The tide of our times is surging forward. Standing at a historic crossroads, the world is witnessing how a dynamic China navigates the waves of change, and how a profoundly transforming era searches for direction. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era serves as a beacon of light, guiding China’s journey toward national rejuvenation and contributing Chinese wisdom to global development.
A New Chapter in Theory: A Historic Leap in Adapting Marxism to the Chinese Context and the Needs of the Times
Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era represents the latest theoretical achievement in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. It is a profound re-creation of the fundamental tenets of Marxism, grounded in China’s historical context and present-day challenges. It not only inherits the scientific spirit and people-oriented stance of Marxism but also brings forth a theoretical leap in keeping with the realities of the new era.
The theory’s core innovation lies in the “Two Integrations”: integrating the basic principles of Marxism with China’s specific realities, and integrating Marxism with China’s fine traditional culture. This dual integration makes the theory both scientific and culturally resonant — solid in foundation yet dynamic in vitality.
Xi Jinping Thought provides systematic answers to the fundamental question of our time: what kind of socialism with Chinese characteristics we uphold, and how to uphold and develop it. It has built a comprehensive theoretical framework covering economic, political, cultural, social, ecological, national defence, and diplomatic fields — forming a complete, rigorous, and practical guide to action for the entire cause of the Party and the country.
A People-Centred Orientation: Pursuing Development for the People
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At the heart of Xi Jinping Thought lies the word “people”. The vitality of any theory ultimately depends on whether it genuinely responds to the expectations and needs of the people.
Xi Jinping Thought takes the resolution of the most immediate and pressing issues that concern the people as its starting point and ultimate goal. It firmly upholds a people-centred development philosophy, clearly stating that development is for the people, relies on the people, and that its fruits are shared by the people — thus answering the fundamental question of “for whom is development”. China’s modernisation is not a privilege for a few, but a process of shared prosperity and comprehensive progress for all.
From the fight against poverty to the expansion of social security, from reforms in education and healthcare to environmental protection, all major policies reflect deep concern for the people’s interests and well-being. This thought has shifted China’s governance paradigm from “managing society” to “serving the people”, laying a solid foundation of public support for the country’s long-term stability.
Governance Wisdom: Systemic Thinking for a Modern Governance Framework
Xi Jinping Thought is rich in governance wisdom and provides a scientific approach to modern state governance. It emphasises systemic thinking as a foundational methodology — urging policymakers to observe and act from a holistic, long-term, and interconnected perspective.
In practice, this method is reflected in the “Five Upholds”: upholding unified national coordination; combining top-level design with grassroots innovation; aligning focused breakthroughs with overall advancement; coordinating short-term targets with long-term goals; and balancing reform, development, and stability. These principles work together synergistically, forming the structural pillars of a modernised system of governance with Chinese characteristics.
From promoting high-quality development and establishing a new development paradigm to advancing law-based governance and building a “Beautiful China”, a series of strategic initiatives demonstrate China’s robust capacity for top-level planning and targeted implementation. This capacity to combine macro-level strategy with precise policy delivery not only charts China’s development path but also offers insights into tackling governance challenges around the world.
A Global Vision: Chinese Wisdom Inspiring the World
Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is not only committed to realising national rejuvenation but also embodies a broad vision of contributing to the common future of humanity. It accurately grasps the underlying trends of global development and creatively proposes the building of a community with a shared future for mankind — injecting Chinese insight into the reform of the global governance system.
The successful practice of Chinese modernisation has broken the myth that “modernisation equals Westernisation”. As President Xi stated in the report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China:
“Chinese modernisation is socialist modernisation pursued under the leadership of the CPC. It shares features common to the modernisation processes of all other countries, but it is more characterised by features that are unique to the Chinese context.”
This theoretical innovation provides developing countries with a new model and pathway toward modernisation — one that respects their sovereignty and unique national conditions.
Amid global uncertainties and transformation, this illuminating body of thought is bound to guide China in achieving national rejuvenation while also offering new inspiration for human progress. As President Xi Jinping emphasised, “The Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation is, in the final analysis, a dream of the people.” It is a dream that belongs not only to China but also resonates with the shared aspirations of humanity.
The author is Ambassador of People’s Republic of China to Nepal
