Cao Wenze: Consciously Transform the Subjective and Objective Worlds with Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era

2023-05-06 Academy News

Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is contemporary Chinese Marxism, 21st-century Marxism, and the essence of Chinese culture and the Chinese spirit in our times. The broad masses of Party members and cadres must attach great importance to and make full use of the thematic education campaign for studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, consciously using this Thought to transform both the subjective world and the objective world.

I. Deeply Study Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Master the Professional Skills of Marxism

As a vanguard armed with Marxist theory, the Communist Party of China’s ideological building is not only an important component of Party building but also the crucial foundation for all other aspects of Party building. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: "Persisting in arming the whole Party with the latest achievements in the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, and using them to guide practice and drive work, is an important experience through which our Party has created history and achieved brilliance." Deeply carrying out the thematic education campaign, strengthening the in-depth study of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, truly mastering the professional skills ^[1] of Marxism, and strengthening theoretical arming are the basic goals of this thematic education, as well as the prerequisite, foundation, and guarantee for ensuring its practical results.

Study of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era must be comprehensive, systematic, and in-depth. Combining theory and practice, this Thought provides profound answers to major questions of the era ^[2], such as: what kind of socialism with Chinese characteristics should we uphold and develop in the New Era, and how should we uphold and develop it? What kind of great modern socialist power should we build, and how should we build it? What kind of Marxist party that exercises long-term governance should we build, and how should we build it? Its primary content covers all aspects, including reform, development, and stability; internal affairs, foreign policy, and national defense; and the governance of the Party, the state, and the military. It constitutes a complete and scientific theoretical system. Party members and cadres must comprehensively, systematically, and deeply grasp the core tenets, spiritual essence, rich connotations, and practical requirements of this scientific Thought. At the same time, they must understand and grasp the new concepts, new ideas, and new strategies proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping across various fields, as well as specific practical requirements for different areas of work, within the context of this entire scientific system. This ensures integrated study and thorough comprehension, continuously enhancing political, ideological, theoretical, and emotional identification [with the Party].

Study of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era must persist in reading the original works, studying the original texts, and contemplating the original principles. The most effective method for studying theory is this triple approach. During the thematic education, Party members and cadres must earnestly study the Report to the 20th CPC National Congress and the Party Constitution, and diligently study Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (Volumes 1-4), Selected Readings from the Works of Xi Jinping, Excerpts from Xi Jinping’s Discourses on Thematic Education, On the Self-Revolution of the Party, and the Outline for the Study of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era (2023 Edition). Building on comprehensive and systematic reading, they must study and contemplate with specific questions in mind and in connection with the reality of their work to master the theoretical essence.

Study of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era must involve a comprehensive and accurate grasp of the worldview and methodology of this scientific Thought, persisting in and applying the positions, viewpoints, and methods that permeate it. One must strive not only to know "what" it is but also "why" it is so, continuously raising one's level of Marxist theory and policy understanding by deeply comprehending the reasoning, academic logic, and philosophy of the Party's innovative theories. In the thematic education, Party members and cadres must persist in self-confidence and self-reliance, unswervingly upholding the Party's overall leadership, the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and Chinese-path modernization. They must persist in upholding the fundamentals and breaking new ground, remaining committed to the Party’s innovative theories while innovating and developing theory through practice. They must persist in a problem-oriented approach, becoming adept at discovering, analyzing, and solving problems. They must persist in a systems perspective, focusing on the core task and serving the overall situation, consciously planning the work of their own regions, fields, and departments within the overall context of the Party and state's work. Finally, they must persist in maintaining a global perspective ^[3], strengthening their awareness of the world, keeping "the fundamental interests of the country" ^[4] in mind, and seizing the initiative amidst the world's once-in-a-century profound changes.

Study of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era must persist in the fine Marxist academic style of integrating theory with practice. On the new journey of the New Era, the purpose of studying this Thought is to unify thinking, build consensus, increase unity, guide practice, drive work, and promote development. Party members and cadres must persist in the unity of knowing and doing, applying what they learn. They must closely link study to the reality of their work, life, and learning, grounding themselves in their posts to clarify the direction of study and highlight key points. This drives study to go deeper, become more practical, and reach the heart. One must genuinely study, understand, believe, and apply the Thought, consciously achieving a thorough connection between study, thought, and application, and a unity of knowledge, belief, and action.

II. Consciously Transform the Subjective World with Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era: Casting the Soul and Strengthening Party Spirit through Study

Theoretical maturity is the foundation of political maturity; political steadfastness stems from theoretical clarity. Through thematic education, the broad masses of Party members and cadres should further undergo ideological tempering and spiritual baptism, firm up their ideals and convictions, raise their political standing, and continuously strengthen their awareness as Party members and their consciousness of Party spirit. This will consolidate the foundation of faith, supplement "spiritual calcium" ^[5], and steady the helm of ideology.

Firm up ideals and convictions; consolidate the foundation of faith. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Firm ideals and convictions are always the inexhaustible source of strength that inspires us to forge ahead and overcome difficulties to win." Our Party relied on firm ideals and convictions to lead the people of all ethnic groups across the country through thorns and over obstacles, making heroic sacrifices to conquer one "Loushan Pass" or "Lazikou" ^[6] after another in the course of revolution, construction, and reform. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era scientifically answers the questions of China, the world, the people, and the times. It deepens 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 is a scientific theory proven by practice.

Strengthen the tempering of Party spirit and raise political standing. Party spirit is the inherent essential attribute of a political party and the concentrated expression of the Party's advanced nature and purity. The CPC is a party that seeks happiness for the people; the people’s position is the Party's fundamental political stance. The fundamental yardstick for measuring the strength of Party spirit is the distinction between "public" and "private." With strong Party spirit, one knows awe, observes discipline, follows rules, and remains in accord with the Party. With weak Party spirit, one loses reverence and lacks a clear sense of crisis or bottom-line thinking. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Party spirit does not naturally increase with the length of Party membership or the promotion of one's position; it must be continuously strengthened through tempering in strict intra-Party life."

Always remember the Party’s purpose and persist in putting the people first. The "people-centered nature" is the most distinct character of Marxism. Persisting in putting the people first is the fundamental starting point for promoting the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism. The Report to the 20th CPC National Congress noted: "The people’s creative practice is the inexhaustible source of theoretical innovation." To study and implement Xi Jinping Thought means to bear in mind the purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly, to firmly establish the people-centered development philosophy, and to rely on the people in everything, with the sentiment of "I shall grant myself no self, for the sake of the people" ^[7].

III. Strive to Transform the Objective World with Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era: Applying Study to Establish New Merit

The viewpoint of practice is the basic viewpoint of dialectical materialist epistemology. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era arose from the magnificent practice of the New Era and has demonstrated the majestic power of an ideological weapon.

Conduct in-depth research to grasp the actual situation. Without investigation, there is no right to speak. Investigation and research are the "family heirloom" ^[8] of our Party. Whenever Party members and cadres have valued investigation and study, the cause has developed smoothly; otherwise, they take detours and the cause suffers. Currently, faced with the accelerating evolution of the world's once-in-a-century profound changes and the heavy task of promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization, cadres must "lower their postures" and go deep into villages, communities, enterprises, hospitals, schools, "two new" organizations ^[9], and new employment groups to learn from the masses.

Improve capabilities and strengthen skills. Cadres need not only to be politically sound but also to possess high-level skills for serving the people. General Secretary Xi Jinping noted that cadres should improve seven capabilities: political capability, investigation and research capability, scientific decision-making capability, reform and problem-solving capability, emergency response capability, mass work capability, and implementation capability. Xi Jinping Thought contains rich methods of leadership, thinking, and work from which cadres must draw wisdom.

Focus on implementation to promote development. The 20th CPC National Congress clarified the central task and strategic deployments of the Party. As the General Secretary noted: "The most important task now is to roll up our sleeves and get to work." Party members must follow the Thought as their guide, keeping "the fundamental interests of the country" in mind, and promptly aligning their work ^[10] with the Party's decisions. They must focus on high-quality development as the primary task in building a modern socialist country in all respects, implementing the new development philosophy, and constructing a new development pattern.

Perform practical deeds to benefit the people. A people-centered approach is the fundamental position of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: "We must practice our purpose ^[11] by benefiting the people, and educate and guide the vast number of Party members and cadres to firmly establish a people-centered development philosophy." Party members and cadres must constantly keep in mind the Party's purpose, consciously practice their original aspiration and founding mission, and adhere to the Party's mass line. They must think what the masses think, hope for what the masses hope for, ease the anxieties of the masses, and do what the masses want done. Based on the actual needs of the people, they should focus on solving the urgent, difficult, and anxious problems ^[12] of the masses, performing practical deeds and relieving people's worries. They must ensure that work to benefit the people's livelihood, warm their hearts, and align with their will is performed in a way that truly touches their hearts, thereby better benefiting and facilitating the people. This will continuously enhance the people's sense of gain, happiness, and security, as they strive to create more achievements that can stand the test of practice, the people, and history.

Dare to struggle and courageously take on responsibilities. There is no smooth road to follow in building a powerful country and achieving national rejuvenation. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: "On the new journey, the risks and tests we face will only become increasingly complex, and we may even encounter unimaginable stormy waves ^[13]. The various struggles we face are not short-term but long-term, and will accompany the entire process of realizing the Second Centenary Goal ^[14]." Faced with the heavy historical task of comprehensively building a modern powerful country and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization, and faced with the arduous and difficult great struggle with many new historical features ^[15], Party members and cadres must firmly grasp the requirement of the times for unity and struggle. They must keep in mind that "empty talk harms the country, while hard work prospers the nation" ^[16]. With a sense of responsibility of "always being concerned" ^[17], a sense of urgency that allows for no waiting or slowing down, a spirited drive for active responsibility and action, and a dauntless spirit of daring to struggle, they must strive to fulfill their duties and responsibilities for the Party and the people. They should fully promote the spirit of struggle, strengthen the will to struggle, and improve the art and capability of struggle. With great historical initiative and a sense of responsibility, they must "cut paths through mountains and build bridges across rivers" ^[18], charging forward to break through barriers and seize victories, relying on tenacious struggle to open up new horizons for the development of our cause.

(Author: Executive Vice President of the China Executive Leadership Academy Pudong; Deputy Director of the Shanghai Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era)

Notes

↩ [1] 看家本领 (kànjiā běnlǐng): Literally "the skills one relies on to guard the house." In CPC discourse, this refers to the fundamental mastery of Marxist theory necessary for any Party member to maintain their political identity and efficacy.
↩ [2] 时代课题 (shídài kètí): "Major questions of the era." This is a formal term used to categorize the specific historical challenges that each generation of Chinese leadership must address theoretically (e.g., Mao addressed revolution; Deng addressed "what is socialism").
↩ [3] 胸怀天下 (xiōnghuái tiānxià): Literally "to have the world/all-under-heaven in one's heart." A classical Confucian concept adapted into modern Chinese diplomacy to mean a global vision and the pursuit of the "community with a shared future for humanity."
↩ [4] 国之大者 (guó zhī dà zhě): "The fundamental interests of the country." A term emphasized in the New Era, referring to matters of supreme national importance that cadres must prioritize over local or departmental interests.
↩ [5] 精神之钙 (jīngshén zhī gài): "Spiritual calcium." A metaphor used by Xi Jinping; just as a lack of calcium leads to bone loss (osteoporosis), a lack of Marxist faith leads to "political rickets" or moral corruption.
↩ [6] 娄山关、腊子口 (Lóushānguān, Làzikǒu): Two strategic mountain passes and sites of famous battles during the Long March (1934–35). They are used here as metaphors for extreme hardships and critical obstacles that the Party must overcome.
↩ [7] 我将无我，不负人民 (wǒ jiāng wú wǒ, bù fù rénmín): "I shall grant myself no self, for the sake of the people." A phrase used by Xi Jinping in 2019 to express his selfless dedication to the nation, blending Marxist service with traditional Chinese self-cultivation.
↩ [8] 传家宝 (chuánjiābǎo): "Family heirloom." A common CPC metaphor for successful methods or traditions (like investigation and research or the mass line) passed down from the revolutionary generation.
↩ [9] “两新”组织 (liǎng xīn zǔzhī): "Two new" organizations; refers to "new economic organizations" (private enterprises) and "new social organizations" (NGOs, trade associations, etc.), which are key targets for modern Party-building efforts.
↩ [10] 对标对表 (duì biāo duì biǎo): "To check against the benchmark and the watch." A bureaucratic term meaning to align one’s local actions and thinking precisely with the standards and timelines set by the central Party leadership.
↩ [11] 宗旨 (zōngzhǐ): Purpose. In CPC discourse, this specifically refers to the "fundamental purpose of serving the people whole-heartedly" (全心全意为人民服务), a concept core to Mao Zedong Thought and maintained in the New Era.
↩ [12] 急难愁盼 (jí nán chóu pàn): "Urgent, difficult, anxious, and anticipated." A specific four-character shorthand frequently used in the New Era to describe the most pressing livelihood issues facing the Chinese public that cadres are expected to address directly.
↩ [13] 惊涛骇浪 (jīng tāo hài làng): "Terrifying waves and stormy seas." A metaphorical expression used by the CPC leadership to prepare the cadre corps for high-risk international environments and internal challenges. It suggests a period of extreme volatility and "black swan" events.
↩ [14] 第二个百年奋斗目标 (dì èr gè bǎinián fèndòu mùbiāo): The Second Centenary Goal. The target of building China into a "great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful" by the centenary of the People's Republic of China (2049).
↩ [15] 具有许多新的历史特点的伟大斗争 (jùyǒu xǔduō xīn de lìshǐ tèdiǎn de wěidà dòuzhēng): "Great struggle with many new historical features." This phrase indicates that while the "struggle" (dòuzhēng) continues the Marxist tradition of conflict against opposing forces, its modern form involves non-military domains such as technological competition, ideological security, and resisting systemic risks.
↩ [16] 空谈误国、实干兴邦 (kōngtán wùguó, shígàn xīngbāng): "Empty talk harms the country, while hard work prospers the nation." A famous slogan popularized by Deng Xiaoping and frequently quoted by Xi Jinping to emphasize pragmatism and the "seek truth from facts" approach over dogmatic or purely rhetorical governance.
↩ [17] 时时放心不下 (shíshí fàng bù xià): "Always being concerned" or "never feeling at ease." A phrase used by Xi Jinping to describe the ideal psychological state of a responsible cadre—one who is constantly vigilant regarding risks and the welfare of the people.
↩ [18] 逢山开路、遇水架桥 (féng shān kāi lù, yù shuǐ jià qiáo): "When meeting a mountain, open a road; when meeting water, build a bridge." A traditional Chinese idiom signifying resourcefulness and an indomitable will to overcome any obstacle.