Tian Keqin and Zhang Zeqiang: Further Strengthening Research on Fundamental Theoretical Issues of Adapting Marxism to the Chinese Context and the Needs of the Times
The report of the 20th Party Congress—standing at the strategic height of comprehensively building a modern socialist country and comprehensively promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization—centers on the proposition of "opening a new realm of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism," which possesses both profound theoretical connotation and major political significance. It systematically expounds on the issue of theoretical innovation based on the great changes of the ten years of the New Era and puts forward a series of new ideas, new viewpoints, and new assertions. Continuously deepening the study of these new ideas, viewpoints, and assertions, as well as the core concepts, historical evolution, theoretical achievements, main themes, paths, and methods of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism involved therein, holds important theoretical and practical significance for us to accurately recognize and deeply grasp the internal laws of the Communist Party of China's (CPC) advancement of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, and to consciously fulfill the historical mission of "developing scholarship and formulating theories, and offering advice and suggestions for the Party and the people" [1].
I. Taking "the Two-zations" and their relationship as the basic theoretical support to deepen the study of the core concepts of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism
Every discipline has core concepts and basic propositions that constitute its knowledge system, and the recognition and grasp of these concepts and propositions are the logical premises for conducting research in that discipline. The report of the 20th Party Congress put forward "Marxism works" and "the Sinicized and modernized Marxism works" side-by-side. This further reveals the theoretical motives behind "why the CPC can" and "why socialism with Chinese characteristics is good," while simultaneously expanding the academic space for research on the core propositions and related concepts of the Sinicization of Marxism. "Marxism works" is the theoretical foundation for "the Sinicized and modernized Marxism works"; "the Sinicized and modernized Marxism works" is a powerful support for "Marxism works" and deepens its theoretical connotation. Furthermore, "the Sinicized and modernized Marxism" is the inevitable result of the "Sinicization and modernization of Marxism." Only by profoundly revealing the internal relationship between the "Two-zations" (the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism) on a theoretical level can we obtain the foundational premise for revealing the internal relationship between the "Two Works" (Marxism works and the Sinicized and modernized Marxism works).
The transition from the "Sinicization of Marxism" to the "Sinicization and modernization of Marxism" is the inevitable conclusion of the CPC's century-long pursuit, revelation, and practice of truth. As is well known, when Mao Zedong first proposed the scientific proposition of "the Sinicization of Marxism" in 1938, he did not place special emphasis on the issue of modernization (时代化). This does not mean that Mao Zedong did not value modernization, but rather it was first because the era in which China was situated and the relationship between China and the world it faced did not exceed Lenin's major judgment that the world had entered the era of imperialism and proletarian revolution. China at that time was still a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society jointly carved up by imperialism. The main task facing the CPC was to "oppose imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucrat-capitalism, strive for national independence and people's liberation, and create the fundamental social conditions for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." [2] To fulfill this historical mission, after experiencing "two victories and two defeats," the CPC gradually clarified that it must apply Marxism-Leninism according to China's characteristics and China's reality to truly solve China's practical problems. Thus, it began to have a deeper and more conscious understanding of the unification of Marxism-Leninism with the reality of the Chinese revolution. Mao Zedong pointed out: "A Communist is a Marxist who is part of the great Chinese nation and is linked to it by flesh and blood. To talk about Marxism apart from Chinese characteristics is only Marxism in the abstract and in a vacuum. Therefore, to concretize Marxism in China, to make it Chinese in every manifestation—that is to say, to apply it according to China's characteristics—becomes a problem that the whole Party must urgently understand and solve." [3] Another reason Mao Zedong did not specifically emphasize "modernization" was that the erroneous tendency once prevalent in the Party of "dogmatizing Marxism and sanctifying the resolutions of the Comintern and Soviet experience" was carried out under the banner of so-called "internationalization." This caused the failure of the Red Army's fifth counter-encirclement campaign and led to the Rightist errors in the early stages of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression characterized by "everything through the united front and everything subordinate to the united front." In order to thoroughly correct dogmatic errors and achieve victory in the War of Resistance, Mao Zedong had to highlight the "Sinicization of Marxism" and particularly emphasize that "Chinese Communists must combine patriotism and internationalism... for only by fighting to defend the motherland can we defeat the aggressors and achieve national liberation. And only when the nation is liberated is it possible for the proletariat and the laboring people to achieve liberation." [4] "Communist Party members are internationalist Marxists, but Marxism must be integrated with our country's specific characteristics and realized through a certain national form." "Separating internationalist content from national form is the practice of those who do not understand internationalism at all. We, however, must link the two closely. On this issue, there are some serious errors in our ranks which should be earnestly overcome." [5] Therefore, it was the developmental state and actual conditions of the Chinese revolution that determined Mao Zedong and the CPC must place the Sinicization of Marxism in a more important position to better fulfill the goals and tasks of the Chinese revolution, rather than focusing on how to make Marxism more "modernized."
However, starting from the late 1960s and especially since the 1980s, many unprecedented new situations and changes appeared in the international political, economic, and military spheres. Peace and development became the two major issues of universal concern for countries around the world. The world situation, national conditions, and the Party's own conditions all underwent major changes different from the era of Lenin. This required that the CPC, on the basis of persisting in combining the basic principles of Marxism with contemporary China's reality, must consider the issue of combining Marxism with the characteristics of the times. The 14th National Party Congress emphasized that the theory of building socialism with Chinese characteristics is "the product of the combination of the basic principles of Marxism-Leninism with contemporary China's reality and the characteristics of the times." [6] This fully articulated the connotations of both the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, thereby reflecting the CPC's keen eye for consciously promoting theoretical innovation based on new practices and the requirements of the times. With the development of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, we have moved closer to the center of the world stage. The CPC persists in both understanding China and looking at the world, promoting the continuous integration of Marxism with national conditions, its simultaneous progress with the development of the times, and its shared destiny with the masses, allowing it to radiate powerful vitality, creativity, and appeal. As socialism with Chinese characteristics enters the New Era, the changes in the world unseen in a century accelerate their evolution: "the changes of the world, of the times, and of history are unfolding in unprecedented ways" [7]; while reform, development, and stability face new strategic opportunities, they also face many deep-seated contradictions and problems, and suppression and containment from the outside could escalate at any time. Compared with the development and changes in domestic and international situations and the historical tasks undertaken by the Party, there are still significant gaps in the Party's leadership and governing level, its organizational construction, and the quality, ability, and conduct of Party members and cadres. We must remain clear-headed and determined at all times to solve the unique challenges of a large party, leading a great social revolution through the Party's self-revolution. These new changes in the world, national, and Party conditions have presented contemporary Chinese Communists with requirements of the era that have not been seen in any previous historical period. Persisting in promoting theoretical innovation on the basis of the great practice of the New Era, continuously injecting "modernized" connotations into the Sinicization of Marxism, and constantly opening a new realm of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism has become the solemn responsibility and sacred mission of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core.
Lenin pointed out: "Only on the basis of an understanding of the fundamental features of a given epoch can we examine this or that country's more specific features." [8] As the basic requirements and inevitable conclusions of the development of Marxism in China, its Sinicization and modernization are an inseparable unified whole that are both distinct and interconnected. They are unified within the great cause of the CPC promoting the combination of the basic principles of Marxism with the specific realities of China's revolution, construction, and reform. On the one hand, the Sinicization of Marxism inherently contains the modernization of Marxism. Looking at the history of the spread and development of Marxism in China, the "Sinicization" achieved by the Party in each period is, in fact, always the result of the Party accurately grasping the characteristics of the times and achieving the "modernization" of Marxism around the major questions posed by the era; this constitutes the "modernized" history of the Sinicization of Marxism. To vigorously promote the Sinicization of Marxism on the new journey in the New Era, we must seriously summarize our experience and persist in developing Marxism in even closer integration with Chinese reality; we must accurately recognize and grasp national conditions, inheriting and innovating Marxism in even closer integration with the reality and characteristics of the times. On the other hand, the modernization of Marxism is an inevitable requirement of the Sinicization of Marxism. Marxism is always based on actual life, and reality is always in constant change, while a country's reality is inevitably linked to the historical era in which that country is situated. Therefore, when Marxism plays a role in a certain country, it must constantly change with the development of the times and practice. The historical experience of the Party reveals that a correct understanding of the characteristics of the times and the historical coordinates cannot be separated from a grasp of the international situation, a judgment of national conditions, or the Party's understanding of its own building. While the times pose questions, they also provide the conditions for solving them. The Sinicization of Marxism will inevitably develop along with the times by continuously answering the questions of the era. The vitality of the Sinicization of Marxism lies in combining its basic principles with current reality and the characteristics of the times, continuously creating theoretical innovation results that can accurately grasp the themes, characteristics, missions, and tasks of the times, thereby demonstrating the theoretical character of Marxism in advancing with the times.
II. Taking the "Three Leaps" as the basic developmental sequence to deepen the study of the historical status of the theoretical achievements of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism
The word "leap" (飞跃) is often used to describe the rapid and vigorous development of things; in philosophy, it is used as a category reflecting the form of qualitative change, i.e., the form of transformation of a thing from one qualitative state to another. Mao Zedong used the expression "leap" in an epistemological sense, emphasizing that the process of human cognition includes the transformation from perceptual knowledge to rational knowledge, and from theory to practice. Mao Zedong pointed out: "The active function of knowledge manifests itself not only in the active leap from perceptual to rational knowledge, but—and this is more important—it must manifest itself in the leap from rational knowledge to revolutionary practice." [9] Since the 18th Party Congress, when General Secretary Xi Jinping expounds on the great significance of the New Era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the glorious journey of the CPC leading the people in changing the face of the country, and the 500-year development history of socialism, he has often spoken of "leaps" to emphasize the intensity of development and change and the depth of its impact.
The use of "historical leap" to characterize the historical status of the theoretical achievements of the Sinicization of Marxism is a unique creation of the Communist Party of China in its ideological and theoretical building. The 13th Party Congress first used "historical leap" to describe the developmental course of "integrating Marxism with Chinese reality," emphasizing that "the first leap occurred during the New Democratic Revolution period... the second leap occurred after the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee." [19] The 15th Party Congress further linked "historical leaps" with the Party’s achievements in theoretical innovation, establishing Mao Zedong Thought and Deng Xiaoping Theory as the theoretical fruits produced by the first and second "leaps" respectively. Building upon Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Party successively formed the Theory of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development, and at the 17th Party Congress, clearly proposed the concept of the "theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics" to refer to all the achievements made by the Party in the process of theoretical innovation since reform and opening up. From the creation of Deng Xiaoping Theory to the formation of the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the whole should be subsumed within the second historical leap. The "Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century," adopted at the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, did not continue the use of the expression "second historical leap." Instead, it established Mao Zedong Thought as the achievement of the "first historical leap in the Sinicization of Marxism" during the periods of the New Democratic Revolution and socialist revolution and construction; the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics as the achievement of a "new leap in the Sinicization of Marxism" during the new period of reform, opening up, and socialist modernization; and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the achievement of a "new leap in the Sinicization of Marxism" in the New Era of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Thus, an expression consisting of "the first historical leap" and two "new leaps" in the Sinicization of Marxism has actually taken shape. This change in expression both reflects the internal unity between the Party’s theoretical innovation and the development of the Party’s cause, and highlights the characteristics of mutual support, resonance, and distinction between the history of the CPC and the history of the Sinicization of Marxism. It allows us to have a clearer grasp of the developmental process of the Sinicization of Marxism, while simultaneously extending new research space and proposing new research propositions for us.
Through the Party’s century of struggle, and especially the systematic summary provided by the third "historical resolution," our understanding of the "first historical leap" has become increasingly refined, whereas the understanding and research of the two "new leaps" still need further strengthening. For instance, how to appropriately recognize and evaluate the foundational and pioneering status of Deng Xiaoping Theory within the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics? As the first major theoretical innovation achievement obtained by the Party during the new period of reform, opening up, and socialist modernization, Deng Xiaoping Theory was based on new practices and the characteristics of the times. On the basis of upholding the Marxist stand, viewpoint, and method, it creatively proposed and systematically constructed new concepts, new ideas, and new understandings such as the "theory of the essence of socialism," the "theory of the primary stage of socialism," the "theory of the socialist market economy," and the "great concept of ‘one country, two systems’" [10]. It scientifically answered a series of basic questions on building socialism with Chinese characteristics, enriched and developed the treasure house of Marxist theory, and laid an important foundation for the formation and development of the Theory of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development. It also laid an important foundation for the construction of the "four beams and eight pillars" [11] of the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Furthermore, both Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics have been established as "new leaps in the Sinicization of Marxism," and they share common theoretical and practical themes. At the same time, as the "latest achievement in the development of the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics," Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era possesses many new characteristics that reflect the new requirements of the New Era. How, then, should we more scientifically and accurately elucidate the logical relationship between the two? Further deepening the research on the historical status of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era will become an important task for the discipline of Sinicization of Marxism studies.
III. Deepening the Research on the Themes of the Sinicization and Modernization of Marxism with the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation as the General Theme
Clearly identifying the themes of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism is extremely important; it concerns not only the development of the cause of Sinicizing Marxism itself, but also the rise and fall of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. To correctly recognize and grasp the themes of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, one must place them within the background of the overall research on the themes of Marxism and its Sinicized achievements, and also analyze and reflect on them from an integrated grasp of the themes throughout the entire process of the development of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, as well as the specific themes at each stage.
In the historical process of advancing the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, the Communist Party of China has always firmly grasped the Marxist theoretical and practical themes regarding the liberation of the proletariat and humanity. Simultaneously, it has continuously recognized the major tasks facing the Party and the principal social contradictions [12] to be resolved in different historical periods based on changing temporal conditions and national circumstances, thereby deepening the understanding of the periodic themes of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism.
Specifically, the historical development of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism has successively undergone four major thematic transitions. These moved from "Russian-style socialist revolution and general bourgeois-democratic revolution" to "New Democratic Revolution"; from "New Democratic Revolution" to "socialist revolution"; from "socialist revolution" to "socialist construction" (and later, due to Mao Zedong's errors in the theory and practice of class struggle in a socialist society, a turn to the so-called "continued revolution under the dictatorship of the proletariat"); and from the negation of the so-called "continued revolution under the dictatorship of the proletariat" back to "socialist modernization" and "construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics." The first thematic transition mainly solved the problems of how to overthrow colonial oppression and feudal rule, establish a regime where the people are masters of the country [13], and achieve national independence and people’s liberation under the basic national conditions of a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society. Centering on this thematic transition, the Communist Party of China successively formed a series of concepts closely linked to "New Democracy," such as "National Revolution," "New Democratic Revolution," and "People's Democratic Revolution." The second thematic transition mainly solved the problem of how to establish the basic socialist system through the socialist transformation of the private ownership of the means of production. Centering on this thematic transition, the Communist Party of China successively formed many concepts such as "New Democratic Society," "socialist revolution" (or "socialist transformation"), and the "transitional period" [14]. The third thematic transition was intended to solve the problem of how to "build, consolidate, and develop socialism," but due to Mao Zedong’s errors in the theory and practice of class struggle in socialist society, it was replaced by the so-called "continued revolution under the dictatorship of the proletariat," focused on the struggle between two roads [15]. Centering on this thematic transition, the Communist Party of China successively formed concepts such as the "path of Chinese socialist construction," the "path of Chinese industrialization," and "socialist modernization." The fourth thematic transition, in the sense of upholding and developing socialism, is actually the continuation and expansion of the third. After the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee, the Communist Party of China’s understanding of the theme of the Sinicization of Marxism in the primary stage of socialism became more profound, and its practical consciousness in socialist construction underwent an essential change. Centering on this thematic transition, the Communist Party of China successively formed concepts such as the "path of Chinese-path modernization," "building socialism with Chinese characteristics," and "socialism with Chinese characteristics," reflecting the Party’s continuous deepening of its understanding of the laws of the Communist Party's governance, the laws of socialist construction, and the laws of the development of human society.
In the ten years since socialism with Chinese characteristics entered the New Era, the Communist Party of China has formed two important conclusions regarding its understanding of the themes of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism: first, "socialism with Chinese characteristics is the theme of all the Party's theory and practice since the start of reform and opening up, and is the fundamental achievement attained by the Party and the people through untold hardships and at a great cost." [20] Second, "all the struggle, sacrifice, and creation of the Communist Party of China in uniting and leading the Chinese people over the past hundred years can be summarized into one theme: realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation." [21] Looking at the historical background and time span of these two themes, "realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" clearly possesses more overall significance than "socialism with Chinese characteristics," and it reveals at a higher level the general theme of the Communist Party of China’s promotion of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism over the past century.
The specific manifestations of the themes of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism in different historical stages cannot remain unchanged. Therefore, looking at the developmental evolution and the sorting of related concepts from the periodic themes to the general theme of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, our research on these themes urgently needs further deepening. On the one hand, we must proceed from a "Big View of History" [16] that interconnects the history of the Party, the history of New China, the history of reform and opening up, the history of socialist development, and the history of the development of the Chinese nation to clarify the historical characteristics and profound connotations of the development of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism focused on the theme of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. On the other hand, we must proceed from the relationship between the general theme and the periodic themes of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, both to profoundly reveal the direct guiding role of periodic themes in the CPC’s completion of major tasks in various historical periods, and to comprehensively analyze the value-leading significance of the general theme in the CPC’s completion of major tasks in various historical periods. To take it a step further: we must base ourselves on the CPC’s understanding and grasp of the principal social contradictions in our country since modern times—especially since the founding of New China—and use the major tasks faced by the CPC in different historical periods as an entry point to more deeply reveal the internal connections between "the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" and "the New Democratic Revolution," "socialist revolution and construction," "socialism with Chinese characteristics," and "socialism with Chinese characteristics for a New Era." We must also reveal the overarching relationship of the general theme of national rejuvenation over the logical threads of the evolutionary development between various periodic themes.
IV. Using the Three "Historical Resolutions" as the Basic Documentary Basis to Further Strengthen the Research on the System of Theoretical Achievements of the Sinicization and Modernization of Marxism
Viewing the theoretical achievements of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism as an intellectual whole, and continuously constructing a scientific and complete theoretical system by analyzing the logical relationships between the various ideas and viewpoints within those achievements, is both a fundamental requirement for upholding and applying Marxism to solve China's specific problems and a basic experience of the Communist Party of China’s promotion of theoretical innovation over the past century. From the works of Marx and Engels expounding the basic principles of Marxism, we see that these classical authors did not simply expound a single principle or use only one principle to answer a question; rather, they comprehensively applied the principles of Marxist philosophy, political economy, and scientific socialism to answer the problems arising in theory and practice. This is to say that the theories of Marxist philosophy, political economy, and scientific socialism are interconnected and inseparable, and have become blended as one in the works of the Marxist classical authors. Engels pointed out in Anti-Dühring: "These two great discoveries, the materialistic conception of history and the revelation of the secret of capitalistic production through surplus value, we owe to Marx. With these discoveries socialism became a science. The next thing was to work out all its details and relations." [22] This assertion tells us that the "science" of scientific socialism is precisely built upon the foundation of these two great discoveries—the historical materialist conception of history and the theory of surplus value—which thus constitute the theoretical destination and practical landing point of Marxism. Lenin further emphasized: "In this philosophy of Marxism, cast from a single piece of steel, you cannot eliminate one basic premise, one essential part, without departing from objective truth." [23] This establishes for us the most fundamental principle and the most scientific attitude for studying and understanding Marxism—integrity (or wholeness). As General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "A scientific attitude must be adopted toward scientific theory." [24] If this is how we treat Marxism, we should all the more adhere to the principle of integrity when dealing with the theoretical achievements of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, always taking care to recognize and grasp the Party's achievements in theoretical innovation from the height of a theoretical system.
In the process of advancing the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has successively produced major theoretical innovations, including Mao Zedong Thought, the Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The systemic summary and construction of the "four beams and eight pillars" [17] of these ideological achievements have been continuously refined alongside the deepening of the CPC’s understanding of the connotation, content, and essence of its theoretical innovations, primarily concentrated within the Party’s three "Historical Resolutions."
Regarding Mao Zedong Thought, the 1945 "Resolution on Certain Questions in the History of Our Party," the 1981 "Resolution on Certain Questions in the History of Our Party since the Founding of the People’s Republic of China," and the 2021 "Resolution of the CPC Central Committee on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century" have—from the respective perspectives of criticizing "Left" dogmatist errors within the Party, scientifically evaluating Mao Zedong and Mao Zedong Thought, and establishing and affirming the foundational status of Mao Zedong Thought among the theoretical achievements of Sinicized Marxism—collectively completed the scientific understanding and systematic exposition of major issues such as the scientific connotation, content system, and historical status of Mao Zedong Thought. Although the specific historical conditions, era backgrounds, and primary problems to be resolved differed across these three "Historical Resolutions," they were all made by the CPC at major historical junctures. They provided the basic compliance for the entire Party to master Mao Zedong Thought and exerted an extremely important influence on unifying the Party's thoughts, will, and actions, as well as advancing various undertakings of the Party and the state.
Regarding the Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, it originated from the ten summaries made in the second "Historical Resolution" centered on the "path of Chinese-path modernization." It was formally established through the generalization of Deng Xiaoping Theory, developed and refined through the generalizations of the Theory of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development, and ran through the entire historical process of the new period of reform, opening up, and socialist modernization. The third "Historical Resolution," based on a century of Party development and a comprehensive review of the historical process of over 30 years from the Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee to the 18th National Congress, emphasized that the Party "proceeded from new realities and the features of the times to uphold and develop Marxism, scientifically answered a series of basic questions concerning the path, stages, fundamental tasks, driving forces, strategies, political guarantees, national reunification, diplomatic and international strategies, leading forces, and supporting forces of building socialism with Chinese characteristics, formed the Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, and achieved a new leap in the Sinicization of Marxism." [32] Consequently, it basically completed the summary of the content and structure of the Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics through the integration of history and theory.
Regarding Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, more in-depth understanding and research are still required. On the basis of formally proposing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and revealing its conceptual connotation, the 19th National Congress of the CPC provided a systemic summary of its content through the "Eight Materializes" [18] and "Fourteen Upholds." [19] The third "Historical Resolution" summarized the content system of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the "Ten Materializes" [20] and summarized the historical achievements and transformations in the undertakings of the Party and the state under the leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core from thirteen aspects. The 20th National Congress of the CPC, focusing on the historical foundation provided by the great changes of the decade in the New Era that propelled our country onto a new journey of comprehensively building a modern socialist country, provided a summary of the landmark achievements of the decade across sixteen aspects. On this basis, it emphasized: "The 'Ten Materializes,' 'Fourteen Upholds,' and 'Thirteen Aspects of Achievement' proposed by the 19th National Congress and the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee summarize the main content of this Thought; they must be upheld over the long term and continuously enriched and developed." [33] From this, we can see that while the 20th National Congress mentioned the summary of the content system of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, it did not elaborate on it, merely referring to conceptual expressions from certain meetings and systemic summaries. Furthermore, this judgment mentioned the "Ten Materializes" of the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee but omitted the "Eight Materializes" of the 19th National Congress, yet reiterated the "Fourteen Upholds" from the 19th National Congress and the "Thirteen Aspects of Achievement" from the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee. This actually demonstrates that the summary of the content system of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is still a work in progress, not a finished project. That is, we must adhere to the principle of holistic understanding and continuously replenish and refine this content system according to the development of the New Era and new practices, so that it may better play its role as the guide for action in comprehensively building a modern socialist country and comprehensively advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
V. Taking Adherence to the "Two Combinations" as the Theoretical Mainline to Deepen Research on the Fundamental Path and Methodology of the Sinicization and Modernization of Marxism
The report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC pointed out: "Only by combining the basic principles of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with China’s fine traditional culture, and only by persisting in the application of dialectical materialism and historical materialism, can we correctly answer the major questions posed by the times and practice, and can we ensure that Marxism always maintains its exuberant vitality and vigor." [34] This is General Secretary Xi Jinping’s reappointment of the "Two Combinations" following the Ceremony Marking the Centenary of the CPC and the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee. it is an inevitable conclusion drawn from the perspective of the CPC’s century-long development to deepen the understanding of the fundamental path or mainline logic of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism.
When Mao Zedong proposed the proposition of "combining Marxism with China’s specific realities," it already intrinsically contained the idea of "combining the basic principles of Marxism with China’s fine traditional culture." At the Sixth Plenary Session of the Sixth Central Committee, he emphasized that senior Party cadres, while studying Marxism-Leninism, should also "study our historical legacy and give it a critical summary using Marxist methods," further pointing out: "We are Marxist historicists; we must not sever history. From Confucius to Sun Yat-sen, we should summarize and inherit this precious legacy. This is of significant help in guiding the current great movement." [35] During the Yan'an Rectification Movement, he scathingly satirized those so-called Marxist-Leninist scholars who "must mention Greece whenever they speak," yet were "sorry to their own ancestors, having forgotten them"; [36] they "severed history, understanding only Greece but not China, remaining in total darkness regarding China’s face of yesterday and the day before." [37] The "specific characteristics of our country" and "China’s yesterday and the day before" that Mao Zedong repeatedly emphasized included not only political and economic characteristics but also cultural characteristics—clearly including China’s fine traditional culture. Therefore, in terms of connotation, the Sinicization of Marxism includes not only combining the basic principles of Marxism with the realities of China’s revolution, construction, and reform to form theories that guide those processes; it also includes combining Marxism with China’s fine traditional culture to give Marxism a Chinese style and a Chinese manner.
In understanding and grasping the relationship of the "Two Combinations," the most important thing is to place both within the grand context of the CPC’s century-long continuous advancement of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism and its commitment to achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. We must examine both the necessity and the possibility of their proposal, considering both political needs and academic foundations.
First, the proposal of the "Two Combinations," particularly the "second combination," is based on the "first combination." The CPC’s century-long struggle is a journey of proceeding from China’s specific national conditions and the reality of social change to continuously advance the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism. In this process, the CPC persisted in combining the basic principles of Marxism with China’s specific realities, creating a genealogical lineage of Sinicized and modernized Marxist thought while using these theoretical achievements to guide and realize great transformations in Chinese social development, thereby laying a profound foundation for the CPC to explicitly propose the "second combination." Conversely, without Mao Zedong’s combination of the basic principles of Marxism with the specific realities of the Chinese revolution, there would have been no creation of the New Democratic Revolution theory, no formulation of the New Democratic line, principles, and policies, and no first historical leap in the Sinicization of Marxism. Without Deng Xiaoping’s proposal to combine the basic principles of Marxism with the reality of China’s socialist modernization and the features of the times, there would have been no opening, persistence, and development of the path of reform, opening up, and socialism with Chinese characteristics; no formation of the Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics based on Deng Xiaoping Theory; no establishment and consolidation of the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics; and no new leap in the Sinicization of Marxism. The "first combination" provided full theoretical preparation, accumulated valuable experience, and created favorable conditions for the "second combination," possessing profound historical significance and practical value. Therefore, it is entirely fair to say that without the theoretical and practical preparation of the "first combination," there would be no proposal of the "second combination."
Second, the proposal of the "second combination" arises from practical needs and is the inevitable result of upholding the Party’s historical and cultural confidence. The proposal of the "second combination" not only proves the extreme necessity and importance of continuing to uphold the "first combination," but also indicates that upholding the "first combination" has entered a new stage, possessing the special necessity for proposing the "second combination." Alongside the continuous increase of China’s comprehensive national strength and the expanding influence of Chinese culture, we are increasingly approaching the center of the world stage, and our discourse power in international exchanges is continuously strengthening. The world increasingly hopes for China to play a more important role. This requires us, on the basis of firm confidence in the path, theory, and system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, to further "strengthen historical and cultural confidence, persist in making the past serve the present and bringing forth the new from the old, integrate the essence of Marxist thought with the cream of China’s fine traditional culture and with the common values that the masses apply daily without even realizing it [21], and continuously endow scientific theory with distinct Chinese characteristics to consolidate the historical and mass foundations for the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism." [38] This ensures that Marxism and its Sinicized theoretical achievements obtain profound civilizational depth and lasting cultural nourishment, achieving a higher level of integration between Marxism and China's fine traditional culture, and between scientific socialism and socialism with Chinese characteristics, thereby contributing Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions to the progress of human society. As a Sinicized and modernized Marxism that merges the essence of Marxism and Chinese traditional culture, it belongs to both contemporary China and the modern world; it will surely lead the development and progress of human civilization and become an ideology and culture that unifies national character with the character of the times. The CPC’s proposal of the "second combination" is the inevitable conclusion drawn to adapt to the practical needs of the innovative development of Sinicized and modernized Marxism in the New Era.
Third, using Chinese-path modernization to comprehensively advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation requires both the continued adherence to the "first combination" and the adherence to the "second combination." The key to realizing the unity of these "Two Combinations" lies in the thorough study, comprehension, and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. With socialism with Chinese characteristics entering a New Era, the "Two Combinations" have also developed into a new stage. As the latest theoretical achievement of the CPC’s persistence in combining the basic principles of Marxism with the realities of China in the New Era—achieving a new leap in the Sinicization of Marxism—Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era scientifically answers major questions of the times, such as what kind of socialism with Chinese characteristics should be upheld and developed in the New Era and how to uphold and develop it. It is contemporary Chinese Marxism and 21st-century Marxism. Simultaneously, the logical path of the CPC’s persistence in combining the basic principles of Marxism with China’s fine traditional culture, in the process of continuously promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of China’s fine traditional culture, has made Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era the essence of the times of Chinese culture and the Chinese spirit due to its steady stream of rich cultural nourishment. Facing new challenges and tests on the new journey of the New Era, to comprehensively advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization, we must advance along the path of the "Two Combinations," comprehensively studying and consciously practicing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, drawing wisdom and strength for forging ahead from it, and continuously promoting new progress and breakthroughs in Chinese-path modernization.
Continuously deepening the research into foundational theoretical issues concerning the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism is an inherent requirement [22] for implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s developmental demand to "let the world know 'China in academia,' 'China in theory,' and 'China in philosophy and social sciences.'" [44] At the same time, it is an inevitable requirement for further strengthening the academic and theoretical nature of the discipline of Sinicized Marxism research, and for continuously constructing an independent knowledge system with Chinese characteristics. Theoretical workers must base themselves upon the Party’s third "Historical Resolution" [23], and particularly the strategic deployment regarding "opening up new frontiers in the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism" outlined at the 20th National Congress of the CPC. We must strive to speak both accurately and innovatively, making greater contributions to elevating the level of research into the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism.
(About the authors: Tian Keqin is a Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the Faculty of Marxism, Northeast Normal University; Zhang Zeqiang is with the Center for Ideological and Political Education Research, Northeast Normal University.)
Internet Editor: Tongxin Source: Ideological and Theoretical Education (思想理论教育), Issue 5, 2023.