Liu Haixia: The Adherence, Development, and Innovation of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy Regarding Deng Xiaoping's View of the Times

The report of the 15th National Congress of the Communist Party of China pointed out: "Deng Xiaoping Theory insists on observing the world with a broad Marxist vision. It has conducted a correct analysis and made new scientific judgments on the characteristics of the contemporary era and the overall international situation, the successes and failures of other socialist countries in the world, the gains and losses of developing countries in seeking development, and the trends and contradictions in the development of developed countries... It was precisely based on this situation that Deng Xiaoping Theory determined our Party's line and international strategy, requiring us to understand, inherit, and develop Marxism with new perspectives, emphasizing that only this constitutes true Marxism, and that clinging to old conventions can only lead to backwardness or even failure. This is the distinct spirit of the times inherent in Deng Xiaoping Theory." Deng Xiaoping’s view of the era is the concentrated embodiment of the spirit of the times in Deng Xiaoping Theory. In his speech at the symposium commemorating the 120th anniversary of Comrade Deng Xiaoping's birth, General Secretary Xi Jinping spoke highly of Deng Xiaoping for "explicitly proposing that peace and development are the two major issues of the contemporary world, leading our Party in timely adjusting all aspects of foreign policy, and creating a favorable external environment for reform and opening up and socialist modernization." He praised Deng Xiaoping as a "great internationalist who made major contributions to world peace and development."

At present, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. The fragmentation of global trade, the push by the US-led West toward geopolitical confrontation through blocs and camps, the expanding imbalance in the distribution of world wealth, and the increasing complexity of the international security situation pose severe challenges to the themes of the era—peace and development. This necessitates upholding the spirit of the times found in Deng Xiaoping Theory and profoundly reflecting on the contemporary value of his view of the era. Marx once said: "Any true philosophy is the spiritual essence of its own time." Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is the latest theoretical achievement of contemporary Chinese Marxism in the field of foreign work, and is the manifestation of the essence of the Chinese culture and the Chinese spirit in this era. "Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping, with the outstanding political wisdom and extraordinary theoretical courage of a Marxist statesman, thinker, and strategist, has gained deep insight into the changing international landscape, grasped the pulse of the times, and led the trends of the era. He has proposed a series of groundbreaking new concepts, new ideas, and new strategies in the field of foreign work, forming Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy." Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy upholds, develops, and innovates upon Deng Xiaoping’s view of the era and carries forward its spirit. It both reflects distinct contemporary characteristics, revealing the essence of the times and responding to major contemporary propositions, and points out the future trends of development. It is the fundamental follow-through and guide to action for major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the New Era. The contemporary connotations, dialectical philosophical reflections, and the contemporary mission it practices provide Chinese wisdom for answering the "questions of the times."

I. The Background of Formation, Rich Connotations, and the Spirit of the Times Manifested in Deng Xiaoping’s View of the Era

The division of eras and the judgment of the themes of the era affect the formulation of a country's internal and external strategies. Classical Marxist writers divided human society into five social formations: primitive society, slave society, feudal society, capitalist society, and communist society. This conception of the era, built on the foundation of historical materialism, is regarded as the division of the "great era" of human social development. Although our current era has undergone vast and profound changes compared to the era in which Marx lived, the judgments of classical Marxist writers regarding the great historical era in which humanity finds itself still conform to the laws of historical development. As General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out, "From the grand perspective of the 500-year history of world socialism, we are still in the historical era indicated by Marxism." The understanding of the themes of our era has undergone a tortuous process of exploration from "war and revolution" to "peace and development."

In the 1970s, the international situation underwent profound changes, which were noticed by countries worldwide, especially the major powers. First, in March 1969, Brezhnev proposed the "European Detente" strategy, and the Soviet Union's foreign policy underwent significant changes. Second, the United States became bogged down in the quagmire of the Vietnam War, its national strength declined relatively, a trend toward multi-polarization appeared in the world, and the US attitude toward war changed accordingly. On July 6, 1971, then-US President Richard Nixon, in a speech to Midwest media executives in Kansas City, proposed ending the isolation between mainland China and the international community. Third, Mao Zedong proposed the Theory of the Three Worlds ^[1], and Third World countries launched a struggle against hegemonism. Fourth, in 1971, the United States, Britain, France, and the Soviet Union signed the Four-Power Agreement on Berlin, advocating the use of peaceful means to resolve disputes over Berlin. Fifth, Nixon's visit to China in 1972 marked a move by the US to downplay the ideological color of its previous foreign policy. On January 20, 1972, Nixon noted in his State of the Union address: "As our involvement in the war in Vietnam comes to an end, we must now proceed with the building of a generation of peace." This series of important events greatly promoted the easing of international tensions.

Amidst the changing international landscape, Deng Xiaoping stood at the forefront of the times and proposed: "The era and the tasks have changed; there is indeed much new knowledge to learn. This requires us to strive to grasp basic Marxist theory in light of the new reality." He reflected deeply on the adjustment of US-Soviet relations and the possibility of war, as well as the relationship between maintaining peace and promoting economic development, making a new judgment on the themes of the era. On May 29, 1984, while meeting with Brazilian President João Figueiredo, Deng Xiaoping proposed: "There are many problems in the world today, but two are prominent. One is the issue of peace. The other is the North-South issue." On October 31, 1984, Deng Xiaoping expressed this view again when meeting with Burmese President U San Yu. On March 4, 1985, when meeting with a visiting delegation from the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Deng Xiaoping further explicitly pointed out: "The truly big issues in the world today, global strategic issues, are the issue of peace and the issue of economy or development. The issue of peace is an East-West issue, and the issue of development is a North-South issue. To summarize, it is the four words: East, West, North, and South. The North-South issue is the core issue." Deng Xiaoping thus proposed the scientific thesis that "peace and development are the two major themes of the era," which continues to have a profound influence today.

Deng Xiaoping attached great importance to innovation, stating: "China should have new things every year, and new things every day; only in this way can we seize the ground." Deng Xiaoping's view of the era reflected a series of theoretical and practical innovations in China's diplomatic field at that time. These included judgments on the themes of the era, assessments of the relationship between peace and war or economic construction and social development, views on the world structure and the balance of world forces, the adjustment of foreign policy, and the strengthening of South-South cooperation ^[2] and the promotion of North-South dialogue. Based on the changes in the themes of the era, Deng Xiaoping proposed the direction for adjusting diplomatic policy in the new period: First, it is necessary to consider corresponding new policies based on changes in the world situation and to transform the international order. "There are two things in the world that must be done simultaneously: one is to establish a new international political order, and the other is to establish a new international economic order." Second, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of one's own strength and to pursue a correct, independent foreign policy line. "We in China do not play anyone else’s card, nor do we allow anyone else to play the China card; we mean what we say. This has enhanced China's international status and its voice in international affairs." Third, proceeding from the fundamental interests of the nation, China must adhere to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence ^[3]. Deng Xiaoping said: "In handling relations between states, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are the best way. Other ways, such as the 'big family' ^[4] way, the 'bloc politics' way, or the 'spheres of influence' way, will all bring about contradictions and exacerbate international tensions. Summarizing the practice of international relations, the most vital principles are the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence."

The spirit of the times in Deng Xiaoping Theory, as reflected in his view of the era, demonstrates Deng Xiaoping’s theoretical quality of always adhering to the principle of seeking truth from facts, his magnificent poise in observing and thinking about problems from the forefront of the times, and his political courage to continuously innovate under new historical conditions. Deng Xiaoping paid close attention to the evolution of the international situation and the themes of the era, attached great importance to the fate of the vast number of developing countries, and always examined the development of China and the world from the height of the interconnection between domestic and international situations. The foreign policies and principles he proposed won broad recognition from the international community and made great contributions to world peace and development. Although our Party's understanding of contemporary issues has continued to deepen, it has consistently maintained Deng Xiaoping's basic judgment on the themes of the era. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy also reflects the persistence, development, and innovation of Deng Xiaoping’s view of the era. The "Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 14th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035," adopted at the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee on October 29, 2020, pointed out: "The world today is undergoing a century of change unseen in a hundred years. A new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is developing in depth, the international balance of power is undergoing profound adjustment, peace and development remain the themes of the era, and the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity has become deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. At the same time, the international environment is becoming increasingly complex, and instability and uncertainty have increased significantly." Only by clearly recognizing the general trend of world development and correctly grasping the changes in the world landscape can we establish a scientific view of the era and propose new diplomatic concepts that conform to the trend of the times.

II. The World Has Entered a New Period of Turbulence and Transformation, and Solving Contemporary Issues Urgently Requires New Theoretical Guidance

As the Great Changes Unseen in a Century accelerate their evolution, the two trends of transformation and turbulence continue to develop, and the two orientations of solidarity and division clash with one another. "The themes of the era—peace and development—face severe challenges; the world is neither peaceful nor tranquil." The fragmentation of global trade, the push for geopolitical confrontation through blocs and camps by the US-led West, the expansion of unbalanced world development, and the increased complexity of the international security situation pose huge threats to the themes of peace and development.

1. Global trade fragmentation has caused huge losses to global GDP "Globalization," which once brought economic prosperity, is increasingly being questioned due to the intensification of world inequality and changes in the balance of international power. Interdependence has become increasingly fragile. The World Trade Report 2023 published by the World Trade Organization (WTO) raised a serious question: "Globalisation is under threat, and the world risks fragmenting into regional blocs." The US-led West is the main instigator of this situation. They continuously call for the establishment of "near-shoring" or "friend-shoring" supply chains, even encouraging the division of the world economy into exclusive regional trading blocs and economic spheres of influence, such as the "Indo-Pacific Economic Framework," limiting cooperation to so-called "like-minded" countries based on "shared values." Furthermore, they generalize the concept of national security, using it as an excuse to implement a so-called "de-risking" policy toward China, which instead creates new risks and leads to the fragmentation of economic trade. Martin Wolf, the chief economics commentator of the Financial Times, believes that in a chaotic era, open trade is in danger, and the current world trading system faces five major challenges: sustainability, security, bloc-formation, standard-setting, and domestic policy. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warned that "fracture lines" have appeared in world trade. If global trade eventually fragments, it will cause a huge loss of 5% of global GDP, equivalent to "losing the entire economy of Japan."

2. The US-led West’s push for geopolitical confrontation into blocs and camps has caused the global strategic environment to deteriorate continuously Regional hot wars and a "New Cold War" have intensified geopolitical conflicts. On February 11, 2022, the Biden administration released the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States report, proposing to "seek to shape the strategic environment in which China operates" to compress China's strategic space, adding to the uncertainty and instability of the international situation. The Ukraine crisis has sent shockwaves through the globe, the situation in Europe has further deteriorated, and the international strategic landscape has undergone profound changes. The US-led West has also attempted to use the Ukraine issue as an analogy for the Taiwan question in Asia, trying to manufacture a crisis in the Taiwan Strait.

The United States has strengthened its military cooperation and strategic interaction with its allies. In April 2024, the United States, in collusion with its allies, released several joint statements aimed at ensuring that Western strategic supply chains are diversified and "friend-shored." The "AUKUS Defense Ministers' Joint Statement" issued by Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States noted that the significant investments being made in their respective submarine industrial bases will ensure that the supply chains of these three countries are more resilient, integrated, and productive. The "Joint Vision Statement from the Leaders of Japan, the Philippines, and the United States" proposed "promoting broad-based and sustainable economic growth" and "investing in resilient, reliable, and diversified supply chains." Strengthening military cooperation is the top priority for the alliance between the United States and the West. In the "U.S.-Japan Leaders' Joint Statement," Biden reaffirmed that the United States uses its full range of capabilities, including nuclear capabilities, to defend Japan. Fumio Kishida, in turn, reaffirmed Japan's unwavering commitment to fundamentally strengthening its own defense capabilities and role, as well as strengthening close coordination with the United States under their treaty. Japan has officially announced its participation in the "AUKUS" alliance; the Quad (the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue among the United States, Japan, India, and Australia) also shows a trend towards expansion; and an "Asian-version of NATO" is on the verge of emerging.

3. The widening imbalance in world development has caused serious obstruction to the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

A report released by the World Bank on April 15, 2024, pointed out that half of the 75 most vulnerable countries in the world are facing a widening income gap with the wealthiest economies for the first time since the 21st century. One-third of IDA (World Bank International Development Association) countries are poorer than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the extreme poverty rate is more than eight times the average for the rest of the world: in IDA countries, one-fourth of people live on less than $2.15 a day. These countries currently account for 90% of all populations facing hunger or malnutrition. The trend of narrowing global income inequality that lasted for decades has reversed; more people are fleeing conflict than at any time since records began; and the population living in slums is increasing.

The widening digital divide has prevented many developing countries from sharing in the fruits of the digital economy, greatly weakening their capacity for independent development. On October 6, 2023, a senior United Nations official stated during a discussion by the Economic and Financial Committee (Second Committee) of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly that although 63% of the world's population uses the internet, only 27% of the population in the least developed countries are internet users. "The data economy has the potential to be permanently dominated by a few stakeholders in a small number of technologically advanced economies." "This risks leaving the world's poorest countries permanently excluded from the Fourth Industrial Revolution."

4. The complication of the security situation has led to increasing global instability and disorder.

The Ukraine crisis continues, and a dawn of peace remains elusive for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. With the deployment of intelligent weaponry, the problem of the "peace deficit" has become increasingly prominent. The current international security situation exhibits the following three characteristics.

First, the global arms race has intensified, with military expenditures repeatedly hitting record highs. According to global military expenditure data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), total global military spending reached $2.443 trillion in 2023, a real-term increase of 6.8% compared to 2022. U.S. military spending rose by 2.3%, while Japan allocated $50.2 billion to its military in 2023, an 11% increase over 2022. Researchers pointed out: "Countries are prioritizing military strength; the unprecedented growth in military spending is a direct response to the deterioration of global peace and security." Second, global terrorism and violent conflicts are intertwined. The number of deaths caused by terrorist actions increased by 22% in 2023, the highest level since 2017. For the ninth consecutive year, the Islamic State remained the world's deadliest terrorist organization, carrying out attacks in 20 countries and regions. In 2023, more than 90% of attacks and 98% of deaths resulting from terrorism occurred in conflict-affected countries. Third, wars are increasing, and domestic conflicts are becoming increasingly internationalized. Among the 55 conflicts in 38 conflict-affected countries in 2022, eight were classified as wars. Although the primary type of state-based conflict is civil war, these types of conflicts have become increasingly internationalized over the past decade, which has also led to a massive increase in war-related deaths.

Currently, the "changes in the world, in our times, and in history" ^[5] are unfolding in unprecedented ways. People's pursuit of peace and development is seriously threatened by the hegemonism, power politics, and bullying of the U.S. and the West. The complexity of the international environment far exceeds that of the 1980s and 90s. The grim international situation calls for new diplomatic concepts and strategic ideas to address the transformation of the era. Theory originates from practice and is in turn used to guide practice. "The challenges of the times are the driving force for theoretical innovation. Marx, Engels, Lenin, and others all promoted theoretical innovation by reflecting upon and answering the challenges of their respective eras." Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy was also formed and developed through the process of resolving the difficult problems of our times. On August 29, 2024, President Xi Jinping, during his meeting with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, pointed out: "Faced with a turbulent and intertwined international situation, countries need unity and cooperation rather than division and confrontation; the people want openness and progress rather than closure and regression. As two major countries, China and the United States should be responsible to history, to the people, and to the world, and become a source of stability for world peace and an engine for common development."

III. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is an Innovative Development of Deng Xiaoping's Outlook on the Era

Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is an important component of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It is based on President Xi Jinping's grounding in China's realities, his grasp of global development trends, and his inheritance and development of the Party's diplomatic thought and the fine traditions of New China's diplomacy. By upholding the fundamentals and breaking new ground, he has proposed a series of new concepts and initiatives for various fields such as inter-state relations, the reshaping of the international order, economic development, global security, the coexistence of civilizations, ecological co-construction, and global governance. The Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs held in December 2023 pointed out that one of the historic achievements in foreign work since the 18th Party Congress has been "the creation and development of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, which has opened up new horizons in Chinese diplomatic theory and practice and provided the fundamental compliance for advancing Chinese-path major-country diplomacy." Currently, the world has entered a New Period of Turbulence and Transformation and is facing a critical choice. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "Understanding the trends of world development and keeping up with the tide of the times is an extremely important task that is constantly refreshed through practice. For China to develop, it must conform to the trend of world development. We must establish a global perspective, grasp the pulse of the times, and see through the changing winds and clouds of today's world—seeing them accurately, clearly, and deeply—to discover the essence from various phenomena and, in particular, to recognize long-term trends." General Secretary Xi Jinping has fully inherited and carried forward Deng Xiaoping's outlook on the era and the spirit of the times. With unswerving determination, the courage to be the first, and the strategy to identify and respond to changes, he has not only scientifically analyzed the volatile trends of the times and the international situation but has also formed a series of major strategic judgments that profoundly influence the contemporary world and China.

1. Demonstrating responsibility toward the era, upholding the dialectical unity between the principle of state sovereignty and the emphasis on major-country relations

Emphasizing national sovereignty and cherishing friendship with Third World countries is a consistent position of China's leaders. Deng Xiaoping clearly pointed out that "the issue of sovereignty is not a matter for discussion," and "state sovereignty and national security must always be placed first." ^[6] "China is a socialist country and a developing country. China belongs to the Third World... China is not a superpower now, nor will it ever be one." President Xi Jinping expressed a similar sentiment when attending the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue in Johannesburg: "The international community should take the interests of the world as its own interest and the hearts of the people as its own heart, promoting the return of development issues to the core of the international agenda. We must increase the representation and voice of developing countries in global governance and support developing countries in achieving better development." It is precisely this sense of mission—a major country's responsibility to breathe the same air and share the same fate as developing countries—that ensures Chinese-path major-country diplomacy adds certainty and stability to a turbulent world.

The principles of equality and sovereignty established by the Peace of Westphalia are among the basic tenets for building a community with a shared future for humanity. President Xi Jinping has explained China's basic position on respecting the principle of sovereignty on many occasions. We insist that all countries, regardless of size, strength, or wealth, are equal members of the international community; we insist that the destiny of the world must be held jointly in the hands of the people of all countries; and we maintain international fairness and justice, particularly by speaking up for the vast number of developing countries. In his speech during the General Debate of the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly, he further explained the meaning of the principle of sovereignty: "The principle of sovereignty should not only find expression in the inviolability of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and non-interference in their internal affairs, but also in the fact that the right of all countries to independently choose their social systems and development paths should be upheld, and the practice of all countries in promoting economic and social development and improving people's lives should be respected."

Respecting the principle of sovereign equality among nations is not contradictory to emphasizing major-country relations. Because of their significant advantages in economic scale, technological innovation, military strength, international appeal, and diplomatic influence, major countries play an irreplaceable role in international relations. Deng Xiaoping attached great importance to developing major-country relations. He believed that "the significance of the normalization of Sino-U.S. relations far exceeds the scope of the bilateral relationship. The development of friendly cooperative relations between two important countries located on opposite sides of the Pacific will undoubtedly be an important factor in promoting peace in the Pacific region and the world." We advocate that all countries, large and small, are equal, while also believing that major countries should shoulder their due responsibilities. The essence of multilateralism is to seek consultation and cooperation among all countries, first and foremost cooperation among major countries. Major-country relations concern global strategic stability, and major countries shoulder special responsibilities. China is committed to promoting coordination and cooperation among major countries and expects major countries to live in harmony, featuring non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation. "Major countries should act like major countries, providing more global public goods, shouldering major-country responsibilities, and demonstrating major-country commitment." The attitude of major countries toward small countries should be that of equality, avoiding the hegemonism of self-importance or coercion. The report to the 19th Party Congress outlined the blueprint for China's diplomatic layout: "China will actively develop global partnerships and expand the convergence of interests with other countries. China will promote coordination and cooperation with other major countries and work to build a framework for major-country relations featuring overall stability and balanced development. China will deepen relations with its neighbors in accordance with the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness and the policy of forging friendship and partnership with its neighbors. China will, guided by the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests and the principle of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, work to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with other developing countries." Thus, it is evident that emphasizing major-country relations and respecting the principle of national sovereignty go hand-in-hand; China's diplomatic practice precisely embodies this dialectical unity. China attaches importance to developing major-country relations with the United States, Russia, France, Germany, and Japan, striving to create a "new type of major-country relationship" with the U.S. featuring "non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation"; developing relations with Russia on the basis of non-alignment, non-confrontation, and not targeting third parties; and developing partnerships for peace, growth, reform, and civilization with Europe. Simultaneously, China is committed to building a "new type of international relations" featuring "mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation," creating bilateral and regional communities with a shared future, and actively strengthening relations with neighboring and developing countries. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, our country's foreign work has continued to forge ahead, with an all-dimensional, multi-tiered, and three-dimensional diplomatic layout increasingly developed and perfected.

2. Leading reflections on the era, upholding the dialectical unity between an independent foreign policy of peace and the idea of "using force to end war"

Excellent statesmen must have the political courage, strategic vision, and global perspective to break through the shackles of traditional old thinking. Deng Xiaoping pointed out: "Marxism must develop, and socialist theory must develop; they must move forward along with the development of human social practice and the development of science." General Secretary Xi Jinping also noted: "For a nation to stand at the forefront of the times, it cannot for a moment be without theoretical thinking, nor for a moment without the guidance of correct thought." "As the times advance and the cause develops, theoretical and practical innovation must never stop." Deng Xiaoping's thoughts on the theme of the era and Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy are both major strategic innovations that transcend traditional thinking and lead the way forward for the era.

On June 4, 1985, at an enlarged meeting of the Central Military Commission, Deng Xiaoping analyzed two important shifts involving "judgments on the international situation and adjustments to foreign policy," noting: "China's development is the development of the forces of peace; it is the development of forces that constrain the power of war." He further stated, "Our foothold remains self-reliance, but we pursue an opening policy to utilize the international peaceful environment to absorb more of whatever is useful to us. This is relatively beneficial for accelerating our development." General Secretary Xi Jinping has expressed this viewpoint with further clarity, noting: "At present, the changes of the world, of our times, and of history are unfolding in ways like never before ^[7], and the forces for peace, development, and progress are continuously growing. We should follow the historical trend, persist in cooperation rather than confrontation, persist in openness rather than seclusion, and persist in mutual benefit and win-win results rather than zero-sum games. We resolutely oppose all forms of hegemonism and power politics, and resolutely oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism."

However, adhering to an independent foreign policy of peace absolutely does not mean abandoning our legitimate rights and interests. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "We must adhere to the independent foreign policy of peace, persist in placing the starting point of national and ethnic development on the base of our own strength, unswervingly follow our own path, and follow the path of peaceful development. At the same time, we must never abandon our legitimate rights and interests, and never sacrifice core national interests." He further elucidated the relationship between a strong country and a strong military, clarifying that a strong country must have a strong military, and that consolidating national defense and a powerful people’s military provides the strategic support for upholding and developing Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Currently, factors of geopolitical instability have increased significantly. As a tool for the United States to maintain hegemony, NATO’s intentions for global expansion are becoming increasingly evident. The 2023 NATO Vilnius Summit Communiqué once again falsely claimed that China poses a "systemic challenge" to Euro-Atlantic security and harms the interests, security, and values of NATO countries, with NATO taking the opportunity to strengthen ties with its four Asia-Pacific partners (Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea). General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Only by being able to fight can one stop a fight; only by being prepared for war is it possible not to have to fight; the more one is unable to fight, the more likely one is to be attacked. This is the dialectics of war and peace." In his speech at the meeting commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteers entering the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to fight in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea ^[8], he emphasized again: "The Chinese people know deeply that when dealing with aggressors, one must speak to them in a language they understand—that is, to stop war through war and to stop violence through force ^[9]—winning peace and respect through victory." These military thoughts of General Secretary Xi Jinping provide theoretical guidance for correctly understanding and handling the relationship between war and peace.

3. Responding to the changes of the times: Persisting in the dialectical unity of practicing the New Security Concept with adhering to bottom-line thinking and carrying out the great struggle.

Currently, we face a crucial choice between allowing the world to remain turbulent and unstable or pushing it back onto the right track of peaceful development. The painful experiences of the two World Wars and today’s Ukraine crisis serve as a wake-up call to the world: hegemonism, group politics, and bloc confrontation will not bring peace and security, but will only trap the world in a "security dilemma." General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "The greater the winds and waves of the times, the more we must stand courageously at the crest of the waves." We must "observe the times, grasp the times, and lead the times," and "deeply perceive time and momentum, dangers and opportunities, and actively identify, respond to, and seek changes."

In his speech at the fourth summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) held in 2014, President Xi Jinping elaborated in detail on the profound connotation of the New Security Concept characterized by "common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable" security. The Holistic Approach to National Security, the Asian Security Concept, and the Global Security Initiative (GSI) proposed by President Xi Jinping all uphold the principle of indivisible security. Many international figures have stated that the New Security Concept provides a brand-new way of thinking for breaking the "security dilemma" widely existing in international relations. China advocates practicing the New Security Concept, discarding the old thinking of the Cold War mentality and zero-sum games, and abandoning the "law of the jungle" where the weak are prey to the strong. It advocates seeking peace through cooperation and promoting security through cooperation, while also remaining vigilantly aware of the major risks we face internationally. For example, although the Biden administration made the "four noes and one without" ^[10] statement to China (the U.S. does not seek a "New Cold War," does not seek to change China's system, does not seek to strengthen alliances against China, does not support "Taiwan independence," and has no intention of having a conflict or confrontation with China), it nonetheless suppresses China's development from various aspects and coordinates with allies to challenge China's bottom line. In technology, the U.S. has escalated the "chip war" against China, coercing the Dutch and Japanese governments to cooperate in the "containment" of China's advanced semiconductor industry. Facing these risks and challenges, we must both adhere to bottom-line thinking and be adept at carrying out the great struggle. In the report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC, General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed: "We must persist in fighting, preparing for war, and building simultaneously. We must persist in the integrated development of mechanization, informatization, and intelligentization, and accelerate the modernization of military theory, organizational forms, personnel, and weapons and equipment. We must improve our strategic capability to defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and effectively fulfill the missions and tasks of the people’s military in the New Era."

China's pursuit of the path of peaceful development and its advocacy for win-win cooperation are predicated on the bottom line of resolutely safeguarding national core interests. Deng Xiaoping once profoundly elucidated the determination to resolutely defend China's national interests: "The Chinese people cherish friendship and cooperation with other countries and peoples, but they even more dearly cherish the right of independence they have won through long struggle. No foreign country should expect China to be their vassal, nor expect China to swallow the bitter fruit of harming our country's interests." General Secretary Xi Jinping clearly stated: "We must be good at using the method of bottom-line thinking; prepare for the worst in everything and strive for the best results. Only in this way can we be prepared for all contingencies, remain calm in the face of events, and firmly grasp the initiative." In the report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "We must strengthen our sense of hardship, adhere to bottom-line thinking, stay alert to dangers in times of peace, prepare for rainy days ^[11], and be ready to withstand major tests of high winds, surging waves, and even perilous storms." This is a new judgment and requirement regarding our country’s coordinated situation of development and security based on the great changes in the world.

4. Grounding in the base of the times and playing the "strongest note of the times" together: Persisting in the dialectical unity of strengthening South-South cooperation and promoting North-South dialogue.

Development is the eternal theme of human society and a common challenge faced by the international community. As a member of the developing world, China has been actively promoting South-South cooperation to enhance the independent development capabilities of developing countries. Deng Xiaoping paid close attention to the issues of world peace and development. On May 29, 1984, during a meeting with Brazilian President João Figueiredo, Deng Xiaoping pointed out: "If the North-South problem is not solved, it will create obstacles to the development of the world economy. Solving this problem certainly depends on North-South dialogue, and we advocate for North-South dialogue. However, relying on North-South dialogue alone is not enough; we must also strengthen cooperation among third-world countries, which is South-South cooperation." "If the South does not achieve appropriate development, the outlet for Northern capital and commodities will be extremely limited. If the South continues to remain poor, the North may find itself with no way out."

President Xi Jinping has repeatedly called sustainable development the "golden key" to solving current global problems, stating that development should be placed at the center of the international agenda. He has provided a clearer explanation of South-South cooperation and North-South dialogue, pointing out: "Following the rise of the overall strength of developing countries, South-South cooperation will surely play a greater role in promoting the rise of developing countries and promoting strong, sustained, balanced, and inclusive growth of the world economy." At the same time, he also advocates strengthening North-South dialogue, pushing developed countries to assume more responsibilities, and promoting the democratization of international relations. "North-South relations are not only an economic development issue but also a global issue concerning world peace and stability." "We must persist in the international development cooperation pattern where North-South cooperation is the main channel and South-South cooperation is a supplement." That is to say, only when major powers engage in win-win cooperation, when large and small countries treat each other as equals, and when they support each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns can North-South cooperation truly be realized. To jointly push global development toward a new stage of balance, coordination, and inclusiveness, the Global Development Initiative (GDI) was proposed, placing development in a prominent position within the global macro-policy framework and promoting the construction of a more equal and balanced global development partnership. On June 12, 2024, in a video address to the opening ceremony of the activities celebrating the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), President Xi Jinping proposed three important propositions: creating an international environment for peaceful development, following the trend of the times for open development, and grasping the historical opportunity for innovation-driven development. This fully demonstrates China's high regard for the cause of global development and its strong support for the common development of the "Global South."

5. Answering the "questions of the times": Persisting in the dialectical unity of world peace, global development, and collective security.

Both Deng Xiaoping and Xi Jinping shared profound reflections and strategic judgments on the "question of the times" regarding where the world is headed at historical turning points. Deng Xiaoping once summarized how to respond to the international situation in three sentences: "First, observe calmly; second, secure our position; third, cope with affairs with composure." General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Questions are the voice of the times; answering and guiding the resolution of problems is the fundamental task of theory." We should treat all new things with great enthusiasm, "dare to say new things that our predecessors did not say, dare to do new things that our predecessors did not do, and guide new practices with new theories."

Deng Xiaoping proposed taking economic construction as the core, believing it to be the basis for solving international and domestic problems. Development issues should be "understood from the height of human development." To date, the two major issues of peace and development have not yet been resolved. The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes five major themes—people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership—and 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, currently, only 12% of the SDGs are progressing as planned, while the realization of the remaining goals is quite difficult. Facing unstable factors such as the setbacks of economic globalization and the frequent outbreaks of regional conflicts, General Secretary Xi Jinping has proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), which have been warmly welcomed by the international community.

Development and security are reciprocal conditions. The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development not only recognizes peace and security as prerequisites for achieving sustainable development but also recognizes sustainable development as a path to a peaceful society. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Development is the greatest security and the master key to solving regional security problems." "Security is the prerequisite for development, and humanity is an indivisible security community." In other words, the global security community and the global development community, as two important pillars of building a community with a shared future for humanity, support each other. Without global security, there can be no guarantee for sound global development; and without healthy global development, there will be no soil for global security. Only by truly realizing collective security, shared development fruits, the coexistence of civilizations, and the joint building of an ecological system can the goal of lasting peace be truly achieved.

6. Providing "coordinates of the times": Persisting in the dialectical unity of maintaining the rational core of the international order and promoting the reform of the international order.

In the new period ^[12], Deng Xiaoping gained insight into the essential characteristics and development trends of the times, proposed the theme of the era as peace and development, and answered the major question of how to correctly understand the relationship between China and the world. Deng Xiaoping said: "Based on these analyses of the world trend and our surrounding environment, we have changed our original view that the danger of war was very imminent." General Secretary Xi Jinping spoke highly of this: "Because an accurate judgment was made on the world trend, our Party established the understanding that peace and development are the themes of the times; only then did we have the shift of the center of the Party and the state's work, and only then was the new historical period of reform and opening up inaugurated." In the New Era, General Secretary Xi Jinping reconsidered the profound changes that have occurred in the relationship between China and the world, and thus pointed out: "Over the 40 years of reform and opening up, with the courage to break through and the responsibility for self-renewal, we have carved out a new and good path, achieving the great leap from 'catching up with the times' to 'leading the times.'" It is precisely in the process of "leading the times" that China provides the "coordinates of the times."

Deng Xiaoping proposed that the new policy for responding to changes in the world situation was to establish a new international order, and believed that the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence ^[13] were the most time-tested guiding principles. Under the current international situation intertwined with change and disorder, and in the face of the reform and transformation of the international order, Western countries such as the United States have been constantly proclaiming their adherence to a so-called "rules-based international order," while China "firmly maintains the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law." Two different visions of the international order are being presented to the world with increasing clarity.

China promotes the construction of a just and rational international order. As the most universal, representative, and authoritative intergovernmental international organization, the United Nations should play a central role in global governance. Promoting the justice and rationality of the international order does not mean toppling it for reconstruction; reforming and improving the current international system does not mean “starting anew” ^[14], but rather pushing it to develop in a more just and rational direction. "The new mechanisms and initiatives advocated by China are not intended to start anew, nor are they targeted at anyone; rather, they are beneficial supplements to and improvements of existing international mechanisms, with the goal of achieving win-win cooperation and common development."

Amidst the changes unseen in a century ^[15], international competition is increasingly manifesting as institutional competition. From an international perspective, the world has entered a period of turbulence and transformation, where international competition is increasingly expressed as a struggle over institutions, rules, and laws. Shaping a just and rational international order requires promoting the reform of unjust and irrational global governance institutions, "pushing for equality of rights, opportunities, and rules for all countries in international economic cooperation, advancing the democratization and rule of law in global governance rules, and striving to make the global governance system more balanced in reflecting the will and interests of the majority of countries." At the same time, we must recognize that the contest for dominance in global governance and the formulation of international rules is extremely intense. "The dominant position of Western developed countries in economy, technology, politics, and military has not yet changed; the formation of a more just and rational international political and economic order remains a long and arduous task ^[16]."

Conclusion

General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: "We must learn from Comrade Deng Xiaoping’s global vision and strategic thinking of 'looking at the world, looking at the future, looking at the present, and looking at all aspects.' We must learn his ideological and working methods of being adept at grasping the key links and 'taking the lead by grasping the main theme' ^[17], observing and thinking about issues from the forefront of the times. We must plan the cause of the Party and the people within the long river of history and a global horizon, seeing the big through the small and discerning the earliest signs of change ^[18], achieving strategic breakthroughs while solving prominent problems, and advancing all work while grasping the overall strategic situation." During this period of great development, great transformation, and great adjustment known as the changes unseen in a century, China’s development faces new strategic opportunities and challenges. This necessitates insisting upon, developing, and innovating Deng Xiaoping’s view of the era, while upholding its spirit of the times. "The Communist Party of China is a party that seeks happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation; it is also a party that seeks progress for humanity and the Great Harmony ^[19] for the world." With the purpose of maintaining world peace and promoting common development, Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is precisely the development and innovation of the spirit of the times within Deng Xiaoping Theory, responding to the major epochal proposition of "what kind of world to build and how to build it." General Secretary Xi Jinping, always standing at the height of the requirements of the times, national development, and the people's expectations, has—together with the collective leadership of the Central Committee—pushed major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics forwards with great strides. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s answer to the "question of the era"—whether humanity wants "peace or war? development or recession?"—provides a new choice different from the past methods of solving problems through war and hegemony: "The choice is in our hands, and the responsibility is on our shoulders." "Humanity is a whole, and the Earth is one home. Facing common challenges, no person or country can remain aloof; the only way out for humanity is to work together in harmony and coexist in unity ^[20]." General Secretary Xi Jinping also looked forward to the future trends of the era, noting: "The general direction of human development and progress will not change, the logic of world history moving forward through twists and turns will not change, and the major trend of the international community sharing a common destiny will not change." Under the "shared fate of the global village," the world will inevitably develop toward a community with a shared future for humanity.

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