Zhu Wenyi: Leading the Response to the Challenges of the Era with the Power of Thought
Thought is the precursor to action. Marx once said, "Theory also becomes a material force as soon as it has gripped the masses." To further deepen reform comprehensively, advance Chinese-path modernization, and forge ahead on the new journey of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, we especially need to strengthen theoretical thinking and require the navigation and guidance of scientific thought. When discussing important issues such as our Party's guiding ideology, Party building, and the cultivation of the cadre corps, General Secretary Xi Jinping has frequently used the metaphor of the "ideological weapon," profoundly elucidating the core essence, internal nature, and practical requirements of the power of thought. Studying and grasping these important expositions helps us more deeply understand the source and foundation of the Party's innovative theories, and continuously gathers majestic strength to respond to risks and challenges, strive for responsibility and action, and advance Chinese-path modernization on the new journey of the New Era.
On May 17, 2016, at the Symposium on the Work of Philosophy and Social Sciences, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that Marxism is a "great tool of cognition" and a powerful ideological weapon for people to observe the world and analyze problems. On May 4, 2018, at the conference commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Marx, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that Marxism has always been the guiding ideology of our Party and country, and is a powerful ideological weapon for us to understand the world, grasp laws, seek truth, and transform the world. On June 25, 2021, during the 31st collective study session of the Political Bureau of the 19th CPC Central Committee, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that Marxism has provided our Party with a scientific worldview and methodology, and a powerful ideological weapon to understand and transform the world. As scientific truth, Marxism has provided scientific ideological guidance for China's revolution, construction, and reform, enabling this ancient oriental power to create the "two miracles" [1] of rapid economic development and long-term social stability, which are unprecedented in history. No matter how the international situation changes, faith in Marxism and belief in socialism and communism have always been the political soul and spiritual pillar of Chinese Communists. On the new journey of the New Era, party members and cadres must firmly establish the "Dinghai Shenzhen" [2] of Marxism, study and read the original classic works of Marxism-Leninism, and clearly uphold Marxism and socialism with Chinese characteristics. We must persist in combining the basic tenets of Marxism with China's specific realities and with China's fine traditional culture [3], continue to promote the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, and strive to master the Marxist standpoint, viewpoint, and method. We must transform these into high-level capabilities for performing our duties, ensuring that Marxism flourishes more vibrantly on Chinese soil and bears even more fruit.
On June 28, 2014, at the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence [4], General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence provided a powerful ideological weapon for the vast number of developing countries to defend their national sovereignty and independence. The world today is unpredictable and turbulent; risks and challenges such as regional conflicts, de-globalization, and economic recession are increasing, while unilateralism and bullying tactics are running rampant. The world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation, and world peace and development face severe challenges. From the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" to the rooting of the Global Development Initiative, and to the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, under the banner of a community with a shared future for humanity, China has consistently maintained the continuity and stability of its major policies. China has worked hand-in-hand with all countries to meet challenges and promote common development and prosperity, resolutely acting as a stabilizing force in a turbulent world, demonstrating the image of a responsible major power, and contributing Chinese strength and contributions to world peace and development. As the changes unseen in a century accelerate their evolution, we must continue to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, strive to promote the deep development of world multipolarity, and better secure favorable external conditions of peace and stability for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, fully advancing the construction of a great modern socialist country.
On January 18, 2022, at the sixth plenary session of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that we must persist in taking ideological building as the foundational construction of the Party, tempering the sharp ideological weapon of self-revolution. Having the courage for self-revolution is a requirement of the essential attributes of a Marxist party. An advanced Marxist party is not born; it needs to be tempered and exercised through continuous self-revolution. Facing the strategic overall situation of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the world’s changes unseen in a century, only by leading social revolution through great self-revolution, persisting in truth and correcting errors, and continuously eliminating all viruses that erode the Party’s advanced nature and purity, can the Party remain the most reliable "pillar and core" (zhujingū) for the masses when storms strike. Comprehensively and strictly governing the Party is a journey without an end, and the Party's self-revolution is a journey without an end. The tests of governance, reform and opening up, the market economy, and the external environment will exist long-term; the dangers of mental slackness, lack of capacity, being distanced from the masses, and inaction or corruption will also exist long-term. Therefore, we must always remain sober and determined in solving the unique challenges of a large party [5], and persist in governing the Party through standardized and serious organizational life and a clean and upright political ecosystem. Party members and cadres should make full and good use of the weapon of criticism and self-criticism [6]. In self-criticism, one must dare to face shortcomings and take the initiative to correct them; in criticizing comrades, one should act out of public spirit and dare to point out issues. Regarding criticism and reminders from comrades, one should "be happy to hear of one's faults" [7] and accept them with an open mind, thereby continuously cultivating and deepening a healthy and clean intra-Party political ecosystem, and more firmly strengthening ideal and conviction, enhancing Party spirit, and elevating spiritual and moral character.
On March 1, 2022, at the opening ceremony of the training program for young and middle-aged cadres at the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance), General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that the Marxist standpoint, viewpoint, and method are the "housekeeping skills" (kanjia benling) for doing work well and are the powerful ideological weapons for guiding us to understand and transform the world. Having the guidance of scientific Marxist theory is our Party’s distinct political character and powerful political advantage. Young cadres are the fresh force in the development of the Party and the state's cause, and the successors to the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. To be competent in leadership work, many skills are required, but the most fundamental skill is theoretical literacy. It is necessary to "consolidate the soul and strengthen the foundation" (ningxin zhuhun, guben peiyuan) by strengthening the reading of original works, the study of original texts, and the understanding of principles. Otherwise, one will suffer from "calcium deficiency" and "soft-bone disease" [8]. We must continuously study and master the Marxist worldview and methodology, be adept at using the Marxist standpoint, viewpoint, and method to recognize, analyze, and solve problems, and truly establish confidence in our path, theory, system, and culture. We must stand firm and "steady our horse stance" [9] where the current is swiftest, continuously fortifying the foundation of faith, replenishing the "calcium" of the spirit, and steadying the "rudder" of thought, effectively enhancing our level of Marxist theory and our ability to apply it.
On March 30, 2023, during the fourth collective study session of the Political Bureau of the 20th CPC Central Committee, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that the purpose of studying the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era lies entirely in its application—in turning this thought into a powerful ideological weapon for transforming the subjective and objective worlds. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is contemporary Chinese Marxism and 21st-century Marxism, possessing infinite power of truth and practical might. Party members and cadres must take the study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the foundation of their lives and work. They must closely integrate it with their actual thoughts, work, and responsibilities, learning and grasping the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speeches and instructions in a comprehensive, systematic, timely, and practical manner. They should further study, reflect upon, and practice the profound reasons, theories, and philosophies contained within Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. They should study to achieve firm faith, absolute loyalty, and a sense of responsibility, ensuring they know not only "what" it is but also "why" it is so (zhi qi ran, geng zhi qi suoyi ran). They must truly internalize it in the heart and externalize it in action, thereby profoundly grasping the decisive significance of the "Two Establishments," further strengthening the "Four Consciousnesses," firming the "Four Confidences," and achieving the "Two Upholds," resolutely becoming believers and practitioners of the Party's innovative theories.