Foreign Marxist Political Parties’ Research and Interpretation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era

The international community currently pays close attention to China and studies it, attempting to decipher the “code” behind the miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability created by the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. Ra’id Fahmi, the current General Secretary of the Iraqi Communist Party, believes that “understanding China’s current political system, economic and social system, and envisioning China’s future development prospects is one of the major theoretical and practical issues facing schools of thought, experts, scholars, and political forces worldwide concerned with development affairs” [1]. In his reply to a letter from international students at Peking University, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that “to understand today’s China, one must understand the Communist Party of China” [2]. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the latest theoretical achievement of the CPC’s continuous work of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. Overseas figures are increasingly focusing on studying this thought. Among them, foreign Marxist political parties have become one of the main forces in overseas research and interpretation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. “Currently, more than 130 political parties in about 100 countries around the world still retain the name of the Communist Party or adhere to the nature of Marxism” [3]. In recent years, these parties have conducted relatively comprehensive research on the systematization and theorization, core essence, worldview and methodology, and world significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era through means such as publishing academic monographs, writing theoretical articles, accepting interviews with Chinese official media, issuing statements, or sending congratulatory messages.

I. The Era Background of Foreign Marxist Political Parties’ Research and Interpretation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era

In recent years, the contemporary world socialist movement has produced many viewpoints that argue for and envision the state and prospects of 21st-century socialism. One of these comes from Alberto Moreno Rojas, Chairman of the Peruvian Communist Party (Red Fatherland). In a 2021 article, he pointed out that “the current world pattern is undergoing tremendous changes. The success of socialism with Chinese characteristics is bound to enhance the prestige of socialism and expand its influence globally. Communists and revolutionaries worldwide must attach great importance to, observe, and study this historical trend” [4]. In fact, this research trend has already taken shape. The reason foreign Marxist political parties are interested in the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the Communist Party of China is, on the one hand, the political affinity and historical identification shared among communist party organizations, and on the other hand, the profound influence of the international situation and the development of the times. The epochal characteristics of world capitalist development and the world socialist movement at the beginning of the 21st century are mainly reflected in: first, under the changes unseen in a century, the contest between the two ideologies and the two social systems is undergoing profound changes, with the development trend of “the East rising and the West declining” becoming increasingly evident; second, the international influence, appeal, and

1. Under the changes unseen in a century in the world, the contest between two ideologies and two social systems has undergone profound transformation, and the development trend of "the East rising while the West declines" has become increasingly evident.

General Secretary Xi Jinping has profoundly pointed out, "From the broad perspective of the 500-year history of world socialism, we are still in the historical era indicated by Marxism"[5]5 Xi Jinping, "Speech at the Symposium on the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Marx" (May 4, 2018), in Xi Jinping, *Xi Jinping: The Governance of China*, Vol. 3, Foreign, that is, the historical stage in which socialism replaces capitalism. This important judgment is the fundamental guideline for our observation of the development status and future trends of world capitalism in the 21st century and for our study and assessment of the development status of the world socialist movement. From the broad perspective of the international communist and world socialist movements, the contest between the two ideologies and the two social systems exhibits a historical trajectory of "spiral ascent" and will coexist and compete over a relatively long period. However, in different historical periods and stages, the contest between the two ideologies and the two social systems presents different characteristics of the times. At present, against the backdrop of the accelerated evolution of changes unseen in a century in the world, the contest between the two ideologies and the two social systems is undergoing profound transformation.

The basic feature of global capitalism at the present stage is that it is encountering "multiple crises," including economic crisis, political crisis, social crisis, ecological crisis, and civilizational crisis, showing unmistakable signs of decline. Historically, the capitalist world has experienced three major crises in just over 20 years. American economist Richard D. Wolff summarizes that in the first 20 years of the 21st century, U.S. capitalism has experienced "three economic collapses" (2000, 2008, and 2020), which have greatly shaken the capitalist system, "not only weakening the foundations of the empire but also posing enormous challenges to its future. Wealth and income inequality are increasingly worsening"[6]6 “Source” and “flow” (源与流, yuan yu liu): A Chinese idiom used to describe the relationship between origin and development, where the source is the root and the flow is its extension.. The key point is that capitalism cannot find solutions to the crises; it can only continuously shift domestic contradictions and create "enemies" overseas. Wolff further points out, "The Republican and Democratic parties not only blame and attack each other but also target other countries: the Republicans target China, while the Democrats target Russia. Blame and criticism are everywhere, but neither party has found a solution"[7]7 “We cannot discard our ancestors” (老祖宗不能丢, lao zuzong buneng diu): A phrase used by Xi Jinping to emphasize the necessity of adhering to the fundamental principles of Marxism.. From a practical perspective, capitalism is encountering a systemic crisis. Ghassan Dibeh, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Lebanese Communist Party, believes that this crisis is mainly manifested in six aspects: the crisis of economic globalization, the general crisis of capitalism, the crisis of technological change, the increasing degree of income and wealth inequality, the disintegration of the relationship between democracy and capitalism, and the ecological crisis[8]8 “Using the ‘arrow’ of Marxism to shoot at the ‘target’ of China’s concrete reality” (马克思主义之‘矢’射中国具体实际之‘的’): A metaphor from Mao Zedong, comparing Marxism to an arrow and China’s reality to a target, emphasizing the need to apply theory to practice.. Compared with the development of emerging countries such as China, capitalism is showing more and more signs of decline in its comparison and contest with socialism, and the signs of decay are becoming increasingly evident. Erhard Crome, Executive Director of the Potsdam Institute for International Politics of World Trends in Germany, citing Parag Khanna in his article "China in the World System," points out that "the characteristic of the development of the international situation in the 21st century is the shift of the center of gravity of the world economy to Asia. This not only means the beginning of the decay of U.S. power but also signifies the overall decline of the West"[9]9 The Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the CPC, held in November 2013, was a landmark meeting that adopted a comprehensive reform blueprint covering 15 major areas and 60 specific tasks..

At present, the historical evolution and contest between the two ideologies and two social systems of socialism and capitalism on a world scale remain the mainstream of the current era, exhibiting characteristics of long-term nature, complexity, and intensification. Although it is still too early for capitalism to perish and for the goal of socialism replacing capitalism to be realized in the short term, the main trend of current historical development is that global capitalism is further moving toward polarization and paranoia, showing increasingly obvious signs of decline, and the development of world history is increasingly tilting toward the side of world socialist forces.

At the same time, the current development trend of “the East rising and the West declining” is becoming increasingly evident, and one powerful driving force behind this is the great achievements and great transformations of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a New Era. On the historical foundation of the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China and more than 40 years of reform and opening up, the Communist Party of China has united and led the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to achieve development accomplishments that shine through the annals of history. This is not only a brilliant “report card” for the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics but also a resplendent chapter in the history of the world socialist movement. In this regard, the report of the 20th National Congress of the CPC made the important judgment that “the great transformations of the New Era over the past decade are of milestone significance in the history of the Party, the history of New China, the history of reform and opening up, the history of socialist development, and the history of the development of the Chinese nation.” [6]6 “Source” and “flow” (源与流, yuan yu liu): A Chinese idiom used to describe the relationship between origin and development, where the source is the root and the flow is its extension. It can be said that the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a New Era has opened a new chapter in the history of socialist development. The Communist Party of China has continuously opened up new realms for adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, achieving a new leap in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, and putting forward the Marxism of contemporary China, the Marxism of the twenty-first century, and the essence of Chinese culture and the Chinese spirit—Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era—which provides the fundamental guidance for the cause of the Party and the state in the New Era. The Communist Party of China leads the people to embark on a new journey of building a strong country and rejuvenating the nation, and the path of Chinese-path modernization continuously displays vigorous vitality. In January 2022, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out in his speech at a special seminar for principal leading officials at the provincial and ministerial level on studying and implementing the spirit of the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the CPC that “the continuous success of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times has enabled Marxism to present a new image to the world, causing a major shift favorable to socialism in the historical evolution and contest between the two ideologies and two social systems of socialism and capitalism worldwide.” [7]7 “We cannot discard our ancestors” (老祖宗不能丢, lao zuzong buneng diu): A phrase used by Xi Jinping to emphasize the necessity of adhering to the fundamental principles of Marxism. Against this backdrop, international observers closely follow the great achievements and great transformations of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a New Era, with particular attention and research devoted to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

2. The international influence, appeal, and shaping power of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era have significantly increased

Another era background for foreign Marxist political parties’ research and interpretation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is that in recent years we have vigorously promoted the international dissemination of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and its international influence, appeal, and shaping power have significantly increased. Among these, the publication of the four volumes of *Xi Jinping: The Governance of China*—an important work comprehensively presenting the core essence and practical requirements of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era—has attracted international attention. In the view of Roza Kaikova, Executive Director of the Roza Otunbaeva Initiative International Public Foundation in Kyrgyzstan, and others, “*Xi Jinping: The Governance of China* profoundly explains the essence and key points of the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan [8]8 “Using the ‘arrow’ of Marxism to shoot at the ‘target’ of China’s concrete reality” (马克思主义之‘矢’射中国具体实际之‘的’): A metaphor from Mao Zedong, comparing Marxism to an arrow and China’s reality to a target, emphasizing the need to apply theory to practice. for economic construction, political construction, cultural construction, social construction, and ecological civilization construction, helping readers from various countries better understand China’s concepts and practices in the New Era.” [9]9 The Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the CPC, held in November 2013, was a landmark meeting that adopted a comprehensive reform blueprint covering 15 major areas and 60 specific tasks. As the various language editions of *Xi Jinping: The Governance of China* are successively released, reading and studying this work has become an important method and main lever for overseas individuals to “understand the Communist Party of China,” “understand the New Era,” and “understand Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.”

First, *Xi Jinping: The Governance of China* has become an important work

Leaders of many countries and international organizations, especially developing countries, have become “fans”

In addition, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the personal leadership charisma of General Secretary Xi Jinping have inspired and encouraged a number of young foreign scholars and politicians. Lebanese young scholar Adnan Adam believes that “China is strong because it has a cohesive political party and a strong leadership core. General Secretary Xi Jinping is a thinker

Second, *Xi Jinping: The Governance of

In summary, whether from official positions or popular attitudes, both reflect the “heat” of the dissemination or study of *Xi Jinping: The Governance of China*, highlighting the immense international influence, appeal, and shaping power of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

II. Main Content of Foreign Marxist Political Parties’ Research and Interpretation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era

1. Research on the Systematization and Theorization of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era

General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “The development of the thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era is a process of continuous enrichment, expansion, and systematization and theorization” [22]. Due to differing political stances, research interests, and other reasons, the forces conducting systematized and theorized research on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era overseas are not very large, with foreign Marxist political parties as the main representatives. This group constitutes the principal force of this research orientation, making unique contributions to the research and interpretation of the systematization and theorization of Xi

First, it reveals the relationship between Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of Three Represents, the Scientific Outlook on Development, and others in terms of theoretical origins. Foreign Marxist political parties believe that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the inheritance and development of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development.

First, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is a creative application and vivid practice of Marxism-Leninism. Zyuganov pointed out, “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has made creative contributions to enriching the treasure trove of Marxism and is a vivid practice of creatively applying the theoretical achievements of Marx, Engels, and Lenin in the 21st century” (23). Sokol, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Belarus, pointed out, “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the inheritance and development of Marxism-Leninism” (24). Hans Modrow, the last Premier of the former Socialist Unity Party of East Germany, also pointed out, “The new thought in the New Era is built on the understanding and creative application of Marxism and is a further developed Marxist doctrine” (25). The above views profoundly explain the relationship between Marxism-Leninism and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as that between “source” and “flow.” As General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized, “We cannot discard our ancestors,” and “Marxism is the root of the towering tree of the continuous development of our Party and people’s cause, and the source of the long river of our Party and people’s continuous progress. To deviate from or abandon Marxism means our Party will lose its soul and direction” (26).

Second, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the enrichment and development of Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development. Foreign Marxist political parties have also studied the relationship between Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development. In the view of these parties, the CPC’s history of over a hundred years is a history of continuously advancing the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context, with a series of Marxist theoretical innovation achievements formed successively under different themes of the times, which together constitute important content of the “theoretical system of Marxism with Chinese characteristics,” and are related to each other as a succession, all enriching and developing socialist theory. Hans Modrow pointed out, “When we talk about Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era today, my understanding is that this thought comes from the analysis of China’s reality, from Marxist theory, from the creative development of Mao’s experience, and from the understanding and appreciation of Deng Xiaoping’s cognition” (27). This “creative development of Mao’s experience” is concentrated in the methodology of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. As General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized in his speech at the symposium commemorating the 130th anniversary of Comrade Mao Zedong’s birth, “Mao Zedong Thought is our Party’s valuable spiritual wealth and will guide our actions for a long time. Comrade Mao Zedong’s great practice of using the ‘arrow’ of Marxism to shoot at the ‘target’ of China’s concrete reality provides a brilliant model for us to correctly treat Marxism and continuously advance the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times” (28). Alberto Moreno Rojas further pointed out, “In the process of continuous practice, reflection, error correction, and summarization, the CPC has polished a theoretical system of Marxism with Chinese characteristics. Historically, if the CPC had not deeply considered and improved the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context, and thereby established Mao Zedong Thought, New China might not have been established; if Deng Xiaoping Theory had not been formed in time, creatively proposing the development of a socialist market economy, China might have found it difficult to achieve today’s development achievements; similarly, the important thought of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development have both made important contributions to further enriching socialist thought with Chinese characteristics and guiding the resolution of various contradictions in practical work” (29).

Second, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the product of combining the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s concrete reality and with the excellent traditional Chinese culture. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out in the report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC: “Only by combining the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s concrete reality and with the excellent traditional Chinese culture, and by adhering to the use of dialectical materialism and historical materialism, can we correctly answer the major questions raised by the times and practice, and can we always maintain the vigorous vitality and strong vitality of Marxism” (30). On this issue, foreign Marxist political parties have mainly formed two important understandings.

First, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the product of the Two Integrations. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, “Marx repeatedly admonished people that Marxist theory is not a dogma but a guide to action, and must develop with changes in practice.” [9]9 The Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the CPC, held in November 2013, was a landmark meeting that adopted a comprehensive reform blueprint covering 15 major areas and 60 specific tasks. Foreign Marxist political parties believe that the Communist Party of China broke free from the shackles of dogmatism, integrated the basic principles of Marxism with “China’s reality” and “Chinese cultural traditions,” and thus created Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Luciana Santos, Chair of the Communist Party of Brazil, pointed out, “Chinese Communists are not dogmatists; in pursuing the socialist ideal, they never copy foreign models but are adept at creatively integrating it with their own national conditions.” [10]10 Gennady Zyuganov is the leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation. Alberto Lombardo, head of the Education and Training Department and International Department of the Communist Party (Italy), pointed out, “The reason Marxism could become a vibrant guide to action rather than a rigid dogma in China, a place so far east from its birthplace in Western Europe, lies precisely in the Communist Party of China’s development and application of it based on the country’s own history and political-economic environment.” [11]11 The “Three Global Initiatives” refer to the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, proposed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively, as frameworks for international cooperation. Among these, “national conditions” naturally also include “China’s cultural traditions.” Ram Karki, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), pointed out that the Communist Party of China, “under the leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping, has organically integrated China’s reality, Chinese culture, and Marxism.” [12] The Communist Party of Australia pointed out that the Two Integrations refer to the fact that both China’s specific national conditions and its long-standing cultural traditions have achieved organic integration with Marxism, or have reinterpreted Marxism. [13] These discussions by foreign Marxist political parties further elaborate and substantiate General Secretary Xi Jinping’s emphasis that “to develop and advance socialism with Chinese characteristics on the profound foundation of over 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, integrating the basic principles of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with the best of traditional Chinese culture is

Second, General Secretary Xi Jinping has made major contributions to adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. From the perspective of foreign Marxist political parties, adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times is a dynamic process successively advanced by successive leaders of the CPC, and they especially highly evaluate the major contributions and significant impact made by General Secretary Xi Jinping. Sergio Ortiz, former Chairman of the Liberation Party of Argentina, pointed out, “Socialism with Chinese characteristics is rooted in the thought of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, a concept first proposed by Chairman Mao Zedong, and now President Xi Jinping has carried forward and developed this thought.” [9]9 The Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the CPC, held in November 2013, was a landmark meeting that adopted a comprehensive reform blueprint covering 15 major areas and 60 specific tasks. Faraj, General Secretary of the Jordanian Communist Party, believes, “General

2. Research on the Core Essence of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era

Foreign Marxist political parties interpret the core essence of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era from the perspective of theoretical system.

First, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is a comprehensive, systematic, and complete theoretical system. Foreign Marxist parties have studied the theoretical system and practical orientation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a whole, emphasizing that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is a "theoretical complex" involving many aspects such as politics, economy, culture, society, ecological civilization, and Party building. Gyula Thürmer, Chairman of the Hungarian Workers' Party, believes that "Xi Jinping Thought

Foreign Marxist political parties pay particular attention to the worldview and methodology of “upholding the people’s supreme position.” They point out that, as the largest Marxist political party in the history of the international communist movement and the ruling party of the world’s largest developing country, the Communist Party of China has always placed the fundamental interests of the broadest masses of the people in the highest position, consistently adhering to this throughout different periods of revolution, construction, and reform, thereby winning widespread support from the vast majority of the people. Rolando Giai-Levra, Secretary of the Lombardy Regional Committee of the Communist Refoundation Party of Italy, pointed out, “The great ‘Chinese Dream’ proposed by President Xi Jinping is a grand vision of a modern, moderately prosperous society that seeks the welfare and development of the Chinese people and the Chinese working class” (46). [9]9 The Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the CPC, held in November 2013, was a landmark meeting that adopted a comprehensive reform blueprint covering 15 major areas and 60 specific tasks. Foreign Marxist political parties believe that the CPC’s adherence to the people’s supreme position focuses on continuously meeting the broad masses’ aspiration for a better life. Pradeep Kumar Javali, Standing Committee member of the Communist Party of Nepal, emphasized, “Whether during the revolutionary period or in the period of building socialism, the CPC has always been able to unite hundreds of millions of people under its banner. It has never let the people down. The CPC has always maintained close ties with the people, sharing weal and woe, and helping the people realize their beautiful aspirations” (47).

Second, upholding confidence in and independence.

Foreign Marxist political parties highly recognize the capabilities and level of “the world’s largest Marxist ruling party,” “the largest socialist country,” and “a century-old major party,” firmly believing that the CPC is fully capable of making a difference and making new and greater contributions to developing Marxism and advancing the world socialist movement. Bishnu Prasad Poudel, Standing Committee member of the Communist Party of Nepal, pointed out, “Among all socialist countries, China is the largest economy. In addition, as the world’s second-largest economy, China possesses the world’s strongest communist party and, without doubt, bears greater international responsibilities and obligations” (48). [10]10 Gennady Zyuganov is the leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation. At the same time, foreign Marxist political parties appreciate and support the CPC’s independent exploration of a socialist construction path suited to its national conditions, firmly believing that the CPC will generate greater international influence through confidence in and independence. Hans Modrow pointed out, “The Chinese people do not need guardians; they do not need others to point fingers at China’s future. Where things are not yet perfect, the locals understand this better than foreigners” (49). [11]11 The “Three Global Initiatives” refer to the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, proposed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively, as frameworks for international cooperation. Josef Skála, former Vice-Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia, emphasized, “The CPC is the largest communist party in human history. Its tremendous success enables it to represent Marxists worldwide in defending the dignity of truth. Every success achieved in the struggle against forces that attempt to slander China through ‘hostile images’ enhances the CPC’s domestic prestige and influence” (50).

Third, upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground.

Upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground is an important worldview and methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, which has been highly recognized by foreign Marxist political parties. They believe that the CPC both adheres to the basic principles of Marxism and continuously promotes theoretical innovation in Marxism based on practice, serving as a model of upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground in the world socialist movement. On this point, Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) and Prime Minister of Nepal, pointed out, “The CPC has never treated Marxism as dogma, nor has it copied the development and practice models of other countries from different periods and contexts in the name of Marxism. It pursues the innovative application of Marxism and transforms it into an endogenous development path that reflects specific national history and realities” (51). [12] Victor Kot, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Argentina, also pointed out, “The CPC has consistently demonstrated solid theoretical grounding and the ability to create and innovate within the Marxist framework, achieving remarkable results in practice and making important contributions to enriching Marxism” (52).

Fourth, adopting a problem-oriented approach.

In his speech at a symposium with non-CPC personages convened by the CPC Central Committee, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, “We must have a strong problem awareness, take major problems as the orientation, grasp major problems and key issues for further study and reflection, find answers, and strive to promote the resolution of a series of prominent contradictions and problems facing China’s development” (53). [13] The problem-oriented approach has drawn high attention from foreign Marxist political parties. These parties believe: First, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era focuses on solving the practical difficulties faced by China, such as the urgent and pressing problems of the broad masses, placing the fundamental interests of the people in the highest position. Fosco Giannini, former head of the International Department of the Communist Refoundation Party of Italy and former Senator of the Italian Republic, believes, “The country is the people, and the people are the country — this statement deeply moves us Western communists. It reflects the democratic

Fifth, adhere to a systems perspective.

Foreign Marxist political parties point out that the Communist Party of China, in the process of comprehensively deepening reform and opening up, adheres to a systems perspective and systems thinking, ensuring the unity of overall advancement and key breakthroughs in the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Liu Van An, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics in Vietnam, noted that the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core takes economic and institutional reform as the core and adheres to reform and opening up. The "Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Several Major Issues Concerning Comprehensively Deepening Reform," adopted at the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the CPC, emphasizes the importance of taking economic system reform as the foundation and focus of comprehensively deepening reform. Comprehensively deepening reform also includes the construction of the political system, innovation in cultural systems and mechanisms, reform and innovation in social undertakings, the construction of an ecological civilization system, and reform of national defense and the armed forces (57). Zyuganov pointed out, "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the magnificent, epic process of socialist construction carried out under the guidance of this thought provide a complete set of methodologies. It is not confined to a single field but touches every aspect of social life—politics, economy, society, culture, and ecology" (58).

Sixth, adhere to a global vision.

Foreign Marxist political parties point out that the Communist Party of China grasps the relationship between China’s development and human progress with a global vision, continuously contributing Chinese strength to building a better world. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is an important theory that “benefits humanity.” Fred M’membe, Chairman of the Socialist Party of Zambia, noted, “General Secretary Xi Jinping is truly an ‘outstanding Marxist’ and a ‘genuine Marxist theorist.’ Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is an advanced ideology that leads world development and benefits humanity.” [11]11 The “Three Global Initiatives” refer to the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, proposed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively, as frameworks for international cooperation. “Benefiting humanity” means making more “Chinese contributions” to the development of human society. General Secretary Xi Jinping has repeatedly elaborated on the CPC’s “world contributions,” reflecting the international responsibility that a major country and major party cannot shirk, the profound sentiment of “the world as one family” [12] from a civilization with 5,000 years of history, and the internationalist spirit of Chinese Communists. For over a century, the CPC has always upheld a global vision, committed to seeking happiness for the Chinese people, rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, progress for humanity, and harmony for the world, advocating that all countries join hands to build a better world.

4. Research on the Significant Value of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era for the World Socialist Movement and the Development of Human Society

The CPC possesses a high degree of theoretical self-awareness and a strong subjective consciousness regarding the global significance of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, forming many strategic judgments of great importance. In his speech at a study session on studying and implementing the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the CPC [13] attended by newly elected members and alternate members of the Central Committee and leading officials at the provincial and ministerial level, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “Socialism with Chinese characteristics is becoming the banner of the development of scientific socialism in the 21st century and the mainstay of the revitalization of world socialism. Our Party has the responsibility, confidence, and ability to make greater historical contributions to the new development of scientific socialism.” [14] In the view of foreign Marxist political parties, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era belongs not only to the CPC and the Chinese people but also possesses far-reaching global significance, offering important reference and value for the world socialist movement and the development of human society.

First, in the view of foreign Marxist political parties, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has significant value for the development of world socialism.

First, the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era, through its great achievements and great transformations, has resolutely defended the truth of Marxism and demonstrated the bright prospects of the world socialist cause. József Szájer [15] believes, “The CPC is the largest communist party in human history. Its tremendous success enables it to represent Marxists worldwide in defending the dignity of truth.” [16] Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the drastic changes in Eastern Europe, the practical experience of the CPC has become the most vibrant, active, and rapidly evolving component of the world socialist movement in the 21st century. It has greatly inspired Marxist forces around the world and further demonstrated the truth of Marxism and the feasibility of the socialist path. Petro Symonenko, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine, pointed out, “The vitality of

Second, the Communist Party of China has revealed the scientific method of adapting Marxism to the local context and the needs of the times, advocating that all countries combine the basic tenets of Marxism with their own specific realities, which has worldwide reference value. In July 2022, in a letter of congratulations to the Communist Party of China and World

Third, the Party’s century-long struggle and the vibrant practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era provide “Chinese experience” for the development and revival of world socialism. Petro Symonenko highly appraises the great achievements of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era and the latest theoretical achievement of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times—Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. He points out, “The Communists and progressive forces of Ukraine attach great importance to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, believing that its value and significance lie not only in arming the entire Party and the Chinese people with a concrete, scientifically demonstrated program of action, but also in opening up broad prospects for the world communist movement” (67). The vibrant practice of the Communist Party of China in the New Era—from completing targeted poverty alleviation and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, to inaugurating the new form of human civilization of Chinese-path modernization; from how to correctly handle the relationship between the market and the government, continuously meeting the people’s progressive, differentiated, and ever-upgraded aspirations for a better life, and how to both fully utilize the value of capital while maintaining the Party’s advanced nature and class character, to advancing the modernization process while inheriting and developing traditional culture—has made significant contributions to enriching the experience of the international communist movement in the 21st century. On this point, Marinjo, a member of the Central Committee of the Italian Communist Party, believes that the Communist Party of China “has provided a valuable opportunity for theoretical reflection for Marxists around the world, greatly enriching the practical and theoretical innovation of Marxism. Other political parties around the world should study the CPC’s governance experience and draw inspiring lessons from it, just as the CPC eagerly studies and draws on the essence of other civilizations and cultures” (68).

Second, foreign Marxist political parties believe that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has important reference value for the development of human society, and they elucidate the world significance of the “Three Global Initiatives” [11]11 The “Three Global Initiatives” refer to the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, proposed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively, as frameworks for international cooperation. and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

First, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative provide more “certainty” and “stability” to a world undergoing changes unseen in a century, contributing Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions to the common challenges facing humanity. José Reinaldo Carvalho, a member of the Central Committee of the Brazilian Communist Party and of its National Political Committee (Political Bureau), pointed out that “today, on the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, the world is experiencing a historical period full of uncertainty and instability” [12]. One major characteristic of the changes unseen in a century is that it is filled with “uncertainty” and “instability”; if not handled properly, rare historical opportunities and chances for development may be lost. In this “uncertain” world, some countries have chosen “national interests above all else,” fallen into the quagmire of “unilateralism” and “protectionism,” cobbled together “small circles,” and engaged in ideological confrontation. What is commendable is that the Communist Party of China is currently one of the key forces capable of providing more “certainty” to an uncertain world. The stability and certainty of the Communist Party of China stem from its belief in Marxist theory, its adherence to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and its commitment to communist ideals; they also come from the centralized and unified leadership of the Party, ensuring that the Party’s line, principles, and policies are not distorted, deviated from, or discolored. In this “historical period full of uncertainty and instability,” the Communist Party of China has always upheld the concept of “when calculating benefits, one should calculate the benefits of the whole world” [13], putting forward international propositions such as the Belt and Road Initiative, building a community with a shared future for mankind, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, providing a “stabilizer” and “reassurance” for the development of all countries and the recovery of the world economy in the post-pandemic era. Ahmed Shaban, Secretary-General of the Egyptian Socialist Party, commented that “General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed the Global Security Initiative, focusing on the future of all humanity” [14], and “any policy China formulates, at whatever level, is not for the exclusive enjoyment of progress and stability, nor will it sacrifice the interests of other countries or resort to force” [15]. Particularly important is that the Chinese Communist Party provides Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions to the international community based on the principle of complete equality and voluntariness, a point highly praised by foreign Marxist political parties. Hans Modrow pointed out that “China exports many things, but there is one exception: they do not export their vision of socialism” [16].

Second, building a community with a shared future for mankind is a global strategic concept with lofty vision and far-reaching influence, focusing on solving major difficulties, pain points, and blockages in global governance; it is a “grand project to rebuild the Earth.” The concept of building a “community with a shared future for mankind” proposed by the Chinese Communist Party has garnered worldwide attention and praise. Foreign Marxist political parties believe that building a community with a shared future for mankind aims to uphold international fairness and justice and guide humanity toward a bright future. Novikov believes that there are currently “mainly three types of ideas about globalization in the world: Xi Jinping’s ‘community with a shared future for mankind’ concept, the religious globalism of some Islamic countries relying on a certain special spirit, and the anti-globalization thought of the United States under Trump’s leadership.” He pointed out that “only the ‘community with a shared future for mankind’ concept emphasizes fairness and justice, does not impose its will on other countries, and aims to realize a beautiful world where ‘each beauty is beautiful, beauty in others is appreciated, beauty shared is beauty for all, and the world is one community’ [17]; it is the direction of humanity’s future development” [18]. Foreign Marxist political parties emphasize that the old global governance system and governance pattern face many challenges. The concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind breaks free from the constraints of old international relations theories, Cold War thinking, zero-sum game mentality, and other outdated ideas, emphasizing shared global benefits and common development. José Luis Centella, Chairman of the Communist Party of Spain and Vice Chairman of the Party of the European Left, stressed that “the more tense the global situation, the closer the interdependence between countries and regions, and the more necessary it is to build a new international order to promote better and more comprehensive cooperation between countries, jointly address the development challenges of all humanity, share resources and technological progress, expand common interests, and achieve shared opportunities. To achieve new global governance, it is necessary to build a community with a shared future for mankind and launch a ‘grand project to rebuild the Earth’” [19].

III. Summary and Reflections

On November 24, 2023, in a congratulatory letter to the World Conference on China Studies · Shanghai Forum, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that “China studies are the study of historical China as well as the study of contemporary China” [20]. “The study of contemporary China” is essentially “the study of China in the New Era.” Overseas research on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era falls within the scope of world China studies and constitutes an important part of “the study of China in the New Era.” Currently, overseas attention to and research on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era exhibit two different trends.

First, practical and policy-oriented research focuses on micro-level studies of the specific practices and policies of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a New Era. The main research forces in this area include foreign scholars, think tanks, political figures, and journalists, who focus on studying specific issues of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a New Era from perspectives such as political significance, historical comparison, and great-power competition. The volume of research results in this area is enormous, with a steady stream of works, papers, and research reports, but there is relatively little research on the core essence, theoretical system, and practical requirements of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era itself.

Second, theoretical and academic research focuses on macro-level studies of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era itself. The main research forces in this area are foreign Marxist political parties and some left-wing scholars. This group often possesses a certain foundation and competence in Marxist theory and focuses on tentative systematic and theoretical research on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. However, the overall volume of research results is relatively small, making them particularly valuable. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that “it is necessary to strengthen the publicity and interpretation of the Chinese Communist Party, helping foreign people understand that the Chinese Communist Party truly strives for the happiness of the Chinese people, and understand why the Chinese Communist Party can, why Marxism works, and why socialism with Chinese characteristics is good” [21]. Foreign Marxist political parties have made their unique contributions in this regard. They actively “publicize and interpret the Chinese Communist Party” on the international stage, using Chinese discourse to interpret China’s achievements and Chinese theory to explain China’s practice. They have become the main force in overseas learning, propaganda, research, and interpretation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, telling the story of China and the Chinese Communist Party, and refuting the slanderous and defamatory rhetoric of the United States and the West. It must be emphasized that foreign Marxist political parties’ research

Of course, foreign Marxist political parties also have some shortcomings and face some challenges in their research and interpretation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. There are three main points: First, there is relatively more holistic and systematic research on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, but there is less research on sub-fields of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, or such research has not kept pace in a timely manner, or it is difficult to conduct in-depth research due to limitations in the parties’ own capabilities. Second, because some foreign Marxist political parties are weak in strength and have little political influence, and some are even “labeled” and “stigmatized” by their own governments and media, their research findings on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era struggle to generate significant international influence. Third, due to differences in national conditions and party circumstances, or obstacles in accessing relevant documents of the Communist Party of China abroad, some views of foreign Marxist political parties contain points that are open to question or even misinterpretations, which require us to carefully identify and correct them in our follow-up research.

(The author is an Associate Professor at the School of Marxism, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and an Associate Research Fellow at the Academy of Marxism, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.)

Online Editor: Zhang Jian