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Feng Yanli: The Philosophical Significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era

Academy News

Abstract Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, as the essence of the age of Chinese culture and the Chinese spirit, first, accurately positions the New Era and its characteristics, scientifically answers the major questions facing the New Era, and comprehensively guides the spiritual pursuits of the people in the New Era. Second, it has guided the new practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era, written a new chapter in the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and guided socialism with Chinese characteristics to new achievements. Third, it has promoted the creation of a new form of human civilization, provided a Chinese solution for the resurgence of world socialism, provided a Chinese mirror for developing countries seeking development, and contributed Chinese wisdom to solving major global problems, possessing great significance for the era, for practice, and for the world.

Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era systematically and scientifically answers a series of major questions of the times, deepening the understanding of the laws of governance by a Communist party, the laws of socialist construction, and the laws of the development of human society. It has opened up a new realm of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, demonstrating powerful truth-seeking force and a unique intellectual charm in promoting the development of contemporary China. It serves as the guide for action in comprehensively building a modern socialist country and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. This thought "originates from practice and guides practice, providing the basic follow-through for upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics and advancing the cause of the Party and the state in the New Era; it has made historical contributions to the contemporary development of Marxism" and original contributions to the innovative development of 21st-century Marxist philosophy. To grasp the philosophical significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, one must accurately grasp its profound significance for the era, for practice, and for the world.

The Major Significance for the Era of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era

Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the product of the New Era and new practices. It is the latest achievement in the Sinicization, modernization, and popularization of Marxism, reflecting a profound concern for the future and destiny of all humanity, and possesses major significance for the era.

Accurately positioning the New Era and its characteristics. Great thoughts originate from great eras and lead the development of those eras. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era emerged as the times required. It systematically and scientifically answers major questions of the era, such as: what kind of socialism with Chinese characteristics should be upheld and developed in the New Era and how to uphold and develop it; what kind of great modern socialist power should be built and how to build it; and what kind of long-term governing Marxist party should be built and how to build it. It is the guide for action for walking the path of Chinese-path modernization and realizing the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in the New Era.

First, the current era remains an era of competitive development between capitalism and socialism. Marxism holds that communism is essentially a global proletarian movement arising alongside the development of capitalism; it marks the entry of human history into the age of "world history." Based on this, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era examines the historical positioning and essential logic of the New Era by combining the basic attributes and main characteristics of the development of our age. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "We are still in the historical era specified by Marxism." This is a general summary of the basic attributes of the New Era based on a grand vision of the 500-year history of the development of world socialism. The Communist Manifesto states: "Our epoch, the epoch of the bourgeoisie, possesses, however, this distinct feature: it has simplified class antagonisms. Society as a whole is more and more splitting up into two great hostile camps, into two great classes directly facing each other—bourgeoisie and proletariat." This discourse embodies a "Big Picture View of History" [1], elucidating the "Great Historical Era" of the overall global development trend. General Secretary Xi Jinping noted: "This is the scientific basis for our firm confidence in Marxism and our unconquerable faith in socialism." Since the dawn of the modern era, the development of socialist theory from utopian to scientific has pushed the proletarian movement from "in-itself" to "for-itself" [2]. From the failure of the Paris Commune to the victory of the October Revolution, scientific socialism has moved from theory to practice. For over a century, socialism has progressed from success in one country to practice in many, from the Soviet model to the Chinese solution, and from classical models to those with distinctive local features. During this period, there was both the confrontation between two camps after World War II where the socialist camp was strong enough to rival capitalism, as well as the low tide of world socialism after the drastic changes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, and more importantly, the enormous success of socialism with Chinese characteristics. History has once again verified the truth of Marxism and the bright prospects for the development of world socialism. The overall process of human history once again reflects the objectivity, regularity, and necessity of the "historical era specified by Marxism."

Second, world development in the New Era faces new and complex challenges. Engels once pointed out: "In every historical epoch, the prevailing mode of economic production and exchange, and the social organization necessarily following from it, form the basis upon which is built up, and from which alone can be explained, the political and intellectual history of that epoch." General Secretary Xi Jinping has made a precise judgment on the main characteristics of the New Era: "The world is in a period of great development, great change, and great adjustment; peace and development remain the theme of the era." In the current era, the trends of economic globalization and world integration are deepening daily, the interest relationships between countries are becoming increasingly close, and the turmoil and restructuring of the international order are intensifying. However, the balance of international forces is generally tending toward equilibrium, and world peace and development are moving toward maturity. At the same time, world development faces many challenges: global economic growth is sluggish, the problem of polarization is prominent, and new types of public security threats are emerging endlessly. Overall, China's development is in an important period of strategic opportunity, full of hope but also facing huge challenges. We must maintain strong strategic focus, unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, and not only effectively develop ourselves but also commit to maintaining world peace.

Third, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a New Era. By upholding and applying the basic principles of the materialist conception of history, General Secretary Xi Jinping comprehensively understood and grasped the characteristics and reality of our society today. He subsequently confirmed within the horizon of historical materialism that socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a New Era, and that the principal contradiction in Chinese society has evolved into the contradiction between the people’s ever-growing needs for a better life and unbalanced and inadequate development. This historical shift in the principal contradiction concerns the overall situation and fundamental nature of all work of the Party and the state. To fundamentally resolve this principal contradiction in the New Era, we must promote continuous improvement and innovation in all areas of society on the basis of economic development. However, "the change in the principal contradiction of our society has not changed our judgment on the historical stage of socialism in which our country finds itself." Only by firmly basing the work of the Party and the state on the greatest reality—the primary stage of socialism—can we more objectively, comprehensively, and accurately understand and grasp the new characteristics and trends of socialist construction in the New Era. Only then can we unswervingly uphold the Party's basic line in the primary stage of socialism and better realize the overall development of society and the comprehensive development of the people. General Secretary Xi Jinping combined the "dialectics of theoretical thinking" with new era conditions, comprehensively deepening the understanding of the "Three Laws" [3]. "Facts tell us time and again that Marx and Engels' analysis of the basic contradictions of capitalist society is not outdated, nor is the historical materialist view that the inevitable demise of capitalism and the inevitable victory of socialism." The objective laws of the development of human history revealed by Marx, along with their firm communist convictions, guide and support our faith in socialism and communism. This has always been the powerful spiritual force uniting the Chinese nation and the Chinese people in their continuous struggle for great rejuvenation. "The final demise of capitalism and the final victory of socialism will necessarily be a long historical process." This discourse by General Secretary Xi Jinping profoundly reveals the necessity and actuality of realizing communism. it requires us to foster a fighting spirit, improve our fighting strikes, and unite and lead the people of all ethnic groups to effectively respond to risks and challenges to "engage in the Great Struggle" [4]; it requires us to always strengthen our own construction, have the courage to face problems directly, and dare to "scrape the bone to remove the poison" [5] to ensure the CPC always maintains vigorous vitality and strong fighting capacity to "advance the Great Project"; it requires us to always remain firm in the "Four Confidences," neither taking the old path of closed rigidity nor the evil path of changing flags [6], but unswervingly upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics to "promote the Great Cause."

Scientifically answering the major problems facing the New Era. If theoretical thought is to lead the development of the era and promote social progress, it must be adept at studying the changes of the times and scientifically answering its questions. General Secretary Xi Jinping adheres to a problem-oriented approach, starting from the principal contradictions of human social development and the reality of China's social development. By coordinating the domestic and international spheres, he has scientifically and systematically answered the era-defining questions of socialism with Chinese characteristics, assuming the historical mission bestowed by the times. He has deeply and systematically answered the basic questions of upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era and provided systematic analysis and comprehensive guidance for all aspects of socialist construction. Marxism holds that the theoretical thinking of every era is a product of history. Adhering to Marxism as a guide means imbuing Marxism with brand-new connotations of the times and vigorous vitality according to radical changes and social development. With the change in the principal contradiction of society, China's development is at a new historical coordinate. The Party and the state need to stand at a new starting point, focus on new questions, and respond to the new needs of the era.

First, scientifically and systematically answering the era-defining question of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Marx once said: "The degree to which theory is realized in a nation is always determined by the degree to which theory satisfies the needs of that nation." Currently, the CPC is leading the Chinese people on a new journey to comprehensively build a modern socialist country. Through unremitting struggle, the Chinese people have achieved great achievements that have attracted worldwide attention, and the international environment has provided a rare historical opportunity for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. General Secretary Xi Jinping has firmly seized this historical opportunity, coordinately promoting the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan and the Four Comprehensives. He has defined both the clear goals and overall tasks for realizing the "Great Dream," as well as the fundamental path and strategic measures. This has formed a theoretical system with the "Eight Clarifications" (later expanded to the "Ten Clarifications"), the "Fourteen Commitments," and the "Ten Pieces of Historical Experience" [7] as its core content, always permeated by the internal logic of "leading the Great Social Revolution with the Great Self-Revolution." This requires the CPC itself to remain iron-clad, ensuring the Party remains the strong leadership core for all Chinese people throughout this historical process, inspiring them to pool a powerful material and spiritual force to build the Chinese Dream together.

Second, scientifically answering the difficult problem of the continuous peaceful development of human society. Marxism profoundly reveals the root of contradictions in human society: "With the division of labor... is given the contradiction between the interest of the separate individual or the individual family and the communal interest of all individuals who have intercourse with one another." This explains that the social division of labor brought about by the development of productive forces leads to the differentiation of social interests, creating a conflict between special interests and common interests. In a society dominated by the exploiting class, the ruling class adopts an "illusory community"—the state—to cover up this contradiction. With the development of capital-imperialism, this "community" theory expanded from one country to the whole world, in fact forming an irrational international political and economic order to seize greater unreasonable interests. Thus, only after the abolition of class antagonisms can each member of society "obtain their freedom in and through their association." Therefore, in a modern society where global intercourse is increasingly universal, a "true community" must be established to fundamentally resolve the conflict between special (individual) interests and common (collective) interests, achieving the harmonious unity of the interests of various countries and nations. Facing the many factors of instability and uncertain challenges in human society today, General Secretary Xi Jinping, standing at the height of the process of human historical development, issued the question of the peaceful development of human society: "What is wrong with the world, and what should we do?" He closely combined the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with the promotion of the peaceful development of human society, pushing for the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity. He proposed that major powers should respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, manage differences, and strive to build a new type of relationship featuring no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation, committing to "build a world of lasting peace, universal security, common prosperity, openness and inclusiveness, and cleanliness and beauty," contributing a Chinese solution for the peaceful development of human society.

Providing comprehensive guidance for the spiritual pursuits of the people in the New Era. The core essence of materialist dialectics lies in observing, interpreting, and leading the era through a historical lens and a developmental perspective. Marx noted: "Will theoretical needs be directly practical needs? It is not enough that thought should strive to realize itself; reality must itself strive toward thought." Theory both originates from and transcends reality; it must guide practice. The great theories nurtured by a great era require the key link of "grasping the masses" to achieve the integration of great thought with a great era, thereby exerting the spiritual leadership of great thought over that era. The reason Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for New Era can persuade and grasp the masses, becoming a powerful theoretical and spiritual force leading the development of the era, lies in its inherent thoroughness, scientific nature, and people-centeredness (人民性) [8]. Its spiritual leadership over the era's development is directional, fundamental, and holistic, fully manifested in the steadfastness and sublimation of the heights of Marxist principle, Party spirit, practice, and world history. It has become the latest theory for the Chinese Communist Party's Party building and the action guide for the development of a governing party in the New Era.

First, it highlights new requirements for the Party’s consciousness of its purpose. General Secretary Xi Jinping clearly stated: "Facing the future and facing challenges, all comrades in the Party must remain true to our original aspiration and continue to press forward." As the supreme political leadership force of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the CPC’s leadership authority is built upon the foundation that the people are the fundamental force determining the future and destiny of the Party and the country. Separated from the people’s support, there would be no future or hope for the Party, the country, the cause of socialism, or the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Therefore, to uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era, we must persist in a people-centered approach, uphold the supremacy of the people, maintain the principal status of the people, persist in the principle of "founding the Party for the public and exercising power for the people" [9], ensure that the supremacy of the people's interests is reflected in every link of economic and social development, and consolidate this through regular education and institutional building. General Secretary Xi Jinping requires the whole Party to organically unite the firm goal of lofty ideals with the persistence of a people-centered stance within the great journey and concrete actions of seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. This not only embodies the value position of being "people-centered," ensuring that the struggle of Party members continuously reflects their commitment to the people, but also provides a brand-new value foundation for the progress and development of Party members.

Second, it has achieved new breakthroughs in maintaining the Party's advanced nature and purity. Before the 18th National Congress [10], certain long-accumulated problems in Chinese society became prominent, and the risk of the Party becoming detached from the masses grew increasingly acute. Consequently, the original aspiration and founding mission needed to be re-emphasized, particularly the urgent need to rectify the Four Winds. It was in this context that General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "The core of the issue of conduct (作风) is the relationship between the Party and the masses." Since the 18th National Congress, our Party has punished corruption with a zero-tolerance attitude, achieving a profound transformation in Party governance from "lax, soft, and weak" to "strict, tight, and hard." This reflects the Party Central Committee’s firm determination, strong confidence, and enduring perseverance in governing intra-Party corruption, while also demonstrating the guiding significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era regarding the issue of comprehensively and strictly governing the Party.

Third, it has achieved new successes in grasping the laws of governing party development. General Secretary Xi Jinping has consistently treated governance (治国理政) as a grand project of Party building, exploring it through the combination of theory and practice, leading to a clearer, more conscious, and more confident grasp of the laws of governing party construction. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era unifies the thinking of the whole Party and achieves comprehensive and strict Party governance, "building the Party into a Marxist governing party that always stands at the forefront of the times, enjoys the heartfelt support of the people, has the courage to engage in self-revolution, can withstand all kinds of trials and tribulations, and is full of vigor." This demonstrates significant practical significance and spiritual value in the New Era.

The Great Practical Significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era

General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Marxism is a theory of practice; it guides the people’s actions to transform the world." Our Party continuously upholds and develops Marxism, and under its guidance, unceasingly promotes the great practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics, thereby constantly opening new frontiers for the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era originates from and returns to the new great practices of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It is a scientific and systematic program of action capable of mobilizing powerful forces in the process of arming the whole Party, educating the masses, and guiding work.

Guiding new practices of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era. The charm of a scientific theory lies not only in its ability to interpret the questions of the era but also in its ability to resolve the perplexities of the era. The greatest practical significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era lies in its grounding in the new global situation, national conditions, Party conditions, and conditions of the people (民情). It persists in and expands the Chinese path to modernization and has created a new form of human civilization. Since the 18th National Congress, we have overcome many long-standing difficult problems and accomplished many major tasks concerning long-term interests. The resolution of these extraordinary tasks and difficulties stems from a series of principles, policies, and important measures formulated by the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, keeping the people in mind. The blueprint for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is gradually becoming a reality. The expanding influence of the "Belt and Road" Initiative has surpassed even the role of the ancient Chinese Silk Road, enhancing the well-being of the people in participating countries and continuously creating new opportunities for the common development of China and other nations.

Writing a new chapter in the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Achieving national independence, the liberation of the people, national prosperity, and the people’s wealth has been the unswerving goal of the Chinese people since modern times. The first great historical task was basically completed with the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The second great historical task—achieving socialist modernization—is a goal that the Chinese Communist Party has pursued tirelessly. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era profoundly reveals the original aspiration and founding mission of Chinese Communists, constantly inspiring and requiring them to remain true to these ideals. It reflects the Chinese Communist Party’s strong awareness of the era and its sense of mission and responsibility, elevating our understanding of the Party's essence to a new height. It also allows us to clearly recognize that difficulties and challenges still exist in the New Era, requiring us to accurately grasp the developmental requirements and tasks of socialism with Chinese characteristics. We must continuously strengthen the "Four Consciousnesses" [11] and the "Four Confidences" [12], and, in a state of unremitting effort, continue to advance and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Guiding socialism with Chinese characteristics toward new achievements. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era emerged from the vivid practice of building socialism in China, driving the cause of the Party and the country to achieve historical successes and undergo historical transformations. First, it has inherited and developed the Marxist worldview and methodology. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era innovates the Marxist views on production, class, and the masses, persisting in the application of Marxist methods of contradiction analysis and class analysis to continuously answer new major questions raised by the era and practice. Second, it has proposed new thinking and methods in the application of Marxist philosophy. General Secretary Xi Jinping has creatively applied historical materialism and dialectical materialism to provide a profound exposition and analysis of the dialectical relationship between Great Ideals and Common Ideals [13], organically combining Marxist materialist dialectics with the characteristics of the New Era and proposing a series of scientific new ways of thinking and methods. Third, it has opened a new realm of systematic, logical, and scientific Marxism, applying the Marxist view of knowledge and practice to our country’s construction. Facing an international environment characterized by a sluggish global economic recovery, frequent local conflicts and turmoil, and intensifying global issues, and a domestic situation of significantly slowing economic growth, rising requirements for quality of life, and new challenges in comprehensively building a modern socialist country, our country has achieved immense economic success under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The living standards of the people have continuously improved, absolute poverty has been historically resolved, and a new situation in the development of the Party and state's cause has been created, accumulating valuable experience for achieving the grand goal of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

The Great Global Significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era

Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the ideological banner of the CPC in the New Era and the fundamental guideline for the nation's political and social life. It not only provides scientific guidance for China to achieve socialist modernization and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation but also offers experience and inspiration for the contemporary world socialist movement and the development of countries that are relatively backward economically and culturally, possessing great global significance.

Promoting the creation of a new form of human civilization. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "As we uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics and promote the coordinated development of material, political, spiritual, social, and ecological civilizations, we have pioneered a Chinese path to modernization and created a new form of human civilization." In the great practice of humanity, several different paths to modernization have primarily existed: first, the modernization path represented by capitalist countries in Europe and America characterized by colonial expansion, the exploitation of people, and "polluting first, treating later"; second, the modernization path under a highly centralized planned economic system represented by the former Soviet Union; third, the Chinese path to modernization represented by the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Clearly, the former is a path to modernization that builds its own wealth on the foundation of other countries' poverty; this path is full of bloodshed, exploitation, and oppression, following the "law of the jungle" where the strong prey on the weak, bringing disaster to the people of the world. The middle path excluded the market economy, abandoned Marxism when encountering problems, and engaged in "ideological pluralism"; in the process of rampant historical nihilism, the masses gradually lost faith in the Party and socialism, eventually leading to the disintegration of the country. The latter is a Chinese path to modernization created by combining the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities. This path has developed through peace, cooperation, and win-win results; it is a path to modernization that wholeheartedly serves the people, seeks rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, and strives for "Great Harmony" (大同, dàtóng) [14] for the world. In the developmental process of this path to modernization, the Chinese Communists, with Comrade Mao Zedong as their primary representative, led the Chinese nation to "stand up"; the Chinese Communists, with Comrades Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, and Hu Jintao as their primary representatives, led the Chinese nation to "become rich"; and the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has united and led the whole Party and people of all ethnic groups to be proactive and enterprising in the New Era, continuously pushing the Chinese nation to "become strong." Particularly since entering the New Era, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, China's immense achievements are obvious to the global community, further demonstrating the significant advantages of the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and promoting the creation of a new form of human civilization.

Providing a Chinese solution for the resurgence of world socialism. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is a theoretical achievement of the interactive promotion between the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the contemporary world socialist movement. It represents the CPC’s reflections and innovations on major issues of human development, providing scientific and systematic answers to questions such as where China is going, where socialism is going, and where human society is going. It provides constructive ideas for the development of world socialism, makes original contributions to the development of 21st-century Marxism, and offers a brand-new solution for many developing countries on how to effectively resist the control of the "logic of capital" in the context of economic globalization to achieve modernization. It holds important theoretical and practical significance in the history of Marxist development and the history of world socialism.

The significant contribution of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to the development of world socialism lies in the following aspects: First, from the perspective of the general trend of historical development, it elucidates that although the world remains in a "historical epoch" [15] dominated by the capitalist social formation, the fundamental contradictions of capitalism remain unresolved and will continue to trigger crises. The Marxist thesis of the "Two Inevitabilities" [16] remains our fundamental basis for observing and grasping the development of world socialism in the 21st century. Second, from the perspective of the actual circumstances of historical development, it elucidates that the demise of capitalism and the victory of socialism is a long-term and complex historical process, clarifying the basic tasks and practical principles for upholding and developing socialism. For a considerably long period, socialism in its primary stage still needs to earnestly draw upon and learn from all beneficial achievements of civilization created by humanity to develop itself, while facing the reality of the long-term coexistence and competitive development of two different social systems. Third, from the perspective of the relationship between socialism with Chinese characteristics and scientific socialism, it elucidates the qualitative determinants of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era and its major significance in the development of world socialism. The Communist Party of China (CPC) has united and led the Chinese people in exploring and opening the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, achieving world-renowned and brilliant successes along this path. This not only proves with facts that this is a "correct path with a high degree of realism and feasibility," but also "allows scientific socialism to radiate with new and vigorous vitality." The CPC’s influence continues to expand, the country’s hard and soft power continue to strengthen, and the outlook of the Chinese people has undergone profound changes. This demonstrates the path for the revival of the world communist movement, brings a glimmer of hope to said movement, and strengthens people's faith in Marxism and their confidence in the inevitable victory of communism.

It provides a Chinese reference for developing countries seeking progress. The world significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is also reflected in its scientific answer to the global puzzle of "what kind of modernization to achieve and how to achieve it" for developing countries. It reflects the basic requirements and laws for building and consolidating socialism in a socialist country in the New Era, providing referenceable experience for late-developing countries with similar experiences to China as they seek their own development and explore paths toward modernization. Historically, China and many developing countries in the world suffered the same hardships and experienced similar fates; all face the important task of shaking off poverty and backwardness as quickly as possible to realize modernization. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, China has grown increasingly prosperous and strong, its people have become wealthier, and its international influence has expanded, highlighting the unique charm and exuberant vitality of socialism with Chinese characteristics. This has drawn widespread attention from the entire international community, including the vast number of developing countries. Unlike the modernization characterized by "total Westernization" [17], which led many developing countries into traps, socialism with Chinese characteristics has taken the lead in becoming a factual illustration of "crossing the Caudine Forks" [18] as envisioned by Marx, providing a more scientific, suitable, and realistic path choice for developing countries moving toward modernization.

Exploring a development path suited to one's own national realities is the inevitable choice for developing countries moving toward modernization. What kind of path a developing country chooses toward modernization ultimately depends on whether that path conforms to the specific realities of the country and whether it can solve the prominent problems it faces. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era summarizes the experience of modernizing socialist China and theoretically and systematically extracts the underlying logic and laws therein, forming a system of thought independent of Western models and Western discourse. Consequently, many developing countries have begun to attach importance to and actively study Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

It contributes Chinese wisdom to solving major global issues. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era innovatively proposed a Chinese solution for "global governance." In an era of great development, great transformation, and great adjustment for the world, not only do developing countries continue to be plagued by development problems, but some developed countries have also begun to feel a sense of confusion. Globally, "Western-centrism," neoliberal ideology, and Western governance models are becoming increasingly unpopular. The significant world significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is precisely reflected in its scientific answer to the major question of the times: "Whither humanity?" The vision of global governance, the right approach to justice and interests [19], the holistic approach to national security, the new development philosophy, the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, the common values of all mankind, and major initiatives such as the "Belt and Road" promoted by General Secretary Xi Jinping have already become Chinese solutions for solving the major problems facing human society. This is mainly manifested in:

First, the proposal of the basic concept of global governance based on extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. This concept centers on the theme of global governance and is reflected in every link thereof; it is a new concept where all countries in the world jointly deliberate on governance methods, jointly build governance systems, and jointly share governance results. This is an inevitable requirement for constructing a new international order. Second, the proposal to build a community with a shared future for humanity. This concept is both rooted in Marx's idea of an association where "the free development of each is the condition for the free development of all," and reflects a new realm in the development of Marxism's adaptation to the times. Third, the proposal of solutions to promote global governance. The vision of global governance advocated by General Secretary Xi Jinping fully demonstrates China's sense of responsibility. The CPC has always maintained a global perspective, actively and proactively integrating into a broader scope of production and life practices, always linking China's development with the pursuit of happiness by people of other countries, and striving to make greater contributions to humanity. Entering the New Era, as its comprehensive national strength continues to rise, China's ability to contribute to the world has stayed on the increase, and its actual contributions have grown, contributing Chinese wisdom and providing Chinese solutions for solving numerous global problems such as the coordinated development of different regions, the harmonious coexistence of different civilizations, and the construction of the international order.