Hu Yihua: Deeply Understand the Consciousness, Confidence, and Self-Reliance of the Theory of Chinese Modernization
Constructing and profoundly elucidating the theory of Chinese-path modernization as a cohesive whole from a strategic and systemic perspective is a major theoretical innovation of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee—one characterized by its originality, contemporaneity, distinctive branding, foresight, and uniqueness. Grounded in the New Era and the new journey, and focused on new missions and new tasks, the questions of why China pursues modernization, what kind of modernization it pursues, and how it pursues such modernization are major theoretical propositions and practical issues of national and global concern. Standing at the height of epochal development and the overall strategic situation, General Secretary Xi Jinping has provided scientific answers and systematic elucidations to a series of major theoretical and practical questions regarding Chinese-path modernization. He has done so with a strong and profound sense of devotion to country and the world [1], and with a high degree of firm historical self-awareness and historical initiative. He has constructed a comprehensive theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization characterized by lofty vision, profound thought, rich connotation, rigorous logic, and distinctive features.
The current and upcoming period is extremely important for the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people; it is the "critical period for building a great country and achieving national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese-path modernization" by mobilizing the strength of the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups. Based on the great practice of the New Era and the new journey, eyeing the overall strategic context of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the world’s profound changes unseen in a century [2], and focusing on the eternal cause of the Chinese nation and the noble cause of human peace and development, as well as the guidance and promotion of high-quality development through Chinese-path modernization—it is imperative to effectively enhance the value awareness, ideological awareness, political awareness, and operational awareness of the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups to "correctly understand and vigorously promote Chinese-path modernization." We must continuously increase the value, political, ideological, theoretical, and emotional identification of the whole Party and the people with Chinese-path modernization. This will guide people to integrate political height, philosophical depth, historical thickness, and humanistic warmth to profoundly grasp the self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-reliance of the theory of Chinese-path modernization as a whole.
I. Reviewing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Important Expositions on Chinese-path Modernization
Chinese-path modernization is one of the major theoretical and practical issues to which General Secretary Xi Jinping has paid great attention, thought deeply about, and profoundly elucidated. In recent years, in his important speeches and a series of expositions, General Secretary Xi Jinping has offered deep reflections and profound explanations on a series of foundational questions—such as the Chinese characteristics, essential requirements, major principles, and internal dialectical relationships of Chinese-path modernization—from different horizons, dimensions, and levels. In November 2023, the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee collected and organized a series of important documents—including reports, speeches, explanations, addresses, talks, letters of congratulation, replies, and instructions—delivered by General Secretary Xi Jinping on various occasions regarding Chinese-path modernization, and edited and published the book Excerpts from Xi Jinping’s Expositions on Chinese-path Modernization. This book has been published in multiple languages, including English, French, Russian, and Arabic, and distributed at home and abroad. It provides an authoritative text for domestic and foreign readers to comprehensively, profoundly, and accurately understand the theoretical system and practical requirements of Chinese-path modernization, generating a strong response internationally.
Of particular note is that the "Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reform and Advancing Chinese-path Modernization" reviewed and adopted by the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, along with General Secretary Xi Jinping’s "Explanation on the Decision" and his "Speech at the Second Plenary Session of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee," have further provided highly condensed and systematic interpretations of the theory of Chinese-path modernization. These interpretations operate from the philosophical heights of ontology, praxeology, epistemology, and methodology, employing the principles and methods of systems theory, cybernetics, information theory, and synergetics. This marks a new level in our Party's understanding and mastery of the essential connotation and internal laws of Chinese-path modernization. It also means that the theory of Chinese-path modernization has opened up new frontiers in terms of scientific construction, systematic research, and academic elucidation. Furthermore, it foreshadows new steps in the socialization, popularization, and international promotion of the theory of Chinese-path modernization, further demonstrating the powerful vitality of Marxist theory as it takes root, flourishes, and bears fruit on Chinese soil.
General Secretary Xi Jinping profoundly pointed out: "To understand China, the key is to understand Chinese-path modernization." He further noted: "We have further deepened our understanding of the connotation and essence of Chinese-path modernization, summarized and formed the Chinese characteristics, essential requirements, and major principles of Chinese-path modernization, and preliminarily constructed the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization, making Chinese-path modernization clearer, more scientific, and more perceptible and feasible." This series of important expositions possesses rich and profound theoretical and epochal significance. They clearly sketch the approachable and respectable overall image of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization, vividly illustrate its profound, broad, and distinctive character, solemnly propose the practical requirements for its implementation in a detailed and down-to-earth manner, and comprehensively demonstrate its immense power to transcend cultures.
II. Strengthening the Self-Awareness of the Theory of Chinese-path Modernization
History tells us that, at its origin, the Communist Party of China is the product of the wide dissemination of Marxism in China combined with the Chinese workers' movement. According to incomplete statistics, there were about 200 political parties and organizations established during the same period as the CPC. Fundamentally different from these other parties, the CPC has always possessed a high degree of theoretical self-awareness. Since the day of its founding, it has unswervingly written Marxist theory onto its bright banner, engraved it into its spiritual lineage, and established it as the fundamental guiding ideology for the founding and prosperity of the Party and the state. In the crucible of revolutionary practice, this theory has been continuously internalized as the political character and core quality of the vast number of Party members. From the magnificent course and practical experience of over a hundred years of struggle, the reason why the CPC "can" [3] and why socialism with Chinese characteristics is "good" is, in the final analysis, because Marxism "works," and because the Sinicized and modernized Marxism "works."
In a sense, the "working" mentioned here has multiple meanings: it refers to the feasibility and integrity of its value position, the practicality and effectiveness of its implementation path, and the stability and long-term viability of its direction of development. The fundamental reason why Marxism—especially Sinicized and modernized Marxism—"works" is, first and foremost, that Marxism itself is a scientific truth capable of explaining and transforming the world, integrating people-centeredness, scientific rigor, practice, epochal relevance, openness, and development. As General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "Times are changing and society is developing, but the basic principles of Marxism remain scientific truth. Although the era we live in has undergone tremendous and profound changes compared to the era in which Marx lived, from the grand perspective of the 500-year history of world socialism, we are still in the historical era indicated by Marxism. This is the scientific basis for our firm confidence in Marxism and our conviction in the inevitable victory of socialism." More importantly, the CPC always adheres to a high degree of theoretical self-awareness and self-confidence. Rooted in Chinese soil and based on Chinese practice, the Party has coordinated the study, research, elucidation, and innovation of Marxist theory in the exploratory practice of promoting the "Two Formats of Integration"—the combination of the basic principles of Marxism with China’s specific reality and with fine traditional Chinese culture [4]. This has achieved three historical leaps in the Sinicization of Marxism, successfully creating a theoretical system of Sinicized and modernized Marxism that meets the needs of the times and highlights Chinese characteristics, thereby continuously expanding the realm and pattern of the innovative development of Marxist theory.
Against the backdrop of socialism with Chinese characteristics entering a New Era, and facing the four major questions looming before the Chinese people and the Chinese nation—namely, the questions of China, the world, the people, and the times [5]—the CPC, with immense theoretical courage and a high degree of theoretical self-awareness, has creatively promoted and expanded the path of Chinese-path modernization. Regarding this, General Secretary Xi Jinping profoundly noted: "In governing a country and promoting its modernization, the Western institutional model is not the only path; countries can entirely forge their own paths." On the practical basis of comprehensively building a modern socialist country and comprehensively promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, General Secretary Xi Jinping—with superb political wisdom and profound theoretical grounding—profoundly recognized the Chinese characteristics and essential requirements of Chinese-path modernization. He systematically grasped its unique laws and major principles, proactively assumed its historical responsibility and epochal mission, and constructed a holistic theory of Chinese-path modernization that is visionary, profound, rich in content, and distinctive, possessing strong explanatory, guiding, appealing, and cohesive power.
Under the illumination of this theory, the spiritual spirit and outlook of the CPC, the Chinese people, and the entire Chinese nation have been invigorated and refreshed. This has effectively pushed reform, opening up, and socialist modernization to move forward, toward the new, toward the good, and toward the heights. It has written the two world-renowned miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability in bold colors, enabling the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation to enter a historical process that is irreversible and unstoppable, and causing scientific socialism to radiate new and vigorous vitality in 21st-century China. Reality proves that Marxist theory can not only take root but also bear fruit on the ancient and vast land of China. Under its guidance, the theory of Chinese-path modernization is not only feasible and practical on the road of building a strong country and national rejuvenation, but also stable and far-reaching. This fully reflects the new height, vision, realm, pattern, and spirit of the theoretical self-awareness of Chinese Communists in the New Era.
In a sense, the emergence and "sudden birth" of the theory of Chinese-path modernization is the crystallization and product of the high theoretical self-awareness of Chinese Communists in the New Era. To truly push this theory deep into the masses, the grassroots, and the hearts of the people—and further toward the world to change it for the better—we must always adhere to the unity of inheritance and advancing with the times, the combination of "returning to the source" [6] and upholding the fundamentals and breaking new ground, the compatibility of being rooted in China and facing the world, and the coordination of theoretical and practical innovation. We must continuously enhance the theoretical awareness of the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups regarding Chinese-path modernization and the great cause of national rejuvenation.
The most fundamental task is to guide the people to deeply study and systematically grasp the scientific connotation, spiritual essence, epochal value, and practical requirements of the series of important expositions by General Secretary Xi Jinping on Chinese-path modernization through multiple dimensions, levels, channels, and paths. "As theoretical innovation advances by one step, theoretical arming must follow by one step." From the internal logic of the development of Marxist theory, theoretical innovation and theoretical arming are always complementary, organically connected, and dialectically unified. For the broad masses of the people, strengthening self-awareness of the theory of Chinese-path modernization is not simply a matter of memorizing a few new concepts, terms, and formulations, nor is it a shallow understanding of a series of important judgments, viewpoints, and relationships. Still less is it a dogmatic application or "copy-pasting" of relevant theories. Rather, it is about strictly following the fundamental requirement of arming the mind, soul-building, guiding work, and promoting practice with the Party's innovative theories. It means consciously regarding the theory of Chinese-path modernization as an important component of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, as an important theoretical achievement of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, and as a major innovative achievement in global modernization theory, thereby profoundly, accurately, and systematically grasping its spiritual core.
We must profoundly understand the historical necessity and epochal value of the theory from the heights of the times; comprehensively grasp its cultural significance and content system from a holistic perspective; systematically master its Chinese characteristics and essential requirements with dialectical thinking; and deeply implement its practical paths and major principles with political resolve. We must integrate "reading original works, studying original texts, grasping original principles, and knowing original meanings," and unify "true learning, true understanding, true belief, and true application." Only in this way can we truly internalize the theory of Chinese-path modernization, externalize it into action, and transform it into results, effectively enhancing political, ideological, value, and emotional identification—and especially theoretical identification—with Chinese-path modernization.
III. Strengthening Confidence in the Theory of Chinese-path Modernization
The theoretical confidence of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is neither a confidence produced out of thin air, nor a strained or deliberate confidence, and certainly not a blind or hollow confidence; rather, it is a resonant and substantive confidence. This theoretical confidence is rooted in the land of China, forged within grand practice, and possesses not only a profound heritage and robust strength, but more importantly, a vivid character. As General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out, "In today's world, if one is to speak of which political party, which country, and which nation has reason to be confident, then the CPC, the People's Republic of China, and the Chinese nation have the most reason for confidence." The confidence of the CPC is an organic unity of confidence in the path, theory, system, and culture [7], and theoretical confidence is inherently contained within, logically permeates, and is distinctively manifested across these "Four Confidences." That Marxism works, and that Marxism adapted to the Chinese context and the needs of the times works, constitutes the ideological foundation upon which the CPC has the greatest reason to form its confidence. It is the powerful support for the CPC to consistently maintain its theoretical confidence, and even more so, the intrinsic gene of the CPC's full confidence in the theory of Chinese-path modernization.
How does the theory of Chinese-path modernization derive its confidence? From where does this deep and steadfast confidence originate? Only by being rooted in the vivid practice of the masses can theoretical confidence become more perceptible, feasible, and accessible; only by being integrated into specific spatial and temporal contexts can theoretical confidence truly enter the ear, the brain, and the heart. Chinese-path modernization was by no means produced out of thin air, nor created behind closed doors, and certainly not obtained through mechanical copying. In terms of its theoretical origins, it is the inheritance and development of Marxist modernization theory, and the promotion and transcendence of fine traditional Chinese culture; in terms of its practical basis, it was explored by the CPC through arduous efforts while uniting and leading the Chinese people in long-term practice. Deeply understanding the theoretical, historical, practical, value-oriented, and cultural logic of Chinese-path modernization holds important theoretical significance and practical value for inspiring us to embark on the new journey of building a modern socialist country in all respects. Although the theory of Chinese-path modernization started relatively late, it has caught up from behind, fundamentally shattering the myth that "modernization equals Westernization." It vividly displays an alternative picture of modernization different from the Western model, effectively expanding the path options for developing countries to move toward modernization.
Compared with Western modernization theory, the theory of Chinese-path modernization possesses at least two prominent advantages. First, looking at its scientific connotation and theoretical quality, the report to the 20th CPC National Congress stated at the very outset: "Chinese-path modernization is socialist modernization led by the CPC. It contains elements that are common to the modernization processes of all countries, but it is more characterized by features that are unique to the Chinese context." Chinese-path modernization is based on the reality of a massive population, focuses on the value pursuit of common prosperity for all, and is permeated by the two main ideological threads of coordinating material and cultural-ethical advancement and promoting harmony between humanity and nature. It consistently upholds the fundamental path of peaceful development, fully reflecting the people-centered nature of the direction of modernization, the diversity of the modernization path, the continuity of the modernization process, the universality of modernization outcomes, and the firmness of modernization leadership. Without doubt, such a modernization stands at the commanding heights of scientific truth, common values, human justice, and original innovation. From the inside out, it releases an invaluable creativity, goodwill, sentiment, and novelty, pointing toward a New Form of Human Civilization, and representing a scientific sublation (Aufhebung) and comprehensive transcendence of Western modernization.
Second, looking at the subjects of implementation and the practical basis, the theory of Chinese-path modernization is a major theoretical achievement created by the CPC through a century of struggle, adhering to independence, enduring hardships, and paying a huge price while uniting and leading the Chinese people. It is a theoretical innovation and breakthrough achieved in the process of advancing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era. It is a theoretical sublimation of the practice of building a modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts. It is a "Chinese solution" for creatively solving problems concerning the future destiny of humanity and for sustainably increasing the fundamental wellbeing and long-term interests of mankind. In a certain sense, facing unprecedented changes in the world, the times, and history, the theory of Chinese-path modernization is the theoretical expression of the CPC’s original aspiration and founding mission to "seek happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation." Furthermore, it is the ideological summation of the CPC's "concern for the world" (tianxia qinghuai) [8] to "seek progress for humanity and the Great Harmony for the world." Such a modernization meets the needs of the times, conforms to the general trend of the world, responds to human concerns, aligns with the people's vision, and is full of wisdom and power. It will inevitably become a brilliant example for developing countries to stride toward modernization with a spirit of independence, self-awareness, and self-confidence.
In essence, Chinese-path modernization is a new type of people-centered modernization. It both profoundly contains the common characteristics and internal logic of modernization in all countries and fully reflects distinctive features and value positions based on China’s national conditions. The theory of Chinese-path modernization is a theory "from the people, for the people, to serve the people, and to benefit the people." It both draws an inexhaustible source of innovation from the creative practice of the people and manifests the majestic power of truth within that practice. Based on this, to firm up confidence in the theory of Chinese-path modernization, we must, in the final analysis, firmly instill in the hearts of the broad masses of Party members, officials, and the people a confidence in the scientific nature, truth, correctness, and practicality of this theory. On the one hand, we must strengthen the foundation of our confidence through the reasonable explanation and effective response provided by the theory of Chinese-path modernization to major contemporary realities. The classical Marxist authors told us: "Theory is capable of gripping the masses as soon as it becomes radical. To be radical is to grasp the matter by the root."
The theory of Chinese-path modernization is a scientific answer given by the CPC, uniting and leading the Chinese people based on Chinese practice within the global landscape, and on the basis of profoundly grasping the laws of human social development, the laws of socialist construction, and the laws of the Communist Party’s governance. It closely seizes the fundamental issues and essential connotations of modernization with Chinese characteristics, style, quality, and poise. This is the inevitable product and theoretical result of the integration of universal Marxist principles with the specific realities of China’s modernization during the historical process of advancing globalization and nationalization as one. Such a theory will never fail this great era, nor will it fail the broad masses of the people; it is worthy of our steadfast conviction. On the other hand, we must strengthen the power of our confidence through the correct guidance and powerful impetus the theory of Chinese-path modernization provides to major contemporary social practices. Marx pointed out, "Theory also becomes a material force as soon as it has gripped the masses. Theory is capable of gripping the masses as soon as it becomes radical." In the long course of struggle, the theory of Chinese-path modernization, with its powerful internal strength, has led the Chinese nation in essentially completing within mere decades the path of civilization that Western capitalist countries took centuries to travel. It has initiated the great historical process of moving from standing up to becoming prosperous and then becoming strong [9]. In a certain sense, the theory of Chinese-path modernization has not only revitalized the developmental direction and overall appearance of the Chinese nation in the New Era, but has also transformed the spiritual outlook and posture of the broad masses. The theory of Chinese-path modernization is a sharp ideological weapon for the CPC and the Chinese people to build a modern socialist country in all respects and advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts. It will continuously empower the masses and maximize the cohesion and stimulation of their majestic power to understand and transform the world, thereby fundamentally consolidating the mass and historical foundations of theoretical confidence.
IV. Realizing the Self-Strengthening of Chinese-Path Modernization Theory
Along with the pace of the Chinese nation moving from decline toward rejuvenation, through the magnificent course of struggle where over a century of hardship and glory have intertwined, there are many reasons, dimensions, and levels as to why the CPC "can" [10]. Among them, theoretical self-strengthening is an extremely important "code for success." The report to the 20th CPC National Congress emphasized, "Our Party’s possession of the scientific guidance of Marxist theory is the fundamental reason for our Party's firm ideals and convictions and its ability to grasp historical initiative." Looking through modern Chinese history, it is not difficult to find that after the Opium War, facing an increasingly deepening national crisis, different social groups and political forces focused on the theme of "whither China" and, proceeding from their respective positions, engaged in arduous explorations of different paths using various methods.
After the Taiping Rebellion [11], the Self-Strengthening Movement [12], the Hundred Days' Reform [13], and the Revolution of 1911 [14] made their appearances one after another only to end in regret, the CPC, born with an inherent mission, emerged to move forward under heavy burdens. Through long-term revolutionary practice and cruel realistic trials, the Party reflected deeply on its pain, had the courage to transcend, and drew lessons from history’s blood and tears. It came to profoundly recognize and feel that: "If a nation wants to stand at the forefront of the times, it cannot for a moment be without theoretical thinking, nor for a moment be without the guidance of correct thought." Based on this high degree of theoretical self-awareness, the CPC has consistently upheld Marxist theory as its spiritual banner, theoretical weapon, and guide to action throughout its century of struggle. Simultaneously, it has mobilized the strength of the whole Party to promote the Sinicization, modernization, and popularization of Marxism, thereby leading and promoting its own growth and longevity through theoretical self-strengthening, and creatively expanding and advancing the path of Chinese-path modernization. History and reality demonstrate with irrefutable facts: theoretical self-strengthening is the important engine, internal driving force, and strong support for a Marxist party to stand at the forefront of the times, overcome all difficulties, achieve self-revolution, and lead social development.
Where does the theoretical self-strengthening of Chinese-path modernization derive its power? "Theoretical self-strengthening" is a collective concept with rich connotations; logically, it encompasses multiple implications, including a powerful theoretical core, a powerful mass base, powerful social influence, and powerful momentum for development. First, regarding the theoretical core, Chinese-path modernization fully absorbs the essence and marrow of fine traditional Chinese culture, comprehensively integrates the basic principles of scientific socialism, and simultaneously draws upon and assimilates all outstanding achievements of human civilization. It promotes the coordinated development of material, political, spiritual, social, and ecological civilizations, creating a new path for Chinese-path modernization and presenting a new form of human civilization. The unique outlooks on the world, values, history, civilization, democracy, and ecology contained within it centrally embody the New Era Chinese Communists' brand-new understanding and profound grasp of the internal laws of modernization. Simultaneously, it injects new connotations of the times into the innovative development of Marxism, especially the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism. Second, regarding the mass base, Chinese-path modernization is essentially a people-centered modernization. From theory to practice, it is permeated by the fundamental standpoint and value concept of being people-centered. It focuses on the reality of China's population of over 1.4 billion moving into a modern society as a whole, insists on taking the realization of the people’s aspirations for a better life as the starting point and goal of modernization, and strives to achieve common prosperity for all people on the basis of high-quality development. In this sense, the theory of Chinese-path modernization is a theory from the people, for the people, and for the benefit of the people; it originates from the creative practice of the people and guides that same practice. Its powerful mass base is incomparable to that of Western modernization theories, which are centered on capital. Third, regarding social influence, the emergence of Chinese-path modernization can be called a major event that shines in the annals of history, possessing great practical significance and far-reaching historical significance for the development of the Chinese nation and even the progress of human civilization. On one hand, it is the road to national strengthening and national rejuvenation independently explored by the CPC and the Chinese people on the basis of a century of struggle; it is the bright and broad avenue [15] for comprehensively building a great modern socialist country and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It fits China's national conditions, embodies Chinese characteristics, and demonstrates Chinese strength. On the other hand, it is a model of basing itself on Chinese practice to explore a way forward for the world and using Chinese wisdom to solve global problems. It expands new path options for the vast number of developing countries to move toward modernization independently and provides a practical and referable Chinese solution for all of humanity to explore and build better social systems. It conforms to the general trend of development, adapts to the world tide, and accords with human welfare. Fourth, regarding developmental momentum, Chinese-path modernization is a new type of modernization path that connects history with reality, tradition with the future, and China with the world. Compared with Western modernization, it breaks through the ideological shackles and logical constraints of capital-centeredness and stands on the just position and value height of being people-centered. From the standard of the unity of truth and value, it conforms more to the general trend and internal logic of human social development, aligns more with the value identity and internal pursuits of the broadest masses of people, and accords more with the authentic state and internal laws of the harmonious coexistence between man and nature. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the historic achievements made and the systemic changes promoted by the Party and the people in exploring and practicing modernization on Chinese soil give us ample reason to firmly believe that Chinese-path modernization itself possesses powerful vitality, appeal, affinity, and influence, and will surely be recognized, understood, and drawn upon by more and more nations and people worldwide.
Rooted in the land of China while facing the world and the future, how can we realize the theoretical self-strengthening of Chinese-path modernization? This is a special and complex systematic project. We must use holistic, systematic, dialectical, open, and innovative thinking to grasp internal laws and seize key links for major breakthroughs, thereby achieving systematic progress. First, we must strive to promote the high degree of unity between theory and practice. The unity of theory and practice is an inherent requirement for achieving theoretical self-strengthening. Only a theory that is generated from practice, empowered in practice, and maintains constant internal interaction and high consistency with changing practice can truly become the essence and marrow of the times, the precursor and guide of the era, and demonstrate powerful vitality, influence, and appeal in the process of leading and promoting practice. The theory of Chinese-path modernization must be deeply rooted in the great practice of comprehensively promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and building a modern socialist country in all respects. We must constantly tap the source of theory from practice and fully absorb the wisdom and strength of the masses, while effectively transforming theory into an active force for the masses to understand and transform the world during the process of guiding practice. Only by taking the high degree of unity between theory and practice as a powerful driving force can the theory of Chinese-path modernization truly "stand up" and "become strong," and its internal vitality and external influence be continuously strengthened. Second, we must strive to promote a "two-way journey" between the masses and theory. Marx pointed out: "The degree to which the masses 'care' about the purposes is the degree to which they are 'enthusiastic' about them... 'Idea' always disgraced itself insofar as it differed from the 'interest'." History is the activity of the masses. The masses do not overly focus on the depth or systemization of theory, but rather on whether the practice guided by theory conforms to their own developmental needs and fits specific, actual conditions. Unlike other theories in the history of human thought, Marxist theory is essentially a theory of the masses: it comes from their practice, embodies their will, condenses their strength, and defends their interests. The relationship between the masses and scientific theory is not a one-way transmission of passive reception, but a two-way interactive relationship. In practice, the masses need their own scientific theory as a sharp spiritual weapon, and scientific theory can only be transformed into a powerful material force when it is grasped by the masses in practice. The theory of Chinese-path modernization is not a set of texts in a scholar's study, but the tangible crystallization of the wisdom of the masses in the process of exploring and advancing the path of modernization. Only by fundamentally persisting in being people-centered—taking the internal needs of the people as the logical starting point, the innovative practice of the people as the theoretical source, the subjective power of the people as the driving force for development, and the fundamental interests of the people as the value destination—can the theory of Chinese-path modernization maximize the collection and excitation of the majestic power of the people. Third, we must strive to promote the organic integration between China and the world. Marxist theory reveals the laws of human social development from a global perspective, providing a scientific worldview and methodology for the CPC to unite and lead the Chinese people in fundamentally changing and transforming China. At the same time, Sinicized and modernized Marxism, by guiding China's practice and leading its development, creatively provides Chinese answers and solutions for solving universal problems and finding fundamental ways forward for the world. In a certain sense, the theory of Chinese-path modernization is an extremely important ideological bond connecting China and the world. From the grand perspective of the progress of human civilization, the theory of Chinese-path modernization must not only accurately grasp the special laws of China's own modernization but also scientifically grasp the general laws of the world's movement toward modernization. "We must stand at the height of world history to examine current global development trends and major issues." Only by elevating the practical exploration of Chinese-path modernization to the level of a path choice for world modernization can the theory of Chinese-path modernization truly stand at the forefront of world trends and be noticed and accepted by more and more people.
V. Systematically Grasping the Theoretical Self-Awareness, Self-Confidence, and Self-Strengthening of Chinese-path Modernization
Achieving modernization is not only the great dream for which the Chinese people have striven with determination despite hardships since modern times began, but also a beautiful vision sincerely pursued by people worldwide on the basis of seeking common ground while reserving differences. Based on different national conditions, histories, and cultures, all countries should voluntarily and independently choose the modernization model that best suits them. The specific paths toward modernization are rich and diverse, each with its own characteristics, together forming a vibrant picture of human modernization where "a hundred flowers bloom together," "each is beautiful in its own way," and "all share in each other's beauty" [16]. As a modernization model with deep roots and unique characteristics, Chinese-path modernization logically contains a powerful force that traverses time and space, crosses national borders, bridges divides, and transcends differences, vividly displaying a brilliant future that integrates theoretical brilliance, historical glory, and the splendor of the times. Regarding this, General Secretary Xi Jinping particularly emphasized: "We will always link our own destiny closely with the destiny of the people of all countries, strive to provide new opportunities for world development with the new achievements of Chinese-path modernization, provide new assistance for humanity's exploration of the path to modernization, and make new contributions to the modernization theory and practical innovation of human society." Whether viewed from a Chinese or a global perspective, the promotion of Chinese-path modernization can be called a pioneering, leading, forward-looking, and transcendent great cause. A great cause inevitably calls for a great theory. The greatness of the latter lies not only in its political height and philosophical depth but also in its consistent people's standpoint and sentiment. Ultimately, it must be recognized by the broad masses of the people and transformed into a powerful ideological weapon for them to correctly understand and actively transform the world. Based on the New Era, a new starting point, and a new journey, and in planning and advancing the theoretical innovation and theoretical arming of Chinese-path modernization as a whole, the urgent task and fundamental measure lie in fundamentally strengthening the masses' theoretical self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-strengthening regarding Chinese-path modernization.
The theoretical self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-strengthening of Chinese-path modernization are vividly presented in the dynamic practice of comprehensively promoting the construction of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese-path modernization. In the current and future period, our Party will unite and lead the people of all ethnic groups throughout the country, with a high-spirited posture, to embark on the journey of coordinately promoting Chinese-path modernization. We must not only profoundly recognize the significance of the high-level socialist market economy system as an important guarantee for Chinese-path modernization and high-quality development as the primary task in building a modern socialist country in all respects, but also firmly grasp the practical requirements of education, science and technology, and talent as the foundational and strategic support for Chinese-path modernization. We must not only deeply understand the value implications of urban-rural integrated development as an inevitable requirement of Chinese-path modernization and opening up as its distinct hallmark, but also deeply comprehend the practical significance of developing whole-process people's democracy as an essential requirement and the rule of law as an important guarantee for Chinese-path modernization. We must not only fully understand the two fundamental characteristics that Chinese-path modernization is the modernization of coordinated material and spiritual civilizations and the modernization of harmonious coexistence between man and nature, but also systematically plan the three important fulcrums: ensuring and improving the people's livelihood in the course of development as a major task, national security as the important foundation for the steady and long-term progress of Chinese-path modernization, and the modernization of national defense and the armed forces as an important component. We must not only unswervingly adhere to the leadership of the Party as the fundamental guarantee for further comprehensively deepening reform and promoting Chinese-path modernization, but also unequivocally demonstrate the international style [17] of Chinese-path modernization as a modernization that follows the path of peaceful development. These fourteen aspects closely revolve around the theme of Chinese-path modernization; they each have their own emphasis, constitute independent chapters, and display unique characteristics, while also being internally connected, deeply integrated, and mutually supporting, forming an organically unified whole.
Based on this, although the consciousness, confidence, and self-reliance of the theory of Chinese-path modernization belong to different levels and fields, they are intrinsically unified in the scientific grasp and conscious practice of the grand theme of Chinese-path modernization. There exists a dialectical relationship between the three that is complementary, interconnected, and inseparable. Theoretical consciousness is the fundamental prerequisite and cognitive basis for theoretical confidence and theoretical self-reliance; theoretical confidence is the internal drive and important support for theoretical consciousness and theoretical self-reliance; and theoretical self-reliance is the integrated sublimation and practical reinforcement of theoretical consciousness and theoretical confidence. In this sense, we must adopt a higher political standing, deeper political sentiment, and stronger political resolve to scientifically plan and systematically advance the systematized and academic interpretation of Chinese-path modernization theory, as well as its popularized and diversified dissemination. From the heights of cultivating "new people of the era" [18] capable of shouldering the great task of national rejuvenation, we must guide and push the broad masses of the people to continuously strengthen their consciousness of the theory of Chinese-path modernization in practice, effectively firm up their confidence in this theory, and strive to achieve theoretical self-reliance. Moreover, we must not attend to one and lose sight of others, or favor one over the other; they must be advanced as an integrated whole and on a continuous basis.
Tracing back to the source, the most fundamental and critical factor lies in always upholding the leadership position of the Communist Party of China in the construction of Chinese-path modernization. From the perspectives of praxiology and systems theory, the Party’s leadership not only fundamentally determines the essential nature and value position of Chinese-path modernization, but also institutionally ensures that Chinese-path modernization can remain anchored to its struggle goals and "navigate steadily and reach far" [19]. More importantly, at the source, it "stimulates the powerful impetus for building Chinese-path modernization" and "gathers the majestic strength for building Chinese-path modernization." In this sense, at the practical level, the Party's leadership is directly related to the fundamental direction, future, and destiny of Chinese-path modernization; naturally, it also directly determines the generation, innovation, and sublimation of the theory of Chinese-path modernization. Only by unswervingly upholding the Party's leadership and making every effort to promote the transformation of Chinese-path modernization from a beautiful vision desired by the heart into a tangibly felt beautiful life, can we demonstrate the great practical power of Chinese-path modernization theory and continuously strengthen its consciousness, confidence, and self-reliance.