The Chinese said of themselves several thousand years ago: China is a sea that salts all the waters that flow into it. Theres another Chinese saying about their country which is much more modernit dates only from the fourth century. This is the saying: The tail of China is large and will not be wagged. I like that one. The British democracy approves the principles of movable party heads and unwaggable national tails. It is due to the working of these important forces that I have the honour to be addressing you at this moment.

Summary

This quote reflects on the contrasting perspectives between China and Britain. The first part emphasizes how China, historically described as a sea, exerts influence and shapes everything that comes into contact with it. The second part highlights a more modern Chinese saying about the nation's resilience and strength, stating that China's size and power cannot be easily controlled or influenced by external forces. The quote further suggests that the British democratic system, in contrast, allows for more flexibility, movable party heads, and a national tail that can be "wagged." It indicates that it is this flexibility and adaptability that allows for events like the speaker addressing the audience.