Opening Up New Paths for Ideological Emancipation through the "Two Integrations"

Thought is the precursor of action; every great social change is premised on ideological emancipation. Ideological emancipation can break old patterns of thinking and provide spiritual guidance and value support for social change. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: "Advanced values and ideological emancipation are the source of a society's vitality." [1]1 The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC: A major meeting of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee, held in July 2024, focused on further deepening reform comprehensively and advancing Chinese modernization. Reform must unleash vitality from the ideological level, thereby enabling it to penetrate key areas, resolve critical problems, and eliminate difficult and complicated issues. Deepening reform comprehensively "is a profound transformation in thought and theory," manifested as "insisting on using theoretical innovation in thought to lead innovation in reform practice." [2]2 The Second Integration: The integration of the basic tenets of Marxism with China's fine traditional culture, as distinct from the First Integration (integrating Marxism with China's concrete realities). It was formally proposed by Xi Jinping in 2023. On this basis, the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC made the major decision to "further deepen reform comprehensively" and explicitly proposed "upholding and furthering ideological emancipation" and "strengthening the arming of the whole Party with the Party's innovative theories." [3]3 "When a situation reaches its extremity, it changes; after change, it flows smoothly; flowing smoothly, it endures long": A classical Chinese saying from the *Xici* commentary of the *Book of Changes* (*Yijing*), expressing the idea that change is necessary for continuity and development. In a certain sense, ideological emancipation cannot be separated from the guidance of scientific theory; only by taking scientific theory as the guide can we grasp the sharp weapon of ideological emancipation and consciously use ideological emancipation to deepen reform.

思想是行动的先导，每一次伟大的社会变革，都是以思想解放为前提的。思想解放能够打破旧有的思维定式，为社会变革提供精神指引和价值支撑。习近平总书记指出：“价值先进、思想解放，是一个社会活力的来源。”改革要从思想上释放活力，由此才能深入重点领域，解决关键问题，破除疑难杂症。全面深化改革“是一场思想理论的深刻变革”，表现为“坚持以思想理论创新引领改革实践创新”。党的二十届三中全会在此基础上作出了“进一步全面深化改革”的重大决定，并明确提出“坚持解放思想”，“加强党的创新理论武装”。从一定意义上讲，思想解放离不开科学理论的指导，只有以科学理论为引领，才能掌握解放思想的锐利武器，自觉以思想解放把改革引向深入。

The "Two Integrations" are the ideological vanguard for further deepening reform comprehensively

“两个结合”是进一步全面深化改革的思想先导

Ideological change has a leading and pioneering significance for social change. Marx profoundly revealed the important role of ideological change, stating that "the lightning of thought will strike decisively into the naive soil of the people, and the Germans will be emancipated into human beings." [4]4 "Benefiting the people in accordance with what benefits them" and "governance has constancy, but benefiting the people is fundamental": Classical Chinese political maxims, the first from the *Analects* (attributed to Confucius) and the second from the *Huainanzi*, both advocating a people-centered approach to governance. Here, from the overall height of national emancipation, he elucidates the great significance of ideological emancipation for national practice and of the emancipation of individuals for universal social emancipation. From this perspective, ideological emancipation constitutes the prerequisite for the entire development of society; the endogenous power of thought can evolve into the driving force of social progress.

思想变革对社会变革具有引领与开创意义。马克思曾深刻揭示思想变革的重要作用，即“思想的闪电一旦彻底击中这块素朴的人民园地，德国人就会解放成为人”。在这里，他立足于国家解放的整体高度，阐明思想解放对国家实践、单个人的解放对社会普遍解放的重大意义。由是观之，思想解放构成整个社会发展的前提，思想的内生性力量能够演化为社会进步的动力。

The process of ideological emancipation is a process of continuously exploring truth and deeply revealing laws. Ideological emancipation is not blind, nor is it without method; rather, it must follow the laws of the development of cognition and elevate thought to new theoretical heights. Ideological emancipation neither advocates historical nihilism nor promotes subjectivism or dogmatism that is divorced from China's actual conditions and cultural traditions; instead, it requires "adhering to the guiding position of Marxism and continuously promoting theoretical innovation on the basis of practice." [5]5 "Theoretical consciousness and cultural confidence are the power of a nation's progress": A quotation from Xi Jinping, often cited in discussions of cultural confidence and theoretical innovation. This is precisely General Secretary Xi Jinping's high-level summary of the valuable experience of reform and opening up, and it is also the ideological magic weapon for the success of reform. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee established the guiding ideology for further deepening reform comprehensively and emphasized "adhering to the fundamental system of Marxism's guiding position in the ideological domain." [6]6 "Has opened up space for innovation, allowing us to grasp the initiative in thought and culture": A formulation by Xi Jinping describing the effect of the Second Integration.

思想解放的过程是一个不断探索真理、深入揭示规律的过程。思想解放不是盲目的，并非毫无章法，而是要遵循认识的发展规律，将思想升华到新的理论高度。思想解放既不提倡历史虚无主义，也不提倡脱离中国实际和文化传统的主观主义、教条主义，而是要“坚持马克思主义指导地位，不断推进实践基础上的理论创新”，这正是习近平总书记对改革开放宝贵经验的高度概括，也是改革得以成功的思想法宝。党的二十届三中全会确立了进一步全面深化改革的指导思想，并强调“坚持马克思主义在意识形态领域指导地位的根本制度”。

In this regard, to unleash the vitality of reform from the ideological level, we must adhere to the guidance of scientific theory and ensure that ideological emancipation has rules to follow. The "Two Integrations" represent the theoretical innovation of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, containing rich connotations concerning social reform and possessing the significance of ideological emancipation for further deepening reform comprehensively. First, the "Two Integrations" provide a scientific worldview and methodology for further deepening reform comprehensively, endowing it with a dialectical mode of thinking, a developmental strategic vision, and a scientific theoretical perspective, thus constituting the ideological guideline for further deepening reform comprehensively. Second, the "Two Integrations" help break free from the shackles of traditional concepts, enabling us to face and resolve problems in further deepening reform comprehensively with a more open and inclusive mindset. Finally, the "Two Integrations" also emphasize the inheritance and innovation of fine traditional Chinese culture. Further deepening reform comprehensively cannot be separated from a sense of identity and confidence in one's own cultural traditions and values. Cultivating firm cultural confidence, consolidating the ideological foundation of reform, and providing strong cultural support for reform are essential.

对此，从思想层面释放改革的活力，必须坚持科学理论的指导，确保思想解放有章可循。“两个结合”是马克思主义中国化时代化的理论创新，蕴含着关于社会改革的丰富内涵，对进一步全面深化改革具有思想解放的意义。首先，“两个结合”为进一步全面深化改革提供科学的世界观和方法论，赋予进一步全面深化改革辩证的思维方式、发展的战略眼光、科学的理论视野，构成进一步全面深化改革的思想遵循。其次，“两个结合”有助于突破传统观念束缚，以更加开放、包容的心态来面对和解决进一步全面深化改革中的问题。最后，“两个结合”还强调对中华优秀传统文化的传承和创新。进一步全面深化改革离不开对自身文化传统和文化价值的认同感和自信心。涵养坚定的文化自信，筑牢改革的思想根基，为改革提供强大的文化支撑。

Deepening the ideological understanding of further deepening reform comprehensively

深化对进一步全面深化改革的思想认识

Ideological understanding is the prerequisite for ideological emancipation. Without an objective and reasonable ideological understanding of things, there can be no ideological emancipation. Ideological understanding includes not only the active cognition and control of the current situation but also the forward-looking planning and keen insight into future development. In terms of reform, this is specifically manifested as: paying attention to the current problems of reform while also possessing the ability to foresee the future trends and broad prospects of reform, thereby making long-term preparations and plans; ensuring the independence and autonomy of reform while adhering to a problem-oriented approach, clarifying reform objectives, focusing on key areas, and stimulating endogenous momentum; maintaining strategic sobriety and firmness, recognizing the reform situation, calmly analyzing problems, and more importantly, daring to explore new ideas and methods, seeking breakthroughs and innovations, and promoting reform to achieve more with less effort.

思想认识是思想解放的前提。对事物缺乏客观、合理的思想认识，就谈不上思想解放。思想认识不仅包含对当前现状的能动认知和把控，也蕴含着对未来发展的前瞻规划与敏锐洞察。就改革而言，具体表现为既要关注改革当前的问题，更要具有预见改革未来趋势和广阔前景的能力，从而做好长期准备和规划；既要确保改革的独立自主，又要坚持问题导向，明确改革目标，聚焦重点领域，激发内生动力；既要保持战略上的清醒与坚定，认清改革形势，冷静分析问题，更要勇于探索新的思路和方法，寻求突破和创新，推进改革事半功倍。

Deepen the understanding of the necessity and long-term nature of further deepening reform comprehensively through the "First Integration." Based on his critique of the erroneous view that socialist society is "immutable," Engels elucidated that "'socialist society' is not an immutable thing; like any other social system, it should be regarded as a society that is constantly changing and reforming." [7]7 Friedrich Engels, "Letter to Otto von Boenigk" (August 21, 1890). This opened up theoretical space for continuously advancing reform. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee summarized the principle of "adhering to fundamental principles and breaking new ground" for further deepening reform comprehensively and emphasized "unswervingly upholding socialism with Chinese characteristics, keeping pace with the times, and conforming to the development of practice." [8]8 "Communiqué of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China" (July 18, 2024). The "First Integration" is "a definite conclusion drawn from historical facts and the process of development," [9]9 Friedrich Engels, "On the History of the Communist League" (1885). rich in practical value. In this regard, further deepening reform comprehensively requires not only adhering to the guidance of Marxism but also deeply studying and implementing a series of new ideas, new viewpoints, and new conclusions of General Secretary Xi Jinping on comprehensively deepening reform, combining the basic principles of Marxism with the objective reality of China's reform, scientifically grasping the long-term nature of the cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation, deeply understanding the regularity that reform is always ongoing and never complete, strictly following the inevitability of continuously expanding and deepening Chinese-path modernization, clarifying the objectives, principles, and requirements of reform, and maintaining the historical initiative and sense of responsibility to continue pushing reform forward.

在“第一个结合”中深化对进一步全面深化改革必要性、长期性的认识。恩格斯基于对社会主义社会“一成不变”错误观点的批判，阐明“‘社会主义社会’不是一种一成不变的东西，而应当和任何其他社会制度一样，把它看成是经常变化和改革的社会”，这为不断推进改革开创了理论上的空间。党的二十届三中全会总结了进一步全面深化改革要“坚持守正创新”的原则，并强调“坚持中国特色社会主义不动摇，紧跟时代步伐，顺应实践发展”。“第一个结合”是“从历史事实和发展过程中得出的确切结论”，极富现实价值。对此，进一步全面深化改革既要坚持马克思主义的指导，更要深入学习贯彻习近平总书记关于全面深化改革的一系列新思想、新观点、新论断，将马克思主义基本原理同中国改革的客观实际相结合，科学把握强国建设、民族复兴事业的长远性，深刻认识改革只有进行时、没有完成时的规律性，严格遵循不断拓展和深化中国式现代化的必然性，明确改革的目标、原则、要求，保持继续把改革推向前进的历史主动和责任担当。

Deepen the understanding of the arduousness and complexity of further deepening reform comprehensively through the "First Integration." Marx fully elaborated on the basic contradictions of society, namely, "At a certain stage of development, the material productive forces of society come into conflict with the existing relations of production or—this merely expresses the same thing in legal terms—with the property relations within the framework of which they have operated hitherto." [10]10 Karl Marx, "Preface to A Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy" (1859). From the basic perspective of historical materialism, Engels pointed out that "the ultimately determining element in history is the production and reproduction of real life... The economic situation is the basis, but the various elements of the superstructure... also exert an influence on the course of the historical struggles and in many cases determine their form in the main." [11]11 Friedrich Engels, "Letter to Joseph Bloch" (September 21-22, 1890). Furthermore, he emphasized that the "possible realization" of a new social system would require "a short, somewhat difficult but in any case morally beneficial transitional period." [12]12 Friedrich Engels, "On the Housing Question" (1872-1873). It can be seen that the economy and society are complex systems where various factors constrain and influence each other; the severe environmental challenges determine that further deepening reform comprehensively must be a "difficult" process.

在“第一个结合”中深化对进一步全面深化改革艰巨性、复杂性的认识。马克思完整论述了社会基本矛盾，即“社会的物质生产力发展到一定阶段，便同它们一直在其中运动的现存生产关系或财产关系（这只是生产关系的法律用语）发生矛盾”。恩格斯立足唯物史观的基本视角，指出“历史过程中的决定性因素归根到底是现实生活的生产和再生产……经济状况是基础，但是对历史斗争的进程发生影响并且在许多情况下主要是决定着这一斗争的形式的，还有上层建筑的各种因素”。此外，他还强调一个新的社会制度的“可能实现”要“经过一个短暂的、有些艰苦的、但无论如何在道义上很有益的过渡时期”。由此可见，经济社会是各种因素相互制约、相互影响的复杂系统，严峻的环境挑战决定了进一步全面深化改革必定是一个“艰苦”的过程。

The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee emphasized that reform must "better meet the inevitable requirements of changes in the principal contradiction in Chinese society," "dare to advance into uncharted waters, dare to tackle tough issues, dare to brave dangerous rapids, and resolutely eliminate institutional and mechanistic obstacles in all areas." [13]13 "Communiqué of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China" (July 18, 2024). In this regard, it is necessary to accurately understand the Marxist theoretical viewpoints on the basic contradictions of society and social complexity, integrating them into the process of China's reform. This requires not only recognizing the historical stage, critical period, overall objectives, principles and requirements, and systematic deployment of reform but also clarifying the great significance of reform for gaining strategic initiative in the face of world changes, as well as grasping the logical requirements of advancing Chinese-path modernization, which necessitates further deepening reform comprehensively, ensuring that we maintain ideological sobriety, theoretical firmness, and practical initiative when facing complex and volatile domestic and international situations.

党的二十届三中全会强调，改革要“更好适应我国社会主要矛盾变化的必然要求”“敢于突进深水区，敢于啃硬骨头，敢于涉险滩，坚决破除各方面体制机制弊端”。对此，要准确理解马克思主义关于社会基本矛盾及社会复杂性的理论观点，使之融入中国改革的进程，既要认识改革所处的历史阶段、关键时期、总体目标、原则要求、系统部署，也要明确改革对赢得世界变局战略主动的重大意义，还要把握推进中国式现代化必须进一步全面深化改革的逻辑要求，确保我们在面对复杂多变的国内外形势时保持思想上的清醒、理论上的坚定、实践上的主动。

Enhancing the ideological initiative for further deepening reform comprehensively

增强进一步全面深化改革的思想主动

Ideological initiative is the autonomous and active state of ideological emancipation, formed under the action of internal forces. Further deepening reform comprehensively cannot be separated from ideological initiative; it requires support from internal forces to fundamentally ensure the continuity and stability of reform. Culture possesses the functions of value shaping, moral constraint, and social cohesion. It can provide individuals with a broader ideological horizon and space for thought, stimulate individual ideological initiative and creativity, and is an indispensable internal force for driving social change.

思想主动是思想解放的自主与能动状态，是在内在力量作用下形成的。进一步全面深化改革离不开思想上的主动，需要以内在力量为支撑，从根本上确保改革的持续与稳定。文化具有价值塑造、道德约束、社会凝聚的功能，可以为个体提供更加广阔的思想视野和思考空间，能够激发个体的思想主动性和创造性，是推动社会变革不可或缺的内在力量。

The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC [1]1 The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC: A major meeting of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee, held in July 2024, focused on further deepening reform comprehensively and advancing Chinese modernization. made clear that further deepening reform comprehensively must "focus on the main goal of building a socialist cultural power," and made intrinsic stipulations for reform from the cultural dimension. In this regard, we must fully emphasize the role of culture, promote culture's endowment of reform with profound foundations, broad consensus, and powerful momentum, and use culture's appeal to coalesce the ideological momentum for reform. The "Second Integration" [2]2 The Second Integration: The integration of the basic tenets of Marxism with China's fine traditional culture, as distinct from the First Integration (integrating Marxism with China's concrete realities). It was formally proposed by Xi Jinping in 2023. emphasizes the relationship between theoretical innovation and culture, focusing on culture's intrinsic driving role in social development. Proceeding from the "Second Integration," we must deeply excavate the modern value of fine traditional Chinese culture and apply it to the practice of further deepening reform comprehensively, thereby opening up new paths for ideological emancipation.

党的二十届三中全会明确进一步全面深化改革要“聚焦建设社会主义文化强国”的主要目标，并从文化层面对改革作出内在规定。对此，要充分重视文化的作用，推进文化赋予改革深厚底蕴、广泛共识和强大动力，以文化的感召力凝聚改革的思想动力。“第二个结合”强调的是理论创新与文化关系问题，关注的是文化对社会发展的内在推动作用。从“第二个结合”出发，深入挖掘中华优秀传统文化的现代价值，并运用于进一步全面深化改革的实践，开辟思想解放的新路径。

To enhance the ideological initiative for further deepening reform comprehensively, it is necessary to grasp the intrinsic connection between the "Second Integration" and further deepening reform comprehensively. Fine traditional Chinese culture contains profound humanistic spirit, value orientations, and intellectual wisdom. For example, the principle that "when a situation reaches its extremity, it changes; after change, it flows smoothly; flowing smoothly, it endures long" [3]3 "When a situation reaches its extremity, it changes; after change, it flows smoothly; flowing smoothly, it endures long": A classical Chinese saying from the *Xici* commentary of the *Book of Changes* (*Yijing*), expressing the idea that change is necessary for continuity and development. reveals the truth that only change enables development; the concepts of "benefiting the people in accordance with what benefits them" and "governance has constancy, but benefiting the people is fundamental" [4]4 "Benefiting the people in accordance with what benefits them" and "governance has constancy, but benefiting the people is fundamental": Classical Chinese political maxims, the first from the *Analects* (attributed to Confucius) and the second from the *Huainanzi*, both advocating a people-centered approach to governance. convey the people-centered governance philosophy. These provide unique ideological support and value inspiration for deepening reform on the new journey. Fine traditional Chinese culture is the root and vein of the Chinese nation, and it is also a spiritual asset that needs to be inherited and developed for further deepening reform comprehensively. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, "Theoretical consciousness and cultural confidence are the power of a nation's progress." [5]5 "Theoretical consciousness and cultural confidence are the power of a nation's progress": A quotation from Xi Jinping, often cited in discussions of cultural confidence and theoretical innovation. It can be said that only with theoretical consciousness and cultural confidence can one truly grasp the initiative in reform, and only then can reform consolidate its intrinsic foundation.

增强进一步全面深化改革的思想主动，需要把握“第二个结合”与进一步全面深化改革的内在关联。中华优秀传统文化蕴含着深厚的人文精神、价值取向、思想智慧，例如，“穷则变，变则通，通则久”揭示的变革才能发展的道理，“因民之所利而利之”“治国有常，而利民为本”传递的以民为本的治理理念，为新征程上深化改革提供了独特的思想支撑和价值启示。中华优秀传统文化是中华民族的根脉，也是进一步全面深化改革需要继承和发扬的精神财富。习近平总书记指出，“理论自觉、文化自信，是一个民族进步的力量”。可以说，只有拥有理论上的自觉、文化上的自信，才能够掌握真正意义上的改革主动权，改革才能夯实内在基础。

The "Second Integration" manifests the unique charm of Chinese culture, opens up the space for innovation in thought and theory, consolidates the cultural foundation of the Chinese path, and enables reform to establish a more steadfast cultural confidence. Further deepening reform comprehensively requires accelerating ideological emancipation through continuous innovation in thinking and methods; the "Second Integration" provides us with such a path. Through the "Second Integration," reform can absorb the essence of fine traditional Chinese culture, promote the innovative development of ideology and culture, and create a fundamental ideological prerequisite for focusing on solving the practical problems of further deepening reform comprehensively and of Chinese-path modernization.

“第二个结合”彰显了中华文化的独特魅力，打开了思想理论的创新空间，筑牢了中国道路的文化根基，使改革得以确立起更加坚定的文化自信。进一步全面深化改革，需要在不断创新思路和方法中加快思想解放，“第二个结合”为我们提供了这样的路径。通过“第二个结合”，改革能够汲取中华优秀传统文化的精华，促进思想文化的创新发展，为着眼解决进一步全面深化改革和中国式现代化的实际问题创造了根本思想前提。

To enhance the ideological initiative for further deepening reform comprehensively, it is necessary to form a high degree of ideological consciousness under the guidance of the "Second Integration." Ideological consciousness is the basic prerequisite for ideological initiative and a necessary condition for ideological emancipation. Only with a high degree of ideological consciousness can one deeply recognize one's own mission and responsibility, thereby being able to actively think about and solve problems when facing them.

增强进一步全面深化改革的思想主动，需要在“第二个结合”指引下形成高度的思想自觉。思想自觉是思想主动的基本前提，也是思想解放的必要条件。只有具备高度的思想自觉，才能深刻认识到自己的使命和责任，从而在面对问题时能够积极主动地思考和解决。

The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC emphasized that "reform must be consciously placed in a more prominent position," which requires reform to exert force from the ideological level, using ideological consciousness and firmness to lead reform to develop in depth. The reason why the "Second Integration" has the significance of ideological emancipation for further deepening reform comprehensively lies in the key point that it "has opened up space for innovation, allowing us to grasp the initiative in thought and culture." [6]6 "Has opened up space for innovation, allowing us to grasp the initiative in thought and culture": A formulation by Xi Jinping describing the effect of the Second Integration. The "Second Integration" is the CPC's conscious understanding, formed on the basis of a high degree of confidence in the path, theory, and system, of promoting Chinese-path modernization through culture. In this regard, we must continuously consolidate cultural subjectivity, constantly strengthen cultural inheritance and innovation, organically unify opening up the correct path, developing scientific theory, building effective institutions, and developing advanced culture, and, within a broader space for thought, revitalize the new vitality of traditional culture in modern society, explore theoretical and institutional innovations oriented toward the future, and provide powerful spiritual momentum and cultural support for further deepening reform comprehensively.

党的二十届三中全会强调“必须自觉把改革摆在更加突出位置”，这要求改革从思想上发力，以思想上的自觉坚定引领改革向纵深发展。“第二个结合”之所以对进一步全面深化改革具有思想解放的意义，关键在于它“打开了创新空间，让我们掌握了思想和文化主动”。“第二个结合”是中国共产党在对道路、理论、制度的高度自信基础上，形成的以文化推进中国式现代化的自觉性认识。对此，要持续巩固文化主体性，不断加强文化传承和创新，把开辟正确道路、发展科学理论、建设有效制度、发展先进文化有机统一起来，在更广阔的思想空间中，焕发传统文化在现代社会中的崭新生命力，探索面向未来的理论和制度创新，为进一步全面深化改革提供强大的精神动力和文化支撑。

Online editor: Paul

网络编辑：保罗