Externally China desires independence, internally she seeks to maintain her existence as a nation; China therefore strives to loose the bonds that bind her people, and to complete the establishment of a new State.

In this quote, Chiang Kai-shek, the leader of the Republic of China during the mid-20th century, reflects on the complex motivations of China as it sought to redefine its place in the world. He notes that externally, China desired independence, meaning freedom from foreign influence or colonial rule. However, internally, China’s focus was on ensuring its survival and unity as a nation. The phrase "maintain her existence" suggests that China was facing numerous challenges, both from within and outside, that threatened its national integrity.

Chiang emphasizes the desire of China to "loose the bonds that bind her people," referring to the social, political, and historical constraints that held the country back. These "bonds" may refer to foreign domination, colonial influence, and even the internal division and conflict that China was experiencing, particularly during the early 20th century. The goal was to break free from these constraints and to "complete the establishment of a new State," highlighting the ambition for a new, unified, and independent China that could stand as a global power.

The origin of this sentiment can be traced to the historical context of China's struggle during the early 20th century. Following the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1912, China was undergoing significant political and social upheaval. The country was divided by warlords, suffering from foreign intervention, and grappling with modernization. Chiang Kai-shek’s leadership during this period, particularly as the head of the Nationalist Party (Kuomintang), was focused on uniting China and restoring its sovereignty and power.

In essence, Chiang’s quote captures the dual struggle faced by China during a transformative period. While the country sought independence on the global stage, it also worked internally to overcome its divisions and create a stable, unified nation. This desire for both external and internal renewal was a central theme of Chiang Kai-shek's leadership and the broader efforts of the Republic of China during a time of national crisis and reconstruction.