Kang Yanru: Research and Analysis of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asian Countries
As a region with a long tradition of Sinology, the formation of a uniquely characteristic school of Chinese studies, and a wealth of accumulated research findings, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and the various Central Asian countries have consistently attached great importance to tracking, researching, and elucidating the theoretical innovations of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and its experiences in national governance. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, China’s socialist construction has achieved all-around, groundbreaking historical accomplishments. At the same time, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era possesses a rich global dimension; it contains deep reflections on the logic of development and governance, expanding the pathways for developing countries to achieve modernization. Therefore, conducting a deep and systematic study of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, exploring the drivers of China's development, and drawing lessons from China's experience in governance is an inevitable choice for countries like Russia, which have struggled to find a path for national development without seeing the light of day long after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It is also a realistic demand to escape diplomatic dilemmas and expand international living space amidst the accelerating evolution of the "changes unseen in a century" [1].
I. Overview of Research on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in Russia and Other Countries
Broadly speaking, research in Russia and other countries regarding Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is a continuation of their studies on "Socialism with Chinese Characteristics" and the "Chinese Path." In recent years, it has exhibited characteristics such as the diversification of research subjects, the variety of research themes, the interdisciplinary nature of research methods, and the interconnectedness of research agendas.
Diversification of Research Subjects Traditional comprehensive universities, academic institutions, and their subordinate Chinese research centers—such as the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia (ICCA) of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University, the Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO) of the RAS, and the Faculty of Asian and African Studies at Saint Petersburg State University—have consistently been the dominant forces in studying Chinese issues. However, in recent years, with the continuous improvement of China's comprehensive national strength and international influence—especially following the 20th National Congress of the CPC—Russia and other countries have expanded their research fields, deepened their research intensity, and provided more accurate policy services to meet practical needs. Building upon existing research institutions for Chinese issues, they have expanded systematic research into Chinese politics, economy, society, and foreign policy by opening new research centers, establishing new specialized journals, holding annual or thematic academic conferences, and planning major short-term and long-term projects. The research subjects have thus manifested a trend of diversification. Newly established research centers and think tanks include the Laboratory for "Contemporary Chinese Ideology" under the ICCA of the RAS, the Center for Contemporary Chinese Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the RAS, the Kazakhstan Center for Chinese Studies, the Overseas Research Center for Chinese-path Modernization, the Kyrgyzstan Center for the Analysis of Chinese Issues, and the "Coordinating Committee for China, East Asian, and Southeast Asian Countries" established under the initiative of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Higher School of Economics (HSE), and the RAS. In addition to academic institutions and think tanks, the communist parties and left-wing organizations of this region also constitute important research subjects for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. These organizations, through publishing relevant articles in party newspapers, releasing signed articles by leaders, accepting media interviews, and delivering public speeches, have articulated their perspectives and cognitions regarding China's socialist development path, achievements, and experiences from a positive and active position.
Variety of Research Themes Research in Russia and other countries on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era covers multiple dimensions including politics, economy, society, diplomacy, military affairs, history, ideology, culture, and civilization, with research themes becoming increasingly diverse and specific. On a macro level, there is both the tracking and elucidation of the generative logic, historical background, and evolutionary development of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, as well as the analysis and summarization of its specific concepts, main content, and distinctive features. On a micro level, research has continuously deepened regarding: the experience and Enlightenment from the CPC's century of struggle; the essence of socialism with Chinese characteristics and its relationship with world socialism; the "Two Combinations" [2] and the new frontiers of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism; the role of Chinese-path modernization in promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation; whole-process people's democracy and political construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era; the role of the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity in promoting the construction of a new type of international relations; and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the establishment of new international cooperation mechanisms.
Interconnectedness of Research Agendas In terms of research methods, there is a comprehensive application of political science, economics, history, and sociology, combined with literature research, statistical analysis, and historical narrative methods, showing a characteristic where various agendas are interconnected and overlapping. Taking the research on the Belt and Road Initiative as an example, an overview of the reports and studies from the media and academic circles in Russia and other countries over the past decade reveals a very broad and diverse perspective. Several mature research fields have formed, such as regional and country-specific studies, international relations studies, and frontier issue studies. These focus not only on the various impacts of the BRI on Russia and other countries but also deeply study the latest development dynamics and progress of the initiative within the framework of the BRI in participating countries. Research agendas involve infrastructure, finance, investment mechanisms, energy cooperation, economic globalization, global governance, regional integration, the Eurasian landmass, China-US competition, ecological security, national soft power, cooperation models, strategic positioning, implementation capabilities, institutional construction, resource capacity, exchange platforms, and development models and philosophies. The theoretical depth of the research is continuously improving, and the correlation between agendas is becoming tighter, leading to an increasingly comprehensive interpretation of the initiative.
II. Overall Cognition of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in Russia and Other Countries
The connotations of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era are extremely rich. Russia and other countries have systematically analyzed its theoretical attributes, distinctive features, and practical effects from a holistic perspective. They believe that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the latest theoretical achievement of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, and its conceptual system possesses the distinctive characteristics of continuous development and advancing with the times. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era provides a theoretical guide for China's practices in various fields at the current stage and promotes the forward development of the world socialist movement.
Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the latest theoretical achievement of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, Chinese communists have responded to the requirements of the times, combined them with new realities, and deepened their understanding of the laws of CPC governance, the laws of socialist construction, and the laws of the development of human society with a brand-new vision, opening up new frontiers for the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism. Alexander Lukin, Chief Researcher at the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia of the RAS, believes that the theoretical interpretation of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism in Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is both an inheritance of historical traditions and an implementation of important theoretical innovations—for example, the thought on the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, the thought on combining Marxism with China's fine traditional culture, and the thought on a new form of human civilization. Dmitry Novikov, Deputy Chairman of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF), pointed out that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is an important innovation in the development of Marxist theory, a major achievement in deepening the understanding of the laws of socialist development, and the key to understanding the essence of world processes and explaining China’s rapid development. The Communist Party of Belarus reviewed the century-long development process of the CPC, emphasizing that since its founding, the CPC has always remained true to its ideals and convictions and has continuously engaged in theoretical innovation. They noted that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era clearly puts forward the tasks of socialist modernization, commits to eliminating the contradiction between the people’s ever-growing needs for a better life and unbalanced and inadequate development, and represents the latest achievement in the development of Marxism and an important component of the theoretical system of world socialism.
Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era possesses the distinctive characteristics of being developmental, open, and advancing with the times Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is a theoretical system that is constantly developing and open; it continues to evolve, enrich, and improve as the cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation expands in all directions. Novikov pointed out that in the New Era, the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics is not just a slogan or a beautiful declaration, but a profound and detailed ideological system. For example, in the fields of state-building and Party building, it proposes building a socialist country under the rule of law; in the field of national defense, it emphasizes consolidating the Party’s leadership over the military and achieving the modernization of the people’s armed forces; in diplomacy and international relations, it proposes establishing a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for humanity. Vladimir Nezhdanov, an expert at the Institute of Contemporary International Studies of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, believes that the content of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is constantly being replenished with new concepts related to Party and state-building; it is a continuously evolving conceptual system with its own internal logic.
Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era provides a theoretical guide for China’s practices in various fields at the current stage Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is rooted in the great practice of upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era. It adheres to the unity of theoretical guidance and practical exploration, demonstrating immense power of truth in guiding and driving practice. Gennady Zyuganov, Chairman of the CPRF, pointed out that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era provides a complete set of methodologies for China’s magnificent socialist construction. It is not confined to a single field but touches upon every aspect of social life—politics, economy, society, culture, and ecology. Nezhdanov believes that in today’s China, as the latest theoretical achievement of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era plays a key role in the formation of China’s domestic and foreign policies and functions as a theoretical guide in the CPC’s decision-making process. Kirill Babaev, Director of the ICCA of the RAS and head of the Laboratory for "Contemporary Chinese Ideology," emphasized that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is being very effectively implemented in today’s China, exerting a significant influence on the development of China’s economy, politics, and various social sectors.
Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era promotes the forward development of the world socialist movement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era crystallizes the valuable experience of the CPC in understanding and transforming the world, making original contributions to the development of Marxism and world-class contributions to the cause of promoting human civilization’s progress. Petro Symonenko, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine, pointed out that Ukrainian communists and progressive forces attach great importance to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. They believe its value and significance lie not only in arming the CPC and the Chinese people with a specific, scientifically grounded program of action but also in opening broad prospects for the world socialist movement. In the context of the failures of the socialist cause in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has sparked a worldwide discussion on the fate, path, and possibility of victory for socialism. The vitality of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has been proven by the practice of China’s socialist construction, showing the world that only by replacing the capitalist system—which has exhausted its positive potential—with a socialist system can the acute problems faced by humanity in the New Era be resolved. Sokol, the former First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Belarus, emphasized that for the world socialist movement and the workers' movement, the development of Marxism-Leninism under modern conditions is more important than ever. In this regard, the CPC’s immense contribution to advancing Marxist theory and practice is unparalleled. The CPC's experience and the success of the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics provide reliable support for workers' parties and left-wing forces in various countries to play an increasingly important role. Communist parties and left-wing parties worldwide face the daunting task of transforming society based on principles of justice, equality, peace, and cooperation, and the CPC has undoubtedly become a beacon and a powerful supporting force in this movement.
III. Concerns and Issues in the Research on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in Russia and Other Countries
Research in Russia and other countries focuses on the CPC, socialism with Chinese characteristics, the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, Chinese-path modernization, and the community with a shared future for humanity, overall forming a research landscape with diverse perspectives and comprehensive content.
Centenary Experience and Enlightenment of the Communist Party of China The CPC is the core of leadership for the cause of Chinese socialism.
On the occasion of the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China in 2021, a research boom concerning the CPC’s century-long developmental journey was initiated in the region, represented by Communist Parties and left-wing scholars. Researchers spoke highly of the great significance of the CPC's founding and development for changing the future and destiny of the Chinese people, as well as the trends and patterns of world development. Zyuganov [3] pointed out that the CPC is a political party armed with advanced theory, which has always adhered to Marxism and remained loyal to revolutionary ideals; the history of the CPC is one of leading the Chinese people in continuous struggle, guiding the people to respond to all the challenges of the times, and marching into the New Era along the correct path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Sokol [4] argued that the CPC takes the realization of the people’s well-being as its goal of struggle, effectively ensuring the country moves along the path of development and progress, and providing humanity with an effective way to solve global development problems.
Communists and leftists mainly attribute the important experience of the CPC's century of struggle to two major factors: first, always adhering to Marxism, always developing Marxism by advancing with the times, and creatively combining Marxism with China's reality; second, always adhering to "people first" and "people-centeredness," putting the interests of the masses in the primary position. Anatoly Tozik, former Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus and Director of the Confucius Institute of Sinology at Belarusian State University, believes that the CPC not only relies on Marxism to explore the path of truth, but also utilizes thousands of years of national governance experience and traditional philosophy to unite the people closely in building the country together. Vasyl Soldatenko, a member of the Communist Party of Ukraine and a corresponding member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, pointed out that the CPC organically combines Marxism with national interests and has successfully explored the most advanced model of social development, which to a certain extent reflects the universal laws of social development and progress. Zyuganov noted that the main reason the CPC has always enjoyed high prestige lies in its consistent people-centeredness and its consistently close ties with the masses [5], continuously meeting the various needs of the people, encouraging the realization of well-rounded human development, and supporting development for the people and development relying on the people. Consequently, China has avoided those problems plaguing the world's major countries, completely eliminated extreme poverty, and successfully achieved the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects on the centenary of the founding of the Party.
The Essence and Developmental Achievements of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics
Socialism with Chinese characteristics is a fundamental achievement made by the Party and the people through long-term practical exploration, enduring untold hardships and paying a great price; it is the only path to achieving great victories in revolution, construction, and reform, and to realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. For a period, scholars in Russia and other countries had considerable differences in their understanding and evaluation of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and some scholars held ambiguous attitudes. After the 18th National Congress of the CPC, socialism with Chinese characteristics entered a New Era. More and more scholars began to think about and study contemporary China from the perspective of Marxism and the development of world socialism, engaging in deep reflection on issues such as the essence of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the relationship between socialism with Chinese characteristics and the "Chinese miracle." Representative scholars include Professor V. Shevchenko of the Institute of Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), RAS Academician and renowned economist Sergey Glazyev, and Professor A. Vinogradov of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the RAS. They believe that the essence of socialism with Chinese characteristics is socialism, and that China is building a genuine socialist state.
Shevchenko focused on the role of socialism with Chinese characteristics in combining basic Marxist principles with the strategic goals of a socialist state. He argued that socialism with Chinese characteristics effectively combines the strategic goal of realizing the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with basic Marxist principles, and there is every reason to regard socialism with Chinese characteristics as the scientific socialism of the 21st century. In his monograph The Chinese Economic Miracle: Lessons for Russia and the World, Glazyev systematically reviewed the changes in China's economic system and its major achievements since the reform and opening up, concluding that socialism with Chinese characteristics created the Chinese miracle. He pointed out that China proposed the theory of socialism with Chinese characteristics at the beginning of reform and opening up, and through continuous development, this theory became the prerequisite for China's economic miracle. China successfully established an effective economic management system, setting an example for other late-developing countries and acting as a leader in promoting the formation of a new world economic order. From the perspective of the development of human civilization, Vinogradov argued that socialism with Chinese characteristics not only successfully solves internal development problems and fully responds to external challenges, but also creates a new path of social development with world significance, creating a new form of human civilization.
New Horizons in the Sinicization and Modernization of Marxism
Whether Marxism can play a role in practice depends on whether basic Marxist principles can be combined with China's specific reality and the characteristics of the times. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, as socialism with Chinese characteristics has continuously achieved world-renowned successes, Russia and other countries have increasingly attached importance to viewing Chinese issues from the perspective of the development and innovation of Marxism. This has resulted in a body of work deeply researching the historical process and great significance of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism. For example, Vinogradov pointed out that the CPC has always adhered to Marxism throughout its century-long development and has continuously developed Marxism in practice. As humanity entered the 21st century and the world underwent drastic changes, the CPC advanced with the times, closely following shifts in the global landscape and using basic Marxist principles to scientifically interpret all major domestic and international changes. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is a major theoretical achievement of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, effectively solving the problems facing China. It is precisely the CPC’s ideological advancement with the times that has led China and its people to the forefront of world historical development.
The fundamental way to promote the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism is to persist in combining basic Marxist principles with China's specific reality and with fine traditional Chinese culture (the "Two Combinations"). Before the 20th National Congress of the CPC, academic circles in Russia and other countries had already noticed the use of traditional Chinese philosophical concepts as examples and explanatory tools in important documents. Following the 20th National Congress's explicit proposal of the "Second Combination" [6], the combination of Marxism with fine traditional Chinese culture has become a hot topic in Chinese studies in Russia and elsewhere. At the 2022 academic seminar "The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China" held in Moscow, Vinogradov pointed out that the new development of CPC theory is mainly reflected in the increasingly wide use of traditional Chinese philosophical concepts. This is an innovative development of socialism with Chinese characteristics in practice; the development of Marxism in China has transcended the boundaries of Sinicization, and the strengthening of the role of fine traditional Chinese culture has consolidated its status as the "root and vein" of the CPC's theoretical innovation and development. Goncharov, Chief Researcher at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the RAS, pointed out that the ancient Chinese philosophical thoughts cited by Xi Jinping in the report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC are a model of applying fine traditional Chinese culture to modern state governance. Balichinova of the Buryat State University in Russia focused on exploring the ideological foundation of the combination of Marxism and fine traditional Chinese culture. She believes that in terms of epistemology, both Marxism and Confucianism emphasize the unity of knowledge and action [7]; Confucianism emphasizes education and the acquisition of knowledge and skills, with the purpose of learning being to guide one's behavior, while practice is the foundation of Marxist philosophy—without the viewpoint of practice, it is impossible to truly grasp the essence of Marxist philosophy. Regarding the judgment of the laws of human social development, both Marxism and Confucianism propose new concepts about the future social order and reject "metaphysics." Methodologically, another common ground between Marxism and Confucianism is materialist dialectics, such as the Confucian emphasis on the unity of opposites within things. In terms of socio-political thought, both emphasize social solidarity and the spirit of collectivism.
Reasons for the Great Achievements of Chinese-path Modernization and Their World Significance
Issues such as Chinese-path modernization and the "China Path" were already hot topics in Chinese studies in Russia and other countries before the 20th National Congress of the CPC. Concepts and terms like "China Path," "China Model," and "China Miracle" were commonly used, focusing on exploring the reasons for the success of the China Path in comparison with Western paths. After the 20th National Congress, based on published literature, it can be seen that the research focus has shifted from the comparison between Chinese-path modernization and Western capitalist development paths to the internal meaning and characteristics of Chinese-path modernization, as well as the feasibility of other developing countries drawing lessons from this modernization model.
Regarding the huge achievements of Chinese-path modernization and their causes, scholars and political figures from Russia and other countries have provided interpretations from several aspects: leadership, the socialist system, scientific and technological progress, the role of traditional culture, and the implementation of the reform and opening up policy. In 2024, when the Kazakhstan Center for Chinese Studies celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, it released data on China's development and modernization achievements in various fields over the past 75 years, focusing on the results of reform and opening up, industrial development, and social progress. Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, in his article "Factors of China's Success," listed the reasons why China achieved amazing successes over several decades despite global economic crises, sharp rises in oil prices, and rampant epidemics: first, the strong leadership of the CPC over national development and social construction; second, China's rapid establishment of an independent industrial base by introducing advanced technology, which in turn laid its own scientific and technological foundation; third, after solving industrial and technical problems, China began to accelerate the development of the domestic market based on improving citizen well-being, with the steady expansion of the domestic market and the construction of modern infrastructure becoming the locomotive of overall economic development. A. Shevchenko of the Institute of Oriental Studies at the Far Eastern Federal University in Russia argued that if Russian scholars previously attributed the success of Chinese-path modernization to the demographic dividend, cheap labor, a favorable external environment, and China's economic scale—believing these factors could not be replicated by other developing countries—today, Russian scholars focus more on institutional and mechanistic factors. They believe the success of Chinese-path modernization is mainly attributed to the sophisticated collective leadership mechanism and developed consultation system implemented by the CPC politically; the socialist market economy system and consistent policy of opening up to the outside world economically; and methodologically, the scientific nature of decision-making, large-scale reforms introduced in stages after repeated experimentation, the continuous improvement of all social fields including the rule of law, the selection of talent through extensive quantitative indicators, and a unique mobilization mechanism, among others.
Chinese-path modernization is rooted in fine traditional Chinese culture, embodies the advanced nature of scientific socialism, and presents a new picture different from the Western modernization model, providing a reference for the vast number of developing countries to explore paths to modernization independently. Researchers generally believe that the path of Chinese-path modernization has shattered the myth that modernization equals Westernization, providing a new choice for those developing countries that wish to maintain their sovereignty and realize that copying Western development models has no future. Tozik believes that China's experience has important practical significance for the future development of not only itself but also Asia and many other countries in the world. He even suggests that in the near future, it can be concluded that only China has the possibility of combining national, social, and individual interests, as well as socialist justice and economic efficiency, into a dialectical unity in the most effective form.
Whole-process People’s Democracy as a Transcendence of the Western Democratic Model
Democracy is an essential requirement of socialism; without democracy, there is no socialism. Since General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed the concept of "whole-process people's democracy," Russia and other countries have paid attention to this major theoretical innovation. After continuous follow-up research, they have concluded that China has embarked on a path of independently interpreting modern democratic models and their historical roots, and that whole-process people's democracy is a transcendence of the Western democratic model.
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Chubarov points out that for a long time, the concept of "democracy" has been the core of the political concepts and ideology of Western elites. The US and Western countries use "democracy" as a tool to legitimize their foreign policy lines, arbitrarily defining whether a country is a "democracy" or a "dictatorship," and subsequently making decisions to isolate, sanction, or, in extreme cases, use force. In recent decades, systematic political problems within the Western countries leading the "free world" have continuously grown, leading people to question the authenticity of Western democracy. Meanwhile, the rising living standards and strengthening of subjective consciousness in major developing countries have created conditions for introducing political governance models adapted to local socio-psychological, cultural, historical, and national belief characteristics. Furthermore, the transition toward a multipolar world is accompanied by a discourse struggle by the "global majority" [8] to achieve diversity in paths of social development. China has stood out in this process; its political system has played a decisive role in the course of achieving Great economic success, altering the balance of power on the world stage.
Chubarov emphasizes that, in contrast to Western democracy—which is discrete, awakened only during voting, and "falls into hibernation" after the ballot—China's proposed whole-process people's democracy comprises five linked stages: elections, consultation, decision-making, governance, and oversight. In addition to the right to vote, the people possess the right to be informed, the right to participate in political processes, the right to express differing opinions, and the right to control the implementation of decisions. The core factor of whole-process people's democracy is continuity, which stands in sharp contrast to short-term and discrete Western democracy. Vinogradov analyzed the significant theoretical value and practical significance of whole-process people's democracy. He noted that the category of whole-process people's democracy is not limited to democratic elections, consultation, decision-making, management, and oversight, but also involves every stage of the people's participation in the implementation of state policy. This is manifested in the people's ability to respond to all acts that violate principles of social justice, immorality, and abuse of power, implying the introduction of a bottom-up oversight system. This is not only a political expression of the principle of social justice but also embodies effective public supervision of officials. Romanov discussed how whole-process people's democracy transcends the Western democratic model from the perspective of the relationship between fine traditional Chinese culture and whole-process people's democracy. He pointed out that in the West, democratic participation is essentially procedural and lacks care for the people or effective protection of their interests. China's whole-process people's democracy absorbs "people-as-the-center thought" (minben sixiang) [9] from fine traditional Chinese culture; the latter places high political and moral demands on rulers, cultivating their sense of responsibility and guiding them to work "for the people." However, traditional political ideals and moral requirements must be institutionalized, a task resolved through whole-process people's democracy, which has become a natural continuation of fine traditional Chinese culture and its historical heritage. Western liberal democracy is based on individualism, whereas Chinese democracy seeks to establish a responsible society and a responsible state. Differing from the dogmas and standards in the Western academic mainstream, China has embarked on a path of independently interpreting modern democratic models and their historical roots.
The Concept of Building a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity and Major-Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era
The concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity is the result of the Communist Party of China's deepening understanding of the laws governing the development of human society; it is a Chinese solution offered for the questions of what kind of world to build and how to build it. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, researchers in Russia and other countries have conducted continuous and in-depth research on important aspects of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, such as the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the "Belt and Road" Initiative (BRI). They generally believe that the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity fundamentally represents the themes of China's foreign policy in recent years, serves as one of the resources of China's soft power, helps enhance China's international image, and plays an increasingly large role year by year, gaining a global scale. In the article "The Contribution of the Concept of a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity to the Innovative Development of 21st-Century Marxism," A. Boyarkina and V. Pecheritsa of Far Eastern Federal University in Russia explained the theoretical basis of the concept. They noted that the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity is based on fine traditional Chinese culture and reflects basic human values, while also serving as an important contribution to the creative development of Marxism. The concept respects the right of all countries to independently explore social systems and development paths suited to their own national conditions, advocates for the world's people to jointly respond to global challenges, promotes exchange and cooperation between countries, and explores modes of cooperation consistent with the concept of sustainable development to achieve mutual benefit for all humanity. The concept aims to deepen China's ties with the world and improve the global governance system.
Since the "Belt and Road" Initiative was proposed in 2013, it quickly attracted high levels of attention from Russian media and academia. In the early stages of the BRI, various circles in Russia exhibited multiple doubts; media outlets, academia, and think tanks alike focused their reporting and research on China's motives and intentions in proposing the initiative. With the alignment and cooperation between the "Belt and Road" and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), doubts among various Russian circles gradually diminished, and a significant shift occurred in the attitudes toward and evaluations of the BRI. A. Belov, a chief researcher at Saint Petersburg State University, noted when analyzing why the academic community generally evaluates China's BRI positively that this is largely related to a universal desire for regional integration. He pointed out that for a long time, the "Pacific factor" dominated the regional integration of countries outside the region; in this context, the BRI holds special significance. Its vast scale, state support, organizational design, financing mechanisms, extensive planning, rapidly expanding circle of participating countries, and realistic opportunities to improve infrastructure are all practical achievements of the BRI since its implementation. As the initiative advances, a new type of international division of labor is expanding—one based on localized production technologies implemented in different countries rather than single segments of product manufacturing; correspondingly, production chains and trade flows in these regions have changed. These are the foundations for establishing a new model of industrialization and regional integration. K. Voytikov, a scholar at Moscow State University, noted that against the backdrop of the crisis in global governance, the BRI, based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence [10], provides strategic support for the development of participating countries and powerfully promotes the formation of new international cooperation mechanisms.
IV. Characteristics and Trends in the Study of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in Russia and Other Countries
The research on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in Russia and other countries has strengthened holistic and systematic study while continuing previous topics, exhibiting the following distinct characteristics:
Emphasis on Ideological and Theoretical Research
Compared to the past, one distinct characteristic of research on China in Russia and other countries since the 18th CPC National Congress is the emphasis on ideology and theoretical foundations. The establishment of the Laboratory of Contemporary Chinese Ideology in Russia—acclaimed as the first overseas research center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era—aims to "strengthen the understanding of the ideological and theoretical foundations upon which China's economic development, internal and external policies, and socio-cultural processes are based." In August 2025 [11], it published a monograph on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The book's editor-in-chief, Babaev, explained in the preface the significance of studying this Thought for Russia and the world today. First, China's practice is very closely linked to ideology; understanding the development path and future trends of modern China depends largely on in-depth research into the ideological foundation of 21st-century China—Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Second, the New Era is a period of profound transformation in Chinese society, where modernization processes in domestic affairs, diplomacy, economy, and technological policy are continuous and innovative. For Russia, understanding how this transformation occurs and its future development path is crucial. Finally, China's global influence is growing daily in the fields of global economy, politics, science, technology, and culture. Given the long-term crisis in the system of international relations, China's global initiatives concerning the future international order are welcomed by countries worldwide and have been confirmed in joint statements by the leaders of China and Russia, representing the vision of the vast Global South and the "world majority."
Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and the Development of 21st-Century Marxism as Important Research Perspectives
For a long time in the past, when studying contemporary Chinese issues, academia in Russia and other countries held clear differences in their understanding and evaluation of the Sinicization of Marxism and socialism with Chinese characteristics. Many academic works on China studied the country only from the perspectives of science and technology, innovation, and economic growth, while excluding social systems, strategic social goals, value systems, and civilizations from the analytical framework. Since the New Era, and especially after the 20th CPC National Congress, more and more scholars are reflecting on and studying contemporary China from the perspective of the development of Marxism and world socialism in the 21st century. Examples include sustained attention to the CPC's theoretical innovation, theoretical tracing of the "Second Combination" [12], and in-depth exploration of the relationship between the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity and the innovative development of Marxism. Affirmative understandings and voices are increasing. As Goncharov stated: "Marked by the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, for a century-long historical period, China's main ideological source has been Marxism. Marxism is an epochal yardstick; its relevance to globalization is as close as the relevance of time to space, and it directly echoes Xi Jinping's discourses on the historical experience of the CPC's century of struggle."
Formation of a Research Path Distinct from Western Value Orientations
At the 2022 roundtable "Contemporary Chinese Studies in Russia: Problems and Prospects," Russian scholars generally agreed that Russian Sinology has formed a research path different from that of the West. "The West has always been unable to fully understand China, whereas Russia, with its unique ability to 'embrace' other civilizations and cultures, has formed the strongest school of Sinology and possesses a relatively deep knowledge and understanding of contemporary China." Unlike Western scholars who generally view China from the perspectives of Western political theory and values, Russian scholars' research often treats China as an alternative vehicle to Western ideology and Eurocentrism, thereby forming a unique Russian perspective on Sinology. Since the 20th CPC National Congress, Russian scholars' recognition of the important role and guiding status of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in China's social development, as well as their analysis of policies and trends in China's politics, economy, society, diplomacy, and national security, have all presented research paths and reflections distinct from the value orientations of Western "liberty" and "democracy."
V. Further Advancing the Depth and Breadth of Overseas Research on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era
"The stone from another mountain can serve to polish one's own jade" [13]. Regarding the series of viewpoints and propositions formed by research in Russia and other countries since the 18th CPC National Congress on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we must differentiate and learn from them with a rational evaluation. We should absorb the beneficial components and value their reasonable demands, while also researching and analyzing areas of misinterpretation and misunderstanding. Based on strengthening communication and cooperation, we should form a consensus to jointly promote the international dissemination of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
First, listen to reasonable suggestions and respond to objective demands. Research on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in Russia and other countries is mainly conducted through dynamic tracking, analysis, interpretation, and theoretical explanation. Some scholars, proceeding from the inspiration and reference value of the Thought for the social development of other countries, have put forward reasonable demands and suggestions: such as the demand for further explanation of the large number of terms, terminology, and theories with characteristics of the times and profound connotations that have appeared in the CPC's theoretical innovations; the demand for distilling general content and characteristics of Chinese-path modernization that developing countries can draw upon; and the demand for summarizing specific paths to use fine traditional culture to promote the development of modern society. Chinese academia should promptly understand and respond to these demands and suggestions, encouraging and affirming their research enthusiasm and pioneering spirit.
Second, strengthen communication and exchange to timely correct areas of misinterpretation and misunderstanding.
The majority of researchers in countries such as Russia evaluate and interpret the theoretical innovation and development of the Communist Party of China (CPC) since the New Era began from a positive standpoint. However, one cannot rule out instances of one-sided understanding or even misinterpretation and misunderstanding, the reasons for which are multifaceted and complex. Subjectively speaking, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Sinological research in Russia and other countries has faced a generational gap and a lack of qualified successors [14]. The vast majority of the new generation of young scholars lack basic literacy in Marxist theory and are easily influenced by the West; some young scholars even consciously or unconsciously gravitate toward the so-called "Western consensus," lacking both an investigation into the current reality of China's development and an objective understanding and judgment of its prospects. Objectively speaking, since the New Era, the CPC’s theoretical innovation has continuously advanced with the times, giving rise to a series of terminological concepts and theoretical systems that reflect the developments of the times and changes in national conditions. These represent a high degree of theoretical crystallization of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism. However, as foreign researchers of China issues, they are limited by their own knowledge reserves and information acquisition channels. They often can only capture and explain a single point within a massive sea of information. Systematic and holistic research on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era still needs to be improved, further illustrating the importance and urgency of strengthening international exchange and cooperation.
Third, create favorable conditions for telling China’s story well [15].
On the one hand, we should strengthen exchange and cooperation with academic circles and news media in Russia and other countries, organically combining news promotion with international communication. We must fully utilize the opportunity of integrated new media development to vigorously promote the theoretical innovations and practical achievements of the CPC. Aiming at different groups, especially the younger generation, we should demonstrate China's developmental achievements across multiple levels and dimensions, telling China's story well and making China's voice heard. On the other hand, rigorous theoretical explanation needs to be supported by vivid perceptual knowledge and practical investigation. We can "invite in" influential foreign scholars and young scholars by creating various mechanisms and building multi-level platforms, enabling them to personally experience the latest practical achievements of Chinese-path modernization. This allows them to use vivid, authentic examples and methods that foreign audiences identify with and easily accept to demonstrate to the international community the actual results achieved in China's socialist construction under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era, thereby further advancing the depth and breadth of overseas research on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era.