Voice of Reason – Chinese Theory in Practice | Upholding Fundamental Principles vs. Breaking New Ground

Promoting Chinese-style modernization is a systematic project that requires a number of major relationships to be dealt with properly, including the one between upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground. The former is to seek truth from facts, remember where the journey started, the root and soul, adhere to the law of human development, and not to lose direction or make colossal mistakes; The latter is to emancipate the mind, accurately grasp the trend of the times, respond to the real needs, and dare to say and do what others have not said or done before. It also means to plan according to the situation, and act in response to the trend. Upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground complement each other, as they embody the dialectical unity of consolidating the root and fostering vitality, keeping tradition while embracing reform and development.

To promote Chinese-style modernization, we must understand the relationship between root and vitality. History over the past hundred years, characterized by perseverance and tenacity, has nurtured the spirit of the Long March, the spirit of resistance against Japanese aggression, the spirit of “two bombs and one satellite”, the spirit of spaceflight, and the great spirit of fighting pandemics. A series of great spirits have provided a powerful impetus for the Chinese nation to “stand up”, “get rich” and “get strong”.

Looking ahead, the changes of the world, the times, and history are unfolding in an unprecedented way, the grim situations and the complicated tasks request us to firmly hold on to our spiritual root and give it a new connotation. The universal truth of Marxism is tested by history, and it’s an old prescription capable of curing past illnesses as well as preventing future afflictions. And to localize and modernize it is to add new herbs to the prescription in order to bring out better curative effects. Seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is both the original intention and the mission on our shoulders. We must be mindful of “the top priorities of the nation” and “the concerns of the people”, and clearly grasp socialist modernization in the new era.

“The road is long, but the journey will be accomplished.” Promoting Chinese modernization is a great and arduous undertaking with a bright future. Only by adhering to and carrying forward the great spirit of the founding of the Party and maintaining its vigorous and exuberant vitality can we move forward courageously toward a new journey in high spirit.

To promote Chinese modernization, we need to grasp the relationship between consolidation and reform. Reform is a profound social revolution, what should we change and what should remain unchanged? General Secretary Xi Jinping answered this question with two “dead ends”. First, “not to embrace reform and opening up will lead to a dead end”, reform is a great innovative practice, pioneering explorations one after another have proved that there is no way out without reform; reform is also an unknown exploratory cause, the new era calls for pragmatic, bold and daring “reformers”. Secondly, “‘reform and opening up’ that negates the direction of socialism also leads to a dead end”. We need to consolidate our roots, firmly grasp the scientific nature of truth, political firmness and the fundamental importance of direction, adhere unwaveringly to the basic principles of Marxism, the overall leadership of the Party, and socialism with Chinese characteristics. Reform cannot be accomplished overnight, nor will it be accomplished once and for all, and it needs to be continuously promoted. In the past, we’ve rolled up our sleeves and waded across the river with the spirit of exploration. In the future, we need to adhere to the political principles and bottom line of reform, accurately identify changes, scientifically respond to changes, take the initiative to seek changes, and constantly inject new momentum to development, to better adhere to and improve the solid foundation, and to ensure that the Chinese-style modernization is moving towards its designated goals.

To promote Chinese-style modernization, we should grasp the relationship between inheritance and development. The 20th Party Congress clearly pointed out that Chinese-style modernization boasts five characteristics – one particular feature is that it emphasizes the harmonious coexistence between man and nature. At present, the planet is warming, extreme weather events occur more frequently, biodiversity is diminished sharply, and soil erosion is serious. How to get out of the ecological dilemma? We need to trace back to the Marxist concept of nature to find solutions to the problems of the new era, combine the Marxist theory of man-nature relationship with China’s ecological civilization and fine traditional Chinese ecological culture. It’s also important to understand the value of ecology, respect nature, adapt to nature, protect nature, support high-quality development with a high-quality ecological environment, and accelerate modernization that features man-nature symbiosis.

“Embrace the broader trend and make great first moves”. Those who understand changes win, those who uphold principles and innovate progress. Upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground are the key to the CPC in winning the future. “Those who keep the right path win” – looking into the future, to promote Chinese-style modernization, we should always adhere to “inheritance and innovation based on the roots”, open up new horizons in the midst of changes, and seek new opportunities amidst crises.