[Original] Liu Shuhui: Adhere to a Problem-Oriented Approach and Unswervingly Advance Practical and Theoretical Innovation
Adhering to a problem-oriented approach is a fundamental component of the worldview and methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and it runs through the Selected Readings from the Works of Xi Jinping (hereafter referred to as the Selected Readings) from beginning to end. To advance innovation in practice, theory, and institutions, we must persist in using this problem-oriented approach as a method of both thought and work.
I. Adhering to a problem-oriented approach requires sensitivity in discovering problems
"The main difficulty is not the answer, but the problem." Many major problems mentioned in the Selected Readings were discovered by General Secretary Xi Jinping with a keen eye. For example: "China is a large developing country; adhering to the correct path of political development is a major issue concerning fundamentals and the overall situation"; "Persisting in and improving the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and promoting the modernization of China’s system and capacity for governance is a major issue concerning the prosperity and development of the cause of the Party and the state, the long-term peace and stability of the country, and the happiness and well-being of the people"; "The unbalanced and uncoordinated development between urban and rural areas is a prominent contradiction in our country's economic and social development, and a major issue that must be resolved to finish building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and accelerate the promotion of socialist modernization"; "Solving the problem of feeding more than a billion people has always been a major issue concerning the national economy and people's livelihood"; "A very important aspect of our Party leading the people in governing the country is to provide a sound answer to the major issue of what kind of development to achieve and how to achieve it"; "The question of the historical cycle [1] is a major issue concerning the Party's eternal cause, its survival or extinction, and the success or failure of our country's socialist system," and so on.
II. Adhering to a problem-oriented approach requires the courage to face problems head-on
"Having problems is not to be feared; what is to be feared is not daring to face problems head-on and being unable to find a way to solve them." The greatness of the Communist Party of China (CPC) lies in its courage to face problems. In "The Party Must Have the Courage to Engage in Self-Revolution," General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "The greatness of the CPC lies not in never making mistakes, but in never concealing its maladies for fear of treatment [2], in daring to face problems head-on, in having the courage to engage in self-revolution, and in possessing an extremely strong capacity for self-repair." The strength of the CPC also lies in its courage to face problems. In "Stay True to Our Original Aspiration and Founding Mission," he pointed out: "Daring to face problems head-on and having the courage to correct mistakes are prominent characteristics and advantages of our Party." Precisely because our Party has always dared to face problems head-on and had the courage to promote self-revolution, it has been able to find a way out of desperate situations in times of crisis and set things right [3] after making errors, becoming a Marxist party that can never be knocked down or crushed.
III. Adhering to a problem-oriented approach requires proficiency in analyzing problems
"Problems are the manifestation of contradictions in things." First, we must focus closely on the principal contradiction in Chinese society in the New Era [4], grasp the problems existing in the political, economic, social, cultural, and ecological civilization fields, and distinguish between different types of problems such as fundamental problems, core problems, primary problems, and first-order problems. Second, we must analyze the causes, essence, and hazards of problems. In "Strictly Regulating Intra-Party Political Life and Promoting Comprehensively and Strictly Governing the Party," Comrade Xi Jinping analyzed the reason for the "seven subversions" [5] as: "Ignoring the Party's political discipline and political rules for the sake of one's so-called career prospects and so-called influence." In "Re-equipping Ourselves to Set Out Anew and Deepening the Comprehensive and Strict Governance of the Party with the Persistence of Always Being on the Road," he analyzed the essence of the "seven subversions." "In essence, the 'seven subversions' are political problems, which can be summarized in two aspects. One is the intertwining of political and economic problems to form interest groups in a vain attempt to seize the power of the Party and the state; the other is the trouble caused by 'mountain-topism' [6] and factionalism, engaging in large-scale non-organizational activities and undermining the Party's centralized unity." In "Taking History as a Mirror to Create the Future, Working Hard and Forging Ahead with Courage," he pointed out that the hazard of the "seven subversions" lies in "seriously affecting the Party's image and prestige, and seriously damaging the relationship between the Party and the masses and between officials and the masses."
IV. Adhering to a problem-oriented approach requires skill in solving problems
First, learn to use the scientific Marxist worldview and methodology to solve problems, rather than merely memorizing and repeating specific conclusions and phrases, let alone regarding it as an immutable dogma. Second, strengthen ideals and convictions. To this end, we must "strengthen education on ideals and convictions, guide the whole Party to remember the Party's purpose, and resolve the problem of the 'master switch' [7] of worldview, outlook on life, and values, and consciously be firm believers and faithful practitioners of the lofty ideal of Communism and the common ideal of socialism with Chinese characteristics." Third, persist in a people-centered approach. The masses face many difficulties in employment, education, medical care, childcare, elderly care, and housing. We must maintain the flesh-and-blood ties between the Party and the people, stand firmly on the people's side, focus on solving the problem of unbalanced and inadequate development and the pressing anxieties of the people [8], earnestly solve the prominent problems reflected strongly by the masses, respond to their voices and expectations, and continuously realize, safeguard, and develop the fundamental interests of the broadest possible range of people. Finally, maintain sobriety and firmness. "As the world's largest Marxist governing party, if our Party is to always win the people's support and consolidate its long-term governing position, it must always remain sober and firm in solving the unique challenges facing a large party."
(Author Profile: Associate Researcher, Institute of Marxism Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences)