Developing a Modern Chinese Civilization

Cultural prosperity serves as a strong pillar for the rejuvenation of a nation, while flourishing culture is a clear indication of an era's progress. Chinese modernization seeks to build upon, rather than erase, China's ancient civilization; it has been developed here in China, not copied from any other country; and it has stemmed from the revitalization, not disruption, of Chinese civilization. Chinese modernization will breathe new life into this ancient land and see Chinese civilization shine with renewed radiance.

Cultural confidence is a more fundamental, extensive, and profound form of self-confidence and the most basic, profound, and enduring force behind the development of a country and a nation. Without strong cultural confidence and cultural prosperity, national rejuvenation will be unattainable. Rooted in a land of more than 9.6 million square kilometers, nourished by a time-honored culture, and blessed with the strength of more than 1.4 billion people, we have an infinitely vast stage, a heritage of unmatched depth, and incomparable resolve to draw on when pursuing our own path.

To better shoulder our new cultural mission, we must maintain firm cultural confidence, unswervingly follow our own road, and rely on the great historical and contemporary practices of the Chinese nation. We must review the Chinese experience through a Chinese lens and elevate that experience to theories that will ensure intellectual independence.

Chinese culture is both historical and contemporary, belonging to both the Chinese nation and the whole world for that matter. We must remain open and inclusive, continue adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of our times, keep alive and further develop the best of traditional Chinese culture, see that foreign cultural elements are adapted to Chinese society, and continue to foster and create a socialist culture with Chinese characteristics in the new era.

Every civilization is, in part, a continuation of the soul of a country or nation. It needs to keep this soul alive from one generation to the next, but it must also move with the times and have the courage to innovate. By upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, we follow the millennia-old Chinese cultural tradition of adhering to the right path while pursuing reform. At the same time, we also honor the CPC's enduring commitment to freeing the mind, seeking truth from facts, moving with the times, and staying pragmatic and realistic, thus upholding the dialectical unity of continuation and development.