Fu Huifang: Fundamental Compliance for Comprehensively Advancing Chinese Modernization in the New Era and on the New Journey — Studying the First and Second Volumes of "Selected Works of Xi Jinping"
At a critical juncture where the modernization process of human society has reached a historical crossroads, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has coordinated the overall strategy for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the world’s profound changes unseen in a century. It has profoundly expounded upon a series of major theoretical and practical issues concerning Chinese-path modernization, deepened the understanding of its connotations and essence, and summarized the Chinese characteristics, essential requirements, and major principles of Chinese-path modernization. This has resulted in the preliminary construction of a theoretical system for Chinese-path modernization, making it clearer, more scientific, more perceptible, and more feasible. The recently published and distributed Selected Works of Xi Jinping, Volumes I and II (hereinafter referred to as the Selected Works), collect the most important and fundamental works of General Secretary Xi Jinping since the 18th CPC National Congress. These include 146 reports, speeches, talks, addresses, instructions, comments, and decrees. They bring together numerous original theoretical achievements formed by the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core in the practice of advancing and expanding Chinese-path modernization, serving as brilliant documents imbued with rich ideological content. As the entire Party conducts in-depth thematic education on studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and comprehensively implements the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress, a profound grasp of the ideological essence and theoretical imperatives of this authoritative work will surely guide the vast cadres and masses to further deepen their understanding of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization, consolidating the ideological and theoretical foundation for achieving the grand goals of building a strong country and national rejuvenation.
1. Strengthening holistic interpretation to demonstrate the power of truth in the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization
Great undertakings of the century manifest the power of thought, and the light of truth illuminates the journey of rejuvenation. As the latest major achievement of combining the basic principles of Marxism with China’s specific realities and fine traditional Chinese culture, the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization exhibits distinct holistic characteristics. In its arrangement of titles, the Selected Works ranges from unswerving advancement of Chinese-path modernization to the solid promotion of common prosperity; from building a shared spiritual home for all ethnic groups to promoting the united struggle of all Chinese people at home and abroad; and from pushing for the formation of green development models and lifestyles to striving for a modernization featuring harmony between humanity and nature. The book covers General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important discourses on Chinese-path modernization during the great transformations of the decade of the New Era, involving aspects such as reform, development, and stability; internal affairs, foreign policy, and national defense; and the governance of the Party, the state, and the military. These works proceed step-by-step, are closely linked, and complement one another. From multiple dimensions—including theory to practice, history to reality, domestic to international, and macro-strategic guidance to micro-level specific deployment—they present the contemporary themes, basic categories, and content structure of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization in an all-around and three-dimensional manner. Together, they support the "four beams and eight pillars" [1] of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization, signifying that the Communist Party of China in the New Era has reached a new height in its understanding of the laws governing the theory and practice of Chinese-path modernization.
To demonstrate the power of truth in the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization through holistic interpretation, we must take the "Six Must-Persists" [2] proposed in the report to the 20th CPC National Congress as our fundamental guide. We must treat science with a scientific attitude and pursue truth in the spirit of truth. We should use the Selected Works as the latest authoritative textbook for studying the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization, reading the original texts in their "original flavor" [3] and entirety. In this process, we must not only know "what is said" but also "what is meant," and not only know "how it is" but also "why it is so." This ensures a deep study and thorough understanding of the profound logic, academic theory, and philosophy within the works, better clarifying the scientific connotations, unique character, and historical-practical value of this scientific theoretical system. We must use "solid steel" [4] thinking to deepen our understanding of the Chinese characteristics, essential requirements, and major principles of Chinese-path modernization. In particular, the new concepts, thoughts, and strategies, as well as the specific requirements for various areas of work, must be placed within the broad framework of the entire theoretical system for understanding. We must avoid fragmented or one-sided phenomena such as "taking things out of context to suit one's needs" or "seeing the trees but not the forest." We should focus on the systematic and academic interpretation of Chinese-path modernization theory, continuously cultivating basic and major questions regarding its developmental trajectory, structural elements, and the logical connections between its various components. By analyzing the "roots, stems, leaves, and veins" and the deep logic of the theoretical system from multiple perspectives, we can effectively broaden the horizon and dimension of its holistic interpretation, providing fundamental ideological guidance and practical directives for composing a brand-new chapter in the construction of Chinese-path modernization.
2. Expanding the perspective of "Great History" to comprehend the contemporary significance of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization
A bright mirror is used to reflect the form; ancient events are used to know the present [5]. General Secretary Xi Jinping noted: "Summarizing history is intended to enable the whole Party to discern the laws of historical development and the general trends of the times from the historical process, to improve our level of understanding and ability to discriminate, and to enhance our courage and strength to anchor ourselves to established goals and march toward the future with high spirits, handling current affairs with greater clarity and firmness." Chinese-path modernization carries the long-cherished wishes and expectations of the Chinese nation; it condenses the struggle and sweat of the Chinese people and is a precious fruit achieved by the Party and the people through untold hardships and at a great cost. The more comprehensive our understanding of the historical thread of Chinese-path modernization, and the deeper our grasp of its practical laws, the more proactive we will be in advancing its construction. While the Selected Works is arranged chronologically, it takes "Hold High the Great Banner of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Strive in Unity to Build a Modern Socialist Country in All Respects" as the opening piece. As the political manifesto and program of action for comprehensively advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization, this piece effectively commands and connects Volumes I and II. It plays a key role in outlining and leading the entire collection, opening a vast historical perspective for us to fully grasp the great realistic and long-term historical significance of Chinese-path modernization within Party history, the history of New China, the history of reform and opening up, the history of socialist development, the history of the development of the Chinese nation, and even the history of human civilization.
To grasp the contemporary significance of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization through a perspective of "Great History" [6], we must persist in the correct view of Party history and the view of Great History. We must analyze the evolutionary mechanism of modernization within the long river of history, the tide of the times, and the winds of global change. We must persist in the unity of historicity and contemporaneity. This involves using a concrete-historical, objective, comprehensive, and developmental viewpoint to reflect on the main themes and essential nature of the Party's century-long exploration of Chinese-path modernization. Simultaneously, with a keen eye, we must discern the timing and momentum, risks and opportunities faced in advancing Chinese-path modernization against the backdrop of the overall strategy of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the world’s profound changes unseen in a century. We must enhance our ability to use historical vision and holistic thinking to understand laws of development and guide practical work, more resolutely guarding against the mindset of mechanically copying Western models of modernization, and effectively strengthening our political, ideological, theoretical, and emotional identification with the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization. We must combine the study of authoritative works, the conduct of thematic education, and the strengthening of theoretical arming with the normalized and long-term study of Party history. We should strengthen education in fine traditional Chinese culture, revolutionary culture, and advanced socialist culture, giving full play to the educational value of "red resources" [7]. We should guide the whole Party to deeply reflect on the historical laws of the theoretical and practical exploration of Chinese-path modernization from the dimensions of Party history, the history of New China, the history of reform and opening up, the history of socialist development, and the history of the development of the Chinese nation, drawing essence and nourishment from them. At the same time, we must establish a global perspective, comprehensively discerning from the works the unique advantages and essential differences of Chinese-path modernization compared to Western-style modernization. We should both learn from the beneficial experiences of modernization in various countries through historical reflection and critical examination, and emphasize the historical contribution of Chinese-path modernization to world historical development and the progress of human civilization. In particular, we must closely link this to the historical achievements and transformations in the cause of the Party and the state since the 18th CPC National Congress, the extraordinary journey the Party has traveled in the New Era, and the specific practices of comprehensively deepening reform and opening up, promoting high-quality development, and effectively responding to major risks and challenges. By connecting these to the profound and complex changes in the international environment, we can comprehend the major leap in modernization theory during a glorious process that "amazes the world" [8], better grasping the historical wisdom and contemporary significance of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization. We should take multiple measures to push the magnificent cause of Chinese-path modernization forward through the torrents of global, temporal, and historical changes.
3. Highlighting practical characteristics to stimulate the practical power of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization
The more one exerts strength in action, the further one’s knowledge progresses; the deeper one’s knowledge, the more successfully one’s actions reach their goal [9]. Practicality, as a prominent feature distinguishing Marxist theory from others, is both an important theoretical cornerstone for Marxism to lead the changes of the times and for constructing the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization. Divorced from the vivid practice of Chinese-path modernization, its theoretical system would become "water without a source, or a tree without roots." General Secretary Xi Jinping profoundly pointed out in the article "Exert Great Effort to Solve Key and Difficult Problems Restricting the Completion of a Moderately Prosperous Society on Schedule": "It seems now that there are problems with non-development, and there are problems that arise once development occurs; the problems that appear after developing are no fewer than those before developing—indeed, they are even more numerous and complex." This emphasizes that the "problem consciousness" must be consistent throughout, and theory must be closely integrated with practice. Throughout the Selected Works, it is easy to see that the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization is deeply rooted in its practice. It is manifested in the struggle of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core leading the whole Party and the people with unprecedented historical initiative and creativity to unswervingly advance the construction of Chinese-path modernization, demonstrating a high degree of unity between Marxist epistemology and methodology.
The development of practice never ends, and neither does our recognition of truth or theoretical innovation. Currently, the world’s profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating, and the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. The construction of Chinese-path modernization has entered a period where strategic opportunities and risks/challenges coexist, and uncertain, unpredictable factors are increasing. There is an urgent need to transform the truth-power of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization into practical power. We must strengthen a problem-oriented, demand-oriented, and practice-oriented approach. Centering on the Party's central tasks in the New Era and on the new journey, we must conduct new theoretical reflections on the realistic problems facing Chinese-path modernization. We must deeply excavate and explain the scientific thinking, leadership methods, and working methods inherent in the theoretical system, applying them skillfully to every field and link of modernization construction. This will effectively improve our ability to use scientific methods to meet major challenges, resist major risks, overcome major obstacles, resolve major contradictions, and solve major problems. We must persist in using theoretical innovation to lead great practice, explaining the practice of Chinese-path modernization through its theoretical system, and sublimating the theoretical system through its practice. We should promptly refine the good experiences, ideas, and practices that have been achieved and proven effective in practice, elevating them to the level of theoretical understanding. We must create new concepts, judgments, and expressions that fit the construction of Chinese-path modernization, thereby further improving and developing the theoretical system on its current preliminary foundation. We must integrate the general requirement of thematic education—"study the thought, strengthen Party spirit, emphasize practice, and perform new deeds"—into the practice of Chinese-path modernization. We should be adept at using the scientific worldview, methodology, and the standpoints, viewpoints, and methods contained within the theoretical system to conduct investigations and research. We must integrate situational research [10]—including strategic, policy-oriented, forward-looking, tracking, anatomical, and supervisory investigations—with the principles and methods emphasized by the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization. On this expedition full of glory and dreams, we shall comprehensively advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization.