Building China’s Strength and Advancing Its Rejuvenation Through Modernization Drive

Building China’s Strength and Advancing Its Rejuvenation Through Modernization Drive

XI JINPING

The central Party leadership has decided to convene this study session for members and alternate members of the newly elected CPC Central Committee and principal officials at the provincial and ministerial level, with the objective of promoting the study and application among senior officials of the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress. This will motivate all Party members and the people nationwide to align their thinking with the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and pool their strength to achieve the goals and tasks set forth by the congress.

These guiding principles are very rich in content. I have elaborated on them and set forth requirements for their study and application on various occasions. In my view, the articulation and thorough exposition of the theory of Chinese modernization is a significant innovation by the congress and the latest breakthrough of scientific socialism. Today, I am going to share several perspectives on comprehending and advancing Chinese modernization.

I. A significant result of the enduring efforts of the Chinese people under CPC leadership 

The Chinese nation boasts a civilization dating back more than 5,000 years, which long stood at the forefront of the world. However, the policy of national seclusion, which began in the later stages of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), resulted in China missing out on the opportunities presented by the Industrial Revolution and the subsequent wave of scientific and technological revolution. This, coupled with internal strife and the impact of Western modernization, led to China’s decline. The Opium War of 1840 was the tipping point for the country, reducing it to a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society and inflicting dreadful suffering on the people.

President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech at the opening of a study session on implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress at the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance), February 7, 2023. The session was attended by newly-elected members and alternate members of the CPC Central Committee, as well as principal officials at the provincial and ministerial level. PHOTO BY XINHUA REPORTER LI XUEREN

To relieve their plight and escape the oppression and manipulation they faced, the Chinese people rose up in resistance. Noble-minded patriots explored various approaches to national rejuvenation. Some led the Self-strengthening Movement, which attempted to “learn from the foreigners in order to best them”; others launched the Reform Movement of 1898, hoping to strengthen the country through widespread reform. Dr Sun Yat-sen spearheaded the Revolution of 1911, which sought to modernize China by creating a bourgeois republic and fostering industrial development. Ultimately, despite their best efforts, each of these endeavors fell short. The mission of modernizing China thus fell to the CPC.

President Xi Jinping joins the audience in singing Ode to the Motherland at the end of a gala marking the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, Macao, December 19, 2024. PHOTO BY XINHUA REPORTER DING LIN

However, achieving modernization within a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society proved an impossible task. During the New Democratic Revolution (1919-1949), our Party united the people and led them in ferocious battles fought with unyielding determination. Through the Northern Expedition (1926-1928), the Agrarian Revolutionary War (1927-1937), the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945), and the War of Liberation (1946-1950), we successfully toppled the three mountains of imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucrat-capitalism, and established the People’s Republic of China (PRC) with the people as the masters. This triumph secured our nation’s independence and liberated our people, creating the essential social conditions for China’s drive for modernization. 

Following the founding of the PRC in 1949, our Party continued to lead the people in carrying out socialist revolution—dismantling the feudal system that had persisted for thousands of years and establishing socialism as the country’s basic system. This transformation represented the most comprehensive and profound social change in Chinese history, and laid the fundamental political and institutional foundations for China’s drive for modernization. During this period, China lagged so far behind much of the rest of the world that it could not even produce basic household goods, and the people had to rely on foreign supplies for items like kerosene, matches and nails. 

To remedy this problem as quickly as possible, our Party explored all possible paths, setting the goal of building China into a great socialist country with modern agriculture, industry, national defense, and science and technology. Through the implementation of multiple five-year plans, we established an independent and relatively complete industrial system and economic system, and achieved significant breakthroughs in cutting-edge defense technology, exemplified by the development of China’s first atomic bomb, missile, and man-made satellite. The Party’s original and innovative thinking, and the remarkable progress achieved during socialist revolution and construction, provided the theoretical groundwork, valuable experience, and material base for China’s modernization efforts. 

As the country entered the new period of reform and opening up and socialist modernization, our Party made the historic decision to shift its own and the nation’s focus to economic development and reform and opening up, starting a new Long March toward modernization. But how could we narrow the yawning gaps in economic performance and science and technology between China and the developed Western nations? How could we catch up with the times and expedite our modernization? Our Party was clear-headed from the outset. Instead of blindly imitating Western models, as some developing countries did, we emphasized the importance of charting a distinctive path toward modernization adapted to China’s realities. 

To facilitate socialist modernization, our Party has steadfastly upheld its basic guidelines, while promoting innovation grounded in practical experience across theoretical, institutional, cultural and other domains. By adopting a socialist market economy, we have made historic leaps in economic development, transforming China from a nation with underdeveloped productive forces into the world’s second-largest economy. This has elevated the living standards of the Chinese people, moving from bare subsistence to a basic level of moderate prosperity, and ultimately achieving moderate prosperity in all respects. This has also endowed China’s rapid modernization with renewed institutional support, injecting vitality and preparing essential material conditions.

Since its 18th National Congress in 2012, our Party has continued to build on its established foundations. By taking a problem-oriented approach and addressing prominent challenges and issues in our modernization efforts, we have furthered reform on all fronts and constantly broken new ground in both theory and practice. As a result, we have advanced Chinese modernization and broadened its scope. 

Over the decade since then, we have expanded our understanding and formed the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, which represents a fresh breakthrough in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of our times, and provides us with fundamental guidance for advancing Chinese modernization. We have arrived at a more profound comprehension of the essence and nature of Chinese modernization. We have defined its distinctive Chinese characteristics, essential requirements, and major principles, and designed a preliminary theoretical framework. This has clarified and refined our approach to modernization, making it more accessible and achievable. 

We have steadily reinforced our strategic initiatives, including a two-step strategic plan for building China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful by the middle of the century. We have rolled out the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan, the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy, and strategies for invigorating China through science and education, building China into a talent powerhouse, and pursuing rural revitalization, among others. These initiatives have provided solid strategic foundations for China’s drive towards modernization. 

We have also introduced a range of transformative measures, achieving breakthroughs across various fields and reaching significant milestones. Our success in eliminating absolute poverty and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects marks a monumental achievement for the Party and a historic transformation for the nation. This victory has provided stronger institutional guarantees and firmer material foundations, and invigorated the nation’s spirit, in the drive for Chinese modernization.

In summary, Chinese modernization represents a significant achievement, hard-earned through the uncompromising efforts of the people under the leadership of the Party. We must cherish it, uphold it, and broaden and develop it without fail. 

II. Socialist modernization led by the CPC 

The report to the 20th CPC National Congress pointed out that Chinese modernization is socialist modernization pursued under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. This is an overarching and fundamental definition of Chinese modernization. Why is it important to emphasize the leading role of the Party in Chinese modernization? It is important because Party leadership has a direct bearing on the fundamental orientation, future trajectory, and ultimate success of Chinese modernization.

Party leadership determines the fundamental nature of Chinese modernization. The Party’s nature and purpose, its original aspiration and founding mission, its ideals and convictions, and its policies and principles determine that Chinese modernization is socialist modernization, and not modernization in any other form. Under socialism with Chinese characteristics, our Party has upheld the basic tenets of scientific socialism while also endowing it with distinctive Chinese characteristics and contemporary features. Our Party has firmly followed the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics to ensure that Chinese modernization advances along the right track. With Marxism as its fundamental guide, our Party has expanded its understanding of the laws that underlie governance by a communist party, the development of socialism, and the evolution of human society, opening up a new frontier in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of our times and providing sound guidance for Chinese modernization. 

Our Party has upheld and improved the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, further modernized the state governance system and capacity, and formed a set of institutions that include the fundamental, basic and important systems of Chinese socialism, thereby providing a strong institutional guarantee for the steady progress of Chinese modernization. Our Party has also upheld and developed a socialist culture with Chinese characteristics, to ignite the cultural creativity of the entire nation and provide a powerful source of inspiration for Chinese modernization. It is fair to say that only by firmly upholding Party leadership can we create a bright and prosperous future for Chinese modernization. Without it, Chinese modernization will veer off course, lose its soul, or even result in catastrophic mistakes.

Party leadership ensures that Chinese modernization steadily advances in line with our set goals. Our Party has stayed true to its founding mission of seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, and integrated high ideal with phased targets, which once set, have been tenaciously pursued with hard work and dedication. 

After the launch of reform and opening up in 1978, we advanced gradually and consistently toward our goal of building a modern socialist country, and enriched and refined the goal in line with the evolution of our practices. Based on a review of our achievements and experiences in reform and opening up and in the new era, we clearly defined goals and requirements for China’s development to be met by 2035 and drew up a grand blueprint for building a great modern socialist country and advancing national rejuvenation at our Party’s 20th National Congress. 

From this historical process, it is clear that building a modern socialist country has been a consistent goal of our Party and has been pushed forward by one generation after another, resulting in remarkable achievements that have entered the annals of history.

Party leadership unlocks powerful momentum for advancing Chinese modernization. Reform and opening up has been a crucial move in making China what it is today. It is also integral to the success of Chinese modernization. Since the launch of reform and opening up in 1978, our Party has taken proactive action to steadily transform those aspects of the relations of production that are out of alignment with the productive forces and those aspects of the superstructure that are incompatible with the economic base. It has advanced institutional reform across the board and established and developed robust institutions and mechanisms suited to the conditions of contemporary China. This has unleashed all the vitality of labor, knowledge, technology, management and capital, and enabled all sources of social wealth to fulfill their potential. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, our Party has expanded comprehensive reform with tremendous political courage. We have adopted a problem-oriented approach and dared to brave uncharted waters, tackle tough problems, navigate potential dangers, and face new problems and challenges. We have broken the shackles of stale thinking, torn down barriers erected by vested interests, and removed institutional obstacles in all areas. Reform has been transformed from limited exploration and partial breakthroughs into an integrated drive that advances across the board. This has seen historic, systemic and holistic transformations in many fields, creating an inexhaustible source of momentum for Chinese modernization.

Party leadership brings together a mighty force for advancing Chinese modernization. Our Party is keenly aware that Chinese modernization is a shared undertaking of all Chinese people, and thus they are the main actors in this process. We must rely closely on our people, respect their creativity, and pool their wisdom and strength to move Chinese modernization forward.

President Xi Jinping poses for a photo with international leaders prior to delivering his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, September 5, 2024. PHOTO BY XINHUA REPORTER RAO AIMIN

Upholding the Party’s mass line, we have focused on understanding the people’s opinions, responding to their concerns, reflecting their wishes, and improving their wellbeing when addressing issues, making decisions, and taking actions. In this way, we will win their wholehearted support for our Party’s theories, guidelines, principles and policies. We regard the people’s aspiration for a better life as our goal; we have followed a people-centered philosophy of development, worked hard to ensure and improve public wellbeing, and made every effort to resolve the pressing difficulties and problems that concern the people most, so that the gains of Chinese modernization benefit all our people fairly. 

Our Party has advanced whole-process people’s democracy, expanded democratic channels, diversified the forms of democracy, and encouraged the people’s orderly participation in political affairs. These have ensured that the people can participate in various ways in the management of state, economic, cultural and social affairs in accordance with the law and join in modernization with full enthusiasm as masters of the country. By encouraging and inspiring the people with the vision of Chinese modernization, our Party has effectively promoted harmony between different political parties, ethnic groups, religions, social strata, and compatriots both at home and abroad, strengthened unity among all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation both in the country and overseas, and forged a mighty force for building a modern socialist country. 

III. A sure path for building a great country and rejuvenating the nation

A country’s choice of path to modernization is determined by its historical traditions, social systems, developmental conditions, and external environment, among other factors. As countries differ in their conditions, they may take different paths to modernization. As we have seen, to achieve modernization, a country must not only follow the general laws that apply; more importantly, it must keep in mind its own realities and distinctive characteristics. Chinese modernization has characteristics that are common to the modernization processes of all countries as well as characteristics that are unique to the Chinese context. The report to the 20th CPC National Congress articulated the five distinctive characteristics of Chinese modernization, profoundly capturing the essence of the concept. Both a theoretical summary and a guide to action, this offers a sure path for China to build itself into a great modern socialist country and achieve the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

A sure path does not mean that there will be no obstacles along the way to modernization. To fully leverage the five distinctive characteristics of Chinese modernization and turn them into unique strengths and achieve success calls for arduous efforts.

First, the modernization of a huge population

This is a salient characteristic of Chinese modernization. As countries differ in population size, they each face different tasks which vary in degree of difficulty and complexity, and their paths of development and ways to advance are necessarily different. Today, only slightly more than 20 countries around the world, with a combined population of around one billion, have achieved modernization. China is working to achieve modernization for more than 1.4 billion people, exceeding the combined population of the world’s developed countries. This will largely reshape the landscape of global modernization. Chinese modernization is unprecedented in human history in terms of both scale and difficulty.

A huge population provides ample human resources and a vast market, but it also poses many problems and challenges. Ensuring that all our people are fed is a tough challenge to begin with, and there are other issues to be resolved, such as employment, income distribution, education, health care, housing, eldercare, and childcare. None of these issues can be easily solved and each of them involves an enormous number of people. When we are addressing problems, making decisions, and taking actions, we need to keep in mind our population size as well as the gaps in development between urban and rural areas and between different regions. We should neither pursue overambitious goals nor stick to old ways. We need to be patient in advancing our course and take steady and incremental steps to sustain progress.

Second, the modernization for common prosperity 

This is a defining feature of Chinese modernization, one that distinguishes it from Western modernization. The biggest problems with Western modernization are that it is capital-centered rather than people-centered and that it seeks to maximize capital gains rather than serve the interests of the people. This has created a huge gap between the rich and the poor and led to severe polarization. In their efforts to achieve modernization, some developing countries have approached the developed country threshold only to fall into the middle-income trap and become mired in prolonged stagnation, or even experience severe regression. A major cause of this is that these countries failed to solve the problems of polarization and solidification of social strata.

Chinese modernization aims to ensure that development is for the people and relies on the people, and that its fruits are shared by the people. China has made important progress in promoting prosperity for all. Since 2012, we have won the critical battle against poverty and lifted close to 100 million rural people out of poverty. We have developed a complete set of guidelines, principles, institutions, policies, and measures to deliver prosperity for all. As we work to pursue high-quality development and strive to make the economic “pie” bigger and better, we need to share it more fairly, solving problems that affect people’s wellbeing in areas such as employment, income distribution, education, health care, housing, eldercare, and childcare. We need to create a complete system of institutions in which primary, secondary, and third income distribution is conducted in a mutually complementary way. We need to take more effective measures to regulate income distribution and wealth accumulation and conduct law-based regulation and guidance to promote the healthy development of capital. Through such efforts, we can expand the middle-income group over time, narrow income disparities, and ensure more benefits of modernization are shared equitably among all our people so that no polarization will occur. Achieving prosperity for all is a long-term mission, so we must make consistent efforts to deliver continued progress, and we must not stop until we reach our goal.

Third, the modernization that balances material progress and cultural-ethical progress 

Both material abundance and cultural-ethical enrichment are lofty goals of Chinese modernization. Material shortage is not compatible with socialism, nor is cultural and ethical impoverishment. Western countries’ early pursuit of modernization accrued wealth, but led to a lack of faith and insatiable material desires. An important cause of the Western predicaments today is their failure to check greed, which is the nature of capital, and their failure to resolve their deep-seated problems of rampant materialism and spiritual impoverishment.

Chinese modernization, in addition to creating abundant material wealth, also strives for cultural-ethical enrichment to boost our people’s confidence in Chinese values and culture. We must attach equal importance to material progress and cultural-ethical progress and ensure that the two reinforce each other and advance together. This will give our people an intellectual foundation to strive together, the initiative to break new ground, and inspiration to pursue progress and our shared values. In response to the people’s growing cultural needs, we must develop socialist values that have the power to rally and inspire the people, foster ideals and convictions, and heighten public understanding of the history of the CPC, the PRC, reform and opening up, and the development of socialism, nurture and promote the core socialist values, and develop advanced socialist culture. We should encourage the creation of more outstanding literary and artistic works, enrich people’s cultural lives, enhance public civility, and promote people’s well-rounded development.

President Xi Jinping observes a political education class for senior grade one students on the theme of “New Era, New Hometown” at Guoluo Xining Minzu Middle School, Qinghai Province, June 18, 2024. He toured the province on June 18 and 19. PHOTO BY XINHUA REPORTER JU PENG

Fourth, the modernization with harmony between humanity and nature

Respecting, adapting to, and protecting nature and promoting harmony between humanity and nature are distinctive characteristics of Chinese modernization. Since the advent of modern times, Western modernization has typically involved a stage of wanton plundering of natural resources and destruction of the environment. While creating enormous material wealth, it has often caused serious problems such as environmental pollution and resource depletion. Because of its severe dearth of per capita share of energy and resources, China will face growing energy, resource and environmental constraints in accelerating development. This means that China cannot follow the path of Western modernization.

In pursuing modernization, China is committed to sustainable development. Guided by the policy of giving priority to resource conservation and environmental protection, and letting nature restore itself, China consistently pursues sound development targeting increased economic output, higher living standards, and healthy ecosystems, thus opening up broad prospects for realizing the sustained development of the Chinese nation. We should embrace and act on the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets and take a holistic and systematic approach to conserving and improving mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, grasslands, and deserts. We should prioritize eco-environmental protection, conserve resources and use them efficiently, and pursue green and low-carbon development. We should accelerate the transition to a green development model, strengthen the diversity, stability, and sustainability of our ecosystems, and work both actively and prudently toward the goals of peak carbon and carbon neutrality. We should enable high-quality development with high-quality ecosystems.

Fifth, the modernization that follows peaceful development

Adhering to the path of peaceful development, pursuing our own development as we safeguard world peace and development, better safeguarding world peace and development through our own development, and promoting the building of a global community of shared future are prominent characteristics of Chinese modernization. Western modernization was fraught with bloody crimes such as war, slavery, colonization and plunder, which inflicted untold misery on developing countries. Having suffered from aggression, abuse and humiliation by Western powers, we Chinese are keenly aware of the value of peace and will never follow the path of the West. 

In advancing Chinese modernization, we will maintain independence and rely on our own efforts. We will strengthen ourselves with the hard work and creativity of all our people and pursue development by boosting internal drivers and making peaceful use of external resources. We will never oppress other nations or loot the wealth and resources of other countries in any form. Rather, we will provide support and assistance to other developing countries to the best of our ability. We will always uphold peace, development, cooperation, and shared benefit, follow a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up, and continue to create new opportunities for the world through China’s development. We should become actively involved in the reform and development of the global governance system, practice true multilateralism, champion the common values of humanity, pursue the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and endeavor to make a greater contribution to world peace and development.

Since the founding of the PRC, and particularly since the launch of reform and opening up, we have completed in a few decades the process of industrialization that took developed Western countries centuries to complete. We have achieved the miracles of rapid economic growth and enduring social stability, thus opening up bright prospects for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. This shows that Chinese modernization works and that it is the only path for building China into a great country and rejuvenating the Chinese nation.

IV. A new model for human progress

Chinese modernization is deeply rooted in the best of traditional Chinese culture and reflects the progressive nature of scientific socialism. By embracing the strengths of various civilizations, it represents the evolving trajectory of human civilization and presents prospects distinct from the Western approach to modernization. It is a new model for human progress. As the latest major achievement of scientific socialism, Chinese modernization has attracted extensive international interest.

It presents a fresh path to modernization for the global community. Modernization first emerged in Western capitalist countries, and the majority of developed countries are in Europe and America or those significantly influenced by Western civilization. This has led to the common misconception that equates modernization with Westernization, and modernity with Western civilization. However, the truth is that global civilizations are diverse, and no uniform model or standards of modernization exist. Chinese modernization has dispelled the myth that modernization is synonymous with Westernization. It presents an alternative pathway to modernization, broadening the choices available for developing countries as they pursue their own modernization, and it offers a Chinese solution to humanity’s quest for a better social system.

It transcends Western experience and theories of modernization. Capitalist civilization is built on the exploitative system of capitalism, and therefore, it cannot overcome or deprive itself of its inherent cruelty masked by a veneer of civility. In essence, the conflict between private ownership of the means of production and the socialization of production is intrinsic to the capitalist system. Although capitalism and the Western model of modernization are evolving, their fundamental nature, which prioritizes capital above all else, advocates the law of the jungle, tolerates the divide between rich and poor, and champions hegemonism and power politics, remains unchanged. This immutable nature is increasingly exhibiting its detrimental effects. The distinctive worldview, values, historical perspectives, and concepts of civilization, democracy and eco-civilization contained and applied in Chinese modernization represent a significant innovation in both the theory and practice of modernization.

It therefore offers a new option for other developing countries. The pursuit of modernization is a right and the natural aspiration of everyone in every country, but the key lies in finding a path suited to their national conditions and guided by the laws governing the development of human society.

From the end of World War II to the early 1990s, some developing countries, ignoring their unique realities and histories, blindly copied the Western model. This approach was ill-suited to their circumstances, and most ended up in prolonged economic stagnation and persistent social and political unrest. 

Choosing the right development path is a constant question in many developing nations. Recognizing the preliminary success and remarkable achievements of Chinese modernization, alongside the evident contrast in economic growth and social stability between China and Western nations since the advent of the new era, developing countries can now embrace fresh hopes and alternatives. Chinese modernization is our response to the critical question of how to awaken the “sleeping lion” and realize national rejuvenation, which can only be achieved by attending to our own affairs along our own chosen path. We have not exported—and do not intend to export—Chinese modernization or the “Chinese model.” Nevertheless, Chinese modernization serves as a paradigm for developing nations seeking to modernize independently, and it will undoubtedly inspire some to learn from our approach.

V. Major issues to be addressed for further progress 

Advancing Chinese modernization is an endeavor that requires a coordinated, systematic and holistic approach to a series of major issues. Here, I would like to emphasize six points.

First, top-level design and experimentation 

The report to the 20th CPC National Congress expounds on the distinctive characteristics, essential requirements, and major principles of Chinese modernization, all of which represent a case of top-level design. Chinese modernization is to be phased sector by sector. A top-level design is a must for achieving the development goals at successive stages, and implementing development strategies in different sectors. 

To produce a top-level design for plans and policies that will be up-to-date, dynamic, innovative, consistent, coordinated and feasible, we must develop keen insights into the trends of world development, accurately identify the common aspirations of the people, and continuously explore the laws behind economic and social development. 

Chinese modernization is now on a path of exploration. There are still many uncharted territories. We need to be bold in our efforts and advance this cause through reform and innovation. We should never act blindly without assessing how conditions have evolved, nor should we wait in the hope of windfalls. All provincial authorities and central departments should forge ahead in a spirit of enterprise and innovation, based on their actual conditions. We should encourage bold exploration and pioneering work, particularly in frontier fields and uncharted territories. We should come up with new ways of thinking and effective measures to address new challenges and problems so that successful experiences can be replicated and applied in wider areas. 

Second, strategies and tactics 

Our Party uses strategies and tactics as powerful tools in leading the Chinese people to refine their actions, advance development, and transform the world. The key to our Party’s success in creating a glorious history, and prevailing against numerous challenges and threats lies in its use of sound strategies and tactics. This recipe for success must be put to good use in advancing modernization. 

We must be forward-looking in formulating strategies. An accurate understanding of development trends, and keen insights into the opportunities and challenges that may lie ahead, enable us to forecast and guide the future with well-conceived strategies. They must be overarching. Their goals, planning and measures must address major problems that bear on the prospects of the undertakings of the Party and the state and have an overall impact. They must be consistent. Once in place, they must be constantly respected and thoroughly implemented—they must not be changed at will. To make this possible, we need to raise our political awareness, adopt a global perspective, and bear in mind the priorities of the country. A better understanding of the relationship between the past, present and future and the relationship between China and the world will improve our capacity for strategic thinking, leading to strategies that are more realistic and effective, and providing strong support to Chinese modernization. 

Tactics contribute to the proper implementation of strategies. New problems and uncertainties arise constantly in the ever-changing environment and conditions under which our strategies are implemented. This requires flexible tactics, while the strategies themselves remain immutable. By adapting to changing circumstances and making sound decisions, we can seize the strategic initiative.

President Xi Jinping inspects Hejie Street in the city of Changde, Hunan Province, March 19, 2024. He toured the province from March 18 to 21. PHOTO BY XINHUA REPORTER XIE HUANCHI

Third, upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground 

Upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground is an important approach to governance for our Party in the new era. Only by upholding fundamental principles can we avoid losing our bearings or making catastrophic mistakes. Only by breaking new ground can we meet the call and shape the trends of our times. 

On the Chinese path to modernization, we seek development while inheriting tradition, and break new ground while upholding fundamental principles. On the new journey, we must first and foremost, nurture the roots and consolidate the foundations of Chinese modernization. To ensure that modernization keeps to the right course, we must commit to the distinctive characteristics, essential requirements, and major principles of Chinese modernization; follow the Party’s underlying theories, basic guidelines, and fundamental principles; and apply all the major principles and implement all the major policies adopted since the 18th CPC National Congress. 

Meanwhile, innovation must be the priority in overall national development. In meeting the call of the times, we should address major theoretical and practical questions, identify, respond to, and steer changes, and be innovative in our theories, practices, institutions and culture as well as in other fields. This will open up new areas and new arenas in development, and steadily create new growth drivers and new strengths. We should foster a culture that values and encourages innovation, so that it becomes the norm throughout society. In order to become true leaders and promoters of innovation, leading officials at all levels must adjust any mindset, administrative practice, or method that hinders innovation-driven development.

Fourth, efficiency and equity 

Chinese modernization aims to achieve higher efficiency than capitalism, deliver better social equity, and balance and coordinate mutually reinforced efficiency and equity. 

We must uphold and improve China’s basic socialist economic system, and continue to consolidate and develop the public sector while encouraging, supporting and guiding the development of the non-public sector. The market will play the decisive role in resource allocation and the government will better fulfill its functions. We will build a unified national market, advance reforms for the market-based allocation of production factors, and put in place a market system operating to the highest standards. We will create a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment. We will continue to optimize the allocation of production factors such as labor, capital, land and resources in order to improve total factor productivity. 

To ensure that all enjoy equal rights to participation and development, we will accelerate the building of an equity system that delivers equal rights, equal opportunities, and fair rules for all. We will continue to reform the judicial system so that the people can see that justice is served in every law, every law enforcement action, and every court proceeding. We will remove institutional barriers to social mobility and facilitate smooth channels for people to move up the social ladder. To achieve more solid progress in common prosperity, we will improve the basic public services system, raise public service standards, and make the delivery of public services more balanced and accessible.

Fifth, vitality and order 

Maintaining the balance between vitality and order is a global challenge on the path to modernization. China must and can achieve a dynamic balance between vitality and order in its modernization. 

We will maintain vitality and order without producing chaos. We will advance institutional reform in all sectors to fully unleash the creative potential of society. We will encourage talent from all fields, such as scientists, entrepreneurs and artists—and particularly young people—to create and innovate. 

We will actively develop internal Party democracy and protect the rights of Party members. We will take effective measures to deal with problems such as reluctance to take on responsibilities due to lack of will, courage or ability, and we will inspire Party members and officials to perform their duties well. To spark creativity throughout society, we will strengthen the guidance of public opinion, instilling the belief that good fortune, success, and wellbeing can be guaranteed by hard work. There are a number of undesirable traits that we must curb. These include distaining the value of labor, living off the fruits of others’ efforts, a belief in “something for nothing,” a desire to “get rich quick,” or simply an inclination to vegetate.

We will coordinate development and security. We will pursue a holistic approach to national security and strengthen our national security system and capabilities. We will firmly ensure the security of our state power, political system, ideology, and key areas. We will strengthen public security governance, improve the social governance system, and make social governance more effective. We will develop whole-process people’s democracy. We will properly handle disputes among the people, seek to resolve them as soon as they emerge at the grassroots, guide the people to express their concerns in a rational and legal manner, and protect their legitimate rights and interests. We will adopt a holistic approach to law and order, take resolute action against illegal and criminal activities that cause grave public concern, and ensure that the people can live and work in peace and contentment.

Sixth, self-reliance and opening up

To move Chinese modernization forward, we must remain committed to the principles of independence and self-reliance, develop the country and nation with our own strength, and maintain a firm grasp on the future of China’s development.

We will accelerate the fostering of a new development dynamic in order to realize smooth domestic economic flows. We will leverage the strengths of China’s enormous market, attract global resources and production factors, and amplify the interplay between domestic and international markets and resources. We will safeguard economic security, in particular food security, energy security, and industrial and supply chain security.

We will improve the new system for mobilizing resources nationwide to increase our country’s strength in strategic science and technology. To meet China’s strategic needs and achieve breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, we will concentrate resources on original and pioneering scientific and technological research. 

We will advance high-standard opening up and raise the level and quality of trade and investment cooperation. We will steadily expand institutional opening up with regard to rules, regulations, management, and standards. We will promote high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative. We will optimize the planning of regional opening up, upgrade pilot free trade zones, and expand our globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas. We will deeply involve ourselves in the global industrial division of labor and cooperation. We will endeavor to preserve the diversity and stability in the international economic landscape and economic and trade relations, and expand space for Chinese modernization.

VI. The call for a great struggle

Having the courage to join in the struggle is an innate political gene of our Party that has been developed and refined over the past century. We relied on this trait to create an illustrious history and will continue to depend on it to ensure a bright future. As we advance Chinese modernization—an unprecedented and pioneering endeavor—we will undoubtedly encounter risks, challenges, obstacles, and threats, both foreseeable and unforeseeable. Therefore, we must remain vigilant about potential dangers, have a plan in place for worst-case scenarios even during periods of calm, and demonstrate the courage and competence to confront challenges head-on. With unwavering perseverance, we must continue to explore new horizons for our cause. 

History has shown us repeatedly that safety and prosperity are secured only when we actively strive for them; they diminish when we compromise from a position of weakness. It is for this reason that I have repeatedly emphasized the necessity of carrying forward our fighting spirit.

We must be clear-headed on matters of strategy and be well aware of the various risks and challenges. Our country has entered a period of development defined by both strategic opportunities, risks and significant risks and challenges. We are facing rising uncertainties and unforeseen factors, which make the risks and challenges we encounter, and the problems we must preempt and resolve, increasingly complex and intense. 

Internationally, change on a scale unseen in a century is accelerating. The unprecedented pandemic of Covid-19 has had a far-reaching impact, a backlash against globalization is surging, and unilateralism and protectionism are becoming more evident. Global economic recovery is sluggish, and the Ukraine crisis continues, causing a spillover effect. The world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. 

Domestically, we face deep-seated and unavoidable problems in promoting reform, development and stability. Balancing the response to Covid-19 with economic and social development remains a formidable challenge, and our economy is facing the triple pressures of shrinking demand, disruption to supply, and weakening expectations. Risks and hidden dangers that may jeopardize social stability exist in great numbers, and “black swan” and “gray rhino” events could occur at any time. 

Inside our Party, some deep-rooted problems remain unresolved at their core. Even a slight easing of our efforts poses a constant risk of regression into previous problems, and new challenges are continuing to arise. The Four Tests (long-term governance, reform and opening up, developing the market economy, and responding to the external environment) and Four Risks (losing drive, incompetence, disengagement from the people, and corruption and other forms of misconduct) for the Party are likely to remain relevant for an extended period. In particular, our efforts to improve Party conduct, promote integrity, and combat corruption must deal with many persistent and recurring issues. The Party’s self-reform is a journey to which there is no end, and not for one minute can we let our guard drop in the governance of the Party. In the face of these risks, challenges, and problems, we must remain especially clear-minded and vigilant. We must stand ready on high alert. Inattention and negligence are not to be countenanced.

President Xi Jinping talks with residents of Panlong Community in Nanning’s Liangqing District, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, December 14, 2023. He toured the region from December 14 to 15. PHOTO BY XINHUA REPORTER YAN YAN

We should maintain strategic confidence and strengthen our resolve to struggle. But where does our confidence come from? It derives partly from our growing national strength—but more importantly, from our steadfast ideals and convictions, our unwavering quest for truth, and our adherence to the Party’s original aspiration and founding mission. As a country that has always stood on the right side of history and human progress, we must confidently counteract blockades, containment and suppression. We are committed to building an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security, and shared prosperity. We will continue to play a constructive role in safeguarding world peace and regional stability, and as we continue along the right path, our actions will advance global justice. Hegemonism, power politics, unilateralism, and protectionism are contrary to the call of the times. They run counter to the will of the people and will lose their support. 

We must confront problems and challenges head-on and work through any difficulties in our efforts to promote reform, pursue development, and maintain stability. Our cause has always progressed through the resolution of problems, and only with unwavering determination to overcome all obstacles, whether towering mountains or expansive rivers, can we ensure the steady and sustained progress of our endeavors. 

Similarly, we must demonstrate strong moral fiber to take resolute action against prominent problems within the Party. Full and rigorous internal Party governance is a critical element of self-reform and the fundamental means to maintain the progressive and wholesome nature of a Marxist political party. Only by enforcing strict requirements, education, management and supervision can we maintain our Party’s unity, solidarity and vitality. 

We must maintain the strategic initiative and boost our capacity to address challenges. Senior officials must possess acute vision and have a keen ability to discern potential threats from subtle signs, like detecting a passing deer from the rustling of the grass, the approach of a tiger from the shifting wind in the pine woods, or the onset of autumn from a single leaf’s changing hue. The diverse risks and hidden dangers we face today are characterized by tight intersection, close correlation, and rapid dissemination. Even minimal negligence can result in the amplification of their impact through the butterfly effect, escalating from minor risks into major threats, shifting from localized concerns into widespread issues, and extending from the economic and social realms to the political sphere. 

Therefore, we should consider the broader spectrum of risks and hidden dangers across all areas and in all aspects. By conducting regular analysis and assessment of potential risks, we can develop a complete policy toolkit, take proactive measures, and employ a forward-thinking approach. Our vigilance against potential hazards must not be limited to our own department or region of responsibility, but should extend to risks in other areas. We must never allow the temporary absence of incidents to breed an air of complacency, nor allow ourselves to become negligent of long-standing risks and hidden dangers or only recognize them after they have mutated into tangible dangers. Once risks arise, we must act quickly and decisively, and give timely instructions to prevent small issues from escalating into big issues, and big issues from spiraling out of control. 

We should emphasize the importance of using the right methods. By consistently sticking to our principles, we can effectively counter every oppositional move, seize the initiative, and take preemptive actions when necessary to create a situation that favors us. We must further increase our capabilities. Just as a skilled swimmer is shaped by the hours they have dedicated to the pool, we should encourage leading officials, especially younger ones, to immerse themselves in theoretical studies and political endeavor. They should hone their skills and forge their abilities through hands-on practice so that they can brave storms, broaden their horizons, strengthen their muscles and bones, and develop their capacity to deal with complex and severe challenges. We should assess officials’ performance while they are under intense pressure, and recognize those who display courage, competence and capability in dealing with challenges, especially those who are able to shoulder responsibilities and resolve tough issues at the risk of displeasing others by upholding principles. Officials who have been acknowledged for their performance in this regard should be promoted to suitable positions without hesitation. 

Advancing Chinese modernization is a long-term challenge that requires our deeper understanding on many issues. We should intensify our efforts in theoretical research and practical action to ensure that our understanding, policies and measures properly align with the objective laws. By doing this, we will gradually move closer to a “realm of freedom” in the pursuit of Chinese modernization.

This is the main part of a speech delivered by General Secretary Xi Jinping on February 7, 2023 at a study session on implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, attended by members and alternate members of the newly elected CPC Central Committee and principal officials at the provincial and ministerial level.

(Originally appeared in Qiushi Journal, Chinese edition, No. 1, 2025)