Shenyang: An Analysis of Paths for Promoting the Practical Application of习近平 Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era
On March 30, 2023, while presiding over the fourth collective study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "We must apply the Party's innovative theories to the implementation of the major strategic deployments proposed at the 20th National Congress." He stressed that learning Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era must focus on utilizing it to solve specific problems in construction and practice, thereby charting the path for the practical application of this theoretical body. The purpose of studying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era lies in practice and application. We must uphold and utilize the standpoints, views, and methods that permeate it, ensuring clear direction, sober-mindedness, effective responses, and vigorous action.
I. Carrying Forward the Proactive Spirit of Observing, Grasping, and Leading the Times
Being adept at using Marxism to observe, grasp, and lead the times is a valuable experience distilled from the more than 100-year history of the Communist Party of China. In the New Era, we must carry forward a proactive spirit, applying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to observe, grasp, and lead the times. General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized the need to "use Marxism to observe, grasp, and lead the times." For over a century, the CPC has led the Chinese people through various historical periods of revolution, construction, and reform, always remaining adept at this task. The key to deeply studying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era lies in grounding ourselves in the characteristics of the era. We must accurately grasp the worldview and methodology of this Thought—including the "Six Must Upholds" [1]—as well as the standpoints, views, and methods inherent within it. We must truly understand the epochal issues we face and profoundly grasp the pulse and direction of world history. Grounded in our current undertakings, we must persist in seeking truth from facts, uphold the principle of people centeredness (people first), respond to reality's needs, understand the general trends of the era, harmonize with its rhythm, follow its pace, lead its direction, and rally the people to forge ahead toward the goals set by the 20th National Congress.
(1) Coordinating the "Two Overarching Situations" While Observing the Times
The "Two Overarching Situations" (两个大局) refer to the strategic overarching situation of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the world’s protracted changes unseen in a century [2]. In studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we must be adept at using this Thought to coordinate and grasp these two situations. As a socialist country with a massive population, the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process. This rejuvenation profoundly affects both domestic and international strategic landscapes, and China is increasingly playing the role of a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order. Starting from the strategic overarching situation of national rejuvenation, we must work to build a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for humanity. We must align with the epochal trend of the world’s protracted changes unseen in a century, interpret the new international landscape, exercise historical initiative, and comprehensively advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation while mastering the "Two Overarching Situations." We must fully utilize Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, ground ourselves in strategic thinking, and coordinate strategic measures to advance the building of a strong country and national rejuvenation.
Coordinating the "Two Overarching Situations" requires viewing the world’s changes and the national rejuvenation as a unified system and a whole. Based on implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we must gain deep insight into the developmental requirements of the era and accurately grasp the general trends of China and the world. We must recognize which historical stage we occupy, our relationship with the world, and major theoretical and practical questions such as "what should we do?" By enhancing our historical consciousness, carrying forward a proactive spirit, and strengthening our historical confidence, we can use the Party's innovative theories to observe, grasp, and lead the times.
The strategic overarching situation of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is formed and unfolds within the environment of the world’s protracted changes unseen in a century. To advance this strategic situation, we must coordinate the "Two Overarching Situations." Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era serves as both the theoretical guide for scientifically grasping these two situations and the scientific guidance for persisting in and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics at this historical crossroads. In the practical application of this Thought, we must enhance strategic and systemic thinking, coordinate the two situations, unswervingly advance Chinese-path modernization, persist on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and realize the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
(2) Gaining Profound Insight into "Timing and Momentum" and "Crisis and Opportunity" While Grasping the Times
Grasping the times requires a profound insight into "timing and momentum" (时与势) and "crisis and opportunity" (危与机). General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: "Timing and momentum are on our side; this is where our composure and confidence lie, and it is the source of our determination and faith." Using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to correctly perceive and grasp the timing, momentum, crises, and opportunities we face is an important basis for scientific decision-making and securing strategic initiative.
To grasp the times and perceive these factors, we must both take Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as our guide and remain rooted in fine traditional Chinese culture. The phrase "timing and momentum" (shí yǔ shì) derives from the "Autumn Waters" chapter of the Zhuangzi: "In the time of Yao and Shun, there were no neglected men in the world, yet this was not due to their wisdom; in the time of Jie and Zhou, there were no successful men in the world, yet this was not due to a lack of wisdom. It was simply that the timing and momentum (shishi) made it so" [3]. "Timing" (shí) refers to the timing provided by heaven—the so-called "opportunity"—while "momentum" (shì) refers to the situation or the changing circumstances. Together, they refer to the prevailing trend or tide. Gaining insight into timing and momentum means seeing and seizing the right moment and the right situation.
"Crisis" and "opportunity" are two aspects of a unity of opposites. Crisis represents danger, while opportunity represents a chance for development. Dialectical materialism maintains that the law of the unity of opposites—wherein the two contradictory sides of a thing are both opposed and unified—is the universal law of development. Therefore, "crisis" and "opportunity" can transform into each other under certain conditions. The purpose of perceiving crisis and opportunity is to mitigate the negative impacts of a crisis, correctly summarize experiences, learn from lessons, and continuously create opportunities for development while managing crises to turn disadvantages into advantages.
The key to gaining these insights is to strengthen the study of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, arming the mind with theory and maintaining a sober awareness. We must always maintain the epochal awareness that "the Chinese nation has reached its most dangerous moment" [4]. We must take the pulse of the changing "timing and momentum" and "crisis and opportunity," recognize various dialectical relationships and conditional factors, seize opportunities, and meet challenges. We must remain calm, move steadily, and ensure scientific judgment of timing and momentum. We must remain as firm as a rock amidst stormy seas and exercise strategic command amidst risks and challenges, thereby occupying the high ground of development and maintaining the initiative for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
(3) Identifying, Responding to, and Seeking Change While Leading the Times
In the report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "The orignal whole Party must bolster its confidence, forge ahead with enterprise, and take the initiative to identify, respond to, and seek change" (识变应变求变). Dialectical materialism holds that things are in a state of constant development and change; change is absolute. At the same time, the change of things is not chaotic but follows laws that can be discovered and understood. This means we must scientifically grasp the trends, conditions, and directions of development, and formulate correct strategies, tactics, and measures to respond to changes, break through difficulties, nurture new opportunities, and promote development.
Currently, on the journey ahead, we face a complex situation brought about by many uncertain and unpredictable factors, resulting in the coexistence of strategic opportunities and risky challenges, with crisis and hope walking side by side. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s emphasis on proactively identifying, responding to, and seeking change provides us with scientific ideological and working methods to seize opportunities, meet challenges, and continuously win new victories in building a modern socialist country in all respects. The key to doing so lies in practicing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. This requires us to seize opportunities, meet challenges, and forge ahead with courage, using a spirit of "striving," an impetus for "breaking through," and a "practical" style. On the new journey, we must seek innovation, development, and breakthroughs amidst change. As long as our thinking does not become ossified and our pace does not falter, we will surely create a brilliant tomorrow.
II. Continuously Promoting New Progress and Breakthroughs in Chinese-path Modernization
General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Chinese-path modernization is the socialist modernization led by the Communist Party of China. It shares common features with the modernization of other countries, but more importantly, it has Chinese characteristics based on our own national conditions." The path of Chinese-path modernization has expanded the channels for developing countries to achieve modernization. In the New Era, we must be adept at using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to ensure that Chinese-path modernization achieves new progress and breakthroughs.
(1) Strengthening the Party’s Political Leadership
General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Ensuring that the whole Party obeys the Central Committee and upholding the Party Central Committee’s authority and centralized, unified leadership is the primary task of the Party’s political building." Persisting in the Party's political leadership allows us to maintain firm faith and conviction and enables us to consciously obey and uphold the Party's leadership. This is the fundamental political prerequisite for the success of the cause led by the Party. The Party's political leadership is the very foundation of the prosperity of our cause.
To strengthen the Party's political leadership, we must apply Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in practice. This Thought points the way forward for achieving new breakthroughs in Chinese-path modernization and defines the important principles for advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Simultaneously, it establishes the grand goals for building a strong country and national rejuvenation. The key to implementing this Thought lies in continuously strengthening the Party's political leadership and being adept at using the Thought to solve practical problems in the process of socialist modernization.
(2) Strengthening Strategic Support
General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Education, science and technology, and talent are the foundational and strategic pillars (strategic support) for building a modern socialist country in all respects." Prioritizing the development of education is an inevitable choice for building a modern socialist country; self-reliance and strength in science and technology are the fundamental support for building a strong country and national rejuvenation; and being driven by talent is an inherent requirement for modernization. Strategic support is the fundamental cornerstone of our cause’s prosperity.
To enhance strategic support, we must utilize Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and give full play to the roles of science, technology, talent, and innovation. We must persist in the view that science and technology are the primary productive forces. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "We must persist in facing the frontiers of world science and technology, the main economic battlefield, the major needs of the country, and the lives and health of the people, and accelerate the achievement of high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology." Progress in science and technology results in advanced productive forces, which can create brilliant achievements. History and practice have proven that every major technological advancement in human history has improved the tools and means of production, enhanced the quality of laborers, and brought about a massive increase in labor productivity and the rapid optimization of industrial structures, adding driving force to economic and social development.
We must also continuously emphasize that talent is the primary resource. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "Talent is the primary resource. The fundamental source of a country’s technological innovation lies in people. It takes ten years to grow a tree, but a hundred years to cultivate people (十年树木，百年树人). We must place education in a more important position, comprehensively improve the quality of education, and focus on cultivating students’ innovative awareness and ability." Practice has proven that talent is a powerful force for a nation’s strength and the people’s happiness; it is the basis for enriching the country and the grand plan for national prosperity. Cultivating talent requires education, which is an important cornerstone of national rejuvenation and social progress.
Finally, we must emphasize that innovation is the primary driver. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "We must persist in the core position of innovation in the overall situation of our country’s modernization drive and take self-reliance and strength in science and technology as the strategic pillar for national development." Our socialist modernization requires high-quality economic and social development. Facts have shown that deeply advancing reform and innovation can increase developmental momentum, increase output efficiency, and enhance corporate vitality. Therefore, innovation is the inexhaustible driver for building a strong country and for national rejuvenation.
(3) Continuously Exploring Practical Paths
Practical paths refer to the necessary conditions of the specific realization process and the conscious steps of human implementation, embodying the unity of behavioral aims and methods. Expanding these practical paths means continuously searching for, discovering, and exploring new methods. Such expansion is a realistic necessity for the flourishing of the Party’s cause. Only by continuously expanding practical paths can we ensure that the forms of our practice become increasingly diverse, that our practical paths better meet the requirements of developing a Chinese-path modernization, and that the development of Chinese-path modernization moves forward with ever-increasing speed.
We must apply Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to expand practical paths. Within this, the discourse on "insisting on guaranteeing and improving people's livelihoods during the course of development" contains many specific practical paths, such as "adhering to the people-centered development philosophy," "improving the level of guarantee and improvement of people's livelihoods," "strengthening and innovating social governance," and "continuously raising the level of socialization, rule of law, intelligence, and professionalization of social governance." The fundamental purpose of these practical paths is to enhance the wellbeing of the people, promote common prosperity, and construct a social security system that serves as a safety net for people's lives and a stabilizer for social operations. We must profoundly grasp the worldview and methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, make good use of the positions, viewpoints, and methods that permeate it, and persist in using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a guide to understand the world, grasp its laws, and transform the world.
(4) Being Adept at Resolving Development Bottlenecks
Maintaining a problem-oriented approach is an effective practical method. The world today is experiencing profound changes unseen in a century [5]; on the road of peace and development, many difficult problems await our resolution. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "Problems are the voice of the times; answering and guiding the resolution of problems is the fundamental task of theory." Persisting in a problem-oriented approach and continuously resolving bottlenecks is a requirement of the era, and it is also an effective practical method for our Party to use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to resolve development difficulties.
To resolve development bottlenecks, we must use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to advance Chinese-path modernization. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Persist in the problem-oriented approach, focusing on the prominent contradictions and problems facing our country's development." Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the guiding theory for initiating a great cause on the new journey of the New Era; likewise, it provides path selections and a practical basis for resolving development bottlenecks. On the new journey, strengthening investigation and research, grasping the new development philosophy, listening to the voices of the people, and strengthening the guidance of goals are all effective methods for resolving development difficulties. Strengthening investigation and research means targeting problems in development, meticulously analyzing their causes and characteristics, and finding regular patterns for solutions. Grasping the new development philosophy means using the new development philosophy to break through development bottlenecks, rather than stubbornly clinging to old conventions [6] or suffering from ideological ossification. Listening to the voices of the people means maintaining close ties with the masses, following the mass line, and solving development issues and bottlenecks with greater specificity. Goal guidance means using objectives to signal direction and using that direction to drive the resolution of difficult problems. In short, being adept at applying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is crucial for resolving development bottlenecks.
(5) Continuously Stimulating Momentum and Vitality
Momentum is the foundational force of an object's development, while vitality is its vigorous life force. Stimulating momentum and vitality means excavating potential, mobilizing passion, and promoting the development and progress of things. We must apply Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to stimulate momentum and vitality, thereby promoting high-quality development of the economy and society. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "High-quality development is the theme of our country's economic and social development during the '14th Five-Year Plan' period and even for a longer period, and it concerns the overall situation of our country's socialist modernization construction."
We must be adept at using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to stimulate the momentum and vitality of economic and social development. The Outline for the Study of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era (2023 Edition) points out: "To persist in and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era, the fundamental driving force remains comprehensively deepening reform and opening up." Comprehensively deepening reform and opening up is the source of strength for stimulating the momentum and vitality of economic and social development. We use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to guide the comprehensive deepening of reform and opening up, maintaining the principal position of the people, and promoting the gradual realization of common prosperity for all people. Applying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to stimulate the momentum and vitality of economic and social development will thereby enhance the drive and vigor of the broad masses of the people to devote themselves to the building of a strong country and national rejuvenation.
III. Scientifically Resolving Various Contradictions and Problems in Economic and Social Development
In the historical process of advancing the construction of a socialist modernized country, many contradictions and problems still exist. These contradictions and problems constrain economic and social development, affect socialist modernization construction, and impact the people's sense of gain, happiness, and security. The key to solving contradictions and problems lies in having advanced thought as guidance. Applying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the linchpin for resolving the contradictions and problems in building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation.
(1) Implementing the New Development Philosophy Completely, Accurately, and Comprehensively
The new development philosophy refers to the philosophy of innovative, coordinated, green, open, and shared development. The new development philosophy profoundly reveals the inevitable path to achieving development that is of higher quality, more efficient, fairer, and more sustainable, and it concerns the overall situation of our country's economic and social development. Currently, our country's economic development has entered a "new normal," and the recovery of the world economy faces numerous difficulties. Under these circumstances, promoting high-quality economic and social development urgently requires the guidance of the new development philosophy. As our country's economy and society develop, various contradictions and problems have become increasingly apparent. Meanwhile, unreasonable suppression of our country by the US and other Western nations is also increasing. In this international and domestic situation, the complete, accurate, and comprehensive implementation of the new development philosophy has become an inevitable choice. The new development philosophy is another major innovation in our country’s theory of economic and social development. As Chinese-path modernization continuously advances, the innovation of development concepts is imperative. The new development philosophy centrally reflects the deepening of our Party’s understanding of the laws of economic and social development and is a further sublimation of Marxist worldview and methodology in Chinese practice. Party members and cadres must study deeply and believe sincerely, take the lead and set an example, and put these ideas into practice, using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to drive the vivid practice of socialist modernization construction.
(2) Accelerating the Construction of a New Development Paradigm
General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that we must "actively construct a new development paradigm with the domestic cycle as the mainstay and the domestic and international dual circulation promoting each other." This is a strategic arrangement for persisting in and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics, and for comprehensively advancing the building of a strong country and national rejuvenation. Constructing the new development paradigm is a requirement of the times, a requirement for the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era, and a requirement for scientifically solving various contradictions and problems in economic and social development. The key to building a new development paradigm lies in the practical application of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. To build this paradigm, we must achieve a smooth circulation, attain self-reliance and self-strengthening, and win the resources and recognition of the international market. Constructing the new development paradigm and ensuring the smooth flow of international and domestic dual circulation means resolving the difficult points, distress points, and bottlenecks in the economic cycle, promoting unimpeded circulation between the internal and external. Achieving high-level technological self-reliance and self-strengthening depends on the localization, corporatization, and systematization of technologies and products. Winning market resources means continuously opening up channels for international and domestic market resources, expanding the fields of market resources, deeply excavating their potential, and broadening their scope.
(3) Promoting High-Quality Economic and Social Development
General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "High-quality development is the primary task of comprehensively building a socialist modernized country." High-quality development is an active choice to adapt to the new normal of economic development, a fundamental manifestation of implementing the new development philosophy completely, accurately, and comprehensively, an inevitable requirement for adapting to the changes in the principal contradiction of our society [7], and the inevitable path to building a modernized economic system. To realize high-quality economic and social development, the practical application of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is key. Integrating the study of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we must work hard on the concepts of "stability" (wen), "innovation" (xin), "substance" (shi), and "action" (gan). "Stability" means putting stability first, making steady progress, working with substance while maintaining stability, seeking progress through stability, and crossing hurdles while stable. "Innovation" means breaking through within the "new"—implementing the new development philosophy completely, accurately, and comprehensively, constructing the new development paradigm, strengthening innovation-driven development, increasing the intensity of supply-side structural reform, and enhancing the momentum and vitality of the international and domestic dual circulation. "Action" means producing results—seizing the industries with the most unique characteristics and the most vital enterprises, developing the real economy with high quality, prioritizing the development of manufacturing and the private economy, and implementing the strategy for a strong agricultural country. "Substance" means remaining down-to-earth. We must create and improve the institutional environment, unswervingly enhance the wellbeing of the people, unswervingly implement opening up to the outside world, and unswervingly strengthen the Party's leadership in all areas.
(4) Promoting the Gradual Realization of Common Prosperity for All People
Common prosperity is the essential stipulation and the goal of struggle for socialism. Common prosperity encompasses characteristics of both productive forces and relations of production; it defines the social positioning of common prosperity through qualitative stipulation, making it the essential requirement and the goal of struggle for socialism. Common prosperity is an organic unity of "commonality" and "prosperity." "Commonality" explains the scope of the realization of prosperity, standing in contrast to the phenomenon of polarization caused by private ownership; "prosperity" characterizes the degree of abundance in life, standing in contrast to poverty. Common prosperity is general prosperity based on the elimination of exploitation and the eradication of polarization, but it is not a prosperity achieved by an egalitarian distribution of existing wealth. Common prosperity is a comprehensive prosperity of both material and spiritual life; it is a gradual prosperity from the part to the whole, and a full-process, all-dimensional prosperity from lower to higher levels. Common prosperity is an essential requirement of socialism and the fundamental value orientation of Chinese Communists. We must persist in using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to promote the gradual realization of common prosperity for all people. The application of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to promote the gradual movement of all people toward common prosperity has significant strategic significance and practical value. Realizing common prosperity is the essential requirement of socialism; practicing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era allows Communists to deepen their understanding of the connotation of common prosperity and enrich their experience in practicing it, ensuring the road of common prosperity becomes broader.
IV. Being Adept at Preventing and Defusing Major Risks
We must use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to prevent and defuse major risks. Currently, as the Party leads the country and people forward in the New Era, the risks faced are multifaceted, including both external and internal risks. We must be adept at using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to accurately grasp the laws of change, recognize trends, and clearly perceive risks and challenges.
(1) Enhancing the Awareness of Potential Dangers and Staying Prepared for Adversity in Times of Peace
General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "The road ahead cannot be smooth sailing. The brighter the prospects, the more we must enhance our awareness of potential dangers and stay prepared for adversity in times of peace, comprehensively recognizing and effectively responding to some major risks and challenges." Enhancing the awareness of potential dangers is an effective experience of the Chinese nation in responding to changes and achieving long-term peace and stability, reflecting the simple dialectical thinking of ancient sages.
Applying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to enhance the awareness of potential dangers requires staying prepared for adversity in times of peace, maintaining a clear head and a vigorous state of mind, and continuously opening new prospects for the cause of socialist modernization. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has consistently emphasized the need to enhance the awareness of potential dangers. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "We must strengthen risk awareness, constantly observe the overarching trends, constantly consider the overall situation, scientifically foresee the trajectory of the situation and the risks and challenges hidden within it, so as to take precautions before it rains." Enhancing the awareness of potential dangers is a vivid manifestation of specifically applying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Strengthening risk awareness means acting as if "treading on thin ice, facing a deep abyss, or sleeping with one's head on a spear waiting for dawn" [8] during the process of socialist modernization. Applying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to enhance the awareness of potential dangers means constantly observing the overarching trends, considering the overall situation, and being far-sighted, ensuring we maintain a clear mind and a sober view of the times. Enhancing the awareness of potential dangers requires scientifically foreseeing the trajectory of the situation and the hidden risks and challenges, frequently analyzing the overall situation and trends, identifying breakthroughs, and taking precautions before it rains to eliminate risks and challenges at their inception and resolve contradictions and difficulties in the bud. In short, enhancing the awareness of potential dangers must fully utilize Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to ensure we have effective responses when storms and surging waves arrive, ensuring that no matter how high the wind and waves or how turbulent the waters, the ship of comprehensively building a great socialist modernized country can always cut through the brambles and thorns and forge ahead through the waves.
(2) Adhering to Bottom-line Thinking and Maintaining Strategic Resolve
General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized "bottom-line thinking" on several occasions. The bottom line refers to the minimum threshold and necessary conditions; it is an inviolable boundary and the critical point at which a qualitative change occurs in a given object. Once this boundary is breached, it leads to inestimable harm and unbearable consequences. General Secretary Xi Jinping noted: "China is a large country and absolutely cannot afford to make subversive errors on fundamental issues." This is the bottom line. Bottom-line thinking embodies the relationship between subjective initiative and objective regularity [9], as well as the principles of qualitative and quantitative change found in Marxist dialectical materialism. It represents the organic integration of "upholding defenses" and "proactive striving." Bottom-line thinking is of paramount importance; it helps us maintain strategic focus and prevent trouble before it arises.
The practical application of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era must adhere to bottom-line thinking. Adhering to bottom-line thinking means taking the bottom line as the fundamental orientation to regulate the development of things toward a predetermined goal. Only by fully estimating difficulties and risks, preparing sufficient and solid contingency plans for complex situations and unexpected events, and actively exploring paths and methods to avoid systemic risks and resolve complex contradictions can we ensure that development goals are achieved within a risk-controlled scope. Adhering to bottom-line thinking is a necessity dictated by the current developmental situation. At present, the situation facing China's economic and social development is complex and volatile, with explicit and latent contradictions [10] existing simultaneously and various problems emerging in an endless stream. This requires the use of bottom-line thinking to analyze and judge the situation and clearly perceive the direction forward. Furthermore, bottom-line thinking is an essential quality for leading officials. Whether one can apply bottom-line thinking in practice is both an internal requirement for planning and promoting work and an important yardstick for testing the quality and capability of leading officials.
(3) Engaging in Forward-looking Thinking and Strengthening Advance Deployment
Forward-looking thinking refers to having a long-term perspective and scientifically nodes foreseeing possible events. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "We must enhance the forward-looking nature of our strategy, accurately grasp the inevitable trends of development, keenly discern the opportunities and challenges that may appear on the road ahead, and use scientific strategic foresight to predict and lead the future." This requires strengthening forward-looking thinking and making scientific and correct judgments on development trends based on objective laws, thereby formulating response strategies in advance to effectively resist risks, properly resolve contradictions, and better promote development.
Applying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era requires forward-looking thinking to point out the direction for specific practical work and find effective solutions to problems. To engage in forward-looking thinking, one must profoundly understand and grasp the laws governing the development and change of things, and establish strategies, determine principles, and formulate policies while maintaining the initiative in grasping the general trend of historical development. The major goals and tasks for the next five years and the overall objectives for China's development through 2035 outlined in the report to the 20th CPC National Congress fully demonstrate the Party’s forward-looking strategic arrangements for future development. In conducting forward-looking thinking, one must look at both general trends and risks. This requires us to always prioritize the interests of the people, feel the urgency the masses feel, think what the masses think, actively analyze the contradictions and difficulties that may arise on the path toward Chinese-path modernization, and take the initiative by making the first move [11] in preventing and defusing risks. We must fight proactive battles and properly prepare contingency plans for resolving possible contradictions and problems.
V. Unswervingly Advancing Comprehensively and Strictly Governing the Party
Comprehensively and strictly governing the Party is a valuable experience accumulated during the more than 100-year history of the Communist Party of China. It is the fundamental guarantee for realizing the Party's historical mission, an urgent need for resolving prominent contradictions and problems within the Party, an inevitable requirement for improving the Party's creativity, cohesion, and combat effectiveness, and the foundation for ensuring the Party remains a strong leadership core. Thoroughly advancing the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party is the fundamental guarantee for promoting the practical application of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
(1) Constantly Maintaining Sobriety and Firmness
In the report to the 20th National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that "comprehensively and strictly governing the Party is a journey that never ends, and the Party's self-revolution is a journey that never ends." Always maintaining the sobriety and firmness necessary to solve the unique challenges facing a large party is a major judgment of historical and epochal significance made in the report to the 20th National Congress regarding the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party. Since the 18th National Congress, while the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party has been continuously strengthened, new contradictions and problems have also emerged. The existence of these contradictions and problems poses a huge challenge to the Party; therefore, it is absolutely necessary to remain sober at all times and continuously solve the unique challenges of a large party.
The practical application of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era requires continuously strengthening the Party’s awareness of its fundamental purpose, more profoundly comprehending the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, and strengthening the Four Consciousnesses [12], firming up the Four Confidences [13], and achieving the Two Upholds. We must continuously strengthen disciplinary supervision, build solid embankments, and educate the broad ranks of Party members and officials to practice the Party's fundamental purpose, uphold the principle of "people first," and always keep "serving the people heart and soul" in their minds and actions. Applying Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era requires maintaining a sober political mind at all times, adhering to the correct political stance, remaining highly loyal to the Party at all times, and ensuring a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee in thought and action through political sobriety and firmness. The application of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era requires Party organizations at all levels to actively implement their responsibilities for Party governance. Through high-pressure management, integrated prevention, root-level salvation, and systematic supervision, they must effectively safeguard the Party's discipline and rules, striving to build a contingent of Party members and officials who are loyal, clean, and responsible.
(2) Resolving Deep-seated and Fundamental Problems
In the report to the 20th National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "We must enhance our problem-oriented awareness," focusing on "the prominent problems facing Party building, and continuously proposing new ideas, new thinking, and new methods that truly solve problems." Comrade Mao Zedong pointed out: "What is a problem? A problem is a contradiction in a thing. Wherever there is an unresolved contradiction, there is a problem." The Party's practices in revolution, construction, and reform have all been aimed at solving China's practical problems. Deep-seated and fundamental problems possess particularity and epochal characteristics; in the New Era, we must be adept at using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to resolve deep-seated and fundamental problems in the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party.
Using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to solve deep-seated and fundamental problems requires adhering to seeking truth from facts, firmly following the mass line, conducting investigation and research, having the courage and the skill to struggle, and maintaining long-term focus and sufficient patience. To solve the deep-seated and fundamental problems that continuously emerge on the road ahead, we must take Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as our guide. Adhering to seeking truth from facts means being good at discovering problems and having the courage to face them head-on—without evading or dodging, but rather targeting problems and moving toward them to create a new situation for the development of our cause through problem-solving. To follow the mass line and conduct investigation and research, one must "squat down" [14] and go deep into the grassroots, keep a firm grip on problems, mobilize the masses, listen to their opinions, and rely on their strength to solve problems, identifying the difficulties that restrict the development of the Party and state and resolving bottleneck issues. Having the courage and skill to struggle means daring to take risks and facing contradictions head-on with a firm will and high morale, overcoming all difficulties and obstacles on the road ahead with indomitable perseverance and selfless, fearless courage. Maintaining long-term focus and patience requires a sober realization of the arduous, complex, and protracted nature of solving deep-seated and fundamental problems, ensuring consistency, persistence, and persisting over the long term.
(3) Maintaining the Party's Advanced Nature and Purity
The Constitution of the Communist Party of China clearly states that we must "strengthen the construction of the Party's long-term governing capacity and its advanced nature and purity, and comprehensively promote the New Great Project of Party Building [15] with a spirit of reform and innovation." Advanced nature and purity are the essential attributes of a Marxist party. To unswervingly move forward with the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party is to continuously maintain the Party's advanced nature and purity. We must be adept at using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to promote the New Great Project of Party Building and continuously carry out self-revolution.
We must be adept at using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to help the Party maintain its advanced nature and purity. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "The whole Party must use political courage for self-revolution to focus on solving the prominent problems existing within the Party itself, and continuously enhance the Party's capacity for self-purification, self-perfection, self-innovation, and self-improvement." "Self-purification" (自我净化, zìwǒ jìnghuà) refers to self-reflection and the continuous practice of self-criticism. Party members and officials should frequently examine themselves and reflect on their faults in a spirit of thorough materialism. They should often reflect on whether they lack ideals and beliefs, whether their awareness of the Party's purpose has faded, whether they have been tainted by unhealthy trends, and whether they exhibit formalism or bureaucratism in their work. Party members and officials should achieve self-purification step-by-step through self-analysis. "Self-perfection" (自我完善, zìwǒ wánshàn) refers to knowing one's mistakes and correcting them to make continuous progress. Party building is inseparable from institutional building. Regarding the Party's institutional construction, enhancing the capacity for self-perfection requires strengthening relevant institutional frameworks, improving the systems and mechanisms for Party building, and giving full play to the role of internal Party regulations. For individual officials, it means having the courage to conduct criticism and self-criticism, comprehensively identifying one's shortcomings, and formulating and executing plans to correct them. They must consciously measure themselves against the requirements of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the Party Constitution and regulations. "Self-innovation" (自我革新, zìwǒ géxīn) means advancing with the times and achieving self-transcendence. Party members and officials must arm themselves with the Party’s innovative theories to guide their practice. They must continuously emancipate their minds and update their concepts to keep pace with the era, consciously liberating their thoughts from various barriers, profoundly grasping the general trend of development, and using Xi Jinping Thought as a guide to uphold the fundamentals and break new ground, striving to stand at the forefront of the times. "Self-improvement" (自我提高, zìwǒ tígāo) means continuous learning and enhancing capabilities. Under the new situation, Party members and officials must feel a sense of "competence anxiety" [16] and a sense of urgency regarding learning, treating learning as a mission and a responsibility. They must consciously learn from books, from practice, and from the masses to enhance their governing capabilities. The purpose of learning is to apply it; officials must turn the knowledge they have acquired into actual productive forces to contribute to the building of a strong country and the rejuvenation of the nation.
(The author is the Director and Associate Researcher of the Research Office for the Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics at the Institute of Marxism Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences)
Online Editor: Xiaotian Source: Journal of China Executive Leadership Academy Jinggangshan, No. 3, 2023.