Feng Yanli: The Philosophical Foundations of the Theory of Chinese Modernization

In the opening ceremony of the study and discussion seminar on the spirit of the 20th Party Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping clearly pointed out that "the theory of Chinese-path modernization is a major theoretical innovation of the 20th Party Congress and represents the latest major achievement of scientific socialism." He further emphasized: "The unique worldview, values, and outlooks on history, civilization, democracy, and ecology inherent in Chinese-path modernization, as well as its great practice, constitute a major innovation in world modernization theory and practice." It is evident, therefore, that the innovative development of the theory of Chinese-path modernization has become a key theme in opening new frontiers in the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism. Since the beginning of the modern era, China's leap from a poor and weak nation to the world's second-largest economy and a major industrial power is inseparable from the Communist Party of China's profound summation of practical experience, and even more so from the Party's arduous exploration of the theory of Chinese-path modernization. However, if one limits oneself to a superficial interpretation of the relevant viewpoints of this theory, it is difficult to reach its deep foundations. The many risks and challenges emerging in the process of world modernization urgently require resolution, which also pressingly demands that we interpret the essence of the values of Chinese-path modernization theory from a philosophical level. Consequently, from the perspective of the overall development of socialist modernization, further clarifying that the "six outlooks" ^[1] inherent in Chinese-path modernization constitute its philosophical foundation is both timely and important. To profoundly grasp the philosophical foundation of the theory of Chinese-path modernization, one must, on one hand, deeply understand its profound implications and core essentials, and on the other, accurately grasp its internal mechanisms and the inherent consistency of its various elements. Only in this way can we ensure that the road of Chinese-path modernization always advances in the correct direction, significantly expand the map of innovative development in world modernization, and provide Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions for the creation of a new form of human civilization.

I. The Importance of Profoundly Grasping the Philosophical Foundation of the Theory of Chinese-path Modernization

Modernization is concrete, historical, and diverse. General Secretary Xi Jinping noted: "There is neither a single authorized model of modernization in the world nor a one-size-fits-all standard for modernization." Chinese-path modernization has thoroughly shattered the singular model of interpreting world history dominated by Western countries; it possesses the common characteristics of modernization shared by all countries while also manifesting distinct Chinese features. Deeply grasping the philosophical foundation and importance of the theory of Chinese-path modernization requires both clarifying its creative construction at the philosophical level and returning to concrete practice to investigate its practical guiding significance.

1. It helps deepen research into the laws governing the unique development path of Chinese-path modernization. Amidst the changes unseen in a century ^[2], the key to China's ability to achieve sustained and stable development lies in the fact that Chinese-path modernization has successfully broken the long-standing constraints and limitations of Western modernization, correctly understanding the relationship in which the modernization movement and the future of humanity share weal and woe. The most significant difference between the theory of Chinese-path modernization and Western modernization theory lies in the strong subjective originality it demonstrates at the philosophical level. The theory of Chinese-path modernization consistently adheres to the "Two Combinations" ^[3] as its basis, highlighting the theory's core and value pursuit—the "six outlooks" inherent in Chinese-path modernization.

The unique philosophical implications of Chinese-path modernization theory have been continuously refined and deepened throughout China's modern historical practice. After the Opium War of 1840, due to the aggression of the Great Powers, the feudal imperial system characterized by endogenous self-sufficiency gradually disintegrated. The deep-seated ills accumulated by this model over millennia increased the difficulty of China's transformation from a traditional to a modern society. Subsequently, various revolutionary movements organized by advanced Chinese intellectuals suffered successive setbacks. Since the introduction of Marxism into China, the Communist Party of China, under the scientific guidance of Marxism, has radiated unprecedented progressive power and revolutionary passion. Marx pointed out in the Introduction to a Contribution to the Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Right: "As philosophy finds its material weapon in the proletariat, so the proletariat finds its spiritual weapon in philosophy." This assertion not only reveals the close relationship of interdependence and mutual promotion between philosophy and the proletariat but also emphasizes the core guiding role of Marxism in the proletarian revolution. As early as Our Revolution, Lenin made correct theoretical predictions regarding the development models of the East and China: "The general laws of world history, far from excluding individual periods of development which may manifest peculiarities either in form or in order, actually presuppose them... such peculiarities will, in the Eastern countries, produce something new in certain particulars." Today, Chinese-path modernization has achieved great historical accomplishments that have drawn worldwide attention, demonstrating the unique advantages and robust vitality of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The theory of Chinese-path modernization continues to advance with the times, integrating with the ever-changing historical reality and continuously realizing the creative development of the Marxist theory of modernization.

Philosophy is a systematized and theorized worldview. Investigating the philosophical foundation of the theory of Chinese-path modernization helps our Party delve into reality to study objective laws and consciously apply them, playing a crucial role particularly in constructing a theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization that possesses explanatory power for reality. In June 2023, while presiding over the sixth collective study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "Promoting the systematization and theoreticization of theory is an inherent requirement and an important path for theoretical innovation." From this, it is clear that only by deepening the study of the philosophical foundation of Chinese-path modernization theory and continuously promoting the development of theory toward greater systematization and theoreticization can theoretical innovation continue to yield fruitful results in the process of "practice, knowledge, again practice, and again knowledge." ^[4]

The importance of the philosophical foundation of Chinese-path modernization theory in deepening theoretical research can be analyzed through the character of the "six outlooks" it entails. First, the worldview of Chinese-path modernization adheres to the distinct hue of dialectical materialism and historical materialism, reflecting China's general view and general methodology regarding world modernization. This enables China to remain on the right side of history, guiding socialist modernization by grasping universal laws and combining them with China's concrete reality. Second, the values of Chinese-path modernization follow the fundamental tenets of scientific socialist values, taking the core socialist values and the common values of all humanity as value norms. This allows the CPC to struggle unswervingly for the realization of free and well-rounded human development, leading the future trend of world modernization. Third, the outlook on history of Chinese-path modernization adheres to the fundamental standpoint of the materialist conception of history, emphasizing the grasp of major issues in Chinese social development from the perspectives of practice and contradiction. This enables China to seize opportunities for historical change and prepare for historical leaps. Fourth, the outlook on civilization of Chinese-path modernization insists on drawing nourishment from over 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, emphasizing the coordinated development of material and spiritual civilizations and shattering the situation where the logic of capital allows things to dominate people. This enables China to make original contributions to creating a new form of human civilization. Fifth, the outlook on democracy of Chinese-path modernization emphasizes that the people are the subjects of democracy, and its concept of whole-process people's democracy represents the development direction of human political civilization. This not only highlights the superiority of socialist democracy with Chinese characteristics but also enriches and develops the theory of socialist democratic politics. Sixth, the outlook on ecology of Chinese-path modernization provides a forward-looking insight that traditional Western development models are unsustainable, raising the understanding of the relationship between environment and development to a brand-new height. The problems behind environment and development have prompted China to optimize and adjust the relationship between economic development and environmental protection from a systematic and comprehensive perspective. In summary, the philosophical foundation of the theory of Chinese-path modernization provides important intellectual support from multiple levels and angles for enriching academic theoretical research and achieving the integration of the internal logic of the theory.

2. It helps expand the practical space of Chinese-path modernization theory on the new great journey. It is meaningless to talk about theoretical guidance in abstraction from specific spatial and temporal conditions. Whether a theory is scientific must be repeatedly tested in practice. Marx proposed in the Theses on Feuerbach: "The philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point is to change it." This reveals that Marxist philosophy must face the real world and cannot remain at the level of abstract intuition or a false construction of reality. As a great innovation proven by practice, the profound philosophical thoughts inherent in the theory of Chinese-path modernization help to correctly handle major relationships between tradition and modernity, the local and the global, and current development and long-term development, playing a vital role in leading the great practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

The theory of Chinese-path modernization correctly handles the relationship between tradition and modernity through integration and innovation. Looking back at the evolution of Chinese-path modernization, one finds that China's path toward modernization began in a relatively passive manner against the backdrop of a profound national crisis. However, through arduous exploration, China gradually broke free from the constraints of the dualistic thinking that "achieving modernization requires the negation of tradition," turning instead to a dialectical perspective on the relationship between the two. "Tradition is not something waiting to wither away of its own accord, but rather something with great flexibility. Under given historical conditions, it can be considerably changed, created, and shaped to suit current needs and desires." This indicates that tradition and modernity are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing. By transforming factors in tradition that still have reference value according to the characteristics of the times, their inherent vitality can be continuously activated. In a practical sense, the issue of properly handling the relationship between tradition and modernity has extensively permeated multiple levels of society. For example, in the process of economic development, the rapid advancement of industrialization and urbanization has prompted digital technology to empower traditional industries in an all-around, multi-angled, and full-chain manner. The deep integration of digitalization and traditional industries can not only promote the high-quality development of traditional industries but also contribute to solving the problem of structural deficiencies on the supply side. Regarding cultural inheritance and development, to ensure that the roots and soul of the Chinese nation are not lost in the process of Chinese-path modernization, it is necessary to clarify the complementary symbiosis between tradition and modernity, focusing on deeply excavating and inheriting fine traditional Chinese culture to build a solid intellectual pillar for the process of Chinese-path modernization.

The theory of Chinese-path modernization grasps the relationship between China and the world with a global vision. In Marxist philosophy, part and whole are an important pair of categories, revealing the dialectical relationship of interdependence and mutual influence between things. In this regard, Mao Zedong clearly pointed out: "Things of a global [overall] nature cannot be independent of the parts; the whole is composed of all its parts," and "things of a local nature are subordinate to things of a global nature." It follows that the prosperity and progress of the world are inseparable from China's active contributions, and China's development process must never "decouple" from the world's development process. Facing the surging tide of the world modernization process, the Central Committee with Comrade Deng Xiaoping as its core deeply realized that no country can develop in isolation in the era of economic globalization. Based on this, at the Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee, the Central Committee made the far-sighted historical decision to implement reform and opening up, continuously promoting the market-oriented reform of the domestic economy. From that point, the pace of China's opening to the outside world grew larger, and the process of Chinese-path modernization greatly accelerated. Since the 18th Party Congress, the Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has consistently proceeded from the strategic height of global development, coordinating domestic and international development affairs, and demonstrating long-term strategic vision and profound political foresight. China not only actively participates in global governance on a global scale but also tangibly promotes international cooperation projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative, planning development and cooperation between countries, and achieving a simultaneous focus on "bringing in" and "going out." Under the guidance of the Party's innovative theories in the New Era, the Central Committee has consistently proceeded from a global, systematic, and synergistic perspective to promote the smooth implementation of various national undertakings in an orderly manner.

Chinese-path modernization theory emphasizes the relationship between China's current development and its long-term development. At present, our country has finished building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and has begun to move steadily toward the Second Centenary Goal. Compared with the exploratory reforms characterized by "crossing the river by feeling the stones" ^[5] in the early stage of reform and opening up, current reforms are even more arduous and difficult. This is because comprehensively deepening reform touches more upon major fields and key links of social development, often requiring multi-dimensional coordination for successful implementation. Against this background, Western countries have spared no effort in peddling clichés such as "China's collapse" and the "China threat." These are not only serious misreadings of the facts of China's development but also attempts by Western countries to distract international attention and cover up the profound crises and contradictions accumulated in their own modernization processes. These arguments ignore the remarkable achievements, precious experience, and immense wisdom China has gained in dealing with complex social contradictions, promoting economic transformation and upgrading, fostering social fairness and justice, and strengthening international cooperation. Therefore, on the one hand, we should critically examine Western modernization and, from a long-term perspective, provide more comprehensive theoretical support for promoting mutual understanding and common development on a global scale. On the other hand, we should delve deep into the philosophical foundations of Chinese-path modernization theory to enhance the international community's recognition of China's developmental path, theoretical system, institutions, and culture, and to jointly explore new paths for building a community with a shared future for humanity.

II. The Profound Connotation and Primary Content of the Philosophical Foundations of Chinese-path Modernization Theory

Chinese-path modernization theory profoundly reveals the essence and laws of socialist modernization and represents an enrichment and development of scientific socialism. Scientifically recognizing and grasping the profound connotation and primary content of the philosophical foundations of Chinese-path modernization theory helps us more clearly understand the historical context and logical starting point of China's modernization. It clarifies the Chinese characteristics and Chinese wisdom contained therein, providing a solid theoretical basis and clear directional guidance for reflecting the value advantages of Chinese-path modernization from a higher level and envisioning its development prospects.

1. The Profound Connotation of the Philosophical Foundations of Chinese-path Modernization Theory

What exactly is "modernization"? Luo Rongqu ^[6] once traced the origins of the word "modernization," conducting a comprehensive and profound analysis of its connotation and evolution based on different historical periodization standards of the East and the West. He argued that modernization is a "richly inclusive, multi-layered, and multi-stage historical process." Broadly speaking, modernization refers to the great social transformation driven by industrialization that human society has experienced since the Industrial Revolution, permeating all fields. Narrowly speaking, modernization refers to the process by which a country or region escapes underdevelopment, accelerates its catch-up with advanced industrial nations, and integrates into global development. Western academia has also offered various interpretations of "modernization." Among them, Reinhard Bendix believed that the role of government in the modernization of relatively backward societies is greater than in developed societies, though this is predicated on the existence of an effective government; other scholars suggest that an effective government is itself a characteristic of relative modernity or development. Thus, modernization is a complex and multi-dimensional process of social change, and its continuous evolution means that the structures and norms of traditional society are constantly facing challenges.

Modernization theory originates from modernization practice. Research into modernization theory did not truly begin until after World War II, passing through three developmental stages: early modernization theory, classical modernization theory, and new modernization theory. One could say that modernization research has been continuously refined and revised as the times changed, generally showing a more scientific and comprehensive developmental trend. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, our country gradually explored a unique path of modernization with Chinese characteristics that suits China's national conditions. This has profoundly influenced the global landscape of modernization and broken the long-standing dominance of "Western-centrism" in modernization theory. Western scholar Lawrence Henry Summers, in evaluating China's modernization achievements, noted that they are "comparable to the impact of the Industrial Revolution." What, then, is the essential difference between Chinese-path modernization theory and Western modernization theory? The key distinction lies in their different philosophical foundations. "From the day of its birth, philosophy has taken 'thinking of the whole' as its fundamental characteristic." Reflections on the highest and ultimate questions must be grounded in philosophical foundations; this is the fundamental basis for the existence of Chinese-path modernization theory. We can explore the profound connotation of the philosophical foundations of Chinese-path modernization theory through three aspects: "putting the people first," "independence and self-reliance," and "maintaining a global vision."

First, responding to the "questions of the people" is reflected in the philosophical foundations of Chinese-path modernization theory as the principle of "putting the people first." Every historical achievement of Chinese-path modernization is inseparable from the labor and creativity of the masses. The "people first" philosophy has been continuously verified and deepened in the practice of the Party leading the people through socialist revolution, construction, and reform. Chinese-path modernization theory is an integrated theory researching the essence and dynamic issues of Chinese-path modernization; it makes an original contribution to historical materialism at a new historical juncture. This is because, within the horizon of historical materialism, the masses are the creators of social material and spiritual wealth and the decisive force pushing history forward. Although the Western logic of "capital first" liberated people from traditional relations of dependence, it also reduced them to appendages of capital, eventually resulting in both material and spiritual alienation. Since its founding, the Communist Party of China has drawn upon the "people-as-the-foundation" ^[7] thought in fine traditional Chinese culture, established its original aspiration and founding mission to seek happiness for the people, and assumed the historical responsibility of achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Chinese-path modernization truly maintains the fundamental interests of the people. From "serving the people" to "people-centered" ^[8] and then to "putting the people first," this evolution of discourse demonstrates that the CPC attaches full importance to the subjective agency of the people. Ultimately, Chinese-path modernization treats the human being as the fundamental purpose and final destination of modernization.

Second, emphasizing subjective consciousness is reflected in the philosophical foundations of Chinese-path modernization theory as "independence and self-reliance." This foundation upholds the principle of autonomy, emphasizing the need to "follow one's own path." Independence and self-reliance are precious historical experiences accumulated by the CPC over its century-long journey. The Resolution of the CPC Central Committee on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century, adopted at the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, accorded independence and self-reliance an even higher status. This Resolution pointed out: "Independence and self-reliance are the soul of the spirit of the Chinese nation and an important principle for our Party and our country." If a country, a nation, or a party lacks the spirit of independence, it will lose control over its own destiny and find it difficult to break free from poverty and backwardness. During the New Democratic Revolution ^[9], the CPC recognized the extreme importance of independently leading armed struggle through the painful lessons of the Great Revolution's failure. The Zunyi Conference ^[10] enabled our Party to break free from excessive dependence on the Comintern and begin independently thinking about a revolutionary path suited to China's reality, which was further developed and refined during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the CPC actively engaged in socialist transformation and construction, exploring a path of socialist development suited to our national conditions. History and practice have repeatedly proven that only by independently following the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics can the CPC continue to move from victory to new victories.

Third, grasping the laws of world development is reflected in Chinese-path modernization theory as "maintaining a global vision." Since ancient times, China has regarded the realization of "Great Unity" (datong) as the highest ideal of the Chinese nation. Whether it is "When the Great Way prevails, the world is shared by all" from the Book of Rites or "The common people are enlightened, and all nations live in harmony" from the Book of Documents, these reflect China’s profound vision for harmonious coexistence and global peace. Nourished by fine traditional Chinese culture, China has always maintained a global sentiment of helping the whole world, a sentiment that coincides with the noble Marxist concept of "seeking progress for humanity and great unity for the world." Marx pointed out: "What the nations do as nations, they do for human society." Both are crystallizations of the wisdom of human civilization that transcend time and space and share common concepts. "A river or sea is made great by not rejecting any stream." ^[11] Currently, as uncertainty and instability in global development increase significantly, China maintains an open and inclusive attitude, absorbing and learning from the outstanding cultural achievements of other civilizations. Meanwhile, China actively responds to the reasonable concerns of other countries, resolutely opposes hegemonism, strengthens international cooperation, and promotes the world's transition from turmoil to stability, making major contributions to promoting the common values of humanity and building a community with a shared future for humanity.

2. The Primary Content of the Philosophical Foundations of Chinese-path Modernization Theory

First, Chinese-path modernization theory has its unique worldview. A worldview is a general outlook and fundamental perspective on the whole world. How a country views and handles the relationship between itself and the world fundamentally determines the developmental direction and choice of path for its modernization. Currently, all countries are in the midst of the torrent of modernization. How to solve the global problems of modernization has become a challenge faced by people everywhere. "The worldview of Chinese-path modernization is not only a worldview that answers 'how to see' modernization but also one that answers 'what to do'; it exceeds general modernization worldviews and their definitions." On the one hand, it responds to the "questions of global modernization," advocating that one’s own development should benefit the world, and provides practical solutions for global development through win-win cooperation initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. On the other hand, the worldview of Chinese-path modernization consistently adheres to the theoretical character of dialectical and historical materialism, continuously developing and innovating the Marxist worldview. It endows fine traditional Chinese culture with new connotations of the times, achieving a historical transcendence over the Western modernization worldview and providing new ideas for global modernization.

Second, Chinese-path modernization theory has its unique values. As the spiritual orientation of a nation, values profoundly influence the choices of interests for individuals, states, and nations. The values of Chinese-path modernization "determine the nature and direction of Chinese-path modernization; they are socialist values in essence." These values view all people as the subjects of value, consistently adhering to the philosophy that "development is for the people, development relies on the people, and the fruits of development are shared by the people," reflecting the interests and will of the broadest masses. In contrast, the "universal values" touted by the West essentially serve only the freedom, democracy, and rights of a small number of capital owners, resulting in intensified social polarization and hindering the development of modernization. The values of Chinese-path modernization are deeply rooted in the fertile soil of fine traditional Chinese culture and have been refined and sublimated in the practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It is precisely because Chinese-path modernization consistently promotes Socialist Core Values with Chinese characteristics that the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics can advance steadily and grow even broader.

Third, Chinese-path modernization theory has its unique view of history. A view of history essentially explores the questions of "where we came from" and "where we are going." What standpoint, perspective, and method should be used to view history? It is to establish a correct view of Party history while adhering to, applying, and developing the basic tenets of Marxist historical materialism. This is the key to responding to new situations and problems arising in the historical process of Chinese-path modernization. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out at the mobilization meeting for the campaign on studying and teaching the history of the Party: "We must establish a grand view of history ^[12], analyzing the mechanisms of evolution and exploring historical laws from the long river of history, the tide of the times, and global currents, so as to propose corresponding strategies and enhance the systematic, predictive, and creative nature of our work." In the turbulent global landscape, only by adhering to historical materialism and a grand view of history, and by continuously improving the CPC’s capacity for long-term governance, can we provide effective solutions to global and Chinese problems based on a scientific judgment of the international situation.

Fourth, the theory of Chinese-path modernization possesses a unique outlook on civilization. This outlook provides a new horizon for handling the relationship between one's own civilization and others, embodied specifically in the four dimensions of equality, mutual learning, inclusion, and dialogue. In terms of "equality," the Chinese-path modernization outlook on civilization holds that civilizations of different regions and nations do not differ in status or quality (superiority vs. inferiority), fully respecting the diversity of world civilizations. Regarding "mutual learning," it advocates for the dissolution of estrangement through exchange, the replacement of conflict with mutual learning, and the transcendence of feelings of superiority through coexistence, actively drawing upon the fine civilizational achievements of different nations to realize collective progress. Concerning "inclusion," the inclusive character of traditional Chinese philosophy endows Chinese civilization with a grand vista. The Chinese-path modernization outlook on civilization further fuses the ancient and the modern and integrates China and the West; through the sublation ^[13] of Western modernization, it promotes the coordinated development of material, political, spiritual, social, and ecological civilizations, enriching and developing a new form of human civilization. Finally, regarding "dialogue," in the face of the challenges of civilizational conflict, this outlook advocates for dialogue and consultation over conflict and coercion to jointly address the challenges of economic globalization.

Fifth, the theory of Chinese-path modernization possesses a unique outlook on democracy. This outlook inherits and develops Marxist thought on democracy and creatively proposes whole-process people's democracy, making an outstanding contribution to the richness of human political civilization. The Chinese-path modernization outlook on democracy features four distinct characteristics: the people as the subject of democracy, a full-chain democratic process, all-dimensional participation channels, and full-coverage democratic rights. Democracy under Chinese-path modernization is the most extensive, genuine, and effective democracy; it overcomes the malady of Western democratic models. The people not only have the right to vote and participate but are also guaranteed the right to be masters of the country through institutions and laws. In the process of advancing socialist modernization, the Party Central Committee has continuously enriched democratic forms and unblocked democratic channels, committing itself to constructing a more mature and complete institutional system for the people as masters of the country, fundamentally realizing the unity of people’s democracy and the national will.

Sixth, the theory of Chinese-path modernization possesses a unique outlook on ecology. Correctly handling the relationship between humanity and nature is the utmost priority of ecological civilization construction. The Chinese-path modernization outlook on ecology adheres to a scientific view of nature characterized by the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature; the concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" ^[14] is the core tenet of ecological civilization thought. In this sense, economic development and environmental protection are not opposites but are mutually reinforcing. As long as opportunities are seized, the transformation of ecological advantages into economic advantages can be realized. This ecological outlook insists on leading ecological practice with the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity, vigorously promoting the reform of ecological civilization systems and mechanisms, scientifically coordinating natural systems with various social elements, and striving to advance material civilization and ecological civilization in tandem. Furthermore, the Chinese-path modernization outlook on ecology consistently plays a pivotal role in practicing multilateralism, actively participating in global climate governance, and advancing biodiversity governance.

III. Accurately Grasping the Organic Unity of the Philosophical Foundations of the Theory of Chinese-path Modernization

The philosophical foundations of the theory of Chinese-path modernization are profound in content and rigorous in logic. They constitute an organic whole where components are interconnected, mutually influential, and mutually reinforcing, unified within the great practice of socialist modernization. This foundation is an organic fusion of multiple elements, featuring not only vertical correlations—namely, the interaction between the dominant worldview of Chinese-path modernization and the other five outlooks which exhibit subordinate characteristics—but also horizontal interconnections—that is, the interaction between the various elements of the "Six Outlooks" contained within Chinese-path modernization at the same level.

1. The worldview of Chinese-path modernization determines its outlooks on values, history, civilization, democracy, and ecology

Within the horizon of Marxist philosophy, a worldview refers to one's general perspective and fundamental outlook on the world as a whole, covering nature, human society, human thought, and their relationships. Different angles and methods of perceiving the world result in different worldviews. Nonetheless, a worldview is always the most foundational and fundamental existence, occupying the core position among various conceptions. The type of worldview one holds determines the type of outlooks one has on values, history, civilization, democracy, and ecology. As a leading force, the worldview of Chinese-path modernization runs through the entire process of its theory and practice, determining and governing the development of the other five outlooks.

The worldview of Chinese-path modernization determines its outlook on values. This outlook reflects the fundamental positions and views on value formed by people during the practice of socialist modernization. The worldview of Chinese-path modernization is an inheritance, enrichment, and development of the Marxist worldview; it does not merely answer the question of "how to view" modernization but further answers "how to conduct" modernization. According to the understanding of Marxist philosophy, thinking and being possess identity (unity). Changing objective reality requires the worldview to constantly extend toward the deep essence of concrete reality. China actively integrates into the developmental process of world history, persists in understanding complex social phenomena starting from dialectical materialism and historical materialism, and fully grasps the objective laws of world development through the process of combining these with China's specific realities. On this basis, Chinese-path modernization has distilled value standards, principles, and norms with Chinese characteristics, which together constitute the basic elements of the outlook on values.

The worldview of Chinese-path modernization determines its outlook on history. History is the sensuous practical activity of human beings, yet for a long time, its understanding was shrouded in the veil of idealism. Before the birth of Marxism, the mainstream idealist conception of history merely examined the ideological motives of historical activities and fabricated artificial connections, failing to explore the profound material roots behind these activities. It was only with the birth of the Marxist worldview that a great revolution occurred in the field of history. In the context of the worldview of Chinese-path modernization, modernization is "formed and unfolded during the process of national history turning into world history," realizing the unity of nationality and cosmopolitanism. China's path to modernization cannot exist in isolation from world history; it must inevitably integrate closely into the process of world history. The worldview of Chinese-path modernization uses materialist dialectics as its theoretical cornerstone for interpreting and transforming the world, while its outlook on history views and studies the internal mechanisms of historical development from the perspective of the materialist conception of history and a "Big View of History" ^[15]. It can be said that the foundation and prerequisite of the Chinese-path modernization outlook on history is its worldview.

The worldview of Chinese-path modernization determines its outlook on civilization. For a considerable period, idealism only recognized and understood civilization through the forms of the "object" or "intuition." Although Marx and Engels’ early understanding of civilization differed from the idealist conception of history, it had not yet risen to the level of understanding it through practice. In fact, civilization is also a sensuous practical activity of human beings. Marx’s realization of the materialist turn in his outlook on civilization began with his proposal to understand civilization as practice. In "The Condition of England," Engels made an important judgment colored by historical materialism: "civilization is a matter of practice, a quality of society." Therefore, the concept of civilization is essentially and closely linked to the practice of material life. By the same token, the fundamental guiding principle for the Chinese-path modernization outlook on civilization must be its worldview.

The worldview of Chinese-path modernization determines its outlook on democracy. The central issue of an outlook on democracy lies in exploring how to realize the status of the people as masters of the country through scientific concepts, rational policies, and effective institutions. "The new worldview, namely the materialist conception of history, provides people with a scientific ideological weapon for understanding nature and human society." The worldview of Chinese-path modernization gazes deeply into the essence of historical materialism, scientifically reveals the objective existence and laws of motion of the material world, and clearly points out that the masses of the people are the subjective force driving the development of human society. It is on this foundation that the outlook on democracy of Chinese-path modernization realizes a transcendence of traditional Western democratic theories. It is no longer confined to the narrow vision of electoral democracy but deeply roots democratic concepts in the practice of the masses, both guaranteeing the people’s right to extensive participation in social and political life and safeguarding the interests of the masses themselves. One could say that the outlook on democracy is the concrete manifestation and deepened development of the Chinese-path modernization worldview within the field of democratic practice.

The worldview of Chinese-path modernization determines its outlook on ecology. The world is a unity of nature and human society, with nature being a part of that world. Human society is the product of nature's long-term development and maintains a close and complex interactive relationship with the natural environment, illustrating the extreme importance of protecting the ecological environment. Faced with challenges in the ecological environment, how to properly handle the relationship between humanity and nature has become a pressing question of the times for Chinese-path modernization. Starting from the worldview of Chinese-path modernization to conduct systematic reflection on the ecological field, we have distilled the core essence of the ecological outlook: the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. This concept is not only a transcendence of traditional development models but also a profound insight into future developmental paths. Thus, the worldview of Chinese-path modernization endows its ecological outlook with rich contemporary connotations.

2. The "Six Outlooks" contained in Chinese-path modernization interact while each maintains its own focus

In the New Era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the "Six Outlooks" contained within Chinese-path modernization act as an organically unified whole, existing in a relationship of deep interactive coupling. They complement, promote, and enhance one another. Grasping the logical correlations between them can drive the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics to achieve a comprehensive leap. Since the interactions among the "Six Outlooks" are extremely diverse, we shall take the interaction between the outlook on civilization and the outlook on history as an example for discussion. On the one hand, the outlook on history shapes the outlook on civilization. The outlook on history in Chinese-path modernization is a scientific one; its understanding of the concept of "history" transcends the narrow sense of the "past," viewing it instead as a continuously developing, dynamic category where time and space interweave. This historical outlook promotes more objective and in-depth historical research, providing sufficient intellectual material for the development of the outlook on civilization. Simultaneously, through historical inheritance, Chinese-path modernization inherits the essence of fine traditional Chinese culture while also actively absorbing and borrowing from the fine civilizational achievements of other countries based on respect for their different historical traditions. This fully demonstrates the quality of Chinese civilization in "advancing with the times" and realizes the innovation and development of the outlook on civilization. On the other hand, the outlook on civilization influences the outlook on history. In the process of exploring a Chinese path, the Communist Party of China has fully carried forward the spiritual traits of Chinese civilization. A civilizational system that "values harmony and pursues Great Unity" ^[16] helps in recognizing and understanding the differences in historical backgrounds, cultural traditions, and values between different civilizations, deepening the objective cognition and scientific evaluation of historical events.

It must be clarified that each of the "Six Perspectives" ^[17] inherent in Chinese-path modernization plays a distinct role, with each possessing its own specific emphasis. Marx and Engels once used the "machinery system" as an entry point to vividly illustrate the similarity between the interlocking operations of a machine system and the interaction between the constituent parts of an organic whole. They reached an important conclusion: "Every organism is composed of various different parts; each part has a specific role, and the interacting organs are closely bound together." This demonstrates that each constituent part of an organic whole possesses specific functions within the process of interaction.

The worldview of Chinese-path modernization focuses on how to position China's development within a global vision. Starting from the height of the overall global situation, it signifies that China must both actively participate in international affairs to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, and adhere to independence and self-reliance, following a development path that accords with its own national conditions. The values of Chinese-path modernization focus on how to internalize the Core Socialist Values ^[18] in the mind and externalize them in action; vigorously promoting these values is an inevitable requirement for strengthening the cohesion and centripetal force of the Chinese nation and serves as the spiritual pillar of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The historical perspective of Chinese-path modernization focuses on how to draw developmental wisdom and solid strength from history, emphasizing the inheritance and innovation of fine traditional Chinese culture, a profound understanding of the history of the Communist Party of China leading the revolution, construction, and reform, and a clear grasp of the future direction of development. The civilization perspective of Chinese-path modernization focuses on how to promote the international communication of Chinese civilization, advocating for the promotion of exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations based on respect for the differences between national civilizations to jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity. The democratic perspective of Chinese-path modernization focuses on what kind of systems and mechanisms should be used to guarantee the people's democratic rights, emphasizing that the people are the masters of the country and insisting on the organic unity of Party leadership, the people's position as masters of the country, and the law-based governance of the country. The ecological perspective of Chinese-path modernization focuses on how to achieve the harmonious coexistence of man and nature, emphasizing respect for, adaptation to, and protection of nature, and promoting green, circular, and low-carbon development to contribute to the building of a Beautiful China ^[19].

3. The "Six Perspectives" inherent in Chinese-path modernization collectively constitute the philosophical foundation of the theory of Chinese-path modernization.

The "Six Perspectives" inherent in Chinese-path modernization advance layer by layer, forming a rigorous and complete theoretical-logical system. They not only reflect China's unique cultural traditions, historical environment, and contemporary requirements but also provide a solid philosophical foundation for Chinese-path modernization. The dynamic process of the "Six Perspectives" is reflected in their continuous development alongside the evolution of practice. This development is not a simple linear evolution, but rather achieves self-renewal and progression through the continuous resolution of social contradictions and problems in reality. This dynamism is precisely the manifestation of the vitality of the theory of Chinese-path modernization, enabling this theory to reflect the actual state of the development of Chinese-path modernization more vividly and comprehensively.

At the level of innovation, the "Six Perspectives" inherent in Chinese-path modernization influence and promote each other, forming the philosophical foundation of the theory of Chinese-path modernization. First, the worldview of Chinese-path modernization transcends the zero-sum game thinking found in traditional international relations theory, emphasizing the importance of multilateral cooperation and win-win results. Second, the values of Chinese-path modernization manifest the Core Socialist Values and the common values of all humanity; they not only focus on collective interests and social harmony but also emphasize the organic integration of the individual and society. Third, the historical perspective of Chinese-path modernization emphasizes historical continuity and the regularity ^[20] of development, avoiding the cultural rupture and tendency toward historical nihilism ^[21] that can appear in the process of Western modernization. Fourth, the civilization perspective of Chinese-path modernization rejects the narrow vision of Social Darwinism and breaks through the limitations of the "Clash of Civilizations" theory found in the process of Western modernization. Fifth, the innovation of the democratic perspective of Chinese-path modernization stems from adhering to the principal position of the people and promoting the practical exploration of whole-process people’s democracy. Sixth, the ecological perspective of Chinese-path modernization emphasizes the concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" ^[22], providing a powerful correction to the neglect of environmental protection in the traditional process of Western modernization.

In summary, the "Six Perspectives" inherent in Chinese-path modernization collectively constitute the philosophical foundation of the theory of Chinese-path modernization, reflecting the profound understanding and unique insights of Chinese Communists regarding the laws governing the development of world modernization and the theory of Chinese-path modernization. A deep understanding of the philosophical foundation of Chinese-path modernization theory is conducive to a profound grasp of the underlying principles, academic logic, and philosophical underpinnings of the theory. This provides theoretical guidance for the continuous advancement of Chinese-path modernization and offers Chinese wisdom for the development of modernization worldwide.

Source: Marxism Studies (马克思主义研究), Issue 11, 2024. Web Editor: Jing Mu.