The Core Essence, Historical Necessity, and Scientific Method of Upholding the Party’s Cultural Leadership

Cultural leadership refers to the dominant force or influence of a specific class or group within the sphere of social culture. Cultural leadership is an extension of political leadership, possessing strong penetrative and controlling power. The Party’s cultural leadership is the summation of experience and historical consciousness of the Chinese Communist Party in leading ideological and cultural construction; it is a cultural dominance and cultural influence that manifests the cultural subjectivity of the masses and correctly handles the contradiction between social being and social consciousness. Engels believed that in the process of struggle against various hostile forces, a proletarian party can only avoid “losing its historical leadership position” by firmly grasping spiritual leadership. Since the New Era, General Secretary Xi Jinping has guided propaganda, ideology, and cultural work to achieve historic accomplishments, creatively putting forward the important proposition of “the Chinese Communist Party’s cultural leadership,” emphasizing that the Party must always uphold Party leadership in propaganda, ideology, and cultural work, “fortifying the Party’s governing foundation and mass base ideologically, spiritually, and culturally.” This profoundly reflects that the Party has reached a new height in discerning the laws of historical development, summarizing historical experience, and leading ideological and cultural work. Currently, academic research on cultural leadership often focuses on exploring the causes of its formation, textual examinations, analyses of its principles, and countermeasures, yet there are few results that provide explanations grounded in the Marxist scientific worldview and methodology. It is necessary to examine cultural leadership through the lens of historical materialism, deeply grasp the theoretical exploration and practical contributions of upholding the Party’s cultural leadership from the centenary-plus struggle of the Chinese Communist Party, and provide ideological support for consolidating the Party’s cultural leadership.

文化领导权是指一个特定阶级或集团在社会文化领域的主导力或影响力。文化领导权是政治领导权的延伸，具有极强的渗透性与控制性。党的文化领导权是中国共产党领导思想文化建设的经验总结与历史自觉，是彰显人民群众文化主体性、正确处理社会存在与社会意识矛盾的文化主导权与文化影响力。恩格斯认为，无产阶级政党在同各种敌对势力作斗争的过程中只有牢牢把握住精神上的领导权才能避免“丧失自己在历史上的领导地位”。新时代以来，习近平总书记指引宣传思想文化工作取得历史性成就，创造性地提出“中国共产党的文化领导权”这一重要命题，强调党在宣传思想文化工作中要始终坚持党的领导，“在思想上、精神上、文化上筑牢党的执政基础和群众基础”,深刻反映出党在洞察历史发展规律、总结历史经验、领导思想文化工作方面达到新的高度。目前学术界对文化领导权的研究，往往注重探究文化领导权的形成之因、文本之考、义理之析、应对之策等，立足马克思主义科学的世界观和方法论进行阐释的成果却不多见。有必要以历史唯物主义观照文化领导权，从中国共产党百余年奋斗历程中深刻把握坚持党的文化领导权的理论探索与实践贡献，为夯实坚持党的文化领导权提供思想支撑。

I. The Core Essence of Upholding the Party’s Cultural Leadership

一、坚持党的文化领导权的核心要义

Cultural leadership has long attracted the attention of thinkers. Although Marx did not directly propose the concept of cultural leadership, he did put forward “spiritual leadership.” Engels pointed out: “The leadership of history has passed into the hands of the proletariat, and the proletariat, by virtue of its entire social position, can only liberate itself by completely abolishing all class rule, all servitude, and all exploitation.” That is to say, the proletariat is not only the creator of history but also the leader of history, including culture. Lenin emphasized that all forms of proletarian cultural development must adhere to “the general leadership of the Russian Communist Party,” and that cultural leadership must be firmly grasped in the hands of the proletarian party. Mao Zedong emphasized that only under the leadership of the proletariat can there be a national, scientific, and mass new culture. In the New Era and on the new journey, Xi Jinping has clarified the extreme importance of upholding the Party’s cultural leadership.

文化领导权很早就受到思想家的关注。马克思虽然没有直接提出文化领导权概念，但他提出了“精神上的领导权”。恩格斯指出：“历史的领导权已经转到无产阶级手中，而无产阶级由于自己的整个社会地位，只有完全消灭一切阶级统治、一切奴役和一切剥削，才能解放自己。”即是说，无产阶级既是历史的创造者，也是包括文化在内的历史的领导者。列宁强调，无产阶级文化发展的一切形式都要坚持“俄国共产党的总的领导”,必须将文化领导权牢牢把握在无产阶级政党手中。毛泽东强调，只有在无产阶级的领导下，才有民族的、科学的、大众的新文化。新时代新征程，习近平总书记明确了坚持党的文化领导权的极端重要性。

1. Grasping the Theoretical Foundation of Upholding the Party’s Cultural Leadership from the Movement of the Fundamental Contradiction of Society

1.从社会基本矛盾运动中把握坚持党的文化领导权的学理基础

Marx believed: “If one examines it from the perspective of ideas, then the dissolution of a certain form of consciousness is sufficient to bring down an entire epoch. In reality, this limitation of consciousness is commensurate with a certain level of development of the material productive forces, and thus with a certain level of development of wealth.” It can be seen here that cultural forms of consciousness are “limited” by the level of development of the material productive forces, yet they also exert a tremendous counteractive force on social being. All forms of existence in an entire epoch are situated within the contradictory movement of social being and social consciousness. This important thought of Marx is the key to our grasp of the core essence of cultural leadership.

马克思认为：“如果从观念上来考察，那么一定的意识形式的解体足以使整个时代覆灭。在现实中，意识的这种限制是同物质生产力的一定发展程度，因而是同财富的一定发展程度相适应的。”在这里可以看出，文化意识形式受物质生产力水平的“限制”,又对社会存在具有巨大的反作用，整个时代的一切存在形式都处于社会存在与社会意识的矛盾运动之中。马克思的这一重要思想是我们把握文化领导权核心要义的钥匙。

Social consciousness is not passive; rather, it can react upon social being by guiding and shaping people’s thoughts and actions. Consequently, the core of the struggle for cultural leadership is the struggle for the power of ideology to shape people’s consciousness and to act upon social being, driving social being to develop in the direction desired by one’s own class. Beginning in the early 19th century, the Prussian government issued a series of decrees and directives to restrict press freedom, aimed at strengthening censorship and control over newspapers, suppressing dissenting voices, and maintaining government autocracy. In January 1843, the “Instruction on the Seizure of the *Rheinische Zeitung*,” a ministerial directive, was issued. In response to the ministerial directive’s seizure and condemnation of the *Rheinische Zeitung*, Marx refuted in his “Memorandum on the Seizure of the *Rheinische Zeitung*”: “The ministerial directive also speaks of ‘the malice of the entire tendency.’ According to this, the *Rheinische Zeitung*’s struggle for Prussia’s spiritual leadership, for Prussia’s commercial system, for the realization of the German Customs Union, the serious and cautious attitude with which it reported every, even the smallest, progress with appreciation, its love of the fatherland in defending Germany’s honor against foreign insults, the reawakening national feeling it harbored within and which increased daily—all of this would also become a symbol of malice.” Here, the struggle between Marx and the *Rheinische Zeitung* against the Prussian government not only reflected the fierce struggle at the time for press freedom versus government control but also illustrated that different political forces would have different understandings and methods regarding the struggle for the spiritual leadership of the nation.

社会意识不是被动的，而是能通过引导和塑造人的思想和行为，反作用于社会存在。由此，争夺文化领导权的核心，就是争夺意识形态对人的思想意识的塑造权和对社会存在的作用权，推动社会存在向自己阶级所希望的方向发展。从19世纪初开始，普鲁士政府为限制新闻自由颁布了一系列法令和指令，旨在加强对报刊的审查和控制，压制反对声音，维护政府专制。1843年1月，《关于查封〈莱茵报〉的指令》即部颁指令发布。针对部颁指令对《莱茵报》的查封和指责，马克思在《关于〈莱茵报〉遭到查封的备忘录》中反驳道：“部颁指令也谈到‘全部倾向的恶意’。按照这种说法，《莱茵报》为争取普鲁士的精神上的领导权、为争取普鲁士的商业体系、为争取实现德意志关税同盟而进行的斗争，该报以赞赏的心情着重报道每一个哪怕是最微小的进步所表现的认真谨慎的态度，该报为维护德国的荣誉免遭外来的侮辱所表现的对祖国的爱，该报在内心所怀有并日益增加的重新苏醒的民族感，所有这一些也就会成为恶意的象征了。”在这里，马克思和《莱茵报》与普鲁士政府的斗争既反映了当时争取新闻自由与政府控制之间的激烈斗争，也说明了对于争取国家的精神上的领导权，不同的政治力量会有不同的理解与方法。

Since the New Era, the deepening development of the market economy, the continuous advancement of economic globalization, and the accelerated evolution of a new round of technological revolution have led to diversified interests, varied concepts, and volatile thoughts. In the realm of social consciousness, ideological trends such as historical nihilism, hedonism, and money worship have emerged that contradict the essence of socialism. Faced with these problems, to uphold the Party’s cultural leadership, it is necessary to regulate the contradiction between social being and social consciousness by cultivating and practicing the core socialist values, leveraging the guiding role of mainstream media in public opinion and the edifying influence of literary and artistic works, ensuring that ideology aligns with the socialist economic base. Upholding the Party’s cultural leadership in the New Era is essentially a necessary requirement for breaking down bourgeois cultural hegemony,粉碎ing various erroneous social trends of thought, unswervingly following the path of socialist cultural development with Chinese characteristics, building a socialist cultural power, and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. If the Party’s cultural leadership were abandoned, social consciousness could be eroded and dominated by the logic of capital and the Western capitalist value system, ultimately shaking the foundations of the socialist system. Therefore, upholding the Party’s cultural leadership requires firmly upholding the Party’s dominance over ideology.

新时代以来，市场经济深化发展、经济全球化不断推进、新一轮科技革命加速演进，导致利益多元、观念多样、思想多变，社会意识领域出现历史虚无主义、享乐主义、拜金主义等与社会主义本质相悖的思想观念。面对这些问题，要坚持党的文化领导权，就要通过培育和践行社会主义核心价值观、发挥主流媒体的舆论引导和文艺作品的熏陶作用等，调节社会存在与社会意识的矛盾，确保意识形态与社会主义经济基础相适应。新时代坚持党的文化领导权，本质上是破除资产阶级文化霸权、粉碎各种错误社会思潮，坚定不移走中国特色社会主义文化发展道路、建设社会主义文化强国、实现中华民族伟大复兴的必然要求。若放弃党的文化领导权，社会意识就可能受到资本逻辑与西方资本主义价值体系的侵蚀与主导，最终动摇社会主义制度根基。因此，坚持党的文化领导权，必须坚持党对意识形态的主导权。

2. Grasping the Spiritual Core of Upholding the Party’s Cultural Leadership from the Internal Logic of Strengthening the Party’s Overall Leadership

2.从加强党的全面领导的内在逻辑中把握坚持党的文化领导权的精神内核

Upholding the Party’s cultural leadership is an inherent part and an important link of upholding the Party’s overall leadership. Accurately grasping the spiritual core of upholding the Party’s cultural leadership requires understanding it from the holistic perspective of upholding and strengthening the Party’s overall leadership.

坚持党的文化领导权是坚持党的全面领导的应有之义和重要一环。准确把握坚持党的文化领导权的精神内核需要从坚持和加强党的全面领导的整体性去理解。

Upholding and strengthening the Party’s overall leadership is the fundamental political guarantee for upholding the Party’s cultural leadership. The Party’s overall leadership covers all fields such as the economy, politics, culture, and society. The Party’s cultural leadership is the concentrated expression of the Party’s overall leadership in the ideological sphere. If the Party’s overall leadership were lost, or if there were weak links in Party leadership, due to the interconnectedness of culture with all spheres of society, these weak links would shake the guiding position of Marxism in the ideological sphere, disrupt the direction of cultural development, diminish the guiding value of advanced culture, and weaken the will to build a cultural power. In such a case, the Party’s cultural leadership would become an empty phrase.

坚持和加强党的全面领导是坚持党的文化领导权的根本政治保证。党的全面领导涵盖经济、政治、文化、社会等各领域，党的文化领导权是党的全面领导在意识形态领域的集中体现。若失去党的全面领导，或者党的领导存在薄弱环节，由于文化与社会各个领域的贯通性，这些薄弱环节就会动摇马克思主义在意识形态领域的指导地位，扰乱文化发展的方向，贬损先进文化的引领价值，动摇建设文化强国的意志，这样党的文化领导权就成了空洞的词句。

Upholding the Party’s cultural leadership is an important foundation for strengthening the Party’s overall leadership. The political security of the Party and the state is first and foremost the security of political power, that is, the security of the Party’s governance. Upholding the Party’s cultural leadership means grasping the power of cultural interpretation. It can form broad social consensus and political identity by explaining the theoretical basis of the Party’s governing legitimacy, the laws of the Party’s governance, and the great significance of governing security. It can also safeguard the security of the Party’s governance by propagating the guiding position of Marxism and using the core socialist values to resist challenges such as historical nihilism and the infiltration of Western ideology.

坚持党的文化领导权是加强党的全面领导的重要基础。党和国家的政治安全首先是政权安全，即党的执政安全。坚持党的文化领导权就是掌握了文化解释权，可以通过阐释党的执政合法性的学理依据、党的执政规律、执政安全的重大意义，形成广泛的社会共识和政治认同；还可以通过宣传马克思主义的指导地位，并以社会主义核心价值观抵御历史虚无主义、西方意识形态渗透等挑战，维护党的执政安全。

Upholding and strengthening the Party’s overall leadership and upholding the Party’s cultural leadership possess an inherent logical consistency. From the perspective of mission, upholding and strengthening the Party’s overall leadership takes “seeking happiness for the people and rejuvenation for the nation” as its mission and task, while upholding the Party’s cultural leadership takes safeguarding cultural security, building a culturally strong nation, and promoting mutual learning among civilizations as its mission and task; the two are inherently consistent. From the perspective of strategy, upholding the Party’s cultural leadership, by establishing and upholding the fundamental system of Marxism’s guiding position in the ideological domain, perfecting cultural laws and regulations, and constructing a series of cultural projects, transforms the Party’s leadership into cultural practice. From the perspective of effectiveness, the efficacy of upholding the Party’s cultural leadership is manifested in strengthening the “Four Confidences” [1]1 “Soul vein” (魂脉) and “root vein” (根脉) are metaphorical terms in contemporary Chinese Marxist discourse. “Soul vein” refers to Marxism as the guiding theoretical soul of the Party, while “root vein” refers to fine traditional Chinese culture as the foundational cultural root. Their integration is a key formulation of the “Second Integration” (第二个结合), which calls for combining the basic tenets of Marxism with fine traditional Chinese culture., especially strengthening cultural confidence, which is ultimately transformed into a spiritual force that upholds the Party’s overall leadership.

坚持和加强党的全面领导和坚持党的文化领导权具有内在逻辑的一致性。从使命上看，坚持和加强党的全面领导以“为人民谋幸福、为民族谋复兴”为使命任务，而坚持党的文化领导权则以维护文化安全、建设文化强国、推动文明互鉴为使命任务，两者是内在一致的。从策略上看，坚持党的文化领导权通过确立和坚持马克思主义在意识形态领域指导地位的根本制度、健全文化法律法规、建设一系列文化工程等，将党的领导转化为文化实践。从效能上看，坚持党的文化领导权的成效体现为坚定“四个自信”,尤其是坚定文化自信，最终转化为拥护党的全面领导的精神力量。

Upholding the Party’s cultural leadership is, in essence, transforming the political advantage of upholding and strengthening the Party’s overall leadership into the spiritual advantage of cultural confidence and self-strengthening. Only by placing the upholding of the Party’s cultural leadership within the Party’s leadership system of overall leadership, coordinating all quarters, which upholds and strengthens the Party’s overall leadership, can one avoid the metaphysical cultural view of “discussing culture in isolation from culture” and truly grasp the substantive connotation of upholding the Party’s cultural leadership: “raising the banner, gathering people’s hearts, educating new people, promoting culture, and displaying the image” [2]2 “Recognizing change, responding to change, and seeking change” (识变应变求变) is a formulation frequently used by Xi Jinping to describe the proactive, dialectical approach required for governance in the current era of rapid global and domestic transformation..

坚持党的文化领导权，本质上是将坚持和加强党的全面领导的政治优势转化为文化自信自强的精神优势。只有将坚持党的文化领导权置于坚持和加强党的全面领导的总揽全局、协调各方的党的领导体系中，才能避免“就文化谈文化”的形而上学文化观，真正把握坚持党的文化领导权的“举旗帜、聚民心、育新人、兴文化、展形象”的实质内涵。

3. Grasping the Scientific Connotation of Upholding the Party’s Cultural Leadership Relying on the People and Serving the People from the Principle of the People as Creators of History

3.从历史的创造者原理中把握坚持党的文化领导权依靠人民服务人民的科学内涵

The masses of the people are the creators of history. “Historical activity and thought are the thought and activity of the ‘masses’.” Culture is the cause of the masses; a historical stage in its ascending period is necessarily an era when the creative power of the masses of the people is stimulated; a historical stage in its descending period is necessarily an era when the creative power of the masses of the people is suppressed. The Communist Party of China, as the vanguard of the proletariat, represents the forward direction of China’s advanced culture. Its cultural leadership is manifested in establishing the correct direction for cultural development, that is, ensuring that culture serves the fundamental interests of the people and the cause of communism. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “The vitality of culture lies in innovation and creation.” Upholding the Party’s cultural leadership requires our Party to use advanced culture represented by Marxism to guide social trends of thought, oppose erroneous tendencies such as historical nihilism, consolidate ideological security, and thereby stimulate the creative subject role and innovative creative vitality of the broad masses of the people.

人民群众是历史的创造者。“历史的活动和思想就是‘群众’的思想和活动。”文化是群众的事业，一个历史阶段处于上升期，必定是人民群众创造力被激发的时代；一个历史阶段处于下降期，必定是人民群众创造力被抑制的时代。中国共产党作为无产阶级先锋队，代表中国先进文化的前进方向，其文化领导权体现在确立正确的文化发展方向，即确保文化服务于人民根本利益和共产主义事业。习近平总书记指出：“文化的生命力在于创新创造。”坚持党的文化领导权，就是要求我们党用以马克思主义为代表的先进文化引领社会思潮，反对历史虚无主义等错误倾向，巩固意识形态安全，以此激发广大人民的创造主体作用与创新创造活力。

Mao Zedong pointed out: “Once the masses know the truth and have a common goal, they will work together with one heart.” To arm the masses with scientific theory, to form a force of united effort, a force to create history, it is necessary for an advanced political party to organize, mobilize, and propagate; this entire series of work constitutes the Party’s leadership over culture. Therefore, upholding the Party’s cultural leadership means manifesting the cultural subjectivity of the masses of the people, transforming the Party’s innovative theory into an ideological weapon for the broad masses of the people to transform the material world and create history, and transforming it into a mighty force for comprehensively advancing the building of a strong nation and the great cause of national rejuvenation. Upholding the Party’s cultural leadership means “being good at turning the Party’s policies into the actions of the masses, being good at making every movement and every struggle of ours not only understood by leading cadres but also understood and grasped by the broad masses; this is a Marxist-Leninist art of leadership.” [3]3 “Rise of the East and decline of the West” (东升西降) is a common Chinese geopolitical shorthand for the perceived relative shift in global power from established Western powers (especially the US and Europe) towards China and other developing nations. That is to say, once the Party grasps cultural leadership, it grasps the Marxist art of leadership, and can transform the Party’s theory, the Party’s principles and policies, into the driving force for the masses to create history, into the beliefs and actions of the masses to liberate themselves.

毛泽东指出：“群众知道了真理，有了共同的目的，就会齐心来做。”要用科学的理论武装群众，要形成齐心协力的力量、创造历史的力量，就必须有先进政党进行组织、发动和宣传，这一系列工作就是党对文化的领导。因此，坚持党的文化领导权就是彰显人民群众的文化主体性，就是把党的创新理论转化为广大人民群众改造物质世界、创造历史的思想武器，转化为全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业的磅礴力量。坚持党的文化领导权，就是要“善于把党的政策变为群众的行动，善于使我们的每一个运动，每一个斗争，不但领导干部懂得，而且广大的群众都能懂得，都能掌握，这是一项马克思列宁主义的领导艺术”。即是说，党掌握了文化领导权，就是掌握了马克思主义领导艺术，就能够把党的理论、党的方针政策变成群众创造历史的动力，变成群众自己解放自己的信念与行动。

General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasizes the need to “always insist that cultural construction focuses on people and lands on people.” Upholding the Party’s cultural leadership takes “the people’s needs” as the starting point and evaluation criterion for cultural development. Because culture has unique laws of development, upholding the Party’s cultural leadership is not simple administrative intervention; rather, it is through value guidance, policy guidance, and resource integration to stimulate the cultural innovation vitality of the masses of the people. Upholding the Party’s cultural leadership, in essence, means adhering to the people-first worldview, historical view, values, and methodology, unifying the Chinese Communist Party’s political goals with the objective laws of cultural development in the great cause of building a strong nation and national rejuvenation. This unity both rejects the one-sided dogmatism of “politicizing culture” and avoids the cultural liberalist trap of “de-politicization.” Therefore, upholding the Party’s cultural leadership means upholding the fundamental power of the Chinese Communist Party, guided by Marxism, to lead cultural construction and manifest the cultural subjectivity of the masses of the people.

习近平总书记强调，要“始终坚持文化建设着眼于人、落脚于人”。坚持党的文化领导权将“人民需要”作为文化发展的出发点和评判标准。由于文化具有独特的发展规律，因此，坚持党的文化领导权并非简单的行政干预，而是要通过价值引领、政策引导、资源整合激发人民群众文化创新活力。坚持党的文化领导权，本质上就是坚持人民至上的世界观、历史观、价值观和方法论，将中国共产党的政治目标与文化发展的客观规律统一于强国建设、民族复兴伟业之中。这种统一既摒弃了“文化政治化”的片面独断，又规避了“去政治化”的文化自由主义陷阱。因此，坚持党的文化领导权就是坚持中国共产党以马克思主义为指导，领导文化建设，彰显人民群众文化主体性的根本权力。

II. The Historical Inevitability of Upholding the Party’s Cultural Leadership

二、坚持党的文化领导权的历史必然性

Upholding the Party’s cultural leadership is derived from the Party’s profound insight into the laws and general trends of historical development, and from profoundly summarizing the practical experience of the Party leading ideological construction work. It is the Party’s historical responsibility to walk at the forefront of the times, forge ahead courageously, and create the future. It concerns upholding the guiding position of Marxist ideology and concerns the great cause of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

坚持党的文化领导权是党深刻洞察历史发展规律和大势，深刻总结党领导意识形态建设工作的实践经验得出来的，是党走在时代前列、勇毅前行、开创未来的历史担当，事关坚持马克思主义意识形态指导地位，事关中华民族复兴大业。

1. Upholding the Party’s Cultural Leadership is the Historical Confirmation of the Law of Social Consciousness Reacting upon Social Being

1.坚持党的文化领导权是社会意识对社会存在反作用规律的历史确证

General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “As long as we grasp the laws and general trends of historical development, seize the opportunity of historical change, act in accordance with the trend, and strive vigorously, we can advance better.” Upholding the Party’s cultural leadership is the inevitable choice of the Party’s profound insight into the laws and general trends of historical development, reflecting the scientific grasp and historical confirmation of historical laws.

习近平总书记指出：“只要把握住历史发展规律和大势，抓住历史变革时机，顺势而为，奋发有为，我们就能够更好前进。”坚持党的文化领导权就是党深刻洞察历史发展规律和大势的必然选择，体现了对历史规律的科学把握和历史确证。

Marx pointed out: “We cannot judge such a period of transformation by its consciousness; on the contrary, this consciousness must be explained from the contradictions of material life, from the existing conflict between the social productive forces and the relations of production.” [4]4 “Open up new prospects amidst changes” (于变局中开新局) is a paraphrase of a key directive from Xi Jinping, particularly emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic and the formulation of the 14th Five-Year Plan, urging proactive strategic adaptation. Here, Marx reveals: culture, as social consciousness, cannot be understood from itself; it must be explained from the existing conflict between the social productive forces and the relations of production. Therefore, culture, as the core component of the ideological superstructure, has its value and function always constrained by the mode of production of material life, and in turn reacts upon social development. Among these, advanced social consciousness can correctly reflect the laws of social development, foresee the trend of social development, and mobilize the masses to promote social change; backward social consciousness hinders social development and social progress. The Chinese Communist Party represents the fundamental interests of the broadest masses of the people, and the mainstream culture it advocates belongs to advanced social consciousness. At the same time, the Chinese Communist Party is a Marxist political party with a high degree of historical consciousness. In the historical process of leading revolution, construction, and reform, it has always scientifically grasped the laws of historical development, conformed to the general trend of history, insisted on firmly holding cultural leadership in its hands, and by actively shaping an ideological and public opinion environment aligned with the direction of historical development, broken down backward and conservative ideologies, providing a powerful spiritual driving force for social development.

马克思指出：“我们判断这样一个变革时代也不能以它的意识为根据；相反，这个意识必须从物质生活的矛盾中，从社会生产力和生产关系之间的现存冲突中去解释。”在这里，马克思揭示：文化作为社会意识，无法从它本身来理解，必须从社会生产力和生产关系之间的现存冲突中加以说明。因此，文化作为观念上层建筑的核心要件，其价值与作用始终受到物质生活的生产方式制约，并反作用于社会发展。其中，先进的社会意识能够正确反映社会发展规律，预见社会发展趋势，动员群众推动社会变革；落后的社会意识则阻碍社会发展与社会进步。中国共产党代表最广大人民群众的根本利益，其倡导的主流文化属于先进的社会意识。同时，中国共产党是具有高度历史自觉的马克思主义政党，在领导革命、建设和改革的历史进程中，始终科学把握历史发展规律，顺应历史大势，坚持把文化领导权牢牢掌握在手中，通过主动塑造符合历史发展方向的思想舆论环境，破除落后守旧的思想意识，为社会发展提供强大的精神动力。

In semi-colonial and semi-feudal old China, the dual suppression of feudalist ideology and culture and colonial culture constructed the dominant ideology of the time. The Chinese Communist Party, representing advanced productive forces, made cultural leadership an ideological weapon to break the old cultural shackles by spreading Marxism. During the Yan’an period [5]5 “Soul vein” (魂脉) refers to Marxism, the guiding theoretical foundation of the CPC. “Root vein” (根脉) refers to the excellent traditional Chinese culture, the historical and civilizational foundation of the Chinese nation. This binary is a key conceptual framework for the “Second Integration.”, Mao Zedong, in his “Talks at the Yan’an Forum on Literature and Art,” proposed that literature and art should serve the workers, peasants, and soldiers, and that literature and art are “a powerful weapon for uniting the people, educating the people, striking at the enemy, and annihilating the enemy.” [6]6 This is a direct quotation from Xi Jinping’s speech at the symposium on cultural inheritance and development on June 2, 2023. During the period of socialist construction, our Party deeply recognized that culture, as the social consciousness of ideas, deeply permeates all aspects of social life, affecting people’s ways of thinking and behavioral choices. It was necessary to arm the entire Party and educate the people with the latest achievements of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, so that the entire people maintain a high degree of unity in thought and action. Since the New Era, the Chinese Communist Party has always insisted on firmly holding the Party’s cultural leadership in its hands, formulated the strategy of building a culturally strong nation, and formed Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, vividly interpreting the practical innovation of conforming to historical laws and general trends and grasping cultural leadership.

在半殖民地半封建的旧中国，封建主义思想文化与殖民文化的双重压制构筑了当时占主导地位的意识形态，代表先进生产力的中国共产党通过传播马克思主义，使文化领导权成为打破旧的文化桎梏的思想武器。延安时期，毛泽东在《在延安文艺座谈会上的讲话》中提出文艺要为工农兵服务，文艺是“团结人民、教育人民、打击敌人、消灭敌人的有力的武器”。在社会主义建设时期，我们党深刻认识到：文化作为观念的社会意识，深深渗透于社会生活的方方面面，影响着人们的思维方式和行为选择，必须用马克思主义中国化时代化的最新成果武装全党、教育人民，使全体人民在思想上、行动上保持高度一致。新时代以来，中国共产党始终坚持将党的文化领导权紧握在手中，制定文化强国战略，形成了习近平文化思想，生动诠释了顺应历史规律与历史大势，把握文化领导权的实践创新。

2. Upholding the Party’s Cultural Leadership is the Historical Initiative of Upholding Marxism’s Guiding Position in the Ideological Domain

2.坚持党的文化领导权是坚持马克思主义在意识形态领域指导地位的历史主动

Upholding Marxism’s guiding position in the ideological domain is because Marxism is a scientific theory, a theory of the people, a theory of practice, and an outstanding representative of advanced culture. Advanced culture refers to a cultural form that represents the interests of the advanced class, reflects the voice of the times, promotes social progress, and drives social development. In the various periods of the Chinese revolution, construction, and reform, the direction of advanced culture has been the direction representing the people’s cultural needs, the direction advancing national rejuvenation, and the direction invigorating the national spirit. Upholding Marxism’s guiding position means taking Marxism as the fundamental guiding ideology of our Party; its advanced nature, authority, and guiding role must be realized through the strong leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, which represents the development direction of advanced culture. Only by upholding the Party’s cultural leadership can Marxism’s guiding position in the ideological domain be established, consolidated, and strengthened.

坚持马克思主义在意识形态领域的指导地位是因为马克思主义是科学的理论、人民的理论、实践的理论，是先进文化的杰出代表。先进文化是指代表先进阶级利益、反映时代声音、促进社会进步、推动社会发展的文化形态。在中国革命、建设和改革的各个时期，先进文化的方向就是代表人民文化需要的方向、推进民族复兴的方向、焕发民族精神面貌的方向。坚持马克思主义的指导地位就是要把马克思主义作为我们党的根本指导思想，其先进性、权威性和指导性必须由代表先进文化发展方向的中国共产党对文化的坚强领导来实现。只有坚持党的文化领导权，才能确立马克思主义在意识形态领域的指导地位，并使之巩固和加强。

Only by upholding the Party’s cultural leadership can Marxism’s immense spiritual guiding role in the ideological domain be brought into play. The Chinese Communist Party is a party guided by Marxism; upholding the Party’s cultural leadership can institutionally guarantee Marxism’s guiding position in the ideological domain. Bringing Marxism’s ideological guiding role into play requires constantly maintaining Marxism’s advanced nature and vital vitality, and requires continuously advancing the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. Upholding the Party’s cultural leadership means upholding the correct direction of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. Therefore, only by upholding the Party’s cultural leadership can Marxism’s guiding role in resisting erroneous trends of thought such as historical nihilism and Western “universal values” be brought into play.

只有坚持党的文化领导权，才能发挥马克思主义在意识形态领域的巨大精神引领作用。中国共产党是以马克思主义为指导思想的政党，坚持党的文化领导权可以以制度形式保证马克思主义在意识形态领域的指导地位。发挥马克思主义的思想引领作用，需要始终保持马克思主义的先进性和生机活力，需要不断推进马克思主义中国化时代化，而坚持党的文化领导权就是坚持马克思主义中国化时代化的正确方向。因此，只有坚持党的文化领导权，才能发挥马克思主义在抵御历史虚无主义、西方“普世价值”等错误思潮中的指导作用。

General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasizes, “Ideological work is an extremely important task for the Party.” [1]1 “Soul vein” (魂脉) and “root vein” (根脉) are metaphorical terms in contemporary Chinese Marxist discourse. “Soul vein” refers to Marxism as the guiding theoretical soul of the Party, while “root vein” refers to fine traditional Chinese culture as the foundational cultural root. Their integration is a key formulation of the “Second Integration” (第二个结合), which calls for combining the basic tenets of Marxism with fine traditional Chinese culture. Upholding the Party’s cultural leadership is a key line of defense against ideological risks. The Chinese Communist Party actively cultivates and practices the core socialist values, guiding the whole society to form good moral customs and value pursuits, providing value guidance and spiritual impetus for preventing ideological risks. Under the guidance of the core socialist values, the Chinese Communist Party encourages the creation of outstanding cultural works that are rooted in the Chinese land, reflect the voice of the times, and are close to the people’s lives, constructing multiple lines of defense for ideological security.

习近平总书记强调，“意识形态工作是党的一项极端重要的工作”。坚持党的文化领导权是抵御意识形态风险的关键防线。中国共产党积极培育和践行社会主义核心价值观，引导全社会形成良好的道德风尚和价值追求，为防范意识形态风险提供了价值引领和精神动力。在社会主义核心价值观引领下，中国共产党鼓励创作扎根中国大地、反映时代心声、贴近人民生活的优秀文化作品，构筑了意识形态安全的一道道防线。

3. Upholding the Party’s Cultural Leadership Is an Experience Summary and Historical Consciousness of the Party Leading Cultural Construction

3.坚持党的文化领导权是党领导文化建设的经验总结与历史自觉

Upholding the Party’s cultural leadership is the Chinese Communist Party’s conscious adherence to and active compliance with the laws of ideological construction. Any political party, to achieve long-term governance, must occupy the ideological battlefield; otherwise, it will lose its foundation of legitimacy.

坚持党的文化领导权是中国共产党对意识形态建设规律的自觉遵循与主动顺应。任何政党要实现长期执政，必须占领意识形态阵地，否则将会丧失合法性基础。

General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “For any culture to stand firm and go far, to have guiding power, cohesive power, shaping power, and radiating power, it must have its own subjectivity.” [2]2 “Recognizing change, responding to change, and seeking change” (识变应变求变) is a formulation frequently used by Xi Jinping to describe the proactive, dialectical approach required for governance in the current era of rapid global and domestic transformation. Upholding the Party’s cultural leadership is the foundation and prerequisite for strengthening and consolidating cultural subjectivity in the New Era and realizing the Party’s leadership in building a strong socialist culture. Since its birth, the Chinese Communist Party has had a strong consciousness of the cultural subjectivity of the Chinese nation and has always shouldered the heavy responsibility of cultural construction.

习近平总书记指出：“任何文化要立得住、行得远，要有引领力、凝聚力、塑造力、辐射力，就必须有自己的主体性。”坚持党的文化领导权，是新时代加强和巩固文化主体性，实现党领导文化强国建设的基础和前提。中国共产党自从诞生以来，就有强烈的中华民族的文化主体性自觉，始终承担着文化建设的重任。

During the period of the New Democratic Revolution, the Chinese Communist Party proposed developing a national, scientific, and mass-oriented New Democratic culture. Mao Zedong demanded: “Our worker and peasant cadres must learn theory; they must first learn culture. Without culture, the theory of Marxism-Leninism cannot be learned. Once culture is learned well, Marxism-Leninism can be studied at any time.” [3]3 “Rise of the East and decline of the West” (东升西降) is a common Chinese geopolitical shorthand for the perceived relative shift in global power from established Western powers (especially the US and Europe) towards China and other developing nations. The logic of the Chinese Communist Party leading cultural construction is that Marxism is the representative of advanced culture; mastering its theoretical logic and its practical application in China requires the language and knowledge foundation of the Chinese nation. Conversely, mastering the viewpoints and methods of Marxism will enable the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation to stride forward significantly, further promoting the consolidation of the cultural subjectivity of the Chinese nation. During the period of socialist revolution and construction, under the guidance of the “Double Hundred” policy [4]4 “Open up new prospects amidst changes” (于变局中开新局) is a paraphrase of a key directive from Xi Jinping, particularly emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic and the formulation of the 14th Five-Year Plan, urging proactive strategic adaptation., the Party effectively consolidated its cultural leadership through measures such as promoting the protection of the cultures of various ethnic groups, strengthening patriotic education, launching a large number of outstanding literary and artistic works, deepening research on Chinese history, and promoting the international dissemination of Chinese culture. During the new period of reform and opening up and socialist modernization, our Party, through cultural system reform, encouraged the integration of traditional and modern culture, activated the cultural industry, improved the cultural quality of the entire people, and enhanced the Party’s cultural leadership.

在新民主主义革命时期，中国共产党就提出了发展民族的、科学的、大众的新民主主义文化。毛泽东要求：“我们的工农干部要学理论，必须首先学文化。没有文化，马克思列宁主义的理论就学不进去。学好了文化，随时都可学习马克思列宁主义。”中国共产党领导文化建设的逻辑是，马克思主义是先进文化的代表，掌握其理论逻辑和在中国的实际应用需要中华民族的语言、知识基础；反过来，掌握了马克思主义的观点与方法，中华民族伟大复兴就会向前大踏步迈进，就能进一步促进中华民族文化主体性的巩固。在社会主义革命和建设时期，在“双百”方针引领下，党通过推进各民族文化保护、加强爱国主义教育、推出大批优秀文艺作品、深化中国历史研究、推动中华文化的国际传播等举措，有效巩固党的文化领导权。在改革开放和社会主义现代化建设新时期，我们党通过文化体制改革，鼓励传统文化与现代文化的融合，激活文化产业，提高了全民文化素质，增强了党的文化领导力。

As socialism with Chinese characteristics entered the New Era, the Party Central Committee has attached great importance to cultural confidence and the cultural subjectivity of the Chinese nation. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasizes the need to “elevate the cultural subjectivity of the Chinese nation, and protect, promote, and develop the treasures of Chinese civilization that have been passed down through the vicissitudes of history.” [5]5 “Soul vein” (魂脉) refers to Marxism, the guiding theoretical foundation of the CPC. “Root vein” (根脉) refers to the excellent traditional Chinese culture, the historical and civilizational foundation of the Chinese nation. This binary is a key conceptual framework for the “Second Integration.” The Party Central Committee has adopted a series of important measures to promote cultural prosperity and cultural confidence, such as launching the Project to Trace the Origins of Chinese Civilization [6]6 This is a direct quotation from Xi Jinping’s speech at the symposium on cultural inheritance and development on June 2, 2023., building the China National Archives of Publications and Culture [7]7 “Great unity” (大一统) is a classical Chinese political concept referring to the ideal of a unified, centralized state under a single sovereign, historically associated with the Qin and Han dynasties., and promoting the integration of culture and technology. This series of strategic measures is a further manifestation of upholding the Party’s cultural leadership. It can be said that upholding the Party’s cultural leadership is the valuable experience of the Party in leading cultural construction, promoting cultural prosperity, and establishing cultural confidence in various periods.

中国特色社会主义进入新时代，党中央高度重视文化自信和中华民族的文化主体性。习近平总书记强调，要“高扬中华民族的文化主体性，把历经沧桑留下的中华文明瑰宝呵护好、弘扬好、发展好”。党中央采取了一系列重要措施，推动了文化繁荣和文化自信，比如，启动中华文明探源工程，建设中国国家版本馆，推动文化与科技的融合等。这一系列战略举措是坚持党的文化领导权的进一步彰显。可以说，坚持党的文化领导权是党在各个时期领导文化建设、推动文化繁荣、树立文化自信的宝贵经验。

Looking back at history, whenever the Party has attached importance to cultural construction and been adept at using cultural forces, the cause has been able to develop smoothly; conversely, it has encountered setbacks or even crises. This experience and lessons from both positive and negative aspects make us more firmly believe that upholding the Party’s cultural leadership is not an expedient measure, but a fundamental plan concerning the future and destiny of the Party and the country. This historical consciousness originates from the test of practice, the choice of the people, and the call of the times.

回望历史，每当党重视文化建设、善于运用文化力量时，事业就能顺利发展；反之，则会遇到挫折甚至危机。这种正反两方面的经验教训，使我们更加坚信，坚持党的文化领导权不是权宜之计，而是关乎党和国家前途命运的根本大计。这份历史自觉，源于实践的检验、人民的选择和时代的召唤。

4. Upholding the Party’s Cultural Leadership Is the Historical Responsibility for Advancing the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation

4.坚持党的文化领导权是推进中华民族伟大复兴的历史担当

Upholding the Party’s cultural leadership can secure strategic initiative for building a strong socialist culture, shape a leading force for achieving spiritual independence and self-reliance, and provide a solid ideological guarantee and powerful spiritual impetus for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

坚持党的文化领导权，能够为建成社会主义文化强国争取战略主动，能够为实现精神上的独立自主塑造领导力量，能够为实现中华民族伟大复兴提供坚强的思想保障与强大的精神动力。

The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is a cause truly belonging to the masses of the people, and it must be led by the Chinese Communist Party, which represents the proletariat. On the journey of national rejuvenation, various forms of historical nihilism and cultural nihilism have never ceased their erosion of socialist ideology. The trend of “the East rising and the West declining” [8]8 “Tianxia” (天下) is a classical Chinese concept meaning “all under heaven” or “the world,” often implying a moral-political order of universal harmony, central to traditional Chinese political philosophy. has intensified the anxiety of Western countries regarding their own values and triggered more intense ideological confrontation. Therefore, strengthening Marxism’s guiding position in the ideological domain has become the primary task for the Chinese Communist Party in upholding the Party’s cultural leadership. Upholding the Party’s cultural leadership and enhancing the guiding power, cohesive power, shaping power, and radiating power of culture with Chinese characteristics is a strategic decision and historical responsibility for promoting China’s cultural development and safeguarding China’s cultural security.

中华民族伟大复兴是真正属于人民大众的事业，一定是由代表无产阶级的中国共产党领导的。在民族复兴征程中，各种历史虚无主义与文化虚无主义从未放弃对社会主义意识形态的侵蚀，“东升西降”的趋势加剧了西方国家对自身价值观的焦虑，并引发了更为激烈的意识形态对抗。因此，加强马克思主义在意识形态领域的指导地位成为中国共产党坚持党的文化领导权的首要任务。坚持党的文化领导权，提升中国特色社会主义文化的引领力、凝聚力、塑造力、辐射力，就是促进中国文化发展和维护中国文化安全的战略决策与历史担当。

How to effectively prevent and resolutely curb the weakening of the Party’s cultural leadership is a major issue on the journey of the Party uniting and leading the people of all ethnic groups across the country to advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The weakening of the Party’s cultural leadership is mainly manifested in the neglect of the Party’s leading position in the cultural field or passive coping in the leadership process. The reason lies in the lack of strategic thinking on the part of the leading subject, being confused by the complex environment, thus losing cultural leadership consciousness and falling into the rut of passivism and formalism. Regarding how to uphold the Party’s cultural leadership, Lenin, as early as in *Party Organization and Party Literature*, proposed: “What is this principle of party literature? It is not simply that, for the socialist proletariat, literature cannot be a means of enrichment for individuals or groups, and it cannot, in fact, be an individual undertaking independent of the common cause of the proletariat.” “Newspapers should become the organs of the various Party organizations. Writers must join the various Party organizations. Publishing houses and distribution centers, bookstores and reading rooms, libraries and various book trading establishments must all become Party institutions, reporting on their work to the Party.” [9]9 “Sublation” (扬弃) is the standard Chinese philosophical translation of the Hegelian/Marxist term Aufhebung, meaning to simultaneously cancel, preserve, and lift up. These expositions on upholding and consolidating the Party’s cultural leadership still have important enlightening significance for China’s advancement of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation today.

如何有效防范和坚决遏制党的文化领导权的削弱，是党团结带领全国各族人民推进中华民族伟大复兴征程上的重大课题。削弱党的文化领导权主要表现为在文化领域忽视党的领导地位或者在领导过程中被动应付，究其原因就在于领导主体缺乏战略头脑，为复杂的环境所迷惑，因而丧失了文化领导意识，陷于消极主义和形式主义的窠臼。对于如何坚持党的文化领导权，列宁早在《党的组织和党的出版物》中就提出：“党的出版物的这个原则是什么呢?这不只是说，对于社会主义无产阶级，写作事业不能是个人或集团的赚钱工具，而且根本不能是与无产阶级总的事业无关的个人事业。”“报纸应当成为各个党组织的机关报。写作者一定要参加到各个党组织中去。出版社和发行所、书店和阅览室、图书馆和各种书报营业所，都应当成为党的机构，向党报告工作情况。”这些关于坚持和巩固党的文化领导权的论述对今天中国推进中华民族伟大复兴仍然具有重要的启示意义。

From the general trend of history to historical initiative, from historical consciousness to historical responsibility, the historical inevitability of upholding the Party’s cultural leadership is fully manifested in the dialectical unity of theory and practice, history and reality. This inevitability is rooted both in the general laws of the historical development of human society and in the specific logic of building China into a cultural powerhouse through Chinese-path modernization; it is both a profound summary of the historical experience of upholding the Party’s cultural leadership and a strategic plan for cultural construction on the new journey of the New Era. For such strategic planning, the right method yields twice the result with half the effort, and it must be guided by scientific methodology.

从历史大势到历史主动，从历史自觉到历史担当，坚持党的文化领导权的历史必然性，在理论与实践、历史与现实的辩证统一中得到充分展现。这种必然性，既植根于人类社会历史发展的一般规律，又体现了中国式现代化文化强国建设的特殊逻辑；既是对坚持党的文化领导权历史经验的深刻总结，又是对新时代新征程文化建设的战略谋划。这种战略谋划，得其法则事半功倍，必须坚持科学方法论指导。

III. Scientific Methods for Upholding the Party’s Cultural Leadership

三、坚持党的文化领导权的科学方法

Xi Jinping Thought on Culture provides a powerful ideological weapon and a scientific guide to action for building a cultural powerhouse in the New Era and strengthening the Party’s cultural leadership. Xi Jinping Thought on Culture explicitly places upholding the Party’s cultural leadership at the core as a primary viewpoint, and can be regarded as a “new answer sheet” responding to the questions of the times and of history. [1]1 “Soul vein” (魂脉) and “root vein” (根脉) are metaphorical terms in contemporary Chinese Marxist discourse. “Soul vein” refers to Marxism as the guiding theoretical soul of the Party, while “root vein” refers to fine traditional Chinese culture as the foundational cultural root. Their integration is a key formulation of the “Second Integration” (第二个结合), which calls for combining the basic tenets of Marxism with fine traditional Chinese culture. Facing complex and ever-changing international and domestic situations, as well as various uncertain and unpredictable risks and challenges, it is necessary, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, to unremittingly implement the Party’s comprehensive leadership throughout the entire process of cultural construction, unswervingly follow the path of socialist cultural development with Chinese characteristics, promote the organic integration of the “soul” and the “roots,” [2]2 “Recognizing change, responding to change, and seeking change” (识变应变求变) is a formulation frequently used by Xi Jinping to describe the proactive, dialectical approach required for governance in the current era of rapid global and domestic transformation. and forge a new cultural life entity. This is the scientific method for consolidating and strengthening the Party’s cultural leadership in the New Era.

习近平文化思想为新时代建设文化强国、加强党的文化领导权提供了强大的思想武器和科学的行动指南。习近平文化思想明确将坚持党的文化领导权置于核心地位，作为首要观点，堪称是回答时代之问、历史之问的一份“新答卷”。面对错综复杂的国际国内形势、各种不确定难预料的风险挑战，必须在习近平文化思想的指引下，坚持不懈把党的全面领导落实到文化建设的全过程，坚定不移走中国特色社会主义文化发展道路，推动“魂脉”与“根脉”有机结合，铸就新的文化生命体，这是新时代巩固和加强党的文化领导权的科学方法。

1. Implementing the Party’s Comprehensive Leadership Throughout the Entire Process of Cultural Construction

1.把党的全面领导落实到文化建设的全过程

To uphold the Party’s cultural leadership, it is necessary to strengthen the Party’s centralized, unified leadership over cultural undertakings. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “We must firmly hold in our hands the leadership, management, and discourse power over ideological work, and never let them slip away at any time; otherwise, we will make irreparable historical mistakes.” [3]3 “Rise of the East and decline of the West” (东升西降) is a common Chinese geopolitical shorthand for the perceived relative shift in global power from established Western powers (especially the US and Europe) towards China and other developing nations. Therefore, implementing the Party’s comprehensive leadership throughout the entire process of cultural construction requires firmly holding cultural leadership, cultural management power, and cultural discourse power in our hands.

坚持党的文化领导权，必须加强党对文化事业的集中统一领导。习近平总书记指出：“我们必须把意识形态工作的领导权、管理权、话语权牢牢掌握在手中，任何时候都不能旁落，否则就要犯无可挽回的历史性错误。”因此，把党的全面领导落实到文化建设的全过程，必须把文化领导权、文化管理权和文化话语权牢牢掌握在手中。

Strengthening the construction of cultural leadership. The core of cultural leadership is cultural identification and guidance; it is a system of attractive and identificatory power constructed through value guidance, cultural appeal, and moral influence. In theory, to “firmly hold cultural leadership in our hands,” it is necessary to strengthen the Party’s ownership and control over the means of cultural production. Culture “is only a particular mode of production and is subject to the general laws of production.” [4]4 “Open up new prospects amidst changes” (于变局中开新局) is a paraphrase of a key directive from Xi Jinping, particularly emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic and the formulation of the 14th Five-Year Plan, urging proactive strategic adaptation. Cultural leadership, as a “particular mode” within the process of cultural production, is likewise subject to the “general laws of production.” The production of spiritual means of production depends on material production; “the class which is the ruling material force of society is at the same time its ruling intellectual force.” [5]5 “Soul vein” (魂脉) refers to Marxism, the guiding theoretical foundation of the CPC. “Root vein” (根脉) refers to the excellent traditional Chinese culture, the historical and civilizational foundation of the Chinese nation. This binary is a key conceptual framework for the “Second Integration.” In other words, “the class that has the means of material production at its disposal also controls the means of mental production.” [6]6 This is a direct quotation from Xi Jinping’s speech at the symposium on cultural inheritance and development on June 2, 2023. Therefore, ensuring effective control over the means of cultural production through strategic deployment is not only crucial for the scale and efficiency of cultural production but also key to guiding the direction of cultural development and safeguarding national cultural security. In practice, to “firmly hold cultural leadership in our hands,” on the one hand, it is necessary to adhere to “comprehensive” leadership, integrating Marxism into all aspects of cultural education, cultural creation, philosophy and social science research, media communication, cyberspace, and daily life; on the other hand, it is necessary to adhere to “whole-process” leadership. Cultural leadership is not something that, once obtained, is secured forever; it is a continuous, dynamic process of dialectical development, requiring a long-term, patient, and sustained struggle against counter-infiltration and counter-encroachment in the ideological “trenches.”

加强文化领导权建设。文化领导权的核心是文化的认同与引领，是通过价值引领、文化感召和道德熏陶而建构的吸引性、认同性权力系统。在理论上，把文化领导权“牢牢掌握在手中”,必须强化党在文化生产资料上的所有权与控制力。文化“不过是生产的一些特殊的方式，并且受生产的普遍规律的支配”。文化领导权作为文化生产过程中的一种“特殊的方式”,同样受生产的“普遍规律的支配”。精神生产资料的生产依赖于物质生产，“支配着物质生产资料的阶级，同时也支配着精神生产资料”,换言之，“一个阶级是社会上占统治地位的物质力量，同时也是社会上占统治地位的精神力量”。因此，通过战略性布局确保对文化生产资料的有效控制，不仅关乎文化生产的规模与效率，更是引导文化发展方向、维护国家文化安全的关键。在实践中，把文化领导权“牢牢掌握在手中”,一方面要坚持“全方位”领导，将马克思主义融入文化教育、文化创作、哲学社会科学研究、媒体传播、网络空间、日常生活的方方面面；另一方面，要坚持“全过程”领导，文化领导权不是一经获得就一劳永逸，它是一个持续动态的辩证发展过程，要在意识形态“战壕”做好长期、耐心、持续的反渗透与反入侵斗争。

Strengthening the construction of cultural management power. The core of cultural management power is cultural control and execution; it is a system of coercive and institutional power constructed through the planning, organization, and coordination of cultural affairs. The core task of strengthening the construction of cultural management power is to “firmly hold cultural management power in our hands,” establish a concept of “grand culture,” and skillfully integrate cultural work with administrative management, industry management, and social management in various fields. In practice, scientifically and rationally managing and making good use of the internet is particularly important. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasizes: “If we cannot pass the test of the internet, we will not pass the test of long-term governance.” [7]7 “Great unity” (大一统) is a classical Chinese political concept referring to the ideal of a unified, centralized state under a single sovereign, historically associated with the Qin and Han dynasties. The internet, big data, and artificial intelligence have given rise to literary and artistic innovation, expanded the space for literature and art, turned “internet celebrities” into social and cultural phenomena, and endowed online literary and artistic works with greater influence. It is necessary to grasp this variable of online literature and art well, so that literary and artistic works not only retain the power to critique reality and point out current ills but also continuously play a positive role in uniting hearts and minds and nourishing the soul. On the one hand, the creation of online literature and art must take a clear stance, that is, to be guided by the core socialist values and adhere to the people’s standpoint; on the other hand, it is necessary to grasp the quality and artistry of online literary and artistic works. Excellent literary and artistic works can generate a good centripetal force among the people. Mainstream works may have their guiding function weakened due to artistic flaws, while non-mainstream works may have a reverse corrosive effect due to high artistry. Therefore, it is necessary to manage both the stance and direction of literary and artistic works and to improve their quality and artistry, thereby consolidating the foundation for managing and making good use of the internet.

加强文化管理权建设。文化管理权的核心是文化的控制与执行，是通过对文化事务的计划、组织和协调而建构起来的强制性、制度性的权力系统。加强文化管理权建设，核心任务就是把文化管理权“牢牢掌握在手中”,树立大文化的理念，把文化工作同各个领域的行政管理、行业管理、社会管理巧妙地结合。在实践中，科学合理管好用好互联网尤其重要。习近平总书记强调：“过不了互联网这一关，就过不了长期执政这一关。”互联网、大数据、人工智能催生了文艺创新，拓展了文艺空间，“网红”等成为社会现象和文化现象，使网络文艺作品具有更强大的影响力。把握好网络文艺这个变量，使文艺作品既保有批判现实、针砭时弊的力量，又持续发挥凝心聚魂、温润人心的正向作用。一方面，网络文艺创作要站稳立场，也就是要以社会主义核心价值观为引领，坚持人民立场；另一方面就是要把握好网络文艺作品的质量与艺术性问题。优秀的文艺作品能够让人民群众产生良好的向心力。主流的作品可能因为艺术瑕疵弱化引领功能，非主流的作品可能因为艺术性高产生反向侵蚀作用。因此，既要管好文艺作品的立场和方向，又要提升文艺作品的质量和艺术性，从而为管好用好互联网工作固本培元。

Strengthening the construction of cultural discourse power. The core of cultural discourse power is expression and dissemination; it is a system of narrative power and interpretive power constructed through agenda setting, public opinion guidance, concept definition, content creation, and dissemination. It is a power system concerning who has the ability, platform, and influence to “speak,” and whose “statements” can be widely disseminated and accepted. It is necessary to actively construct a discourse system with Chinese characteristics, counter the “construction” of China’s reality by Western ideology, innovate modes of discourse expression, and continuously enhance the penetrative power and cohesive force of ideological work. In strengthening the construction of cultural discourse power, strengthening the guiding and directional force of values is equally indispensable. Social public opinion plays a particularly important role in value guidance. Marx’s commentary on the press law passed by the French Legislative Assembly at the time highlights the immense influence of media information as a “third power” on society. [8]8 “Tianxia” (天下) is a classical Chinese concept meaning “all under heaven” or “the world,” often implying a moral-political order of universal harmony, central to traditional Chinese political philosophy. It is necessary to strengthen the dominant power of mainstream ideological public opinion, innovatively integrate disruptive technologies into the discourse system of ideological value guidance in a way that “moistens things silently,” [9]9 “Sublation” (扬弃) is the standard Chinese philosophical translation of the Hegelian/Marxist term Aufhebung, meaning to simultaneously cancel, preserve, and lift up. deeply integrate disruptive technologies with value guidance, skillfully use positive propaganda discourse that is digitized, datafied, integrated into daily life, interactive, immersive, and aphoristic, so that mainstream ideology “flies into the homes of ordinary people.” [10]10 “Flies into the homes of ordinary people” (飞入寻常百姓家) is a classical Chinese poetic allusion from Liu Yuxi’s poem “The Black-Clad Lane,” used here to mean that mainstream ideology should become accessible and widespread among the common people.

加强文化话语权建设。文化话语权的核心是表达与传播，是通过议题设置、舆论引导、概念定义、内容创作与传播建构起来的叙事权与解释权，是谁有能力、有平台、有影响力来“说话”,并且其“说法”能被广泛传播和接受的权力系统。应积极构筑具有中国特色的话语体系，回击西方意识形态对中国现实的“建构”,创新话语表达方式，不断增强意识形态工作的穿透力与凝聚力。加强文化话语权建设，强化价值观的引领力与导向力同样不可或缺。社会舆论在价值引领中具有特别重要的作用。马克思对当时法国立法会议通过的新闻出版法的评论，凸显了媒体信息作为“第三种权力”对社会的巨大影响。应壮大主流思想舆论主导权，创新颠覆性技术“润物无声”地融入意识形态价值引领的话语体系，将颠覆性技术与价值引领深度融合，巧用数字化、数据化、生活化、互动式、沉浸式、金句式的正面宣传话语，使主流意识形态“飞入寻常百姓家”。

In summary, cultural leadership is the fundamental goal and core, cultural management power is the institutional guarantee and hard support, and cultural discourse power is the path and means of realization. The three work synergistically and support each other, truly implementing the Party’s comprehensive leadership throughout the entire process of cultural construction.

总之，文化领导权是根本目标与核心，文化管理权是制度保障与硬支撑，文化话语权是实现路径与手段，三者协同作用互相支撑，把党的全面领导真正落实到文化建设的全过程。

2. Unswervingly Following the Path of Socialist Cultural Development with Chinese Characteristics

2.坚定不移走中国特色社会主义文化发展道路

To unswervingly follow the path of socialist cultural development with Chinese characteristics, it is necessary to adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, profoundly grasp the inherent laws of socialist cultural construction with Chinese characteristics, anchor the strategic goal of building China into a cultural powerhouse by 2035, highlight the value markers of Chinese characteristics, accurately recognize changes, scientifically respond to changes, and proactively seek change, striving to write a new chapter in the construction of socialist culture with Chinese characteristics in the New Era.

坚定不移走中国特色社会主义文化发展道路，必须坚持以习近平文化思想为指导，深刻把握中国特色社会主义文化建设的内在规律，锚定2035年建成文化强国战略目标，突出中国特色的价值标识，准确识变、科学应变、主动求变，奋力谱写新时代中国特色社会主义文化建设新篇章。

It is necessary to anchor the strategic goal of building a “culturally strong country.” [1]1 “Soul vein” (魂脉) and “root vein” (根脉) are metaphorical terms in contemporary Chinese Marxist discourse. “Soul vein” refers to Marxism as the guiding theoretical soul of the Party, while “root vein” refers to fine traditional Chinese culture as the foundational cultural root. Their integration is a key formulation of the “Second Integration” (第二个结合), which calls for combining the basic tenets of Marxism with fine traditional Chinese culture. At present, there are still many shortcomings and inadequacies in the construction of a culturally strong country. Looking at the current situation, China’s cultural innovation and creativity need to be enhanced, the cultural industry is too small and scattered, there is a relative shortage of high-end creative talent, and the overall cultural soft power and competitiveness are not strong enough. In some localities, there is a lack of overall planning for cultural development, the rate of cultural resource development and utilization is low, and the intensity of cultural brand innovation is small, resulting in a poor fit between cultural development and economic and social development. In addition, with the rapid spread of the internet and the swift rise of social networking media, the boundaries between online and offline are increasingly blurred, and cyberspace has become a source and amplifier for the fermentation of negative public opinion and the spread of erroneous ideas, increasing the difficulty of public opinion guidance and content management. Faced with the above problems, they must be taken seriously and effectively addressed and resolved. Driving the endogenous momentum of culture through innovation is the key to building a culturally strong country. Reform is a powerful force for stimulating innovation and creativity. Deepening the reform of the cultural system and mechanism, improving the cultural management system, strengthening the protection of cultural intellectual property rights, and removing institutional and mechanistic obstacles will thereby stimulate the enthusiasm for cultural innovation and creation. Efforts should be made to cultivate high-end creative talent and build a high-quality team, thereby providing solid talent support for building a culturally strong country. Actively comply with the development trend of information technology, deepen theoretical research and interpretation, strengthen value guidance and organizational guidance, thereby flourishing new mass literature and art under internet conditions. Strengthen the top-level design of national cultural construction and regional coordination, thereby planning high-quality cultural development in a unified manner. Encourage the creation of well-known brands based on characteristic resources, overcome the problem of being “scattered, small, and weak,” thereby enhancing the effectiveness of cultural development. Consolidate the mainstream position, build a solid barrier for ideological security, implement the requirement that “where the people are, there the news and public opinion positions are,” promote the main force to fully advance into the main battlefield, enable mainstream media to fully occupy the main battlefield, thereby resolutely winning the online ideological struggle with an overwhelming momentum, creating a clean and clear environment for accelerating the construction of a culturally strong country, and gathering immense strength.

必须锚定建成“文化强国”这个战略目标。当前，文化强国建设仍存在不少短板和不足。揆诸当下，我国文化创新创造有待增强，文化产业规模偏小偏散，高端创意人才比较缺乏，整体的文化软实力和竞争力不够强。一些地方文化建设整体性规划缺乏，文化资源开发利用率低，文化品牌创新力度小，使得文化发展与经济社会发展的适配度不高。此外，互联网的快速普及和社交网络媒体的迅速兴起，线上线下界限日益模糊，网络空间成为负面舆情发酵、错误思想传播的策源地和放大器，舆论引导和内容管理难度增加。面对上述问题，必须高度重视，有效应对解决。以创新驱动激发文化的内生动力是建设文化强国的关键。改革是激发创新创造活力的强大动力。深化文化体制机制改革，完善文化管理体制，加强文化知识产权保护，破除体制机制障碍，从而激发文化创新创造的积极性。着力培养高端创意人才，打造高素质队伍，从而为文化强国建设提供坚实的人才支撑。主动顺应信息技术发展潮流，深化理论研究阐释，加强价值引领和组织引导，从而繁荣互联网条件下的新大众文艺。加强全国文化建设顶层设计与区域协同，从而统筹规划文化高质量发展。鼓励依托特色资源打造知名品牌，克服“散小弱”问题，从而提升文化发展效能。巩固主流阵地，筑牢意识形态安全屏障，落实“人在哪里，新闻舆论阵地就在哪里”的要求，推动主力军全面挺进主战场，使主流媒体全面占领主战场，从而以压倒性态势坚决打赢网络意识形态斗争，为加快建设文化强国营造清朗环境，凝聚磅礴力量。

It is necessary to adhere to the distinctive identifier of “Chinese characteristics.” Adhering to the “Chinese characteristics” of the socialist cultural path is a manifestation of the Party’s determination to lead the people in “taking our own path” and an advantage in achieving national prosperity and strength. “Chinese characteristics” are the distinctive identifier of China’s socialist cultural development. We must firmly advance along this path, anchor the goal of building a culturally strong country, and highlight Chinese characteristics. “Chinese characteristics” are both historical and contemporary, an organic unity of history and the times. Only by preserving historical and cultural memory and enhancing cultural identity can the practice of building a culturally strong country be integrated into the great cause of national rejuvenation. The Chinese civilization, which has undergone more than 5,000 years of change, is a continuous lineage, carrying the deep spiritual pursuits and unique identifiers of the Chinese nation, providing rich nourishment for the development of the Chinese nation. Chinese history has developed continuously from ancient times to the present, never being interrupted; Chinese civilization has a long history, stretching endlessly, becoming a model of “continuous civilization” in world history. This is the broader and deeper historical basis for the path of socialist cultural development with Chinese characteristics. The Communist Party of China is the most vibrant and dynamic inheritor and successor of the Chinese nation, the contemporary continuer and promoter of Chinese culture and Chinese civilization, and the disseminator and facilitator of excellent Chinese culture as it moves towards the world and the future. This is the realistic basis for the confident and well-founded path of socialist cultural development with Chinese characteristics.

必须坚持“中国特色”这个鲜明标识。坚持社会主义文化道路的“中国特色”,是彰显党带领人民“走自己的路”的决心，是实现国家昌盛与民族富强的优势。“中国特色”是我国社会主义文化发展的鲜明标识，必须坚定地沿着这条道路前行，锚定文化强国目标定位，彰显中国特色。“中国特色”既是历史的，也是现实的，是历史与时代的有机统一。保持历史文化记忆，增强文化认同，才能将文化强国实践融入民族复兴伟业。历经5000多年变迁的中华文明，一脉相承，承载着中华民族深层精神追求与独特标识，为中华民族发展提供了丰富的滋养。中国历史从古至今连续发展，从未中断；中华文明源远流长，绵延不绝，成为世界史上“连续性文明”的典范，这是中国特色社会主义文化发展道路更加宏阔深远的历史依据。中国共产党是中华民族最具生机活力的接续传承者，是中华文化和中华文明的当代赓续弘扬者，是中华优秀文化走向世界与未来的传播促进者，这是中国特色社会主义文化发展道路具有自信底气的现实依据。

It is necessary to adhere to the scientific method of “recognizing change, responding to change, and seeking change.” [2]2 “Recognizing change, responding to change, and seeking change” (识变应变求变) is a formulation frequently used by Xi Jinping to describe the proactive, dialectical approach required for governance in the current era of rapid global and domestic transformation. “Recognizing change” means being perceptive to the smallest detail, accurately grasping the era’s orientation and the direction of cultural development. Recognize changes in the world: deeply understand the struggle for cultural discourse power brought about by the global power structure’s “rise of the East and decline of the West,” [3]3 “Rise of the East and decline of the West” (东升西降) is a common Chinese geopolitical shorthand for the perceived relative shift in global power from established Western powers (especially the US and Europe) towards China and other developing nations. where the Western-centric discourse power is being broken and the coexistence of diverse cultures has become the general trend. Recognize changes in China: accurately grasp that after the change in the principal contradiction in Chinese society, the people have put forward higher and newer demands for spiritual culture. “Responding to change” means guiding the situation according to its development, consolidating and strengthening the mainstream position through active response. Respond to change in content: in the face of the impact of diverse cultural trends, strengthen the mainstream ideological and public opinion. This requires us not simply to “block” and “prevent,” but to “guide” and “lead” through high-quality cultural supply. Respond to change in carriers: in the face of changes in the communication landscape, promote deep integration of media, and the main cultural forces must fully advance into the main battlefield, combining the content advantages of traditional media with the communication advantages of new media, so that positive energy generates large traffic and good voices become the strongest sound. Respond to change in governance: in the face of chaos in cyberspace, phenomena such as blind capital expansion in the cultural industry, historical nihilism, and distorted aesthetics, we must dare to take a clear stand, manage according to law, and cut off the chains of interest. “Seeking change” means not being satisfied with passive response and coping, but actively planning to take the first step, leading cultural development through innovation-driven approaches, and shaping new cultural forms and competitive advantages. Seek change in strategy: “open up new prospects amidst changes,” [4]4 “Open up new prospects amidst changes” (于变局中开新局) is a paraphrase of a key directive from Xi Jinping, particularly emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic and the formulation of the 14th Five-Year Plan, urging proactive strategic adaptation. placing the construction of a culturally strong country within the overall national development framework for top-level design and strategic layout. Seek change in creation: promote the deep integration of cultural creativity and technological creativity, realize digital empowerment and information transformation in cultural construction, and transform cultural resource advantages into cultural development advantages. Seek change in narrative: commit to building a Chinese discourse and Chinese narrative system, changing the long-standing passive situation where China’s image in the world has largely been “shaped by others” rather than “self-shaped.”

必须坚持“识变应变求变”这个科学方法。“识变”就是明察秋毫，精准把握时代方位与文化发展方向。识世界之变，深刻认识全球力量格局“东升西降”带来的文化话语权之争，西方中心主义话语权被打破，多元文化并存成为大势所趋。识中国之变，准确把握我国社会主要矛盾变化之后，人民群众对精神文化提出了更高更新的要求。“应变”就是因势利导，在积极应对中巩固壮大主流阵地。在内容上应变，面对多元文化思潮的冲击，壮大主流思想舆论。这要求我们不是简单地“堵”和“防”,而是以高质量的文化供给来“引”和“领”。在载体上应变，面对传播格局变化，推动媒体深度融合，文化主力军要全面挺进主战场，将传统媒体的内容优势与新媒体的传播优势相结合，让正能量产生大流量，让好声音变成最强音。在治理上应变，面对网络空间乱象，面对文化产业中的盲目资本扩张、历史虚无主义、畸形审美等现象，要敢于亮剑、依法管理，斩断利益链。“求变”是不满足于被动应战应对，是主动谋划先行一步，通过创新驱动引领文化发展，塑造文化新形态和竞争优势。在战略上求变，“于变局中开新局”,将文化强国建设置于国家发展全局进行顶层设计和战略布局。在创造上求变，推动文化创意与科技创意深度融合，实现文化建设数字化赋能、信息化转型，把文化资源优势转化为文化发展优势。在叙事上求变，致力于构建中国话语和中国叙事体系，改变长期以来中国在世界上的形象很大程度上是“他塑”而非“自塑”的被动局面。

3. Promoting the vigorous emergence of a new cultural life form that achieves the organic unity of the “soul vein” and the “root vein” [5]5 “Soul vein” (魂脉) refers to Marxism, the guiding theoretical foundation of the CPC. “Root vein” (根脉) refers to the excellent traditional Chinese culture, the historical and civilizational foundation of the Chinese nation. This binary is a key conceptual framework for the “Second Integration.”

3.推动“魂脉”与“根脉”有机统一的新的文化生命体生机勃发

General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “For cultural construction, upholding fundamental principles enables us not to lose ourselves or our direction, while innovation enables us to grasp the times and lead the times.” [6]6 This is a direct quotation from Xi Jinping’s speech at the symposium on cultural inheritance and development on June 2, 2023. Adhering to the “soul vein” and “root vein” of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times is the foundation and prerequisite for theoretical innovation, the spiritual pillar and cultural foundation for building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation, and the key to promoting the Second Integration and fostering the vigorous emergence of a new cultural life form.

习近平总书记指出：“对文化建设来说，守正才能不迷失自我、不迷失方向，创新才能把握时代、引领时代。”坚守马克思主义中国化时代化的“魂脉”和“根脉”,是理论创新的基础和前提，是强国建设、民族复兴的精神支柱和文化底座，是推进“第二个结合”、促进新的文化生命体生机勃发的关键所在。

The process of using the “soul vein” to activate the “root vein” is essentially the application of the light of truth from the advanced ideological theory of Marxism to activate the genes of excellent traditional Chinese culture and endow them with new contemporary significance. This process not only signifies that the understanding of excellent traditional Chinese culture has leaped from the perceptual concrete to the level of rational abstraction, but also demonstrates a profound grasp of the laws of cultural inheritance and innovation. Since Marxism was introduced into China, it has resonated deeply with the genes of Chinese civilization, powerfully promoting the life renewal and modern transformation of Chinese civilization. For example, core elements of excellent traditional Chinese culture, such as the concept of great unity, [7]7 “Great unity” (大一统) is a classical Chinese political concept referring to the ideal of a unified, centralized state under a single sovereign, historically associated with the Qin and Han dynasties. the thought of enriching the people, the concept of upholding fundamental principles without being conservative, and the worldview of tianxia (all under heaven), [8]8 “Tianxia” (天下) is a classical Chinese concept meaning “all under heaven” or “the world,” often implying a moral-political order of universal harmony, central to traditional Chinese political philosophy. have been reinterpreted and activated in the modern context, radiating new vitality, successfully achieving a leap from tradition to modernity, and thereby developing the modern form of Chinese civilization. This cultural development, renewal, and modern transformation not only reflects the inevitable law of the development of Chinese civilization, but also embodies the high degree of historical initiative displayed by the Communist Party of China in cultural inheritance and innovation.

用“魂脉”激活“根脉”的过程，实质上是运用马克思主义先进思想理论的真理之光，激活中华优秀传统文化基因并赋予其新的时代意义。这一过程不仅意味着对中华优秀传统文化的认识从感性具体跃升至思维抽象层面，更彰显了对文化传承与创新规律的深刻把握。自马克思主义传入中国以后，它便与中华文明的基因产生了深度共鸣，有力推动了中华文明的生命更新与现代转型。例如，大一统理念、富民思想、守正不守旧理念以及天下观等中华优秀传统文化的核心要素，在现代语境下被重新诠释与激活，焕发出崭新的活力，成功实现了从传统到现代的跨越，进而发展出中华文明的现代形态。这种文化的发展更新与现代转型，既体现了中华文明发展的必然规律，更体现了中国共产党在文化传承与创新中展现的高度历史主动性。

The process of using the “root vein” to infuse the “soul vein” is, on the basis of firm historical confidence and cultural confidence, to deeply integrate the great spirit and rich wisdom of the Chinese nation into Marxism. Excellent traditional Chinese culture contains the spiritual pursuits and rich wisdom of the Chinese nation, and its most core content has become the most fundamental cultural gene of the Chinese nation. The Second Integration is not simply about merging Marxism with excellent traditional Chinese culture, but rather, through a process of sublation (Aufhebung), [9]9 “Sublation” (扬弃) is the standard Chinese philosophical translation of the Hegelian/Marxist term Aufhebung, meaning to simultaneously cancel, preserve, and lift up. to more deeply integrate the essence of excellent traditional Chinese culture into Marxism, thereby endowing Marxism with Chinese style and Chinese manner, while also demonstrating the profound cultural heritage of the Communist Party of China in the process of understanding and practicing Marxism.

用“根脉”注入“魂脉”的过程，则是在坚定历史自信与文化自信的基础上，将中华民族的伟大精神与丰富智慧深度融入马克思主义之中。中华优秀传统文化蕴含着中华民族的精神追求和丰富智慧，其最核心的内容已成为中华民族最根本的文化基因。“第二个结合”并非简单地将马克思主义与中华优秀传统文化相融合，而是通过扬弃的方式，将中华优秀传统文化中的精髓更深地融入马克思主义，从而赋予马克思主义以中国风格与中国气派，同时也彰显了中国共产党在理解和实践马克思主义过程中的深厚文化底蕴。

The integration of the “soul vein” and the “root vein” is a highly condensed and latest summation of the historical experience of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. This integration is one of mutual compatibility, mutual achievement, and effective interpenetration. On the one hand, Marxism, with its unique power of truth, penetrates the foundations of fine traditional Chinese culture, becoming a native ideological creation with a distinct Chinese style and Chinese manner. On the other hand, fine traditional Chinese culture, with its high degree of intrinsic compatibility, is embedded in Marxism and undergoes revolutionary development, achieving a renewal of life and a modern transformation, radiating a more proactive spiritual force. Although the “soul vein” and the “root vein” differ historically and temporally, in the two-way construction and mutual achievement of the “universal principles of science” and the “unchanging way of constancy,” they realize a high degree of unity between the ancient and the modern, China and the West, substance and function, releasing new cultural energy and driving the vigorous emergence of a new cultural life-form. This marks that our Party’s consciousness in advancing cultural innovation while inheriting fine traditional Chinese culture has reached an unprecedented height.

“魂脉”与“根脉”的贯通，是马克思主义中国化时代化历史经验的高度凝练与最新总结。这种结合是彼此契合、相互成就和有效贯通的。一方面，马克思主义以其独特的真理性力量穿透中华优秀传统文化的根基，成为中国本土的思想创造，具有鲜明的中国风格和中国气派；另一方面，中华优秀传统文化又以其高度的内在契合性嵌入马克思主义，并得到革命性发展，实现生命更新和现代转型，焕发出更为主动的精神力量。尽管“魂脉”与“根脉”存在历史和时代的差异，但它们在“科学的普遍原理”与“不易的正常之道”的双向建构与相互成就中，实现了古今、中西、体用的高度统一，释放出新的文化能量，推动新的文化生命体生机勃发，标志着我们党在传承中华优秀传统文化中推进文化创新的自觉性达到了前所未有的高度。