Decoding the Mechanism of Cultural Confidence and Self-Strengthening from the Perspective of the Two Integrations

The Logical Relationship between the Two Integrations and the Advancement of Cultural Confidence and Self-Strengthening

“两个结合”与推进文化自信自强的逻辑关系

The Two Integrations represent the Chinese Communist Party’s profound grasp of the developmental laws of Chinese civilization, pointing the way for the inheritance and promotion of fine traditional Chinese culture. Advancing cultural confidence and self-strengthening is both an inherent requirement of the Two Integrations and their goal orientation. Therefore, the two are closely linked and resonate at the same frequency in their logical relationship.

“两个结合”是中国共产党对中华文明发展规律的深刻把握，为中华优秀传统文化的继承与弘扬指明了方向。而推进文化自信自强既是“两个结合”的内在要求，也是其目标指向。因此，二者在逻辑关系上紧密相连、同频共振。

The Two Integrations and the Advancement of Cultural Confidence and Self-Strengthening Are Consistent in Goal Direction

“两个结合”与推进文化自信自强在目标方向上具有一致性

Advancing cultural confidence and self-strengthening is an inherent requirement for building a culturally strong country, while the Two Integrations provide important guidance for building a culturally strong country. Thus, both the Two Integrations and the advancement of cultural confidence and self-strengthening are important propositions based on the strategic goal of building a culturally strong country. They are coupled and consistent in goal direction.

推进文化自信自强是建设文化强国的内在要求，而“两个结合”为建设文化强国提供了重要的指引。因此，“两个结合”与推进文化自信自强都是立足于建设文化强国战略目标而做出的重要论断，二者在目标方向上相互耦合，具有一致性。

The Two Integrations and the Advancement of Cultural Confidence and Self-Strengthening Are Compatible in Value Concepts

“两个结合”与推进文化自信自强在价值理念上具有契合性

General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “Why the Chinese Communist Party works and why socialism with Chinese characteristics works is, in the final analysis, because Marxism works!” [1]1 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Twelfth National Congress of the All-China Youth Federation and the First Session of the All-China Students’ Federation,” July 24, 2015. Under the guidance of Marxist cultural theory, adhering to the path of socialist cultural development with Chinese characteristics, advancing the Two Integrations, and effectively safeguarding national cultural security are the only ways to consolidate the spiritual foundation of cultural confidence and self-strengthening. The Chinese nation has a history of civilization spanning more than five thousand years and has created a splendid Chinese civilization; we should continuously strengthen and enhance historical confidence and cultural confidence.

习近平总书记指出：“中国共产党为什么能，中国特色社会主义为什么好，归根到底是因为马克思主义行！”在马克思主义文化理论的指导下，坚持中国特色社会主义文化发展道路，推进“两个结合”，切实维护国家文化安全，才能筑牢文化自信自强的精神根基。中华民族拥有五千多年文明历史，创造了灿烂的中华文明，我们应不断坚定和增强历史自信、文化自信。

The Two Integrations and the Advancement of Cultural Confidence and Self-Strengthening Are Identical in Subject Force

“两个结合”与推进文化自信自强在主体力量上具有同一性

Since its founding, the Chinese Communist Party has always adhered to developing an advanced socialist culture from a people-centered standpoint, continuously strengthening the subject force of the masses in advancing cultural confidence and self-strengthening. We must deeply understand that the Two Integrations embody the great power of the Chinese people to create history; only by relying on the subject force of the people can the Two Integrations be well advanced. We must also deeply understand that only by constructing people’s spiritual world can we promote the flourishing development of culture, and thereby advance the construction of modern Chinese civilization.

中国共产党自成立以来，始终坚持以人民立场发展社会主义先进文化，在推进文化自信自强中不断增强人民群众的主体力量。我们要深刻理解“两个结合”凝聚着中国人民创造历史的伟大力量，只有依靠人民主体力量才能很好推进“两个结合”。我们还要深刻理解只有建构好人的精神世界，才能推动文化的繁荣发展，进而推动中华民族现代文明建设。

The Endogenous Mechanism of the Two Integrations and the Advancement of Cultural Confidence and Self-Strengthening

“两个结合”与推进文化自信自强的内生性机理

The Two Integrations expand the space for the innovative development of socialism with Chinese characteristics. To deeply grasp the organic connection between the Two Integrations and the advancement of cultural confidence and self-strengthening, we should further clarify their endogenous mechanism, and explain and analyze it around the understanding of laws, creative thinking, and the grasp of the times.

“两个结合”拓展了中国特色社会主义创新发展的空间。深刻把握“两个结合”与推进文化自信自强的有机联系，应进一步明晰二者的内生性机理，围绕规律性认识、创造性思维和时代性把握加以阐释辨析。

The Two Integrations Deepen the Understanding of the Laws of Advancing Cultural Confidence and Self-Strengthening

“两个结合”深化推进文化自信自强的规律性认识

First, the Two Integrations deepen the understanding of the laws at the level of the creation of fine traditional Chinese culture. With economic and social development and the improvement of people’s living standards, people’s cultural needs are increasingly showing characteristics of diversity, multi-levels, and multiple aspects. Therefore, the primary issue to consider in advancing cultural confidence and self-strengthening is what kind of culture the people truly need, which is also the logical starting point for promoting cultural construction and development. The Two Integrations not only point the way for inheriting and promoting fine traditional Chinese culture but also expand the thinking for cultural transformation and creation.

其一，“两个结合”深化中华优秀传统文化创造层面的规律性认识。随着经济社会发展和人民生活水平的提高，人们对文化的需求日益呈现出多样化、多层次、多方面的特点。因而，推进文化自信自强首先要考虑的问题是人民群众真正需要什么样的文化，这也是推进文化建设发展的逻辑起点。“两个结合”既指明了传承与弘扬中华优秀传统文化的方向，也拓展了文化转化创造的思路。

Second, the Two Integrations deepen the understanding of the laws at the level of the dissemination of fine traditional Chinese culture. A culture with strong appeal and influence often occupies a high position in terms of content and value dissemination, thus exhibiting characteristics of fast transmission speed and wide diffusion range. In the process of dissemination, culture not only follows general information dissemination laws—that is, culture spreads from high-information positions to low-information positions—but also has its own special laws: cultures at a low value position will learn from and borrow from cultures at a high value position. The Two Integrations not only recognize the important status of fine traditional Chinese culture from the perspective of the New Era but also provide guiding principles for content innovation in cultural dissemination.

其二，“两个结合”深化中华优秀传统文化传播层面的规律性认识。具有较强吸引力、影响力的文化，其在内容和价值传播方面往往处于高位，因而具有传播速度快和扩散范围广的特征。文化在传播过程中不仅会遵循一般的信息传播规律，即文化从信息高位扩散传播到信息低位，同时也有自身特殊的规律，即处在价值低位的文化会学习借鉴处在价值高位的文化。“两个结合”不仅从新时代视野认识中华优秀传统文化的重要地位，而且为文化传播的内容创新提供了指导原则。

Third, the Two Integrations deepen the understanding of the laws at the level of the integration of fine traditional Chinese culture. Through multiple stages of development and evolution, cultural creation and development will gradually reach a stable and mature state. In this process, the commonality of culture will gradually increase, and past differences will be continuously integrated. This is also a profound manifestation of the fine traditional Chinese culture’s pursuit of “harmonious coexistence” and “harmony in diversity.” [2]2 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations,” May 15, 2019. This understanding of laws is of great significance for building a shared spiritual home for all ethnic groups.

其三，“两个结合”深化中华优秀传统文化整合层面的规律性认识。文化的创造发展，经过多个阶段的发展和演变，会逐渐达到一个稳定成熟的状态，在这一过程中文化的共同性会逐渐增多，以往的差异性会被不断整合。这也是中华优秀传统文化追求“和合共生”“和而不同”的深刻体现。这一规律性认识对于构筑各民族共有精神家园具有重要意义。

The Two Integrations Expand the Creative Thinking for Advancing Cultural Confidence and Self-Strengthening

“两个结合”拓展推进文化自信自强的创造性思维

First, the Two Integrations imply the integration of revolutionary culture with the great founding spirit of the Party. [3]3 The Global Civilization Initiative was proposed by Xi Jinping in March 2023, calling for respect for the diversity of civilizations, common values of humanity, the inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and robust international people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Advancing cultural confidence and self-strengthening is a systematic, long-term project; attention must be paid to integrating with reality. Using revolutionary culture as a carrier to promote the great founding spirit of the Party is a new path that can be deeply explored in the New Era. Revolutionary culture is a concrete interpretation of the great founding spirit of the Party and a spiritual portrayal of the Party’s continuous struggle and willingness to sacrifice. Focusing on the excavation of revolutionary culture can enhance national confidence and pride.

第一，“两个结合”蕴含革命文化同伟大建党精神相融合。推进文化自信自强是一项系统性、长期性工程，要注意结合实际，利用革命文化作为传播载体弘扬伟大建党精神，就是新时代可深入探索的新路径。革命文化是伟大建党精神的具象化诠释，是党接续奋斗、勇于牺牲的精神写照。注重开展革命文化挖掘工作，可以增强民族自信心、自豪感。

Second, the Two Integrations imply the integration of fine traditional Chinese moral concepts with core socialist values. Fine traditional Chinese culture is the foundation of cultural confidence and self-strengthening and an important source for cultivating core socialist values. From shaping moral character and personality, to managing and governing the family and the state, and finally achieving an ideal social state with equal and just order, this concept emphasizes taking the rise and fall of the country as one’s own responsibility, closely linking the fate of the individual and the family with that of the country. It profoundly reflects the internal logic of the interconnection among the three levels of the state, society, and the individual in core socialist values.

第二，“两个结合”蕴含中华优秀传统道德观念，与社会主义核心价值观相融合。中华优秀传统文化是文化自信自强的根基所在，是涵养社会主义核心价值观的重要源泉。从塑造品德人格、到经营治理家族与国家、最后达到理想的社会状态，形成平等公正的秩序，这一理念强调将国家的治乱兴衰视为己任，将个人和家庭的命运与国家的命运紧密联系在一起，深刻体现社会主义核心价值观中国家、社会和个人三个层面彼此关联的内在逻辑。

Third, the Two Integrations imply the integration of the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture with the development of modern science and technology. Especially in terms of cultural development methods, the empowerment and catalysis of modern science and technology should be used to fully and effectively release the subjective initiative of both the inheritors and the audience of fine traditional Chinese culture.

第三，“两个结合”蕴含中华优秀传统文化的创造性转化、创新性发展与现代科学技术发展相融合。特别是在文化发展手段上，要以现代科学技术的赋能和催化让中华优秀传统文化传承者与受众的主体能动性都得到充分有效的释放。

The Two Integrations Manifest the Grasp of the Times in Advancing Cultural Confidence and Self-Strengthening

“两个结合”彰显推进文化自信自强的时代性把握

First, the Two Integrations advance cultural confidence and self-strengthening in responding to the era’s demand for fine traditional Chinese culture to enhance national cultural soft power. The emergence of the Two Integrations has profound historical inevitability. Not only do they make Sinicized Marxism a component of Chinese culture and the Chinese spirit at the level of the superstructure, but they also powerfully embody the subjectivity of contemporary Chinese culture. In continuously deepening the understanding of the historical experience of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times and the laws of the development of Chinese civilization, we should accelerate the construction of a cultural system with greater depth and breadth, and enhance national cultural soft power and the communication power and influence of Chinese civilization in the exchange and mutual learning of civilizations.

首先，“两个结合”在回应中华优秀传统文化提升国家文化软实力的时代诉求中推进文化自信自强。“两个结合”的出场具有深刻的历史必然性，不仅在上层建筑层面使中国化的马克思主义成为中华文化、中国精神的组成部分，而且有力体现当代中华文化的主体性。在不断深化对马克思主义中国化、时代化的历史经验和中华文明发展规律的认识中，加快构建一个更具有深度和广度的文化体系，在文明交流互鉴中增强国家文化软实力和中华文明传播力、影响力。

Second, the Two Integrations advance cultural confidence and self-strengthening in manifesting the era value of traditional culture in governance. The long history of the Chinese nation has created a splendid Chinese culture; we must grasp the era value of traditional culture and advance cultural confidence and self-strengthening in deepening the Two Integrations. The fine traditional Chinese culture contains the spirit of responsibility of “everyone is responsible for the rise and fall of the world,” [4]4 A classical idiom from the Qing dynasty scholar Gu Yanwu, expressing the idea that every individual bears responsibility for the fate of their country. the humanistic sentiment of “harmony in diversity, the people are enlightened,” [5]5 A phrase from the ancient text *Shangshu* (Book of Documents), advocating harmony and the enlightenment of the people. the patriotism of “selfless for the public, forgetting the family for the country,” [6]6 A traditional Chinese moral ideal emphasizing self-sacrifice for the public good and the nation over personal or family interests. and so on. These enrich the political values of our Party’s governance and are highly compatible with Marxist theory.

其次，“两个结合”在彰显传统文化治国理政的时代价值中推进文化自信自强。中华民族源远流长的历史创造了灿烂的中华文化，我们要把握好传统文化的时代价值，在深化“两个结合”中推进文化自信自强。中华优秀传统文化蕴含的“天下兴亡，匹夫有责”的担当精神、“和而不同，百姓昭明”的人文情怀、“公而忘私，国而忘家”的爱国主义等等，都丰富了我们党治国理政的政治价值观，与马克思主义理论具有高度契合性。

Finally, the Two Integrations advance cultural confidence and self-strengthening in conforming to the era development of fine traditional Chinese culture. The Two Integrations not only embody Marxism’s theoretical character of advancing with the times but also manifest Marxism’s transcendence through innovation. In different historical periods, our Party has always adhered to proceeding from China’s actual conditions and continuously advanced the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. In fact, this is the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times under the influence of fine traditional Chinese culture.

最后，“两个结合”在顺应中华优秀传统文化时代发展中推进文化自信自强。“两个结合”不仅体现马克思主义与时俱进的理论品格，而且能够彰显马克思主义推陈出新的超越性。在不同历史时期，我们党始终坚持从中国实际出发，不断推进马克思主义中国化时代化，事实上也是在中华优秀传统文化影响下的马克思主义中国化时代化。

Practical Paths for Adhering to the Two Integrations to Advance Cultural Confidence and Self-Strengthening

坚持“两个结合”推进文化自信自强的实践路径

Advancing cultural confidence and self-strengthening is an inherent requirement for comprehensively building a modern socialist country and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Only by adhering to the Two Integrations and promoting cultural innovation and creation can we continuously promote the flourishing development of socialist culture with Chinese characteristics from a new starting point.

推进文化自信自强是全面建成社会主义现代化强国，实现中华民族伟大复兴的题中之义。只有坚持“两个结合”，促进文化的创新创造，才能在新的起点上不断推动中国特色社会主义文化的繁荣发展。

Integrate the Guidance of Marxism into All Aspects of Cultural Construction

把坚持马克思主义的指导贯穿到文化建设各方面

First, adhere to the guidance of Marxism to promote the flourishing development of cultural undertakings and cultural industries. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasizes: “A nation without a spiritual backbone cannot stand on its own or become strong; a cause without cultural support cannot endure for long.” [1]1 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Twelfth National Congress of the All-China Youth Federation and the First Session of the All-China Students’ Federation,” July 24, 2015. The intrinsic connection between cultural undertakings, cultural industries, and social development embodies the fundamental requirements of Marxist materialism and dialectics. We should adhere to the guidance of Marxist materialism and dialectics to promote the organic unity of economic and social benefits in the development of cultural undertakings and cultural industries.

其一，坚持马克思主义指导推动文化事业和文化产业繁荣发展。习近平总书记强调：“一个没有精神力量的民族难以自立自强，一项没有文化支撑的事业难以持续长久。”文化事业、文化产业与社会发展的内在联系体现了马克思主义唯物论和辩证法的根本要求，我们应当坚持马克思主义唯物论和辩证法的指导，推动文化事业、文化产业发展实现经济效益和社会效益的有机统一。

Second, adhere to the guidance of Marxism to deepen the reform of the cultural system. The Marxist theory of the all-round development of the individual analyzes the connotation of a sound socialist cultural reform and development from the perspective of cultural creators and cultural beneficiaries. This has important and far-reaching practical significance for the reform of the cultural system, facilitating the construction of an ecological and institutional environment for the development of cultural industries.

其二，坚持马克思主义指导深化文化体制改革。马克思主义关于人的全面发展学说，从文化创造者和文化享有者的角度解析社会主义良好的文化改革发展内涵，对文化体制改革具有重要而深远的现实意义，有利于构建文化产业发展生态环境和制度环境。

Third, adhere to the guidance of Marxism to build a public cultural service system. The original intention of building a public cultural service system is to safeguard the basic cultural rights and interests of the people. At present, China has formed a relatively complete network of public cultural service facilities. Building a digital public service system is the future direction of development and an important component of promoting cultural confidence and self-strengthening.

其三，坚持马克思主义指导建设公共文化服务体系。建设公共文化服务体系的初衷是保障人民群众的基本文化权益，目前我国已形成较完善的公共文化服务设施网络，建设数字化公共服务体系是未来的发展方向，也是推进文化自信自强的重要组成部分。

Deeply excavate and elucidate the ideological values of fine traditional Chinese culture

深入挖掘阐发中华优秀传统文化的思想价值观念

On the one hand, excavate the core ideological concepts of fine traditional Chinese culture and their contemporary value. First, excavate and elucidate the contemporary value of fine traditional Chinese culture as the “foundation” and “lifeblood.” Second, the inheritance and development of fine traditional Chinese culture should focus on serving reality. Finally, systematically interpret the ecological protection ideas within traditional culture.

一方面，挖掘中华优秀传统文化核心思想理念及其当代价值。首先，挖掘阐发中华优秀传统文化作为“根基”和“命脉”的当代价值。其次，传承发展中华优秀传统文化应着眼于服务现实。最后，系统诠释传统文化中的生态保护思想。

On the other hand, expand the innovative expression of fine traditional Chinese culture. First, broaden the perspective for elucidating traditional culture. Second, enrich the basic connotation of traditional culture. Inheriting and promoting fine traditional Chinese culture requires us to focus on the present and enrich its basic connotation in light of the context of the times. Finally, innovate the discourse system of traditional culture. The changes in the target audience and the shift in context in the New Era require the integration of the discourse system and linguistic style of modern society with fine traditional culture, promoting innovation in the discourse system of the New Era.

另一方面，拓展中华优秀传统文化的创新性表达。首先，拓宽传统文化阐发视野。其次，丰富传统文化基本内涵。传承发扬中华优秀传统文化要求我们着眼当下，结合时代背景丰富其基本内涵。最后，创新传统文化话语体系。新时代受众群体的变化、语境的变迁，要求将现代社会的话语体系和语言风格与优秀传统文化相融合，推进新时代话语体系创新。

Strengthen the guiding role of core socialist values in cultural development

强化社会主义核心价值观对文化发展的引领作用

First, use core socialist values to consolidate the value foundation of spiritual production. On the one hand, cultural producers should take core socialist values as the fundamental value standpoint for their creations. On the other hand, the people-centered nature of socialist cultural production must be clarified.

第一，运用社会主义核心价值观夯实精神生产的价值根基。一方面，文化生产者应将社会主义核心价值观作为创作的根本价值立场。另一方面，要明确社会主义文化生产的人民性。

Second, use core socialist values to consolidate social consensus. Core socialist values are the value condensation of socialist ideology. They can not only guide cultural construction but also effectively consolidate the common ideological foundation of the entire society to promote cultural confidence and self-strengthening. The guiding role of core socialist values is at least reflected in the following points: First, guiding diversified ideological concepts. Second, guiding social ideological consensus. Third, guiding the direction of public opinion.

第二，运用社会主义核心价值观凝聚社会共识。社会主义核心价值观是社会主义意识形态的价值浓缩，不仅能引领文化建设，而且能有效地凝聚全社会的共同思想基础以推进文化自信自强。社会主义核心价值观的引领作用至少体现为以下几点：其一，引领多元化思想观念。其二，引领社会思想共识。其三，引领舆论导向。

Third, use core socialist values to regulate people’s behavior. First, leading cadres should play an exemplary role. Second, actively foster a healthy atmosphere. Third, implement rigid constraint systems.

第三，运用社会主义核心价值观规范人的行为。其一，领导干部应发挥表率作用。其二，积极营造良好风气。其三，落实刚性约束制度。

Uphold the stance of Chinese culture amidst promoting exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations

在促进中外文明的交流互鉴中坚守中华文化立场

First, promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations by respecting the diversity of civilizations. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “If everything were uniform, the development of things and the progress of the world would come to a halt.” [2]2 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations,” May 15, 2019. It is precisely the differences among diverse civilizations that highlight their uniqueness, thereby laying the foundation for cultural confidence and self-strengthening. On the one hand, we must adhere to a tolerant view of civilization. On the other hand, we must adhere to an equal view of civilization.

首先，以尊重文明多样性推动文明交流互鉴。习近平总书记指出：“如果万事万物都清一色了，事物的发展、世界的进步也就停止了。”正因为多元文明的差异性才彰显其独特性，从而奠定文化自信自强的基础。一方面，要坚持包容的文明观。另一方面，要坚持平等的文明观。

Second, promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations by seeking mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. On the one hand, it is necessary to create a cultural ecology of tolerance and coexistence among civilizations. Throughout Chinese and foreign history, humanity can only have a stable, united, and harmonious living environment by adhering to the principle of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes and respecting diverse civilizations. On the other hand, it is necessary to establish a cultural ecological mechanism for the coexistence of diverse civilizations.

其次，以谋求互利共赢推动文明交流互鉴。一方面，要创造文明包容共存的文化生态。纵观中外历史，人类只有坚持互利共赢原则、尊重多样文明，才能拥有安定团结和谐的生活环境。另一方面，要建立多元文明共存的文化生态机制。

Finally, promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations by strengthening dialogue among civilizations. In today’s world, how to address the challenges of cultural relativism, cultural conservatism, and cultural hegemonism not only concerns the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind but also profoundly affects the development and progress of human civilization. Only by implementing the Global Civilization Initiative, [3]3 The Global Civilization Initiative was proposed by Xi Jinping in March 2023, calling for respect for the diversity of civilizations, common values of humanity, the inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and robust international people-to-people and cultural exchanges. promoting the common values of all humanity, and strengthening exchanges and dialogue among different civilizations can we consolidate consensus on international cooperation, promote cultural integration and people-to-people bonds among countries around the world.

最后，以加强文明对话推动文明交流互鉴。当今世界，如何应对文化相对主义、文化保守主义、文化霸权主义的挑战，不仅关系到人类命运共同体的建构，而且深刻影响人类文明的发展进步。只有践行全球文明倡议，弘扬全人类共同价值，加强不同文明的交流对话，才能凝聚国际社会合作共识，促进世界各国的文化交融和民心相通。

(Author bios: Sun Shaoyong, Director of the Shaanxi (University) Key Research Base of Philosophy and Social Sciences “Center for the Study of Marxist Innovation and Development,” Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the School of Marxism, Northwestern Polytechnical University; Chen Zhongbin, Doctoral Student at the School of Marxism, Northwestern Polytechnical University)

（作者简介：孙绍勇，陕西（高校）哲学社会科学重点研究基地“马克思主义创新发展研究中心”主任，西北工业大学马克思主义学院教授、博士生导师；陈中斌，西北工业大学马克思主义学院博士研究生）

Online Editor: Tongxin

网络编辑：同心