Ouyang Song: Always maintain alertness and firmness in solving the unique challenges facing a large party
General Secretary Xi Jinping profoundly noted in the report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) that "as the largest frontline Marxist governing party in the world, our Party must always maintain the sobriety and resolution to solve the unique challenges facing a large party, if we are to consistently win the support of the people and consolidate our long-term governing position." At the Second Plenary Session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, General Secretary Xi Jinping further emphasized that "comprehensively and strictly governing the Party is an ongoing journey, and we must always maintain the sobriety and resolution to solve the unique challenges facing a large party." From the strategic height of the overall development of the cause of the Party and the state, he profoundly analyzed the formative causes, main manifestations, and ways to overcome the unique challenges of a large party. This is a major political judgment made with a focus on our Party’s historical orientation and its missions and tasks; it fully reflects the Party's strategic confidence in issues of Party management and governance, as well as its strategic self-awareness in grasping historical initiative. It further enriches and develops Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
Profoundly Understanding the Main Manifestations of the Unique Challenges Facing a Large Party
At the Second Plenary Session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, General Secretary Xi Jinping summarized the unique challenges our Party must solve from six perspectives. These are: "how to always stay true to our original aspiration and founding mission; how to always unify our thoughts, will, and actions; how to always possess strong governing capacity and leadership skills; how to always maintain a proactive spirit in entrepreneurship and professional work; how to always be able to discover and solve our own problems in a timely manner; and how to always maintain a clean and upright political ecosystem." These are all unique challenges that our large Party must solve.
These "six 'how to always' [guiding questions]" point toward the same objective: to enhance the Party's capacity for self-purification, self-perfection, self-reform, and self-improvement, thereby building the Party into a vibrant Marxist governing party that always stands at the forefront of the times, wins the heartfelt support of the people, has the courage to engage in self-revolution, and can withstand the test of any storm. These "six 'how to always' [guiding questions]" uphold the same methodological approach: adhering to problem-consciousness. The direct question they require an answer to is: how can the Party find the "second answer" [1] to escaping the historical cycle of rise and fall? The further question they seek to answer is the major contemporary issue of: what kind of long-term governing Marxist party should we build, and how should we build it?
Why has our Party solemnly proposed these "six 'how to always' [guiding questions]" as "unique challenges"? This can be viewed specifically from the following three aspects.
First, from the perspective of the Party's unique ultra-large organizational scale. Our Party possesses a complete and rigorous organizational system composed of central organizations, local organizations, primary-level organizations, and individual members. By the end of 2021, the total number of CPC members reached 96.712 million, and primary-level Party organizations reached 4.936 million. "Our Party is the largest political party in the world; to be big, one must act the part, but being big also brings its own difficulties." A massive membership provides the Party with abundant organizational resources, but it also increases the workload of member education and management, making it more difficult to maintain the advanced nature and purity of the membership. A vertical, multi-layered organizational structure gives the Party a unique organizational advantage, but it also faces the risk that central authority and the spirit of the Central Committee may diminish at each successive level, and the Party's organizational power, appeal, and influence may progressively decline. How to make the Party’s leadership "act like the body commanding the arms, and the arms commanding the fingers" [2], and how to unite the entire Party into "a single piece of solid steel," remain major issues that Chinese Communists in the New Era must keep constantly in mind.
Second, from the perspective of the Party's unique and glorious history of over a hundred years. Since its founding in 1921, the CPC has always taken the pursuit of happiness for the Chinese people and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation as its original aspiration and founding mission. It has consistently adhered to communist ideals and socialist convictions, uniting and leading the people of all ethnic groups in unremitting struggle for national independence, the liberation of the people, and the realization of national prosperity and popular happiness, writing the most magnificent epic in the thousands of years of the Chinese nation's history. The Party's century-long struggle fundamentally transformed the future and destiny of the Chinese people, opened the correct path for achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, demonstrated the powerful vitality of Marxism, profoundly influenced the course of world history, and forged a Communist Party of China that stands at the forefront of the times. However, "for an individual or a political party, the rarest thing is to remain true to the original aspiration after experiencing great changes, and to maintain the true character after enduring hardships." Furthermore, "a nation that forgets where it came from is a nation without a way out; a party that forgets its original aspiration is a party without a future." How can we ensure that we remember the Party’s fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly, uphold the original aspiration with firm ideals and convictions, and remember that the people’s yearning for a better life is our goal? How can we nourish the original aspiration with sincere feelings for the people, never forgetting that our Party comes from the people and is rooted in the people, and that the support and backing of the masses are the inexhaustible source of power for our victorious advance? How can we practice the original aspiration with a solid sense of being public servants, always remembering that the people are the "parents" [3] of Communists and that Communists are the people’s attendants, never detaching ourselves from the masses, or belittling or ignoring their hardships? And how can we maintain that same drive, that same revolutionary enthusiasm, and that same "life-risking spirit" [4] from the revolutionary war years? These remain major questions that Chinese Communists in the New Era must not forget for a single moment.
Third, from the perspective of the Party's position of long-term governance. Our Party is a Marxist party exercising long-term governance in a large country with a population of over 1.4 billion. Under the new situation in which profound changes are occurring in world affairs, national conditions, and the Party's internal state, the Party faces many unprecedented new circumstances, problems, and challenges. The tests of governance, reform and opening up, the market economy, and the external environment are long-term, complex, and severe. The danger of mental slackness, the danger of lack of capacity, the danger of becoming detached from the masses, and the danger of passive corruption sit even more sharply before the whole Party. The task of implementing the principle that "the Party must manage the Party" and comprehensively and strictly governing the Party is more onerous and urgent than ever before. "The contest between corruption and anti-corruption is still intense and shows some new periodic characteristics. We still have a long way to go in preventing various interest groups from forming cliques and 'hunting' [5] for gain through corruption. We still have a long way to go in effectively dealing with the invisible, mutated, and upgraded methods of corruption. We still have a long way to go in thoroughly eradicating the soil in which corruption breeds and achieving 'clear seas and a calm river' [6]. We still have a long way to go in cleaning up systemic corruption and resolving hidden risks." From the "Four Tests" and "Four Dangers" [7] to the "Four 'Long Way to Go's,'" the Party Central Committee has repeatedly reminded and required the whole Party to continue fighting the uphill and protracted war against corruption with the resolve of being "always on the journey." General Secretary Xi Jinping also noted with deep concern: "For such a large party, occupying a governing position and controlling governing resources, it is very easy to overlook its own deficiencies and ignore its own problems under the halo of governing achievements, falling into a predicament where 'it is easy to revolutionize others, but hard to revolutionize oneself.'" This fully demonstrates our Party's sober understanding of its historical orientation and the complex environment it faces, further pointing the way for us to promote the development of comprehensively and strictly governing the Party in depth on the new journey.
In summary, proposing the "six 'how to always' [guiding questions]" as "unique challenges" is closely linked to the historical status of the CPC as the world’s largest Marxist governing party, and is intimately related to the Party's specific subjective conditions and objective environment.
Profoundly Understanding the Great Significance of Solving the Unique Challenges Facing a Large Party
The reason why these "six 'how to always' [guiding questions]" have been identified as unique challenges our Party must solve is that, for any party other than the Communist Party of China, these problems would not arise. They are unique because other parties lack such a massive scale, such a long history, such a long duration of governance, and such high standards for self-construction; nor do they have such clear ideals, nature, and purposes, or such magnificent missions and tasks. Furthermore, the resolution of these problems is of overall and profound significance, involving a diversity of subjects and a tendency toward recurrence, making them very difficult to solve. They require the mobilization of the whole Party and the support of the people, and can only show continuous results through unremitting effort. They cannot be solved overnight or once and for all; thus, they are recognized as "difficult problems."
Facing these "unique challenges of a large party," General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out with great force at the Second Plenary Session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection: "Solving these problems is a hurdle that must be cleared to realize the missions and tasks of the Party on the new journey in the New Era, and a 'hard bone to chew' [8] that must be tackled for comprehensively and strictly governing the Party to adapt to new situations and requirements." This fully reflects the firm will and strong determination of the Party Central Committee.
We can understand the deafening mobilization order issued by General Secretary Xi Jinping to the whole Party from three aspects:
(1) Maintaining the sobriety and resolution to solve the unique challenges of a large party is an inevitable requirement for ensuring the Party never changes its nature, its conviction, or its character.
General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out in the report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC: "Through unremitting efforts, the Party has found the 'second answer' to escaping the historical cycle of rise and fall—self-revolution—to 'ensure that the Party never changes its nature, its conviction, or its character' [9]." Having the courage to engage in self-revolution is the prominent mark that distinguishes the CPC from other political parties. Consistently adhering to the truth and correcting errors, having the courage to face problems and overcome shortcomings, and being brave enough to "scrape the bone to remove poison" [10] and "remove the decay to grow new flesh" are the most distinct qualities and advantages of our Party. Only by maintaining the sobriety and resolution of self-revolution can we ensure the Party never "changes its nature" (变质)—that is, does not change its nature as a Marxist party and always maintains its advanced nature and purity; only then can we ensure the Party never "changes its color" (变色)—that is, does not change the true colors of a Marxist party and always maintains its "red gene" [11]; and only then can we ensure the Party never "changes its flavor" (变味)—that is, does not change the fine style of a Marxist party and always maintains the political character of Communists who love, serve, work for, and remain clean for the people.
(2) Maintaining the sobriety and resolution to solve the unique challenges of a large party is a necessary prerequisite for ensuring the Party always breathes the same air as the people, shares the same fate, and stays heart-to-heart with them, forever remaining invincible.
"Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it." [12] History has fully proven that the people are the country, and the country is the people; the support of the people is a matter of life and death for the Party. By winning the trust and support of the people, the Party can overcome any difficulty and be invincible. Otherwise, we will achieve nothing and even move toward decline.
The CPC came from the people and has grown strong by relying on the people; it has always possessed deep feelings for the people. The Party profoundly understands that the people are the greatest source of confidence for our Party’s governance, the solid foundation of our Republic, and the fundamental basis for our Party’s governance and national rejuvenation. Our Party comes from the people, lives for the people, and prospers because of the people. We must be of one mind with the people, share their joys and sorrows, engage in united struggle with them, share their happiness, and face their hardships together—sharing "salty food when there is salt, and bland food when there is none." [13] As long as we persist in the people-centered development philosophy, doing one thing after another, year after year, and solving the "urgent, difficult, and anxious" [14] problems of the masses with heart, emotion, and strength—giving the masses a more direct and substantial sense of gain, happiness, and security—we will certainly be able to continuously promote more obvious and substantive progress in common prosperity for all people. "Winning the country and holding the country means winning and holding the hearts of the people." "The Communist Party of China always represents the fundamental interests of the broadest possible majority of the people; it shares weal and woe and stays together through thick and thin with the people. It has no special interests of its own, and it never represents the interests of any specific interest group, any power group, or any privileged class." As long as we persist in focusing on the hearts of the people as the greatest politics, and take winning public support and gathering public wisdom and strength as important focal points—using the sense of mission and responsibility encapsulated in the phrase "offending thousands to avoid failing the 1.4 billion" [15] to cure ailments and address chaos, constantly examining ourselves, not concealing our shortcomings or papering over our mistakes, and resolutely fighting against all phenomena that weaken the Party's advanced nature and purity or harm its health—our Party will surely be able to remain invincible forever.
(3) Maintaining the sobriety and resolution to solve the unique challenges of a large party is the inherent meaning of ensuring the Party always stands at the forefront of the times and comprehensively advances the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization.
The comprehensive building of a modern socialist country is a great and arduous undertaking; the future is bright, but the road is long and the responsibilities are heavy. Currently, as the world’s unprecedented changes in a century accelerate their evolution, a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is developing in depth. The international balance of power is undergoing profound adjustments, and China's development faces new strategic opportunities. At the same time, the profound impact of the century-long pandemic persists, trends of anti-globalization are surging, and unilateralism and protectionism are clearly on the rise. The recovery of the world economy is sluggish, local conflicts and turbulence occur frequently, and global issues are intensifying; the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. China's reform, development, and stability face many deep-seated contradictions that cannot be dodged or bypassed. Party building—especially the building of a clean government and the anti-corruption struggle—faces many stubborn and recurring problems. Some Party members and cadres lack a spirit of responsibility, possess weak fighting skills, and lack a spirit of practical work. Phenomena such as formalism and bureaucratism remain prominent, the task of eradicating the soil that breeds corruption remains arduous, and external suppression and containment could escalate at any time. On the road ahead, we must enhance our awareness of potential dangers, adhere to "bottom-line thinking," remain vigilant in times of peace, prepare for rainy days [16], and be ready to withstand major tests of high winds, choppy waves, and even perilous stormy seas. We must persist in and strengthen the Party's overall leadership, adhere to the path of Chinese-path modernization, uphold the people-centered development philosophy, persist in deepening reform, strengthen our confidence, forge ahead with determination, and take the initiative to recognize, respond to, and seek change. We must proactively prevent and resolve risks and continuously win new victories in building a modern socialist country.
In summary, maintaining the sobriety and determination to solve the unique challenges of a large party is of great and far-reaching significance for the Party to consistently win the support of the people and consolidate its long-term ruling position; for the Party to overcome risks and challenges and maintain historical initiative; and for the Party and the country to achieve the Second Centenary Goal and fully build a great modern socialist country.
Profoundly Recognizing the Practical Requirements of Solving the Unique Challenges of a Large Party
General Secretary Xi Jinping has required that "the implementation of the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress must involve plans and deployments. Under the premise of grasping the general goals, general directions, and general requirements, we must refine various goals and tasks, produce specific implementation plans in a targeted manner, formulate clear timetables and 'construction drawings' [17], and push forward in a down-to-earth manner." "Always maintaining the sobriety and determination to solve the unique challenges of a large party" is both a general principled requirement put forward by the 20th National Congress and a major task that can be decomposed, requiring proactive responsibility and phased implementation. We must work hard on comprehensive implementation; one must never think it has nothing to do with oneself because the challenge is "large," nor should one "recoil in fear" because it is "difficult." We must "distinguish between the important and the urgent, promoting the work comprehensively while highlighting key points; we must focus on the present while keeping an eye on the long term, doing more things that lay a foundation and benefit the future, and preventing the practice of formalism and bureaucratism."
(I) We must profoundly understand the decisive significance of the "Two Establishments" and resolutely achieve the "Two Upholds."
"In governing such a large party and large country as ours, if there were no authority and centralized, unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, and if the whole Party and the whole country did not have unity of thought and pace, nothing could be accomplished"—let alone "solving the unique challenges of a large party."
In the writings of classical Marxist authors, there are many important expositions on resolutely maintaining the authority of the Party Central Committee and the Party leader, as well as many on how theoretical innovation provides scientific guidance for practical innovation. These important expositions reflect the clear theoretical logic and profound historical logic of the "Two Establishments."
Establishing and maintaining the leadership core of a proletarian party has always been a basic viewpoint of Marxist Party-building theory and an important sign of a proletarian party’s move toward maturity. While emphasizing the decisive role of the masses in creating history, historical materialism also recognizes and affirms the pioneering and leading role of leaders as outstanding representatives of the people in promoting social change, historical development, and civilizational progress, emphasizing the importance of establishing a core. Marx and Engels emphasized that "to ensure the success of the revolution, there must be unity of thought and action." Engels also used a vivid metaphor, stating that the clearest illustration of the need for authority "is a ship sailing on the high seas where, at a moment of danger, the lives of everyone depend on the instantaneous and absolute obedience of all to the will of one." Today, as the curtain has risen on the New Era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, "continuing to create the great historical time of the Chinese nation within the great chronological history of humanity" is the great historical mission bestowed upon the Communist Party of China by the New Era. To coordinate the "Two Quantities" [18] and achieve great undertakings, there is an urgent need for a guide who can timely answer the questions of the era and the people, open up new realms of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, and guide the direction of the whole Party and the people; an urgent need for a helmsman who can gain insight into the winds and clouds of the era, distinguish right from wrong, face perilous storms, solve the unique challenges of a large party, and lead the Party and the people in conducting the "great struggle"; an urgent need for a commander-in-chief who can coordinate the overall situation of the Party and state undertakings, lead the great practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era, promote the realization of the Second Centenary Goal, and coalesce the majestic power of the whole Party and the people. It is precisely through such a call of the times, historical choice, people's expectation, and forging through practice that General Secretary Xi Jinping has worthily become the core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the whole Party. It must be recognized that it is precisely because of the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core that, since the 18th National Congress, we have "passed every difficult pass and succeeded in every difficult task," achieving historical achievements and undergoing historical transformations. For example, in the face of the "fortress-storming" [19] of reform, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that deepening reform will inevitably touch the "cheese" of some people and encounter the shackles of various complex relationships, making it impossible for everyone to be happy. He personally served as the head of the central leadership body for comprehensively deepening reform, pushing reform to achieve historical breakthroughs. For example, in the face of the battle against poverty, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core issued a series of extraordinary policy measures and constructed a complete and effective system of policies, work, and institutions, leading the people of the country onto a path of poverty reduction with Chinese characteristics. This forged the spirit of poverty alleviation—"unity of heart and mind, going all out, precision and pragmatism, pioneering and innovation, overcoming difficulties, and living up to the people"—and achieved a comprehensive victory in the fight against poverty. Furthermore, in the face of environmental pollution, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the need to calculate the "big account," the "long-term account," the "overall account," and the "comprehensive account," resolutely launching the battle for pollution prevention and control. Again, facing the problem of corruption, he emphasized that "there are no 'iron-clad certificates' for exemption [20], nor are there any 'Iron-Cap Kings' [21]," and with the determination to use "strong medicine to treat a terminal illness" and "strict laws to cure disorder," he launched the campaigns to "beat tigers," "swat flies," and "hunt foxes," promoting a clear improvement in the political ecosystem within the Party. In the great practice of the New Era, General Secretary Xi Jinping, with the profound insight, keen judgment, and extraordinary strategic resolve of a Marxist statesman, theorist, and strategist, has put forward a series of pioneering new concepts, new thoughts, and new strategies. He played a decisive role in the creation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and made a decisive contribution to solving the unique challenges of a large party and promoting the development of the Party and state's undertakings. It must be profoundly recognized that establishing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s status as the core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the whole Party is precisely to ensure the effectiveness and stability of the Party Central Committee’s authority and centralized, unified leadership in the New Era; it is precisely to ensure that the basic positioning of "the Party is the highest force of political leadership" can be effectively implemented; and it is precisely to continuously solve difficult problems, overcome risks, and move forward through the waves. Therefore, we must remain clear-headed and unwavering.
Valuing theoretical innovation and theoretical arming is a basic principle of Marxism. Marx once pointed out that if Germany wanted to achieve liberation, it must have the guidance of theory and thought: "Once the lightning of thought has struck deeply into this virgin soil of the people, the Germans will emancipate themselves and become men." Lenin believed that "without revolutionary theory, there can be no revolutionary movement." Reviewing the century-long journey of our Party, whether it was the Yan'an Rectification Movement or the various concentrated educational activities within the Party, theoretical arming has always been placed first, leading to a great increase in the Party's cohesion and combat effectiveness and a great development of the Party's cause. Today, standing at the new starting point of fully building a modern socialist country, if we are to overcome predictable and unpredictable risks and challenges and solve the various unique challenges on the Party's road ahead, we must rely on scientific theory to unify our thoughts, will, and actions. We must establish the guiding position of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. On this point, it is equally necessary to remain clear-headed and unwavering.
In the process of solving the various unique challenges on the journey of a large party, we must grasp the worldview and methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. We must persist in putting the people first, maintain self-confidence and self-reliance, uphold the fundamentals and break new ground, maintain a problem-oriented approach, apply systems thinking, and maintain a global perspective. We must be adept at viewing reality through history and seeing the essence through phenomena. We must properly handle the relationships between the whole and the part, the present and the long term, the macro and the micro, the primary and secondary contradictions, and the special and the general. We must continuously improve our capabilities in strategic thinking, historical thinking, dialectical thinking, systems thinking, innovative thinking, rule-of-law thinking, and bottom-line thinking. This provides scientific methods of thought for forward-looking thinking, overall planning, and the holistic advancement of solving the unique challenges of a large party and the development of various Party and state undertakings.
(II) We must adhere to the fundamental position of being people-centered and rely on the people to create great historical achievements.
The masses are the creators of material and spiritual wealth, and the fundamental force behind social change. This is a basic Marxist viewpoint and the consistent fundamental position of the Communist Party of China. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, "We must always take the people's position as our fundamental position, take seeking happiness for the people as our fundamental mission, adhere to the fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly, implement the mass line, respect the people's principal status and pioneering spirit, always maintain flesh-and-blood ties with the masses, consolidate the majestic power of a united people, and lead the people in jointly creating great historical achievements."
Relying on the people to create great historical achievements requires firmly establishing the idea of the people's principal status. Only by unifying the respect for the laws of social development with the respect for the people's status as the principal subjects of history can we consolidate the strong force to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Relying on the people to create great historical achievements requires learning from and seeking advice from the people. The masses know the actual situation best, find problems most easily, have the most experience in solving problems, and are most capable of creating solutions. As long as we go deep into the masses, understand the actual situation, and timely summarize the fresh experiences created by the masses—elevating them into theory and policy—problems of all sizes will be solved easily. Relying on the people to create historical achievements also requires taking the people's satisfaction as the primary standard for inspecting work. The era is the "exam-setter," and whether the Communist Party of China can hand in a passing grade can only be judged by the people and tested by history. As long as we always persist in doing everything for the people, relying on the people, and respecting the people's principal status and pioneering spirit, we will certainly be able to solve the unique challenges of a large party and continuously create more miracles on earth that make the world sit up and take notice!
(III) We must carry forward the fighting spirit and improve our fighting skills.
General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out, "To learn from history and create the future, we must conduct a great struggle with many new historical characteristics." Furthermore, "Victory is often obtained through struggle; no one will simply hand it to us." Entering the New Era, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core—in the process of coordinately advancing the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan and the Four Comprehensives—has demonstrated a tenacious will to struggle, an abundant spirit of struggle, and superb art of struggle. The Party has dared to confront major risks and challenges in various fields, ensuring sustained and healthy economic development and overall social harmony and stability. For example, we have waged a resolute struggle against erroneous trends of thought in the ideological sphere, winning the "smokeless war" of ideas and public opinion launched against us by various hostile forces, thereby promoting a systemic and fundamental shift in the ideological landscape. Additionally, we have resolutely struggled against various forms of international unilateralism, trade protectionism, and bullying, taking effective measures to respond and counter-attack, firmly upholding national dignity and defending national interests through both struggle and cooperation. Furthermore, we have resolutely struggled against various unhealthy tendencies, passivity, and corruption within the Party. With a spirit of self-revolution characterized by the courage to "turn the blade inward," "scrape the poison from the bone," [22] and "cut off one's own wrist like a brave warrior," [23] we have advanced the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party, allowing the Party's body to radiate strong vitality once again. At present, China's overall situation is positive and its development faces rare historical opportunities. However, we must also clearly see that our development faces a series of major risks and challenges. For our Party to unite and lead the people in effectively responding to major challenges, resisting major risks, overcoming major obstacles, and resolving major contradictions, we must conduct a great struggle with many new historical characteristics.
In advancing this great struggle, the primary task is to maintain the correct direction of struggle. The overarching direction is to unswervingly adhere to the leadership of the Communist Party of China and our country's socialist system. This is a matter of major principle where there can be absolutely no concession; to concede would be to "change the flag and the color" [24], leading to the ruin of the Party and the state. Advancing the great struggle requires carrying forward the spirit of struggle and strengthening the will to struggle. The spirit of struggle is manifested both in wartime and in peacetime. Carrying forward the spirit of struggle and strengthening the will to struggle is the common responsibility of the entire Party. We must be prepared for struggle at all times, remain "hard-boned," [25] never show cowardice, dare to strike, and be capable of fighting and winning. Advancing the great struggle requires mastering the laws of struggle and improving our ability to struggle. In various major struggles, we must accurately grasp the general situation and trends, clarify the tasks of struggle, precisely manage the process of struggle, identify the right timing to act, find the "bullseye," and strike with a single blow. We must emphasize strategy and methods, stress the art of struggle, and adhere to the principles of being "on just grounds, to our advantage, and with restraint." [26] We must calibrate the timing, intensity, and effectiveness (时度效) of our actions, and with the determination and courage to "overpower all difficulties without being overpowered by them," carry the new great struggle through to the end.
(4) We must grasp the key links and the highest priorities, and continuously lead the great social revolution through the great self-revolution.
Adhering to self-revolution is one of the ten historical experiences of the Communist Party of China's century of struggle, and it is the highest priority in solving the unique challenges facing a large party. A Marxist party takes the realization of free and well-rounded human development and the liberation of all humanity as its mission. To achieve such a lofty mission and maintain its advanced nature and purity, the Party must resolve its own problems without a moment's relaxation, driving profound social revolution through thorough self-revolution. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, "As the world's largest party, no external force can knock us down; only we can knock ourselves down." As the saying goes, "Things must first rot before worms grow within." [27] To ensure that our Party shoulders the historical mission of the New Era, we must continue to advance self-revolution with the firm will and determination that "revolutionaries must first revolutionize themselves," making the Party even stronger and more powerful.
To persist in self-revolution, we must adhere to the correct direction of comprehensively and strictly governing the Party. To adhere to this correct direction, we must be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially General Secretary Xi Jinping’s strategic thinking on the Party's self-revolution. General Secretary Xi Jinping's strategic thinking on the Party's self-revolution is extremely rich, profound, and comprehensive. At the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed the "nine adherences" as a systematic understanding of the laws [of governance] and the "six musts" as principled requirements. During the 40th collective study session of the Political Bureau of the 19th Central Committee, he summarized six lessons from the anti-corruption struggle. At the Second Plenary Session of the 20th CCDI, he further proposed "building a system for comprehensively and strictly governing the Party" and other systemic, pioneering requirements. These constitute a comprehensive summary of a series of fundamental issues regarding the Party's self-revolution. The basic spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's strategic thinking on the Party's self-revolution is scientific and systematic; its basic content is broad and profound; its basic attitude is clear and firm; and its basic requirements are specific and well-defined. It provides a profound answer to the question of leading the great social revolution through the great self-revolution. It not only clarifies a powerful driver for the great social revolution but also endows the great self-revolution with a lofty mission, providing the fundamental follow-through for solving the unique challenges facing a large party.
"Though the road is long, one will reach the destination by walking; though the task is difficult, it will be accomplished by doing." Under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, as long as we maintain the clarity and firmness to solve the unique challenges of a large party at all times, forge ahead with enterprise and fortitude, and move forward with courage, there will be no difficulty that cannot be overcome and no hurdle that cannot be cleared. The Communist Party of China and the Chinese people, who have won great victories and glory over the past hundred years, will surely win even greater victories and glory on the new journey of the New Era!
(The author is the former Director of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee) Web Editor: Lian Yu Source: China Inspection and Control Magazine, Issue 4, 2023