Methodological Insights from General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Investigation and Research Practice in Ningde

Investigation and research are a heirloom of our Party, the foundation for planning affairs, and the way to accomplish things. During his work in Ningde, Comrade Xi Jinping conducted in-depth investigation and research, put forward a series of creative strategic thoughts, forward-looking institutional theories, and targeted practical viewpoints, opened a new chapter in the people of eastern Fujian’s struggle against poverty, laid a decisive foundation for the economic and social development of eastern Fujian, and left behind extremely valuable intellectual, theoretical, and practical wealth. At a time when the whole Party is deeply engaged in studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era through thematic education [1]1 A classical Chinese saying from the Qing dynasty text *The Art of War* by Chen Danyan, emphasizing the necessity of considering the whole before the part. and vigorously promoting investigation and research, revisiting the two works *Xi Jinping in Ningde* and *Poverty Alleviation*, drawing wisdom and strength from General Secretary Xi Jinping’s rich practice of investigation and research

I. Adhering to Proceeding from Reality in Everything, Opening Up the Work with Investigation and Research

Proceeding from reality in everything and seeking truth from facts constitute a basic thread running through all the theories of our Party and the great practices of revolution, construction, and reform; they are an important conclusion drawn by the Chinese Communist Party from a profound summation of historical experience. Investigation and research are an important foundation for proceeding from reality in everything, and proceeding from reality in everything is an inevitable requirement for doing investigation and research well. During his work in Ningde, Comrade Xi Jinping adhered to proceeding from reality in everything, speaking

Start with investigation and research; open with investigation and research. Without investigation, there is no right to speak. When he first arrived in Ningde to work, Comrade Xi Jinping, faced with the reality of relatively backward economic and social development and the quite impoverished living conditions of the people, did not adopt the posture of lighting the “three fires” [1]1 A classical Chinese saying from the Qing dynasty text *The Art of War* by Chen Danyan, emphasizing the necessity of considering the whole before the part.; nor did he sit in his office listening to reports. Instead, he delved into consulting the prefectural and county gazetteers of Ningde, opening with the approach of “investigate first, then speak,” “think first, then act,” and “respect others first, then respect oneself.” Comrade Xi Jinping led several leading comrades of the Ningde Prefectural Party Committee to visit all nine counties under its jurisdiction, and also traveled to neighboring Wenzhou, Cangnan, Yueqing, and other places in Zhejiang Province, conducting nearly a month of investigation and research. He went to the grassroots to seek truth, seek ideas, and seek answers, summarizing the three major characteristics, three major weaknesses, and three major advantages of eastern Fujian. Ultimately, he formed the investigation report on the correct development path for eastern Fujian, “How Can a Weak Bird Fly First — Random Thoughts from Investigating Nine Counties in Eastern Fujian,” which clearly pointed out that “the key to the development path for eastern Fujian lies in how the two wheels of agriculture and industry turn,” laying a good foundation for scientific decision-making and governance.

Base on reality; clarify development thinking. Comrade Xi Jinping adhered to a scientific outlook on development and a correct outlook on political performance, warning that “one cannot hope to suddenly embrace a ‘golden baby’” [2]2 A quotation from Xi Jinping’s speeches during his time in Ningde. and that “development goals that are difficult to implement in the near term should not be prematurely set.” He stressed that solving the problems of food, clothing, and housing should be the main line of work for shaking off poverty, laying the foundation, creating conditions, and accumulating energy for the next step of achieving leapfrog development, and encouraged the people of eastern Fujian to “work down-to-earth to achieve results.” On the basis of in-depth investigation and full mastery of the situation, he emphasized that “the unique geographical location and specific conditions of economic development in impoverished areas determine that their development and change can only be a gradual process.” He determined that the path of economic development for eastern Fujian “must be considered from the overall deployment of the central government and the province, from the broader context and premise of the overall work, and from the actual conditions of the region.” “Eastern Fujian relied on agriculture in the past, and in the future it still cannot do without the comprehensive development of agriculture. Developing large-scale agriculture is the unswerving direction for eastern Fujian and the fundamental way for farmers to shake off poverty and become prosperous.” He also clearly stated that “the future development of eastern Fujian requires not only a spirit of arduous struggle but also the search for a path suitable for eastern Fujian’s economic development. Its guiding ideology I summarize as ‘adapt measures to local conditions, provide guidance by category, act within our capabilities, do our utmost, and focus on efficiency,’” profoundly answering major theoretical and practical questions concerning the promotion of economic and social development in eastern Fujian.

II. Adhere to the Mass Line Method, Go Deep into the Grassroots to Conduct Investigation and Research

The mass line is the fundamental work line of our Party and a heirloom for the Party to maintain its vitality and combat effectiveness forever. During his work in Ningde, Comrade Xi Jinping adhered to taking the mass line method as the basic premise for conducting investigation and research, and as the fundamental way to understand the people’s conditions and grasp the actual situation, achieving the goals of consulting the people on governance, asking the people about their needs, and seeking advice from the people.

Get down to work; sink to the front line. Comrade Xi Jinping insisted

Correctly handle the relationship between internal and external causes. All things develop and change under the dual effect of internal and external causes; internal cause is the basis of change, external cause is the condition of change, and external cause acts through internal cause. In response to the widespread problems among cadres and the masses of contentment with poverty and pleasure in the Way, [1]1 A classical Chinese saying from the Qing dynasty text *The Art of War* by Chen Danyan, emphasizing the necessity of considering the whole before the part. passive reliance on poverty, waiting for handouts, and blaming heaven and others, Comrade Xi Jinping pointed out in the postscript of the book *Eliminate Poverty*: “The title of the entire book is ‘Eliminate Poverty’; its significance lies first in eliminating the ‘poverty’ of consciousness and thinking. Only by first ‘eliminating’ the ‘poverty’ in our minds can we make the regions under our charge ‘eliminate poverty’.” In the opening chapter, he stressed: “When a locality is poor, its concepts cannot be ‘poor’”; “To help the poor, one must first help their aspirations; ideologically, the ‘poverty consciousness’ must be diluted.” He demanded that Party members, cadres, and the masses “all undergo an ideological emancipation and conceptual renewal, and everywhere talk about the dialectics of ‘a weak bird may be the first to fly, and the poorest may be the first to become rich’.” [2]2 A quotation from Xi Jinping’s speeches during his time in Ningde. By identifying the “root of poverty” in eastern Fujian, prescribing the right “remedy,” and first supporting thinking, concepts, and confidence, the fighting spirit and endogenous motivation of “a weak bird flying first and dripping water wearing through stone” [3]3 *Eliminating Poverty* (《摆脱贫困》) is a collection of speeches and articles by Xi Jinping from his tenure as Party Secretary of Ningde Prefecture, Fujian Province (1988-1990), focusing on poverty alleviation and development strategies. among the Party members, cadres, and masses of eastern Fujian were fully stimulated.

Correctly handle the relationship between the two-point theory and the key-point theory. [4]4 The She (畲族) are one of China’s officially recognized ethnic minorities, with a significant population in Fujian Province. Comrade Xi Jinping saw both the development shortcomings of eastern Fujian and grasped its development advantages. He pointed out that the open counties of eastern Fujian should focus on improving the investment environment, develop development zones based on existing urban layouts, and at the same time strengthen the soft environment construction: “Soft skills are the superb art by which a ‘weak bird’ in a poor area can fly across oceans.” He stressed that eastern Fujian mainly relies on agriculture for food; it is poor in “agriculture” and can only become rich through “agriculture,” so it must grasp large-scale agriculture: “Rely on the mountains and eat by singing mountain songs; rely on the sea and eat by reciting sea scriptures.” [5]5 A metaphor used by Xi Jinping in *Eliminating Poverty* to describe economically underdeveloped areas like Ningde, which must “take flight first” by leveraging their unique advantages. At the same time, the driving force for eastern Fujian’s development lies in industry, and the relationship between the speed and efficiency of industrial development must be correctly handled: “Grasp both in one hand; neither can be neglected.” Comrade Xi Jin

IV. Adhere to the Systematic Analysis Method, Coordinate Overall Considerations and Implement Comprehensive Measures

The systematic concept is an important category of Marxist epistemology and methodology, and an important thought and working method of Chinese Communists. During his work in Ningde, Comrade Xi Jinping adhered to the systematic analysis method, using the viewpoints of universal connection, comprehensive system, and development and change to strengthen forward-looking thinking, overall planning, strategic layout, and holistic advancement, thereby achieving the maximum effectiveness of investigation and research.

He who fails to plan for the whole is unfit to plan for a part. [1]1 A classical Chinese saying from the Qing dynasty text *The Art of War* by Chen Danyan, emphasizing the necessity of considering the whole before the part. When investigating the nine counties of eastern Fujian, Comrade Xi Jinping pointed out, “The coastal development strategy is an important component of the national economic development strategy. The position of eastern Fujian, located in the gap between the two economically active open cities of Fuzhou and Wenzhou, should be considered.” [2]2 A quotation from Xi Jinping’s speeches during his time in Ningde. After thorough investigation and research, he coordinated the overall situation, took a long-term view, and systematically planned and promoted poverty alleviation and accelerated development in eastern Fujian with a broad vision and broad mind. Several chapters in the book *Eliminating Poverty* [3]3 *Eliminating Poverty* (《摆脱贫困》) is a collection of speeches and articles by Xi Jinping from his tenure as Party Secretary of Ningde Prefecture, Fujian Province (1988-1990), focusing on poverty alleviation and development strategies. provide a comprehensive discussion on this, proposing that eastern Fujian should develop a diversified economy while protecting the environment and afforesting, combining with local conditions; that each county should set different development goals based on its own characteristics; and that Ningde City should leverage its advantages as a regional center, driving the mountainous areas with the coastal areas, to become the regional economic development center. Within this, there are both overall concepts for the economic development of eastern Fujian and specific requirements for promoting the She ethnic economy, [4]4 The She (畲族) are one of China’s officially recognized ethnic minorities, with a significant population in Fujian Province. the forestry economy, the large-scale agricultural economy, and the rural collective economy. This provided new ideas and new perspectives for realizing the “weak bird” [5]5 A metaphor used by Xi Jinping in *Eliminating Poverty* to describe economically underdeveloped areas like Ningde, which must “take flight first” by leveraging their unique advantages. taking flight first, flying fast, and flying high, successfully guiding the great practice of poverty alleviation and the implementation of the coastal development strategy in eastern Fujian.

A thousand jun [6]6 A jun (钧) is an ancient Chinese unit of weight, equivalent to 30 jin (about 15 kilograms). The phrase “a thousand jun is like a single feather” is a classical allusion emphasizing the importance of balance. is like a single feather; the key lies in balance. Comrade Xi Jinping scientifically grasped the mutual relationships and internal connections between various links, levels, and fields, comprehensively promoting the coordinated economic and social development of eastern Fujian. He comprehensively considered the unfavorable and favorable factors facing the economic development of eastern Fujian, emphasizing the need to correctly handle the “six relationships”: between long-term goals and short-term plans, between the speed of economic development and economic efficiency, between resource development and industrial restructuring, between mountainous and coastal areas in the regional distribution of productive forces, between reform and opening up and poverty alleviation, and between science and technology education and economic development; systematically analyzed and studied the many contradictions in the fiscal and economic operation of eastern Fujian, emphasizing the need to correctly handle the “four relationships”: between the overall situation and the partial, between tightening and development, between increasing fiscal revenue and invigorating enterprises, and between doing more things and acting within one’s means; earnestly explored the path of cultural-ethical progress in eastern Fujian, emphasizing that “cultural-ethical progress is one of the major contents of implementing the poverty alleviation strategy,” and the need to correctly handle the relationship between “breaking” and “establishing”; deeply studied the work of running education well in eastern Fujian, emphasizing that “the issue of education absolutely does not allow for ‘waiting and seeing’,” and the need to correctly handle the relationship between quantity and quality, achieving the “two combinations” of quantitative development and structural adjustment, and of popularization and improvement, and so on. All of these embody dialectical thinking and fully demonstrate the scientific application of the systematic analysis method.

General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasizes: “Investigation and research is not only a working method, but also a major issue concerning the success or failure of the cause of the Party and the people.” On the new journey of the New Era, facing major tests of high winds and choppy waters, even treacherous waves, we must adhere to and apply Marxist methodology, guard and make good use of the heirloom of investigation and research, cultivate new opportunities amidst crises, and open up new horizons amidst changes, propelling the great ship of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation to ride the wind and waves, and sail far and wide.

(The author is an Associate Professor at Concord University College, Fujian Normal University)

Online Editor: Huihui