"Sea turtles" refer to scholars who have returned from abroad, and especially from the Western countries while "land turtles" refer to scholars who have been "stuck" in China where they have obtained an education and engaged in theoretical research or practical explorations. In this article, the author compares the achievements and contributions made by these two factions in China. The author explains that these two factions, by and large, share at least two points in common: (1) No matter in which era, the great majority of those who conducted their studies in China and those who returned after completing their studies abroad served their country out of feelings of patriotism, and at the same time developed themselves; and (2) Although the country in which academic degrees are issued and the level of the degrees both serve as criteria for assessing whether a person has any real ability and learning, the bottom line is whether that person is able to resolve China's actual problems. The author also explains another metaphor for the relationship between the two factions, that of the Chinese "cat" and the Chinese "mice." "Be a Chinese 'cat,' and catch Chinese 'mice.'" All of China's intellectuals should set their sights and base themselves on observing, analyzing, and resolving China actual problems. It is on this point that the returnee faction and the local faction can be brought together. "Cats" are public-spirited persons who have made up their minds to make contributions to China; "mice" are the problems that affect and hinder China's economic and social advances. In the course of resolving economic and social problems, the returnee faction and the local faction both have important roles to play. [Translated by Ted Wang.]