Jian Xiaowen: "Two Combinations" Open New Creative Horizons for the Adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese Context and the Needs of the Times | Marxism Research Network

Jian Xiaowen, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Academy of Social Sciences, argues that the "Two Combinations" ^[1] constitute the greatest "magic weapon" ^[2] for the development of the cause of our Party and the nation. Furthermore, they serve as the core guidance for profoundly understanding and accurately grasping the strategic deployments of governance in the New Era. Only by rooting ourselves in the specific realities and great praxis of Chinese-path modernization, and by deeply excavating the precious resources—such as thoughts on social governance and value pursuits—latent within fine traditional Chinese culture, can we achieve a deep integration and creative transformation of these elements with the basic tenets of Marxism. It is only through this process that we can continuously enrich and perfect the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization.

Notes

↩ [1] 两个结合 (liǎng gè jié hé): The "Two Combinations." This refers to combining the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with China’s fine traditional culture. While the first "combination" dates back to Mao Zedong, the second "combination" (with traditional culture) was formally emphasized under Xi Jinping to stress cultural confidence and continuity.

↩ [2] 法宝 (fǎ bǎo): "Magic weapon." Originally a Buddhist term referring to a monk's ritual tools or a talisman, it was famously used by Mao Zedong to describe the three essential instruments for the success of the Chinese Revolution: the United Front, armed struggle, and Party building. In contemporary political discourse, it remains a common metaphor for indispensable strategic assets.