What is an accurate translation of 自立自强?
Question: What is an accurate translation of 自立自强?
I expect its precise meaning is simply the sum of its parts

Yes, it is simply the sum of its parts
自立 - hold oneself up = self-reliance
自强 - strengthen oneself = self-strengthen
If you are independent, you wouldn't need to beg for other's help
If you are strong, you wouldn't be afraid of other's hinder or assault
It fit perfectly into China's nationalistic ideal

自立自強 自立自强 [zi4 li4 zi4 qiang2] /to strive for self-improvement

To make oneself more self-reliant and stronger is to improve oneself