Zeng Jianping and Luo Hongping: An Analysis of Xi Jinping's Important Expositions on Investigation and Research
The Report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) pointed out the need to "弘扬党的光荣传统和优良作风，促进党员干部特别是领导干部带头深入调查研究，扑下身子干实事、谋实招、求实效" (carry forward the Party's glorious traditions and fine conduct, and encourage Party members and officials—leading officials in particular—to take the lead in conducting thorough investigations and research, rolling up their sleeves to do practical work, devise practical measures, and seek practical results). In March 2023, the General Office of the CPC Central Committee issued the Work Plan for Extensively Conducting Investigation and Research Throughout the Party, requiring that such efforts be vigorously promoted and integrated as a key component of the themed education program carried out across the Party. Investigation and research are a "heirloom" [1] of our Party; they are the foundation for planning tasks and the path to achieving success. Since the 18th National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has focused on identifying prominent contradictions and resolving major issues in the New Era. Setting a personal example and leading by way of demonstration, they have actively promoted the fine style of investigation and research. The important speeches delivered by Xi Jinping on conducting investigation and research in the new period embody the Marxist worldview and methodology, constituting an important component of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. At present, profound changes are occurring in world, national, and Party conditions; uncertain factors are increasing, and unpredictable risks are rising. There is an urgent need to grasp the essence and laws of things through investigation and research to find methods and paths for resolving difficult problems. Therefore, a comprehensive and profound understanding of Xi Jinping’s important expositions on investigation and research—along with the persistence in and application of the positions, viewpoints, and methods contained therein—holds significant theoretical and practical importance for guiding the entire Party to foster a culture of investigation and research, continuously clearing work bottlenecks, and sweeping away all "stumbling blocks."
I. The Origins of Xi Jinping’s Important Expositions on Investigation and Research
The emergence of Xi Jinping’s important expositions on investigation and research has deep roots. It represents an organic unity of theoretical continuity, cultural nourishment, and practical reflection; these three aspects interact to jointly constitute the generative logic of these important expositions.
(1) Rooted in the Value Adherence to Marxist Thought on Investigation and Research
The classical Marxist writers and successive leaders of the CPC have attached great importance to investigation and research, putting forward a line of thought that is consistent and continuous. Throughout his life, Marx placed great emphasis on investigation and research, believing that "research must appropriate the material in detail, analyze its different forms of development, and track down their inner connection." As early as his time at the Rheinische Zeitung, Marx frequently went deep into the Moselle region to investigate issues such as wood distribution and poverty, writing articles such as "Justification of the Correspondent from the Moselle." Das Kapital is itself a monumental work created by Marx on the basis of investigation and research. Engels similarly prioritized this approach; in 1843, he conducted extensive and in-depth investigations in the United Kingdom, collecting a vast amount of first-hand material on British workers to write The Condition of the Working Class in England, a major work of political economy. Lenin inherited the investigative thoughts of Marx and Engels. At the age of 23, based on in-depth investigation and research, Lenin wrote "New Economic Developments in Peasant Life," his debut work upon entering the political stage. After the victory of the October Revolution in Soviet Russia, faced with the new situation where "everything was waiting to be done" [2], Lenin issued a call to the entire Party, stating that "one of the primary tasks is to organize a series of social surveys."
Mao Zedong was not only a proponent of investigation and research but an expert practitioner. During the New Democratic Revolution [3], faced with the challenge of applying the universal truths of Marxism-Leninism to the specific realities of the Chinese revolution, Mao pointed out that "the Chinese revolution also needs investigation and research work; first, one must understand what China actually is (China’s past, present, and future)." He famously emphasized that "no investigation, no right to speak," and took the lead by going deep into factories, mines, and rural areas to conduct research, producing classic reports such as the Report on an Investigation of the Peasant Movement in Hunan, the Xunwu Investigation, the Xingguo Investigation, the Changgong Township Investigation, and the Caixi Township Investigation. During the period of socialist revolution and construction, concerning the "second combination" [4] of Marxism with Chinese reality, Mao proposed: "In the stages of socialist revolution and socialist construction, we still need to conduct investigation and research; we will still need it ten thousand years from now." He called on leading officials to "extensively promote the style of investigation and research, and proceed from reality in all things," pushing the practice to greater depths.
During the new period of reform, opening up, and socialist modernization, Deng Xiaoping emphasized seeking truth from facts. Through investigation and research, he formulated the "three-step" development strategy [5] and advocated for improved work methods, guiding Party members and officials to "go deep among the masses, be adept at using the method of typical case investigation, and study the conditions, experiences, and opinions of the masses." Jiang Zemin emphasized advancing with the times, noting that "to adapt to the needs of reform and development, investigation and research work must be strengthened across the board and must never be weakened in any way." Hu Jintao emphasized scientific development [6], viewing investigation and research as a prerequisite for it, stating that one must "persist in seeking truth and being pragmatic while establishing and implementing the Scientific Outlook on Development."
Entering the New Era, faced with new circumstances and problems in the development of the times, Xi Jinping has taken Marxist thought on investigation and research as his value adherence. He has made many creative elaborations on the subject, putting forward numerous new expositions and viewpoints, thereby creatively developing Marxist thought on investigation and research.
(2) Rooted in Wisdom Drawn from Fine Traditional Chinese Culture
The continuous 5,000-year history of the Chinese nation's splendid civilization has created an expansive and profound culture, which includes a tradition of investigation and research. Xi Jinping’s important expositions on the subject carry forward this national lineage and are deeply rooted in the fertile soil of Chinese culture. Tracing the source, investigation and research have a long history. As early as the legendary era of Yao and Shun, Yu the Great [7] traveled across mountains and rivers to conduct surveys for flood control, using "the level and plumb-line in his left hand, and the compass and square in his right." He "marked the mountains and trees, and determined the high mountains and great rivers" (Records of the Grand Historian: Annals of the Xia [8]), grasping first-hand data to lay a solid foundation for scientific flood control policies. By the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, during the "Contention of a Hundred Schools of Thought," almost all philosophers "valued investigation." For instance, Confucius never made subjective judgments on things he had not investigated or verified, to the extent that when discussing the rites of the Xia and Yin dynasties, he said, "the records and scholars are not sufficient, otherwise I could provide evidence for them" (Analects: Ba Yi). Han Fei stated in Han Feizi: Solitary Indignation: "Without clear observation, one cannot illuminate private [hidden] matters," emphasizing that without careful investigation, one cannot know the true situation. Xunzi also remarked in Xunzi: The Teachings of the Ru: "Hearing of it but not seeing it, though one be learned, one will surely be mistaken," emphasizing that without bowing down to investigate and clarify, even a man of vast knowledge is prone to error. Mozi elevated investigation and research to the level of state governance, believing that "identifying with the superior" (尚同) could only be achieved based on understanding the conditions of those below, preventing social chaos. Thus, he said: "When the superior governs, if they grasp the conditions of those below, there is order; if not, there is chaos" (Mozi: Identifying with the Superior III).
The investigative thoughts of these diverse schools had a profound impact on later generations. For example, the Eastern Han historian Ban Gu wrote in the Book of Han: Biography of Prince Xian of Hejian: "Cultivate learning and love antiquity; seek truth from facts" [9]. By the Qing Dynasty, Wei Yuan further emphasized "measuring the reality of facts against the success of deeds, and measuring the success of deeds against the reality of facts." It is evident that in traditional Chinese culture, the emphasis on investigation and facts has run through the long history of the Chinese nation, forming a culture of investigation and research that is an essential part of fine traditional Chinese culture. Regarding fine traditional Chinese culture, Xi Jinping has always maintained a high level of cultural self-awareness and self-confidence, insisting on its creative transformation and innovative development. In explaining the importance of investigation and research, he cited the line from the Ming Dynasty poet Lin Hong’s poem "Drinking Wine": "If one word cannot be put into practice, ten thousand volumes are but empty space," warning leading officials to go deep into the grassroots to investigate, understand the people’s conditions, and master the facts. Regarding the goals of investigation, he emphasizes "translating research into utility" and that "writing conveys the Way, but its value lies in its use." Regarding methods, he emphasizes avoiding "looking at flowers from a galloping horse" [10]. All of this indicates that Xi Jinping’s important expositions on investigation and research are closely linked to traditional Chinese culture, and their ideological content is inseparable from the nourishment of thousands of years of accumulated excellence.
(3) Rooted in Personal Growth Experience and the Great Practice of Governance
Xi Jinping grew up in a family of exemplary "Old Bolsheviks" and Communists. His father, Xi Zhongxun, as a leader who emerged from the masses, placed great emphasis on investigation and research throughout his long leadership career, serving as a model for the practice. Influenced by his father, Xi Jinping developed a style of seeking truth from facts from a young age. Whether during his time as a "sent-down youth" in Northern Shaanxi or while presiding over local and central governance, he has always maintained the political character of a Communist, frequently visiting the grassroots to conduct research. During his seven years as a sent-down youth in Liangjiahe, Shaanxi, Xi Jinping insisted on grasping the actual situation before starting work. He frequently went deep into the field to understand the needs of the villagers, leading them to build methane pits, iron cooperatives, and retail agencies to solve practical problems. This forged his pragmatic character, to the point that when recalling this period, he said: "My growth and progress began in Northern Shaanxi. The greatest gains were, first, learning what 'reality' means, and second, cultivating my self-confidence."
While working in Zhengding, Hebei, Xi Jinping frequently visited households to conduct research, traveling to every village in the county. He realized that to conduct research, one must "go all the way to the bottom, personally grasp the situation, listen directly to feedback, and seek the 'source of living water.'" While working in Fujian, he visited every township, frequently going into workshops, docks, fields, markets, and communities. He grasped that only by "going deep among the masses, doing more investigation and research, and clarifying the ins and outs of a matter" could one comprehensively master first-hand material. In Zhejiang and Shanghai, he went deep into the grassroots and the masses, visiting every county and district. He proposed that research must strive to be "deep, real, fine, accurate, and effective" (深、实、细、准、效), emphasizing that "whether making decisions or implementing them, investigation and research are indispensable."
After moving to the central leadership, Xi Jinping considered the country's development from a global perspective, frequently conducting research in various provinces and cities. In 2011, at the opening ceremony of the Central Party School, he delivered a speech titled "On Investigation and Research," specifically elaborating on its significance, methods, and requirements. Since the 18th National Congress, with a strategic view toward the development of the Party and state and addressing deficiencies in existing practices, he included "improving investigation and research" as the first item of the "Eight-Point Regulations." He issued specific requirements for leading officials to "roll up their sleeves" and descend to the front lines. On the new journey, standing amidst the "world’s profound changes unseen in a century" and facing interwoven challenges and crises, Xi Jinping has promoted investigation and research throughout the Party as a powerful measure to meet risks and advance Chinese-path modernization. Focusing on the cause of the Party and the state, through speech after speech and meeting after meeting, he has put forward a series of requirements for leading officials, gradually forming a rich, complete, and logically rigorous theoretical system on investigation and research.
II. The Theoretical Essence of Xi Jinping’s Important Expositions on Investigation and Research
Xi Jinping’s important expositions on investigation and research explain a series of major questions such as "what is investigation and research," "why promote it extensively," and "how to promote it extensively." They scientifically define the basic connotation and fundamental position of the practice and elucidate its methodology, forming a logically rigorous system.
(1) The Core Essence of Investigation and Research
1. The "Basic Skill Theory": Defining the Value and Status of Investigation and Research
In every landmark historical event, investigation and research have almost always served as the vanguard and frontline force. Therefore, Marxist thought on investigation and research endows this practice with the value of being both a "family treasure" [11] and a "talisman." Xi Jinping has pointed out: "Investigation and research are the foundation of planning and the way to success. Without investigation, there is no right to speak; without investigation, there is no right to make decisions. Investigation and research are the basic skill for doing our work well." This discourse profoundly reveals the status and value of investigation and research. On the one hand, investigation and research are our Party’s "family treasure." Our Party emerged from the depths of history characterized by "wind and rain like a heavy stone," [12] always persisting in independently solving China's realistic problems and holding its future and destiny firmly in its own hands. From the years of revolutionary war to the New Era, at every historical juncture, our Party has summarized historical experience, researched the Chinese path, and corrected the course of development by vigorously promoting investigation and research. It can be said that investigation and research have been the important support for our Party as it moved forward through hardships and setbacks. On the other hand, achieving new development is inseparable from investigation and research. Objective things are constantly developing and changing; once old problems are solved, new ones will appear. Only by conducting good research can we make a good start and walk the path well. Indeed, the report to the 20th Party Congress was formed on the basis of sufficient research. Without going down to conduct research and grasp the actual situation, "relying solely on moving from meeting to meeting and from document to document will not work, nor will it solve problems." Based on this, Xi Jinping has always encouraged Party members and cadres to learn how to investigate and research and to constantly enhance their competence, incorporating "investigation and research ability" into the "seven abilities" [13] that leading cadres must improve.
2. The "Theory of Connecting with the Masses": Analyzing the People-Centered Character of Investigation and Research
Any form of investigation and research must not be detached from the subject of the people and the masses; otherwise, it will be a futile effort. Xi Jinping pointed out: "Investigation and research are an important way to maintain close ties with the masses." This is both an affirmation of the importance of investigation and research and a mirroring of its people-centered character. On the one hand, the "people-centered" quality is the fundamental value attribute of our Party. Our Party’s foundation is in the people, its lifeline is in the people, and its strength is in the people. The people are the greatest source of confidence for the Party’s governance and national rejuvenation. Once the Party is detached from the masses, it will lose its vitality. Only by following the mass line, going deep into the grassroots and among the masses, thinking what the masses think, and feeling the urgency the masses feel, can we maintain close ties with them. On the other hand, only by conducting in-depth investigation and research can we be sensitive to discovering the expectations of the people. "The way to bring peace to the people lies only in observing their hardships" (Zhang Juzheng, Memorial on Requesting the Remission of Accumulated Arrears to Secure the People’s Livelihood [14]). Only by going deep into the grassroots to observe the people’s conditions and understand their true situation can we discover their actual difficulties. Xi Jinping pointed out that "an important aspect of maintaining close ties with the masses is to vigorously promote the practice of investigation and research." During his time working in local governments, Xi Jinping spent most of his first few months after taking office conducting grassroots research. For example, at the beginning of his work in Ningde, Fujian, Xi Jinping visited nine counties in eastern Fujian and wrote the classic work "How Weak Birds Can Be the First to Fly," [15] which used Marxist stances, viewpoints, and methods to guide the people in shaking off poverty. After taking charge of the Central Committee, Xi Jinping's emphasis on investigation and research remained as consistent as ever. For instance, to ensure the success of poverty alleviation work, Xi Jinping repeatedly emphasized that "to accurately identify poverty alleviation targets, one must enter villages and households and conduct in-depth investigation and research." It can be said that the great journey of the fight against poverty is a glorious history of struggle in which our Party used investigation and research methods to lead the people toward prosperity.
3. The "Theory of Seeking Truth": Constructing a Pragmatic Image of Investigation and Research
As a method, investigation and research focus on clarifying facts and constitute a science committed to seeking truth. Xi Jinping pointed out: "Investigation and research are a branch of learning dedicated to seeking truth." This discourse reveals the pragmatic nature of investigation and research. As an ancient saying goes, "Nothing is clearer than evidence of effect, and no argument is more settled than one with proof" (Wang Chong, Lunheng, Chapter 67, "On Sparse Funerals" [16]); therefore, investigation and research should seek truth and be pragmatic. From a theoretical dimension, investigation and research include the two links of "investigation" and "research," which complement each other in a dialectical unity. Only through true investigation and true research—investigating the truth and the full picture clearly—can one grasp the essence of a problem and better solve it. Mao Zedong once warned the whole Party "not to fall into narrow empiricism." From a historical dimension, seeking truth from facts and being pragmatic are the keys to the prosperity of our Party’s cause. Investigation and research mean not blindly following books or superiors, but only following reality. From a practical dimension, being pragmatic is the essential requirement for adhering to the scientific Marxist worldview and methodology. Facing the changes unseen in a century, leading cadres must have the "spirit of being a primary school student," [17] free themselves from the "sea of meetings and mountains of documents," [18] break away from complicated social engagements, and immerse themselves in research—moving from one thing to another and from the surface to the core. If research is just "going through the motions," without understanding the real situation, and decisions are made by "patting one's head" [19] (making arbitrary decisions), the work will not be done well. In summary, only by continuously improving their consciousness of seeking truth and being pragmatic, and by profoundly recognizing the extreme importance of this from an ideological level, can leading cadres master the "scripture of seeking truth" in their investigation and research and obtain "true rewards."
(II) The Important Significance of Investigation and Research
1. Helping to Resolve Development Difficulties
As a Marxist party, the Communist Party of China has always aimed to solve China's realistic problems. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, our Party has used investigation and research to play the "first move" and take the "proactive initiative," [20] overcoming one "Loushan Pass" or "Lazikou" [21] after another, and accomplishing many major tasks concerning long-term interests. On the new journey of the New Era, whether viewed internationally or domestically, there are more and more uncertain and unpredictable factors. Various "black swan" and "gray rhino" events may occur at any time, and a large number of development difficulties await resolution, the difficulty of which is rare in the world. Facing a great cause without precedent, to grasp its laws and better promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Xi Jinping pointed out that we must "promote the resolution of development difficulties by deepening investigation and research." As a basic skill for correct decision-making, investigation and research mean having deep contact with things, clarifying the circumstances hidden inside them that change constantly with their development, and continuously increasing one's perceptual knowledge. On this basis, one must "discard the dross and select the essential, eliminate the false and retain the true" [22] to elevate perceptual knowledge to rational knowledge, thereby mastering the laws of things. This requires leading cadres to delve into investigation and research, observe the actual situation, propose practical measures, perform practical deeds, and seek practical results, continuously resolving development difficulties so that the people can truly feel the actual effectiveness of the problem-solving.
2. Helping to Strengthen the Party’s Style of Work
The essence of investigation and research lies in enhancing capability; what it leads is the social atmosphere. Xi Jinping pointed out, "In terms of improving the style of work, I attach great importance to investigation and research," emphasizing that investigation and research are the "entry point and key link for strengthening the construction of the Party’s style of work." This discourse highlights the important role of investigation and research in the Party’s style of work construction. First, investigation and research are the key links in integrating theory with practice. Integrating theory with practice is a fine tradition of our Party, and its basic requirement is to proceed from reality in all things. Investigation and research go straight to the problem, emphasizing proceeding from reality. Delving into investigation and research to grasp the laws of development is essentially a process of integrating theory with practice. Second, investigation and research are the fundamental guarantee for maintaining close ties with the masses. If the Party maintains a "flesh-and-blood" connection with the masses, it will have strength; otherwise, it will be abandoned by the people. The process of investigation and research is a process of maintaining close ties with the masses. This process can both promote communication with the masses and promptly publicize the Party’s policies while listening to the voices of the people, thereby achieving harmonious Party-mass relations and social harmony. Third, investigation and research are an important prerequisite for criticism and self-criticism. Criticism and self-criticism are fine traditions of our Party. It is through continuous criticism and self-criticism that our Party transforms its style, improves efficiency, and promotes development. By conducting in-depth investigation and research and promptly discovering the gains and losses in work, criticism and self-criticism can be carried out with a definite target in mind.
3. Helping to Strengthen Theoretical Armament
Investigation and research are an important practical way of theoretical armament. Xi Jinping pointed out, "For every step forward in theoretical innovation, theoretical armament must follow suit," while emphasizing that "investigation and research should focus on practical results, making the research process a process of deepening the understanding of the Party’s innovative theories." Strengthening theoretical armament aims at understanding, mastering, and implementing the theory, which is inseparable from the participation of investigation and research. First, investigation and research help in "understanding" the theory. From a practical perspective, to understand Marxist theory, the key is to combine learning with practice and promote mutual reinforcement between learning and application. This requires testing the accuracy of the theory through investigation and research, analyzing existing problems, and thereby deepening the understanding of the theory. Second, investigation and research help in "mastering" the theory. Theory is not something unfathomable; it is a result condensed and verified in practice. Therefore, without conducting investigation and research, it is difficult to clarify the origins of a theory or to fathom its core essence. Only through in-depth investigation and research can one grasp the position, viewpoints, and methods of the theory and achieve a comprehensive understanding. Third, investigation and research help in "implementing" the theory. The reason why Sinicized and modernized Marxism "works" is that it is closely linked to the times and constantly undergoes practical and theoretical innovation. The new subjects raised by the times require us to grasp new laws, make new generalizations, and apply the results of understanding and mastering the theory to practice, thus implementing the theory in practice. This requires us to conduct good investigation and research and, on this basis, research new situations, solve new problems, and summarize new experiences. It can be said that investigation and research are a "magic weapon" for strengthening theoretical armament.
(III) The Methodology of Investigation and Research
1. Must Adhere to the Party’s Mass Line
The mass line is our Party’s lifeline and fundamental working line. Xi Jinping emphasized "taking the people as teachers and learning from them, dropping affectations and immersing oneself, being 'grounded' and understanding the situation at the grassroots level, and in-depth carrying out investigation and research." This discourse establishes the fundamental guideline for vigorously promoting investigation and research. On the one hand, investigation and research must stand firmly on the people's position. "Those who know a house leaks are under its eaves; those who know a government’s faults are in the wild" (Lunheng, Chapter 82, "On Books" [23]). The masses harbor the wisdom and strength to solve problems and promote development; they are always the source of our Party’s strength and the foundation of its victory. Only by firmly establishing the viewpoint of the masses and implementing the mass line can we give play to the role of investigation and research in listening to the people's voice, observing the people's conditions, gathering the people's wisdom, and alleviating the people's worries. Therefore, Party members and cadres must always remember that "the country is the people, and the people are the country" [24]; they must lower themselves, step out, go deep into the masses with emotion, become one with them, publicize the Party’s policies, and reflect the people's calls. At the same time, they "should learn about, understand, and use the internet to understand the thoughts and wishes of the masses, collect good ideas and suggestions, and actively respond to the concerns of netizens." On the other hand, investigation and research must focus on solving the practical problems of the masses. Whether investigation and research are carried out solidly depends entirely on whether the masses' problems are truly solved. This means that in investigation and research, work should be done to reach the hearts of every individual, striving to handle the masses' worries, anxieties, and troublesome matters effectively and well—spending less time on "ornamental" visits in front of houses and more time understanding the realities behind them—to win the trust of the masses with concrete results.
2. Must Adhere to Seeking Truth from Facts
Seeking truth from facts is the essence of Marxism and a highly condensed summary of the fundamental method of Marxism in Sinicized language by Chinese Communists. Xi Jinping pointed out: "Only with an attitude of seeking truth from facts can one attach importance to going deep into reality and understanding reality. To understand reality, one must master the basic skill of investigation and research." This discourse profoundly explains the dialectical relationship between seeking truth from facts and investigation and research, revealing the objective law that investigation and research must adhere to the methodology of seeking truth from facts. First, in adhering to seeking truth from facts, the foundation lies in grasping the "facts" (shishi). Investigation and research mean going into reality to grasp the original appearance of things, exploring the situation thoroughly, and finding the laws of things from disorganized phenomena to provide a basis for scientific decision-making. Therefore, one must proceed from objective reality, consciously strengthen the conviction and capability of seeking truth from facts, eliminate "closed-door car-building," [25] strictly avoid formalism, immerse oneself, and grasp objective, accurate, comprehensive, and vivid first-hand materials—exchanging the "ten months of pregnancy" of investigation and research for the "moment of birth" of scientific decision-making. Second, in adhering to seeking truth from facts, the key lies in "seeking" (qiu) the "truth" (shi). "Facts" refers to all objectively existing things, and "seeking truth" refers to researching the laws of the development of things. As the foundation of "seeking," investigation and research mean having deep contact with things and, on the basis of perceptual knowledge, exploring the "truth" of things. Therefore, on the one hand, one must be good at working on deepening the process; the understanding of the laws of things should be verified in the intersection of "sinking down" and "surfacing," [26] making the information grasped through investigation systematic and profound. On the other hand, one must "eliminate the false and retain the true, discard the dross and select the essential," seeing the essence through the phenomena, clarifying the "illness" of things, finding the "acupoints" of problems, and transforming the "problem list" into a "results list," thereby achieving pragmatic investigation and useful research.
3. Must Adhere to a Problem-Oriented Approach
Problems are the slogans of the age, and persisting in a problem-oriented approach is a fundamental requirement of Marxist epistemology. Entering the New Era, Xi Jinping, with great foresight and based on the changes unseen in a century [27], has profoundly grasped the general trend of tidal development and proposed that "investigation and research must stay close to the production and life of the masses, close to the reality of economic and social development, and close to the practical problems facing the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party." This establishes the "problem-oriented" approach as the guide for the "direction of research," ensuring that the situation is truly understood, problems are accurately identified, and countermeasures are solidly formulated. First, research must stay close to the "urgent, difficult, anxious, and hopeful" [28] problems of the masses. "People first" is our Party’s highest value pursuit; we must seize upon the most immediate and realistic interests of the people and always conduct investigation and research with the sentiment of "striving more for the benefits of people's livelihoods and resolving more of their worries." Second, research must stay close to the key issues of economic and social development. If research is detached from central work, its effectiveness will inevitably be diminished. Therefore, research must revolve around the strategic and complex issues faced in advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, aligning the "sights" of investigation and research with the "bullseye" of economic and social development. Third, research must stay close to the practical problems facing the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party. The issue of Party style concerns the very survival of the ruling party. The Party must conduct deep investigation and research centered on the blind spots and deficiencies of comprehensively and strictly governing the Party, listening to the truth, observing real conditions, conducting comprehensive assessments and comparative analyses, and providing realistic, feasible, and effective policy suggestions to promote the development of comprehensive and strict Party governance toward greater depth.
We must persist in overcoming difficulties and tackling tough challenges. The courage to overcome difficulties and tackle tough challenges has been a distinct character of Communists for a century. Xi Jinping has emphasized many times that "only through true grasp can we overcome difficulties; only through practical work can dreams come true." The issues involved in investigation and research are often thorny and major problems; only by moving forward despite hardships and meeting challenges head-on can we overcome difficulties and advance our work. First, we must strengthen the consciousness of struggle. On the New Journey, our country’s development faces new strategic opportunities, while simultaneously, uncertain and unpredictable factors are increasing. Various deep-seated contradictions cannot be dodged or bypassed. Only by strengthening the consciousness of struggle, bravely shouldering heavy burdens, taking the initiative in research, and conducting deep analysis can we gain true knowledge and achieve practical results. Second, we must carry forward the spirit of struggle. Some leading cadres are unwilling to "gnaw on hard bones" [29], preferring light tasks over heavy ones, which inevitably diminishes the effect of research. Xi Jinping pointed out: "To overcome various risks and challenges on the road ahead, it will not do without the spirit of struggle." Facing various problems and difficulties, only by carrying forward the spirit of struggle can we venture into "dangerous shoals" [30], break through difficult problems, and demonstrate responsibility. Third, we must enhance the ability for struggle. Some leading cadres are accustomed to practicing according to a "script" and following a "rehearsal," engaging in "potted-landscape style" [31] research that evades contradictions, which reflects the problem of weak struggle ability. Xi Jinping pointed out: "One must be good at struggle, know how to struggle, and improve the ability to see the first signs of change." Struggle ability is not innate; one must study, understand, and implement the Party’s innovative theories to consolidate the ideological foundation for being good at struggle; one must take proactive action, bravely shoulder heavy burdens, temper one's courage, and hone one's will, truly forging oneself into "gold refined in a fierce fire."
We must persist in a systems concept. All things are part of an interconnected and interdependent system. Xi Jinping pointed out: "The systems concept is a fundamental ideological and working method." This discourse highlights the foundational importance of the systems concept. As the basic skill for doing all work well, investigation and research involve various systemic projects; we must persist in the systems concept, balancing all factors, planning systematically, and advancing as a whole. First, we must persist in the viewpoint of universal connection. Universal connection is the original face and essential attribute of the world. Conducting investigation and research means utilizing the objectivity and universality of connections to grasp the relationships of mutual influence, constraint, and interaction between things, thereby seeing through the phenomenon to the essence. Second, we must persist in a comprehensive and systematic viewpoint. Taking a part for the whole will only lead to phenomena like "blind men touching an elephant" or "looking at a leopard through a tube" [32]. Lenin pointed out: "In order actually to know an object, we must embrace, study, all its sides, all connections and 'mediations'." Only by viewing problems comprehensively and systematically can we observe the general trend, understand the overall situation, and plan major affairs. Third, we must persist in the viewpoint of development and change. Things are always constantly developing and changing; as Engels said, "nothing is immovable and unchangeable." Modern society changes in the blink of an eye; only by persisting in conducting investigation and research with a developmental and changing viewpoint can we accurately grasp the pulse of the times.
III. The Value Significance of Xi Jinping’s Important Discourses on Investigation and Research
Xi Jinping’s important discourses on investigation and research are both a proactive response to resolving the difficult problems of reform and development on the New Journey of the New Era, and a theoretical preparation for our country to seize historical opportunities and win historical initiative. They possess distinct value significance.
(I) Epochal Value: Answering the Question of the Times on How to Promote Chinese-path Modernization on the New Journey of the New Era. The report of the 20th CPC National Congress interpreted the important status of the great changes of the first decade of the New Era in the history of the Chinese nation’s development, proposed "comprehensively promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization," and wrote this into the Party Constitution. The path of Chinese-path modernization is not only the inevitable result of the CPC’s century of great exploration but also the only path for comprehensively building a modern socialist country. Regarding the question of the times of how to promote Chinese-path modernization, Xi Jinping has found the key: answering the question through extensive investigation and research. On one hand, investigation and research lie in discovering and solving problems. Only by discovering problems can we identify them. Through investigation and research, we find the crux of the problems in promoting Chinese-path modernization, and on this basis, solve them in a targeted manner. Conversely, if we do not conduct investigation and research and blindly take measures, we will only reduce work efficiency, waste time and resources, and fail to achieve expected results. On the other hand, investigation and research lie in improving efficiency. Xi Jinping pointed out: "The process of investigation and research is a process for leading cadres to improve their ability for cognition, judgment, and work." When Party members and cadres improve their own quality in the process of investigation and research, they can better play their role in the construction of Chinese-path modernization. Conversely, if there is a lack of investigation and research, problems such as a deviation in work style are likely to occur. It is evident that Xi Jinping’s important discourses on investigation and research lead the ethos, improve the work style, and enhance efficiency.
(II) Theoretical Value: Enriching and Developing the Theoretical Treasure House of Marxist Thought on Investigation and Research. Marxist thought on investigation and research comprises the fundamental views of Marxism on the issues of investigation and research, the essence of which is the investigation, understanding, and analysis of objective practical problems. Engels pointed out: "The theoretical thinking of every age, including that of our own age, is a historical product, which at different times assumes very different forms and, therewith, very different contents." Entering the New Era, based on reflecting upon the realistic circumstances of New Era development and in inheriting and developing Marxist thought on investigation and research, Xi Jinping has proposed a series of original theoretical viewpoints centered on investigation and research. First, by taking investigation and research as an important grasp for advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization, he has sublimated the Marxist strategic positioning of investigation and research and clarified the relationship between investigation and research and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, which has become an important component of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Second, he has comprehensively and systematically explained the epochal connotation and significance of investigation and research, opening up a new realm for the Sinicization and modernization of Marxist thought on investigation and research. Third, he has profoundly perceived that investigation and research are a vital link in strengthening the Party’s work style construction, elevating the understanding of the importance of Marxist thought on investigation and research. Fourth, by persisting in upholding the fundamentals and breaking new ground and basing theoretical innovation on practice, he has proposed practical requirements for investigation and research that both originate from and transcend practice, making the methodology of investigation and research in the New Era clearer. Furthermore, under the principle of the "Two Combinations" [33], Xi Jinping’s important discourses on investigation and research reveal the unremitting pursuit of Chinese Communists toward their centenary goals and highlight the significant value of advancing investigation and research in the New Era based on practice.
(III) Practical Value: Significant Guiding Meaning for Practicing the Fundamental Purpose and Benefiting the People. Xi Jinping has repeatedly stressed that the fundamental interests of the masses must be the starting point and ultimate goal of investigation and research. In the New Era, Xi Jinping’s important discourses on investigation and research take "People First" as the highest value pursuit and continuously promote the all-round development of the individual in practice. From the "starting point" of investigation and research, the goal is to resolve problems in the production and life of the masses. Our Party always prioritizes the interests of the masses and keeps their expectations in mind. The twelve key areas for investigation and research listed in the "Work Plan for Vigorous Investigation and Research in the Whole Party" are all issues concerning the vital interests of the people. From the "process" of investigation and research, it is the practice of the mass line. Xi Jinping pointed out that "investigation and research is a process of connecting with the masses and doing things for the people," emphasizing the need to persist in the Party’s mass line and go deep into the grassroots with the goal of solving practical problems for the masses. Regardless of the distance or the amount of public opinion, one must go deep into the grassroots to understand in detail the worries, difficulties, thoughts, and hopes of the masses, actively responding to their questions and modestly listening to their suggestions, so that the masses have a greater sense of participation, gain, and happiness, laying a solid foundation of public opinion for policy implementation. From the "end point" of investigation and research, the standard is always people’s satisfaction. Xi Jinping pointed out: "The quality of the results of investigation and research, and whether the opinions formed are correct, must ultimately be tested by the practice of the masses." Only by taking the people's satisfaction as the evaluation criterion and truly applying research results to the urgent, difficult, anxious, and hopeful problems of the masses can we stand the test of the people.
IV. Conclusion Investigation and research serve as our Party’s "family heirloom" and "secret code for victory." Within the context of the New Era, its value and status have become even more prominent. Xi Jinping’s important discourses on investigation and research are high-reaching in vision and rich in connotation, constituting a scientific and open theoretical system. As an important method for our Party to resolve development puzzles, it focuses on grasping the essence and laws of things to find methods and paths for breaking through difficulties, embodying the worldview and methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. As an entry point and vital link in the construction of the Party’s work style, it focuses on rectifying the work style of leading cadres and building a harmonious relationship between the Party and the masses. As an important measure for strengthening theoretical armament, it focuses on grasping new laws and making new generalizations, helping to study, understand, and implement theory, and continuously opening up new realms for the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism. On the New Journey of the New Era, uncertain and unpredictable factors are increasing, and various risks and challenges are more severe than ever. With historical perspective and dialectical thinking, our Party is vigorously promoting the practice of investigation and research throughout the Party. Leading cadres at all levels must deeply study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important discourses on investigation and research, profoundly understanding their origins, theoretical essentials, and value significance. They must perceive the power of truth and the practical might of these discourses, systematically master and utilize the "family heirloom" of investigation and research, and continuously improve its level and quality, contributing wisdom and strength to the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.