在此期间，中国作为东亚第一强国的自我印象，被一系列战败撕得粉碎，被后起之秀日本入侵的历史尤其令人痛苦。
During that period, China’s self-image as East Asia’s preeminent power was shattered by a series of defeats, which were particularly painful when inflicted by the upstart Japan.