being produced.
Another unforgettable experience was in 1984, when he and Comrade Meng Qinghui led a delegation to the U.S. and Canada to learn from international experts. At General Electric, they were warmly welcomed by the company’s leaders and the pioneers of synthetic diamond technology (see Photo 3). During their visit, Mr. Kabnarulus showed them a box containing high-quality single crystals, explaining their performance and technical challenges—but he kept certain details confidential (see Photo 4).
Back in the hotel, the team realized that the central leadership had always emphasized the importance of self-reliance and domestic development. This strengthened their determination to reach new heights in synthetic diamond technology.
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Over the past 50 years, the rapid development of China’s superhard materials industry would not have been possible without the continuous attention and support from the Party and state leaders. Premier Zhou Enlai was deeply concerned about the progress of the industry. In 1969, when the department reported on diamond production, he gave three key instructions: first, to continue developing diamonds; second, to promote mass production like polysilicon and monocrystalline silicon; third, to aim for 200,000 carats the following year. All three were fulfilled.
Vice Premier Li also provided numerous instructions. When results were achieved, he encouraged the team. When difficulties arose, he reminded them: “To move forward is difficult, but to retreat is even harder.†At the 1971 National Planning Conference, Comrade Chen Huatang proposed focusing on the “three hairs†— synthetic diamond, silicon, and titanium. Under Vice Premier Li’s guidance, the National Diamond Leading Group was established, marking a major step forward.
The 1971 Zhengzhou Conference on Synthetic Diamonds was a turning point. Comrade Zhou Zijian vowed to fulfill the central leadership’s instructions and mobilize the country to develop the industry. His words sparked a nationwide effort, and diamond production jumped from 24,000 carats in 1970 to 1.39 million carats in 1971.
The success of the industry also reflected the strength of China’s socialist system. Units from different sectors worked together, sharing knowledge and resources. For example, I freely shared advanced production techniques and trained over 400 technicians across the country. Many units benefited from this collaboration, and the whole nation quickly adopted the technology.
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Of course, the most important factor was the people. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Party and the state have nurtured a group of dedicated scientists and workers who are committed to national development. They worked under extremely difficult conditions, often sacrificing their health for the cause.
Comrade Li Jinbao, a graduate from Zhengzhou, is one such example. Despite coming from a poor background, he rode a bicycle for two hours daily to work, rain or shine. He became a master of press operations and worked tirelessly. One day, he was sent on a train for an urgent task and arrived in Shanghai exhausted. Unfortunately, he passed away due to overwork, leaving behind a legacy of dedication.
Today, the younger generation continues to build on this foundation. They are intelligent, ambitious, and deeply committed to China’s future. Under the leadership of the Party Central Committee, especially President Xi Jinping, they are driving innovation and pushing the superhard materials industry to new heights.
Looking back, I feel proud. I say to the veterans: “Thank you for your contributions. Your efforts will never be forgotten!â€
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