Deeply Understanding the Consciousness, Confidence, and Self-Strengthening of Chinese-Path Modernization Theory

From a strategic height and a systematic perspective, the holistic construction and profound elucidation of Chinese-path modernization theory is a major theoretical innovation achievement of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC, one that is original, epochal, emblematic, forward-looking, and unique. Rooted in the new journey of the New Era and focused on new missions and new tasks, the questions of why China advances modernization, what kind of modernization it advances, and how to advance such modernization are major theoretical propositions and practical issues of national and global concern. General Secretary Xi Jinping, standing at the height of the times and the overall strategic situation, with a strong and profound sense of devotion to the family-nation and the world, and with a high and firm historical consciousness and historical initiative, has provided scientific answers and systematic elucidations on a series of major theoretical and practical issues concerning Chinese-path modernization. He has holistically constructed a theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization that is lofty in conception, profound in thought, rich in content, rigorous in logic, and distinctive in character. The current period and the period ahead are extremely important for the CPC and the Chinese people; it is a "critical period for mobilizing the efforts of the entire Party and the people of all ethnic groups across the country to comprehensively advance the building of a strong country and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization." Based on the great practice of the new journey of the New Era, focused on the overall strategic plan for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the changes unseen in a century in the world, and directed toward the long-term cause of the Chinese nation and the noble cause of human peace and development, and toward leading and promoting high-quality development through Chinese-path modernization, it is imperative to effectively enhance the value consciousness, ideological consciousness, political consciousness, and action consciousness of the entire Party and the people of all ethnic groups across the country regarding "correctly understanding and vigorously advancing Chinese-path modernization." It is also necessary to continuously deepen the value identification, political identification, ideological identification, theoretical identification, and emotional identification of the entire Party and the people of all ethnic groups across the country with Chinese-path modernization, guiding people to profoundly understand the consciousness, confidence, and self-strengthening of Chinese-path modernization theory as a whole, from the perspective of the unity of political height, philosophical depth, historical thickness, and humanistic warmth.

从战略的高度和系统的角度整体建构并深刻阐发中国式现代化理论，是党的二十届三中全会取得的一个具有原创性、时代性、标识性、前瞻性、独特性的重大理论创新成果。立足新时代新征程，着眼新使命新任务，中国为何推进现代化、推进何种现代化、如何推进此种现代化，是举国关注、举世瞩目的重大理论命题和现实问题。习近平总书记站在时代发展和战略全局的高度，以一种强烈而深沉的家国情怀和天下情怀，以一种高度而坚定的历史自觉和历史主动精神，对中国式现代化的一系列重大理论和实践问题作出了科学回答和系统阐发，整体构建了一个立意高远、思想深邃、内涵丰富、逻辑严密、特色鲜明的中国式现代化理论体系。当前和今后一个时期对于中国共产党和中国人民来说极为重要，是举全党全国各族人民之力“以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业的关键时期”,立足于新时代新征程的伟大实践，着眼于中华民族伟大复兴战略全局和世界百年未有之大变局，着力于中华民族千秋伟业以及人类和平与发展崇高事业，着力于以中国式现代化引领和推动高质量发展，必须切实增强全党全国各族人民“正确理解和大力推进中国式现代化”的价值自觉、思想自觉、政治自觉和行动自觉，不断增进全党全国各族人民对中国式现代化的价值认同、政治认同、思想认同、理论认同、情感认同，引导人们从政治的高度、哲学的深度、历史的厚度、人文的温度相统一的角度，从整体上深刻领悟中国式现代化理论的自觉自信自强。

I. Reviewing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Important Discourses on Chinese-Path Modernization

一、回顾习近平总书记关于中国式现代化的重要论述

Chinese-path modernization is one of the major theoretical and practical issues to which General Secretary Xi Jinping has paid high attention, given deep thought, and provided profound explanations. In recent years, in General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speeches and a series of important discourses, from different perspectives, dimensions, and levels, he has offered deep contemplation and profound elaboration on a series of prerequisite issues such as the Chinese characteristics, essential requirements, major principles, and inherent dialectical relationships of Chinese-path modernization. In November 2023, the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee compiled and published a book titled *Excerpts from Xi Jinping’s Discourses on Chinese-Path Modernization*, collecting a series of important documents including reports, speeches, explanations, talks, addresses, congratulatory letters, reply letters, and instructions delivered by General Secretary Xi Jinping on different occasions in recent years regarding Chinese-path modernization. This book has been published in multiple versions, including English, French, Russian, and Arabic, and distributed both domestically and internationally, providing an authoritative text for domestic and foreign readers to comprehensively, deeply, and accurately understand the theoretical system and practical requirements of Chinese-path modernization, and has generated strong repercussions internationally.

中国式现代化是习近平总书记高度关注、深入思考、深刻阐释的重大理论和现实问题之一。近年来，习近平总书记重要讲话和一系列重要论述中，从不同的视域、维度和层面对中国式现代化的中国特色、本质要求、重大原则和内在辩证关系等一系列前提性问题作出了深邃的思考和深刻的阐述。2023年11月，中共中央党史和文献研究院收集整理习近平总书记近年来在不同场合围绕中国式现代化发表的报告、讲话、说明、演讲、谈话、贺信、回信、指示等一系列重要文献，编辑出版了《习近平关于中国式现代化论述摘编》一书，该书先后出版了英文、法文、俄文、阿拉伯文等多种版本，面向海内外发行，为国内外读者全面、深刻、精准地理解中国式现代化的理论体系和实践要求提供了权威文本，在国际上引发了强烈反响。

Particularly noteworthy is that the *Decision of the Central Committee of the CPC on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese-Path Modernization* deliberated and approved at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC, along with General Secretary Xi Jinping’s *Explanation on the Decision* and his *Speech at the Second Plenary Session of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC*, have further provided a highly generalized and systematic elucidation of Chinese-path modernization theory from the philosophical heights of ontology, praxis, epistemology, and methodology, and by applying the principles and methods of systems theory, cybernetics, information theory, and synergy theory. This marks that our Party’s understanding and grasp of the essential connotations and inherent laws of Chinese-path modernization have risen to a new height. It also means that Chinese-path modernization theory has opened up a new realm in terms of scientific construction, systematic research, and theoretical elaboration. Furthermore, it indicates that the social dissemination, popularization, and international promotion of Chinese-path modernization theory have taken new steps. It also highlights the powerful vitality of Marxist theory taking root, flourishing, and bearing fruit on Chinese soil. General Secretary Xi Jinping profoundly pointed out, "To understand China, the key is to understand Chinese-path modernization." He stated, "We have further deepened our understanding of the connotations and essence of Chinese-path modernization, summarized and formed its Chinese characteristics, essential requirements, and major principles, and initially constructed the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization, making it clearer, more scientific, more tangible, and more feasible." This series of important discourses possesses rich and profound theoretical connotations and epochal implications. They not only clearly delineate the amiable and respectable overall image of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization but also vividly elucidate its profound, broad, and distinctive character. They also solemnly put forward the practical requirements for the detailed implementation of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization and comprehensively demonstrate the immense power of this theoretical system to transcend cultures.

尤其值得一提的是，党的二十届三中全会审议通过的《中共中央关于进一步全面深化改革、推进中国式现代化的决定》和习近平总书记在大会上所作的《关于〈中共中央关于进一步全面深化改革、推进中国式现代化的决定〉的说明》以及《在党的二十届三中全会第二次全体会议上的讲话》，从本体论、实践论、认识论、方法论的哲学高度，以系统论、控制论、信息论、协同论的原理和方法，进一步对中国式现代化理论作出了具有基础性、根本性、前瞻性的高度概括和系统阐释。这标志着我们党对中国式现代化的本质内涵和内在规律的认识把握上升到了新高度，也意味着中国式现代化理论在科学化建构、体系化研究、学理化阐释方面开拓了新境界，还预示着中国式现代化理论的社会化宣传、大众化传播、国际化推介迈出了新步伐，更彰显出马克思主义理论在中华大地落地生根、枝繁叶茂、开花结果的强大生命力。习近平总书记深刻指出，“读懂中国，关键要读懂中国式现代化”,“我们进一步深化对中国式现代化的内涵和本质的认识，概括形成中国式现代化的中国特色、本质要求和重大原则，初步构建中国式现代化的理论体系，使中国式现代化更加清晰、更加科学、更加可感可行”。这一系列重要论述具有丰富而深刻的理论内涵和时代内蕴，既清晰擘画了中国式现代化理论体系可亲可敬的整体形象，也生动阐明了中国式现代化理论体系精深宏阔的鲜明品格，还郑重提出了中国式现代化理论体系落地落细的实践要求，更全面彰显了中国式现代化理论体系跨越文化的巨大力量。

II. Strengthening the Consciousness of Chinese-Path Modernization Theory

二、强化中国式现代化理论的自觉

History tells us that the CPC was, in its origins, the product of the widespread dissemination of Marxism in China combined with the Chinese workers’ movement. According to incomplete statistics, there were about 200 political parties and political organizations founded contemporaneously with the CPC. What fundamentally distinguishes the CPC from other political parties and political organizations is that it has always possessed a high degree of theoretical consciousness. From the day of its founding, it has unswervingly inscribed Marxist theory on its bright banner, engraved it into its spiritual bloodline, established it as the fundamental guiding ideology for building the Party and the country, and continuously internalized it into the political character and core qualities of its vast membership through revolutionary practice. Viewed from the magnificent course and practical experience of over a century of struggle, the fundamental reason why the CPC "can" and why socialism with Chinese characteristics "is good" is, in the final analysis, because Marxism "works," and because Marxism adapted to the Chinese context and the needs of the times "works." In a certain sense, the "works" here has multiple implications: it refers not only to being feasible and upright in terms of value stance but also to being solid and effective in terms of practical pathways, and more importantly, to being stable and far-reaching in terms of development direction. The fundamental reason why Marxism, especially Marxism adapted to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, "works" lies first and foremost in the fact that Marxism itself is a scientific truth capable of explaining and transforming the world, integrating the characteristics of being people-oriented, scientific, practical, epochal, open, and developmental. As General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "Times change, society develops, but the basic principles of Marxism remain scientific truth. Although the era we live in has undergone tremendous and profound changes compared with the era in which Marx lived, from the broad perspective of 500 years of world socialism, we are still in the historical era indicated by Marxism. This is the scientific basis for our firm confidence in Marxism and our firm belief in socialism." More importantly, the CPC has always adhered to a high degree of theoretical consciousness and confidence, rooted in the Chinese soil, based on Chinese practice, and in the exploratory practice of promoting the integration of the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with the best of traditional Chinese culture, has comprehensively advanced the study, research, elucidation, and innovation of Marxist theory. It has achieved three historic leaps in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context [n], successfully creating a theoretical system of Marxism adapted to the Chinese context and the needs of the times that meets the needs of the era and highlights Chinese characteristics, continuously expanding the realm and pattern of the innovative development of Marxist theory.

历史告诉我们，中国共产党在本源上是马克思主义在中国的广泛传播与中国工人运动相结合的产物。据不完全统计，与中国共产党同期成立的政党和政治组织有200个左右。与其他政党和政治组织根本不同的是，中国共产党历来具有高度的理论自觉，从成立之日起就始终不渝地将马克思主义理论写在自己的鲜亮旗帜上，铭刻进自己的精神血脉里，确立为立党立国、兴党兴国的根本指导思想，并在革命实践中不断内化为广大党员的政治品格和核心素养。从百余年奋斗的壮阔历程和实践经验来看，中国共产党之所以“能”，中国特色社会主义之所以“好”，归根到底是因为马克思主义“行”，是因为中国化时代化的马克思主义“行”。从某种意义上讲，这里所讲的“行”具有多重意蕴：既是指价值立场上的行得通、行得正，也是指实践路径上的行得实、行得好，更是指发展方向上的行得稳、行得远。马克思主义尤其是中国化时代化的马克思主义之所以“行”，究其根本原因，首先就在于马克思主义本身是能够解释世界和改造世界的科学真理，集人民性、科学性、实践性、时代性、开放性、发展性于一体。正如习近平总书记所强调的：“时代在变化，社会在发展，但马克思主义基本原理依然是科学真理。尽管我们所处的时代同马克思所处的时代相比发生了巨大而深刻的变化，但从世界社会主义500年的大视野来看，我们依然处在马克思主义所指明的历史时代。这是我们对马克思主义保持坚定信心、对社会主义保持必胜信念的科学根据。”更为重要的是，中国共产党始终坚持以高度的理论自觉自信，根植中国大地，立足中国实践，在推动马克思主义基本原理同中国具体实际相结合、同中华优秀传统文化相结合的探索实践中统筹推进马克思主义理论的学习、研究、阐释和创新，实现了马克思主义中国化的三次历史性飞跃，成功创造出符合时代需要、彰显中国特色的马克思主义中国化时代化的理论体系，不断拓展马克思主义理论创新发展的境界和格局。

Against the backdrop of socialism with Chinese characteristics entering a New Era, and facing the four major questions lying before the Chinese people and the Chinese nation — the questions of China, of the world, of the people, and of the times — the Communist Party of China, with immense theoretical courage and a high degree of theoretical consciousness, has creatively advanced and expanded the path of Chinese-path modernization. In this regard, General Secretary Xi Jinping has profoundly pointed out, “Governing a country and promoting its modernization is not a single path following the Western institutional model; every country can find its own way.” On the basis of the practice of comprehensively building a modern socialist country and comprehensively advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, General Secretary Xi Jinping, with superb political wisdom and profound theoretical grounding, has deeply recognized the Chinese characteristics and essential requirements of Chinese-path modernization, systematically grasped its unique laws and major principles, actively taken on its historical responsibilities and the mission of the times, and constructed on the whole a theory of Chinese-path modernization that is lofty in vision, broad and profound, rich in content, distinctive in character, and endowed with powerful explanatory, guiding, inspiring, and cohesive force. Under the illumination of this theory, the spiritual ethos of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people, and the entire Chinese nation has been greatly uplifted, and their mental outlook has been thoroughly renewed, effectively driving reform and opening up and socialist modernization forward, toward innovation, toward improvement, and upward, vividly writing the two great miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability, enabling the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation to leap into an irreversible and unstoppable historical process, and causing scientific socialism to radiate new vitality in 21st-century China. Reality has proven that Marxist theory can not only take root but also blossom and bear fruit on the ancient and vast land of China; the theory of Chinese-path modernization under its guidance is not only workable and solid on the road to building a strong country and national rejuvenation, but also stable and far-reaching, fully embodying the new heights, new horizons, new realms, new patterns, and new breadth of vision of the theoretical consciousness of Chinese Communists in the New Era.

在中国特色社会主义进入新时代的大背景下，面对横亘在中国人民和中华民族面前的四个重大问题，即中国之问、世界之问、人民之问、时代之问，中国共产党以巨大的理论勇气和高度的理论自觉，创造性地推进和拓展了中国式现代化道路。对此，习近平总书记深刻指出，“治理一个国家，推动一个国家实现现代化，并不只有西方制度模式这一条道，各国完全可以走出自己的道路来”。在全面建设社会主义现代化国家、全面推进中华民族伟大复兴的实践基础上，习近平总书记以高超的政治智慧和深厚的理论功底，深刻认识到中国式现代化的中国特色和本质要求，系统把握住中国式现代化的独特规律和重大原则，主动担当起中国式现代化的历史责任和时代使命，在整体上构建了立意高远、博大精深、内涵丰富、特色鲜明并具有强大解释力、引领力、感召力和凝聚力的中国式现代化理论。在这一理论的观照下，中国共产党和中国人民乃至整个中华民族的精神气象为之一振、精神面貌焕然一新，切实推动改革开放和社会主义现代化建设不断向前、向新、向好、向上，浓墨重彩地书写了经济快速发展和社会长期稳定两大举世瞩目的伟大奇迹，使中华民族伟大复兴跨越式地进入无法逆转、不可阻挡的历史进程，使科学社会主义在21世纪的中国焕发出新的蓬勃生机。现实证明，马克思主义理论在古老而广袤的中华大地上不仅能够落地生根，而且能够开花结果，其指导下的中国式现代化理论在强国建设和民族复兴的大道上不仅走得通、走得实，而且行得稳、行得远，充分体现了新时代中国共产党人理论自觉的新高度、新视野、新境界、新格局、新气度。

In a certain sense, the theory of Chinese-path modernization emerged as the times required and burst onto the scene; it is the crystallization and product of the high degree of theoretical consciousness of Chinese Communists in the New Era. To truly promote the theory of Chinese-path modernization to penetrate deeply into the masses, into the grassroots, and into people’s hearts, and further to promote it to go global, change the world, and benefit humanity, it is essential to consistently uphold the unity of maintaining continuity and keeping pace with the times, the combination of tracing the source and upholding fundamental principles while innovating, the compatibility of being rooted in China and facing the world, and the coordination of theoretical innovation and practical innovation, thereby continuously enhancing the theoretical consciousness of the entire Party, the entire nation, and all ethnic groups regarding Chinese-path modernization and the theoretical consciousness of comprehensively advancing the building of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese-path modernization. The most fundamental task is to guide the people of all ethnic groups across the country to deeply study and systematically grasp the scientific connotation, spiritual essence, contemporary value, and practical requirements of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s series of important expositions on Chinese-path modernization from multiple dimensions, levels, channels, and paths. “Every step forward in theoretical innovation must be followed by a step forward in theoretical armament.” From the internal logic of the development of Marxist theory, theoretical innovation and theoretical armament have always complemented each other, been organically linked, and formed a dialectical unity. For the broad masses of the people, strengthening their consciousness of the theory of Chinese-path modernization does not mean simply memorizing some new concepts, terms, and formulations, nor does it mean superficially understanding a series of important judgments, important viewpoints, and important relationships, and still less does it mean dogmatically applying, mechanically using, or indiscriminately invoking relevant theories. Rather, it means strictly following the fundamental requirement of arming the mind, consolidating the soul, guiding work, and promoting practice with the Party’s innovative theory, consciously regarding the theory of Chinese-path modernization as an important component of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, as an important theoretical achievement of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, and as a major innovative achievement of global modernization theory, and profoundly, precisely, and systematically grasping its spiritual core. This requires not only a deep understanding from the height of the times of the historical inevitability and contemporary value of the theory of Chinese-path modernization, but also a comprehensive comprehension from an overall perspective of its cultural implications and content system, as well as a systematic grasp with dialectical thinking of its Chinese characteristics and essential requirements, and moreover, a thorough implementation with political resolve of its practical pathways and major principles. It is necessary to achieve the integration of reading original works, studying original texts, comprehending principles, and understanding original meanings, and the unity of truly learning, truly understanding, truly believing, and truly applying, so as to truly internalize the theory of Chinese-path modernization in the mind, externalize it in action, and transform it into results, thereby effectively enhancing political, ideological, value, and emotional identification with Chinese-path modernization, especially theoretical identification.

从某种意义上讲，中国式现代化理论应运而生、横空出世，就是新时代中国共产党人高度理论自觉的结晶和产物。要真正推动中国式现代化理论深入群众、深入基层、深入人心，进而推动中国式现代化理论走向世界、改变世界、造福世界，就必须始终坚持一脉相承和与时俱进相统一、正本清源和守正创新相结合、立足中国和面向世界相兼容、理论创新和实践创新相协调，不断增强全党全国各族人民关于中国式现代化的理论自觉和以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业的理论自觉。最根本的就是要引导全国各族人民从多维度、多层面、多渠道、多路径深入学习和系统把握习近平总书记关于中国式现代化一系列重要论述的科学内涵、精神实质、时代价值、实践要求。“理论创新每前进一步，理论武装就跟进一步。”从马克思主义理论发展的内在逻辑来讲，理论创新和理论武装始终是相辅相成、有机衔接、辩证统一的。对于广大人民群众来说，强化对中国式现代化理论的自觉，并不是简单地记诵一些新的概念、术语和提法，也不是粗浅地了解一系列重要论断、重要观点、重要关系，更不是教条式地沿用、套用、泛用相关理论，而是要严格按照用党的创新理论武装头脑、凝心铸魂、指导工作、推动实践的根本要求，自觉把中国式现代化理论作为习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的重要组成部分，作为马克思主义中国化时代化的重要理论成果，作为全球现代化理论的重大创新成果，深刻、精准、系统地把握其精神内核。既要从时代高度深刻理解中国式现代化理论的历史必然和时代价值，也要从整体视野全面领悟中国式现代化理论的文化意蕴和内容体系，还要以辩证思维系统把握中国式现代化理论的中国特色和本质要求，更要以政治定力深入贯彻中国式现代化理论的实践进路和重大原则，做到读原著、学原文、悟原理、知原义相融通，真学、真懂、真信、真用相统一，从而真正把中国式现代化理论内化于心、外化于行、转化为果，切实增强对中国式现代化的政治认同、思想认同、价值认同、情感认同，尤其是理论认同。

III. Firming Up Confidence in the Theory of Chinese-Path Modernization

三、坚定中国式现代化理论的自信

The theoretical confidence of the Communist Party of China is neither confidence generated out of thin air, nor forced and deliberate confidence, nor blind and empty confidence, but rather a resounding and solid confidence. This theoretical confidence is rooted in the land of China, forged in great practice, and not only has profound foundations and abundant grounds, but more importantly, a bright and clear underlying character. As General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out, “In today’s world, if any political party, country, or nation is most justified in being confident, it is the Communist Party of China, the People’s Republic of China, and the Chinese nation.” The confidence of the Communist Party of China is the organic unity of confidence in the path, confidence in the theory, confidence in the system, and confidence in the culture, and confidence in the theory is inherently contained within, logically runs through, and is distinctly manifested in the Four Confidences. That Marxism works, and that Marxism adapted to the Chinese context and the needs of the times works, is the ideological foundation for the Communist Party of China being most justified in forming its confidence, the powerful support for the Party’s sustained theoretical confidence, and the internal gene for the Party’s full confidence in the theory of Chinese-path modernization.

中国共产党的理论自信既不是凭空产生的自信，也不是牵强刻意的自信，更不是盲目空洞的自信，而是掷地有声、实实在在的自信。这种理论自信植根于中华大地，熔铸于伟大实践，不仅底蕴深厚，而且底气十足，更重要的是底色鲜亮。正如习近平总书记所指出的，“当今世界，要说哪个政党、哪个国家、哪个民族能够自信的话，那中国共产党、中华人民共和国、中华民族是最有理由自信的”。中国共产党的自信是道路自信、理论自信、制度自信、文化自信的有机统一，而理论自信内在包含、逻辑贯穿、鲜明彰显于“四个自信”之中。马克思主义行，中国化时代化的马克思主义行，是中国共产党最有理由形成自信的思想根基，也是中国共产党始终保持理论自信的强大支撑，更是中国共产党对中国式现代化理论充满自信的内在基因。

On what basis is the theory of Chinese-path modernization confident? Where does its deep and steadfast confidence come from? Only by being rooted in the vivid practice of the masses can theoretical confidence become more perceptible, feasible and attainable; only by being integrated into a specific spatiotemporal context can theoretical confidence truly enter the ears, enter the mind and enter the heart. Chinese-path modernization was by no means produced out of thin air, nor was it created behind closed doors, still less was it obtained by copying and imitating others. In terms of its theoretical origins, it is the inheritance and development of the Marxist theory of modernization, and the promotion and transcendence of fine traditional Chinese culture; in terms of its practical foundation, it was explored by the Communist Party of China uniting and leading the Chinese people through countless hardships in long-term practice. An in-depth understanding of the theoretical logic, historical logic, practical logic, value logic and cultural logic of Chinese-path modernization is of great theoretical significance and practical value for inspiring us to march forward on the new journey of comprehensively building a modern socialist country. Although the theory of Chinese-path modernization started relatively late, it has come from behind to overtake others, fundamentally breaking the myth that “modernization equals Westernization,” vividly presenting a picture of modernization different from the Western modernization model, and effectively expanding the path choices for developing countries to achieve modernization. Compared with Western modernization theory, the theory of Chinese-path modernization has at least two prominent advantages: First, from the perspective of its scientific connotation and theoretical quality, the report of the 20th National Congress of the CPC stated at the very outset that “Chinese-path modernization is the socialist modernization led by the Communist Party of China. It contains elements that are common to the modernizations of all countries, but it is more characterized by features that are unique to the Chinese context.” [1]1 Xi Jinping, “Hold High the Great Banner of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Strive in Unity to Build a Modern Socialist Country in All Respects – Report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China,” October 16, 2022. Chinese-path modernization is based on the reality of a huge population, focuses on the value pursuit of common prosperity for all the people, runs through the two main threads of coordinating material and cultural-ethical progress and harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, and consistently adheres to the fundamental path of peaceful development, fully embodying the people-centered nature of the direction of modernization, the diversity of paths to modernization, the sustainability of the process of modernization, the inclusiveness of the fruits of modernization, and the steadfastness of the leadership of modernization. There is no doubt that such a modernization stands at the commanding heights of scientific truth, common values, human justice and original innovation, releasing from the inside out a rare and valuable creativity, goodwill, sentiment and novelty, pointing toward a new form of human civilization, and representing a scientific sublation and comprehensive transcendence of Western modernization. Second, from the perspective of the subject of realization and the practical foundation, the theory of Chinese-path modernization is a major theoretical achievement created by the Communist Party of China uniting and leading the Chinese people in adhering to independence and self-reliance, enduring countless hardships and paying a huge price over the course of a century of struggle. It is a theoretical innovation and breakthrough achieved in the process of advancing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a New Era, a theoretical distillation of the practice of comprehensively building a modern socialist country and comprehensively advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and a Chinese solution that creatively addresses the future destiny of humanity and perpetually enhances the fundamental well-being and long-term interests of humanity. In a sense, in the face of unprecedented changes in the world, changes in the times and changes in history, the theory of Chinese-path modernization is not only the theoretical expression of the CPC’s original aspiration and founding mission of “seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation,” but also the ideological summation of the CPC’s global vision of “seeking progress for humanity and common harmony for the world.” Such a modernization meets the needs of the times, conforms to the trend of the world, responds to the concerns of humanity, aligns with the aspirations of the people, and is full of wisdom and strength. It will inevitably become a brilliant example for developing countries to stride confidently toward modernization with an independent, self-aware and self-confident spirit.

中国式现代化理论何以自信？其深沉而坚定的自信从何处来？只有植根于生动的大众实践，理论自信才能更加可感、可行、可及；只有融通于具体的时空语境，理论自信才能真正入耳、入脑、入心。中国式现代化绝不是凭空产生的，也不是闭门造出来的，更不是照搬照抄得来的。从理论渊源上讲，它是对马克思主义现代化理论的继承与发展，对中华优秀传统文化的弘扬与超越；从实践基础上讲，它是中国共产党团结带领中国人民在长期实践中历经千辛万苦探索出来的。深入理解中国式现代化的理论逻辑、历史逻辑、实践逻辑、价值逻辑、文化逻辑，对于激励我们迈向全面建设社会主义现代化国家新征程具有重要的理论意义和实践价值。中国式现代化理论虽然起步较晚，但是后来居上，从根本上打破了“现代化=西方化”的迷思，生动展现了不同于西方现代化模式的另一幅现代化图景，有效拓展了发展中国家走向现代化的路径选择。与西方式现代化理论相比，中国式现代化理论至少有两个方面的突出优势：一是从科学内涵和理论品质来看，党的二十大报告开宗明义地指出，“中国式现代化，是中国共产党领导的社会主义现代化，既有各国现代化的共同特征，更有基于自己国情的中国特色”。中国式现代化立足人口规模巨大的现实基础，着眼全体人民共同富裕的价值追求，贯穿物质文明和精神文明相协调、人与自然和谐共生这两条思想主线，始终秉持和平发展道路的根本路径，充分体现了现代化方向的人民性、现代化道路的多样性、现代化进程的持续性、现代化成果的普惠性、现代化领导的坚定性。毋庸置疑，这样的现代化站在科学真理、共同价值、人间道义、原始创新的制高点，从内到外释放出一种难能可贵的创意、善意、情意、新意，指向一种新的人类文明形态，是对西方式现代化的科学扬弃和全面超越。二是从实现主体和实践基础来看，中国式现代化理论是中国共产党团结并带领中国人民在百年奋斗历程中坚持独立自主、历经千辛万苦、付出巨大代价创造出来的重大理论成果，是在推进新时代中国特色社会主义事业过程中取得的理论创新突破，是对全面建设社会主义现代化国家、全面推进中华民族伟大复兴实践的理论升华，是创造性解决未来人类前途命运问题、永续性增进人类根本福祉和长远利益的中国方案。从某种意义上讲，面对前所未有的世界之变、时代之变、历史之变，中国式现代化理论既是中国共产党“为中国人民谋幸福、为中华民族谋复兴”这一初心使命的理论表达，更是中国共产党“为人类谋进步、为世界谋大同”这一天下情怀的思想概括，这样的现代化符合时代需要，顺应世界大势，回应人类关切，契合人民愿景，充满智慧力量，必然成为发展中国家以独立自主、自觉自信的精神姿态阔步迈向现代化的光辉典范。

In essence, Chinese-path modernization is a new type of people-centered modernization. It not only profoundly contains the common features and internal logic of the modernizations of all countries, but also fully embodies the distinctive characteristics and value positions based on China’s national conditions. The theory of Chinese-path modernization is a theory of modernization that “comes from the people, is for the people, serves the people and benefits the people.” It not only draws inexhaustible sources of innovation from the people’s creative practice, but also demonstrates the immense power of truth in the people’s creative practice. Based on this, to strengthen confidence in the theory of Chinese-path modernization is, in the final analysis, to strengthen the confidence of Party members, cadres and the masses in the scientific nature, truthfulness, correctness and practicality of the theory of Chinese-path modernization deep in their hearts. On the one hand, we should enhance the foundation of confidence from the theory’s reasonable answers and effective responses to major contemporary practical problems. The classic Marxist writers tell us: “Theory is capable of convincing the masses as soon as it demonstrates ad hominem, as soon as it becomes radical. To be radical is to grasp things by the root.” [2]2 Karl Marx, “Introduction to a Contribution to the Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right,” in Marx and Engels, Collected Works, vol. 3 (Moscow: Progress Publishers, 1975), p. 182. The Chinese text here uses a slightly different phrasing from the standard English translation; the rendering follows the Chinese. The theory of Chinese-path modernization is a scientific answer with Chinese characteristics, Chinese style, Chinese quality and Chinese manner, made by the Communist Party of China uniting and leading the Chinese people, based on China’s practice within the world landscape, on the basis of deeply grasping the laws of the development of human society, the laws of socialist construction and the laws of Communist Party governance, and firmly grasping the fundamental issues and essential connotations of modernization. This is the inevitable product and theoretical achievement of the combination of the universal principles of Marxism with the concrete reality of China’s modernization in the historical process of the simultaneous advancement of the globalization and nationalization of Marxism. Such a theory will never let down the great era, nor will it ever let down the broad masses of the people, and it is worthy of our firm belief in it. On the other hand, we should strengthen the power of confidence from the theory’s correct guidance and powerful impetus to major contemporary social practices. Marx pointed out: “Theory also becomes a material force as soon as it has gripped the masses. Theory is capable of gripping the masses as soon as it demonstrates ad hominem.” [3]3 Ibid. In the long course of struggle, the theory of Chinese-path modernization, with its powerful internal force, has led the Chinese nation to complete in just a few decades the civilizational path that Western capitalist countries took several hundred years to traverse, initiating the great historical process from standing up and growing rich to becoming strong. In a sense, the theory of Chinese-path modernization has not only completely renewed the development direction and overall appearance of the Chinese nation in the New Era, but has also transformed the spiritual landscape and spiritual posture of the broad masses of the people. The theory of Chinese-path modernization is a sharp ideological weapon for the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people to comprehensively build a modern socialist country and comprehensively advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It will surely continuously empower and assist the masses, and will surely maximize the gathering and unleashing of the immense power of the masses to understand and transform the world, thereby consolidating the mass foundation and historical foundation of theoretical confidence in a fundamental sense.

从本质上看，中国式现代化是一种以人民为中心的新型现代化，既深刻蕴含了各国现代化的共同特征和内在理路，也充分体现了基于中国国情的鲜明特色和价值立场。中国式现代化理论是“来自人民、为了人民、服务人民、造福人民”的现代化理论，既从人民的创造性实践中汲取不竭的创新源泉，也在人民的创造性实践中彰显磅礴的真理伟力。基于此，坚定中国式现代化理论的自信，归根到底是要在心灵深处坚定广大党员干部和人民群众对中国式现代化理论的科学性、真理性、正确性、实践性的自信。一方面，从中国式现代化理论对当代重大现实问题的合理解答和有效回应中增强自信的底气。马克思主义经典作家告诉我们：“理论只要彻底，就能说服人。所谓彻底，就是抓住事物的根本。”中国式现代化理论是中国共产党团结带领中国人民立足于世界格局下的中国实践，在深刻把握人类社会发展规律、社会主义建设规律、共产党执政规律的基础上，紧紧抓住现代化的根本问题和本质内涵所作出的具有中国特色、中国风格、中国品质、中国气度的科学回答。这是马克思主义普遍原理在世界化与民族化一体推进的历史进程中，与中国现代化具体实际相结合的必然产物和理论成果，这样的理论绝不会辜负伟大的时代，也绝不会辜负广大人民群众，值得我们对其保持坚定的信念。另一方面，要从中国式现代化理论对当代重大社会实践的正确引领和强大助推中强化自信的力量。马克思指出，“理论一经掌握群众，也会变成物质力量。理论只要能说服人，就能掌握群众”。在长期的奋斗历程中，中国式现代化理论以其强大的内在力量，引领中华民族在短短的几十年中就走完了西方资本主义国家用几百年才走完的文明道路，开启了从站起来到富起来再到强起来的伟大历史进程。从某种意义上讲，中国式现代化理论不仅使新时代中华民族的发展路向和整体面貌焕然一新，而且使广大人民群众的精神格局和精神姿态为之一变。中国式现代化理论是中国共产党和中国人民全面建设社会主义现代化国家、全面推进中华民族伟大复兴的锐利思想武器，必将源源不断地为人民大众赋能助力，必将最大限度地凝聚激发人民大众认识世界和改造世界的磅礴力量，从而在根本意义上夯实理论自信的群众基础和历史基础。

IV. Realizing the Self-Strengthening of the Theory of Chinese-Path Modernization

四、实现中国式现代化理论的自强

Alongside the Chinese nation’s journey from decline toward rejuvenation, in the course of a hundred-plus years of a magnificent and stirring struggle interweaving suffering and glory, the reasons why the Communist Party of China has been able to succeed are many-sided, multi-dimensional and multi-layered. Among them, theoretical self-strengthening is an extremely important code of success. The report of the 20th National Congress of the CPC emphasized that “having the guidance of Marxism as a scientific theory is the fundamental reason why our Party has firm faith and conviction and can seize the historical initiative.” [n4] Looking through modern Chinese history, it is not difficult to discover that after the Opium War, in the face of an ever-deepening national crisis, different social groups and political forces, closely revolving around the practical theme of “where is China headed,” proceeded from their respective standpoints and used different methods to carry out arduous and extraordinary explorations of the path. After the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, the Westernization Movement, the Hundred Days’ Reform, and the Xinhai Revolution successively appeared on the stage yet regrettably ended in failure, the Communist Party of China, born with an inherent mission, emerged as the times required and advanced under a heavy burden. In the long-term revolutionary practice and the cruel test of reality, it learned from its bitter experiences, had the courage to transcend, drew the bloody and tearful lessons of history, and deeply recognized and profoundly understood that: “For a nation to stand at the forefront of the times, it cannot for a moment do without theoretical thinking, nor can it for a moment do without correct ideological guidance.” [n5] Based on this high degree of theoretical self-awareness, the Communist Party of China, in the practice of its century-long struggle, has always insisted on taking Marxist theory as its spiritual banner, theoretical weapon and guide to action, while simultaneously mobilizing the entire Party’s strength to promote the Sinicization, adaptation to the times, and popularization of Marxism. Thus, through theoretical self-strengthening, it has led and promoted its own development, growth and enduring vitality, creatively expanding and advancing the path of Chinese-path modernization. History and reality, with irrefutable facts, show that theoretical self-strengthening is an important engine, internal driving force and firm support for a Marxist political party to stand bravely at the forefront of the times, overcome all difficulties, realize self-revolution, and lead social development.

伴随着中华民族从沉沦走向复兴的步伐，在百余年苦难与辉煌交织的波澜壮阔的奋斗历程中，中国共产党之所以能，其原因是多方面、多维度、多层级的，其中理论自强是极为重要的成功密码。党的二十大报告强调，“拥有马克思主义科学理论指导是我们党坚定信仰信念、把握历史主动的根本所在”。透过中国近现代史不难发现，在鸦片战争之后，面对日益深重的民族危机，不同的社会群体和政治力量紧紧围绕“中国向何处去”的现实主题，从各自的立场出发，运用不同方式进行了艰苦卓绝的道路探索。在太平天国、洋务运动、戊戌变法、辛亥革命先后出场而又遗憾收场之后，天生自带使命的中国共产党应运而生、负重前行，在长期的革命实践和残酷的现实考验中痛定思痛，勇于超越，汲取历史的血泪教训，深刻认识并深切体悟到：“一个民族要走在时代前列，就一刻不能没有理论思维，一刻不能没有正确思想指引。”基于这样的高度理论自觉，中国共产党在百年奋斗的实践中始终坚持把马克思主义理论作为自己的精神旗帜、理论武器和行动指南，同时举全党之力推动马克思主义的中国化、时代化、大众化，从而以理论自强引领并推动了自身的发展壮大和基业长青，创造性地拓展并推进了中国式现代化道路。历史和现实以无可辩驳的事实昭示：理论自强是马克思主义政党勇立时代潮头、战胜一切困难、实现自我革命、引领社会发展的重要引擎、内驱动力和坚强支撑。

In what respects is the theoretical self-strengthening of Chinese-path modernization strong? “Theoretical self-strengthening” is a collective concept with rich connotations, logically containing multiple implications such as a strong theoretical core, a strong mass base, strong social influence and strong developmental momentum. First, from the perspective of the theoretical core, Chinese-path modernization fully absorbs the essence and quintessence of fine traditional Chinese culture, comprehensively integrates the basic principles of scientific socialism, and simultaneously draws on and absorbs all outstanding achievements of human civilization. It promotes the coordinated development of material civilization, political civilization, cultural-ethical progress, social civilization and ecological civilization, creating a new path of Chinese-path modernization and manifesting a new form of human civilization. The unique worldview, values, view of history, view of civilization, view of democracy, view of ecology, etc., that it contains collectively embody the new understanding and profound grasp of the inherent laws of modernization by the Communists of China in the New Era, and at the same time inject new contemporary connotations into the innovative development of Marxism, especially Marxism that has been adapted to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. Second, from the perspective of the mass base, Chinese-path modernization is in essence a people-centered modernization, and from theory to practice it runs through the fundamental stance and value concept of being people-centered. It focuses on the entire 1.4 billion-plus Chinese population entering a modernized society as a whole, insists on taking the realization of all the people’s aspiration for a better life as the starting point and ultimate goal of modernization, and strives to achieve common prosperity for all the people on the basis of high-quality development. In this sense, Chinese-path modernization theory is a theory that comes from the people, is for the people, and benefits the people. It originates from the people’s creative practice and simultaneously leads the people’s creative practice. Its strong mass base is something that the capital-centered Western modernization theory cannot match. Third, from the perspective of social influence, the emergence of Chinese-path modernization can be called a major event that will go down in history, having great practical significance and far-reaching historical significance for the development of the Chinese nation and even the progress of human civilization. On the one hand, it is a path to a strong country and a path to rejuvenation independently explored by the Communist Party of China leading the Chinese people on the basis of a century of struggle. It is a bright avenue and a broad road for comprehensively building a modern socialist country and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It conforms to China’s national conditions, embodies China’s characteristics, and highlights China’s strength. On the other hand, it is a model work that explores a way out for the world based on China’s practice and uses Chinese wisdom to solve world problems. It expands a completely new path choice for the vast number of developing countries to independently move toward modernization, and provides a practical and referable Chinese solution for all of humanity to explore the construction of a better social system. It follows the general trend of development, adapts to world currents, and conforms to human welfare. Fourth, from the perspective of developmental momentum, Chinese-path modernization is a new type of modernization path that connects history and reality, integrates tradition and the future, and links China and the world. Compared with Western modernization, it breaks through the ideological shackles and logical constraints centered on capital, and stands at the just stance and value height of being people-centered. From the yardstick of the unity of truth and value, it is more in line with the general trend and inherent logic of the development of human society, more in tune with the value identification and inner pursuit of the vast majority of the people, and more in line with the authentic state and inherent laws of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the historic achievements and pattern-changing transformations that the Party and the people have made in exploring and practicing modernization on Chinese soil give us ample reason to firmly believe that Chinese-path modernization itself possesses strong vitality, appeal, affinity and influence, and will inevitably be recognized, understood and referenced by more and more nations and peoples worldwide.

中国式现代化的理论自强，强在何处？“理论自强”是一个内涵丰富的集合性概念，在逻辑上包含强大理论内核、强大群众基础、强大社会影响和强大发展后劲等多重意蕴。第一，从理论内核来看，中国式现代化充分汲取中华优秀传统文化的精髓精华，全面贯通科学社会主义的基本原则，同时也借鉴吸收一切人类优秀文明成果，推动物质文明、政治文明、精神文明、社会文明、生态文明协调发展，创造了中国式现代化新道路，展现了人类文明新形态。它所蕴含的独特世界观、价值观、历史观、文明观、民主观、生态观等，集中体现了新时代的中国共产党人对现代化内在规律的全新认识和深刻把握，同时为马克思主义尤其是中国化时代化的马克思主义的创新发展注入了新的时代内涵。第二，从群众基础来看，中国式现代化在本质上是以人民为中心的现代化，从理论到实践都贯穿着以人民为中心的根本立场和价值理念。其着眼于我国十四亿多人口整体迈进现代化社会，坚持把实现全体人民对美好生活的向往作为现代化建设的出发点和落脚点，着力于在高质量发展的基础上实现全体人民共同富裕。从这个意义上讲，中国式现代化理论是来自人民、为了人民、造福人民的理论，既来源于人民的创造性实践，又引领人民的创造性实践，其强大的群众基础是以资本为中心的西方现代化理论所不能比拟的。第三，从社会影响来看，中国式现代化的出场堪称彪炳史册的重大事件，对中华民族发展乃至人类文明进步具有重大现实意义和深远历史意义。一方面，它是中国共产党带领中国人民在百年奋斗的基础上自主探索出来的强国之路、复兴之路，是全面建成社会主义现代化强国、实现中华民族伟大复兴的光明大道、康庄大道，符合中国的国情，体现中国的特色，彰显中国的力量。另一方面，它是立足以中国实践探索世界出路、用中国智慧解决世界难题的典范之作，为广大发展中国家独立自主地迈向现代化拓展了全新的路径选择，为整个人类探索构建更好社会制度提供了切实可鉴的中国方案，顺应发展大势，适应世界潮流，符合人类福祉。第四，从发展后劲来看，中国式现代化是一条贯通历史与现实、融通传统与未来、连通中国与世界的新型现代化道路。与西方现代化相比，它突破了以资本为中心的思想桎梏和逻辑束缚，站在了以人民为中心的公正立场和价值高度。从真理与价值相统一的尺度来看，它更顺应人类社会发展的总体趋势与内在逻辑，更契合最广大人民的价值认同和内在追求，更符合人与自然和谐共生的本真状态和内在规律。党的十八大以来，党和人民立足中华大地探索和实践现代化所取得的历史性成就、所推动的格局性变化，让我们有充足的理由坚信：中国式现代化本身具有强大的生命力、感召力、亲和力、影响力，必将在世界范围内为越来越多的民族和人民所认同、理解及借鉴。

Rooted in the land of China, facing the world and the future, how can the theoretical self-strengthening of Chinese-path modernization be achieved? This is a special and complex systemic project that must grasp internal laws, seize key links for breakthroughs, and thereby achieve systematic advancement through holistic thinking, systematic thinking, dialectical thinking, open thinking and innovative thinking. First, efforts must be made to promote the high unity of theory and practice. The unity of theory and practice is the proper meaning of theoretical self-strengthening. Only a theory that is generated from practice, empowered in practice, and maintains intrinsic interaction and high consistency with ever-changing practice can truly become the essence and marrow of the times, the herald and guide of the times, and can display strong vitality, influence and appeal in the process of leading and promoting practice. The theory of Chinese-path modernization must be deeply rooted in the great practice of comprehensively advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and comprehensively building a modern socialist country. It must not only continuously tap the sources of theory from practice and fully absorb the wisdom and strength of the people, but also effectively transform into the people's active power to understand and transform the world in the process of guiding practice. Only with the high unity of theory and practice as a powerful driving force can the theory of Chinese-path modernization truly "stand up" and "become strong," and its internal vitality and external influence can then be continuously strengthened. Second, efforts must be made to promote a two-way convergence between the masses and theory. Marx pointed out: "The degree to which the masses are 'concerned' about the purpose, and the degree of 'enthusiasm' the masses have for these purposes. 'Idea' will inevitably make itself look ridiculous once it is separated from 'interest.'" [6]6 Karl Marx, "The Holy Family," Chapter 7, Section 2. The full passage discusses the relationship between ideas, interests, and the masses. History is the activity of the masses. The masses do not overly focus on the profundity and systematicity of theory, but rather on whether practice under the guidance of theory can meet their own development needs and fit specific actual conditions. Unlike other theories in the history of human thought, Marxist theory is essentially a theory of the masses. It comes from the practice of the masses, embodies the will of the masses, condenses the strength of the masses, and safeguards the interests of the masses. The relationship between the masses and scientific theory is not a one-way passive relationship of transmission, but a two-way interactive relationship of convergence. The masses need their own scientific theory as a sharp spiritual weapon in practice, and scientific theory can only be transformed into a powerful material force when grasped by the masses in practice. The theory of Chinese-path modernization is not a text or document in the study of theorists, but a genuine crystallization of the wisdom of the masses in the process of exploring and advancing the path of modernization. Only by fundamentally adhering to a people-centered approach, taking the people's internal needs as the logical starting point, the people's innovative practice as the theoretical source, the people's main force as the driving force for development, and the people's fundamental interests as the value destination [7]7 The pursuit of spiritual belonging (归宿)., can the theory of Chinese-path modernization maximize the gathering and stimulating of the people's mighty strength. Third, efforts must be made to promote organic integration between China and the world. Marxist theory reveals the laws of human social development from a world perspective, providing the Communist Party of China with a scientific worldview and methodology to unite and lead the Chinese people to fundamentally change and transform China. At the same time, Marxism adapted to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, by guiding China's practice and leading China's development, creatively provides Chinese answers and Chinese solutions for solving universal problems of the world and finding fundamental ways out. In a sense, the theory of Chinese-path modernization is an extremely important ideological bond linking China and the world. From the broad perspective of the progress of human civilization, the theory of Chinese-path modernization must not only accurately grasp the special laws of China's realization of its own modernization, but also scientifically grasp the general laws of the world's march toward modernization. "We must examine the trends of world development and the major issues facing the world today from the height of world history." [8]8 Xi Jinping, "Speech at a Meeting Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Karl Marx," May 4, 2018. Only by elevating the practical exploration of Chinese-path modernization to the choice of paths for world modernization can the theory of Chinese-path modernization truly stand at the forefront of the world and be noticed and accepted by more and more people.

扎根中华大地，面向世界和未来，如何实现中国式现代化的理论自强？这是一项特殊而又复杂的系统工程，必须以整体思维、系统思维、辩证思维、开放思维和创新思维，把握内在规律、抓住关键环节加以重点突破，进而实现系统推进。第一，要着力推动理论与实践的高度统一。理论与实践的统一是实现理论自强的应有之义。只有从实践中生成、在实践中赋能且与不断变化着的实践始终保持内在互动和高度一致的理论，才能真正成为时代的精华和精髓，成为时代的先声和先导，才能在引领和推动实践的过程中展现强大的生命力、影响力、感召力。中国式现代化的理论必须深深扎根于全面推进中华民族伟大复兴和全面建设社会主义现代化国家的伟大实践中，既要从实践中不断开掘理论的源泉，充分汲取人民群众的智慧和力量，又要在指导实践的过程中有效转化为人民群众认识和改造世界的能动力量。只有以理论与实践的高度统一作为强大推动力，中国式现代化理论才能真正“立起来”“强起来”，其内在活力和外在影响力才能随之不断强化。第二，要着力推动大众与理论之间的双向奔赴。马克思指出：“群众对目的究竟‘关注’到什么程度，群众对这些目的究竟怀有多大‘热情’。‘思想’一旦离开‘利益’，就一定会使自己出丑。”历史是群众的活动，群众并不过分注重理论的深刻性、系统性，而是注重理论指导下的实践能否符合自身发展需求、能否贴合具体实际情况。与人类思想史上的其他理论不同，马克思主义理论本质上是人民大众的理论，既来自人民大众的实践，也体现人民大众的意愿，还凝聚人民大众的力量，更维护人民大众的利益。人民大众与科学理论之间不是一种单向传递的受动关系，而是一种双向奔赴的互动关系。人民大众在实践中需要有属于自己的科学理论作为锐利的精神武器，而科学理论只有在实践中被人民大众掌握才能转化为强大的物质力量。中国式现代化理论不是理论家书斋里的文本文献，而是人民大众在探索和推进现代化道路过程中实实在在的智慧结晶。只有从根本上坚持以人民为中心，以人民的内在需求作为逻辑起点，以人民的创新实践作为理论源泉，以人民的主体力量作为发展动力，以人民的根本利益作为价值归宿，中国式现代化理论才能最大限度汇聚和激发人民群众的磅礴力量。第三，要着力推动中国与世界之间的有机融通。马克思主义理论从世界的视角揭示人类社会发展规律，为中国共产党团结带领中国人民从根本上改变、改造中国提供了科学世界观和方法论。与此同时，中国化时代化的马克思主义又通过指导中国的实践、引领中国的发展，创造性地为解决世界的普遍性问题和找寻根本性出路提供了中国答案和中国方案。从某种意义上讲，中国式现代化理论是贯通中国与世界的一条极为重要的思想纽带。从人类文明进步的大视角来看，中国式现代化理论不仅要精准把握中国实现自身现代化的特殊规律，而且要科学把握世界走向现代化的一般规律。“我们要站在世界历史的高度审视当今世界发展趋势和面临的重大问题”,只有把中国式现代化的实践探索升华到世界现代化的路径选择，才能真正让中国式现代化理论勇立世界潮头，被越来越多的人所关注和接受。

V. Systematically Grasping the Self-Awareness, Self-Confidence and Self-Strengthening of the Theory of Chinese-Path Modernization

五、系统把握中国式现代化理论的自觉自信自强

Realizing modernization is not only the great dream that the Chinese people have striven for with unremitting determination despite hardships since modern times, but also the beautiful vision that people of the world sincerely pursue on the basis of seeking common ground while reserving differences. Based on different national conditions, histories and cultures, countries of the world should voluntarily and independently choose the modernization model most suitable for themselves. Their specific paths toward modernization are rich and diverse, each with its own characteristics, jointly converging into a colorful picture of human modernization where a hundred flowers bloom, each shines in its own light, each beauty is beautiful, and beauty is shared by all. [9]9 A classical Chinese aesthetic ideal: "each beauty is beautiful, and beauty is shared by all" (各美其美，美美与共) is a phrase popularized by sociologist Fei Xiaotong, advocating mutual appreciation of different civilizations. Chinese-path modernization, as a modernization model with profound heritage and unique characteristics, logically contains a powerful force that traverses time and space, crosses national borders, surmounts chasms, and transcends differences, vividly displaying a brilliant prospect that integrates the radiance of theory, the brilliance of history, and the luster of the times. In this regard, General Secretary Xi Jinping particularly emphasized: "We will always closely link our own destiny with the destiny of the people of all countries, strive to provide new opportunities for world development with the new achievements of Chinese-path modernization, provide new impetus for humanity's exploration of the path to modernization, and make new contributions to the innovation of the theory and practice of human social modernization." [10]10 Xi Jinping, "Keynote Speech at the High-Level Dialogue between the Communist Party of China and World Political Parties," March 15, 2023. Whether from China's perspective or from a world perspective, advancing Chinese-path modernization can be regarded as a great undertaking with pioneering, leading, forward-looking and transcendent qualities. A great undertaking inevitably calls for a great theory. The greatness of the latter lies not only in its political height and philosophical depth, but also in its consistent people's standpoint and people's sentiment. Ultimately, it must be recognized by the broad masses of the people and transformed into a powerful ideological weapon for them to correctly understand the world and actively transform it. Based on the New Era, a new starting point, and a new journey, to make overall plans and integratively advance the theoretical innovation and theoretical arming of Chinese-path modernization, the urgent task and fundamental move lies in fundamentally strengthening the broad masses' self-awareness, self-confidence and self-strengthening regarding the theory of Chinese-path modernization.

实现现代化不仅是近代以来中国人民历经苦难仍矢志奋斗的伟大梦想，也是世界人民在求同存异的基础上诚心追求的美好愿景。基于不同的国情、历史、文化，世界各国应自愿自主地选择最适合自身的现代化模式，其走向现代化的具体道路丰富多样、各具特色，共同汇成人类现代化百花齐放、交相辉映、各美其美、美美与共的缤纷画卷。中国式现代化作为底蕴深厚、独具特色的现代化模式，逻辑地蕴含着穿越时空、跨越国界、逾越鸿沟、超越差异的强大力量，生动地展现出集理论光芒、历史光辉、时代光彩于一体的灿烂前景。对此，习近平总书记特别强调：“我们将始终把自身命运同各国人民的命运紧紧联系在一起，努力以中国式现代化新成就为世界发展提供新机遇，为人类对现代化道路的探索提供新助力，为人类社会现代化理论和实践创新作出新贡献。”无论是从中国的视域还是从世界的视野来看，推进中国式现代化都堪称一项具有开创性、引领性、前瞻性、超越性的伟大事业。伟大的事业必然呼唤伟大的理论，后者的伟大之处不仅在于其政治高度和哲学深度，同时也体现为一以贯之的人民立场和人民情怀，归根到底要为广大人民群众所认同，转化为其正确认识世界和能动改造世界的强大思想武器。立足新时代、新起点、新征程，统筹谋划、一体推进中国式现代化的理论创新和理论武装，当务之急和根本之举在于从根本上强化广大人民群众对中国式现代化理论的自觉自信自强。

The self-awareness, self-confidence and self-strengthening of the theory of Chinese-path modernization are vividly manifested in the vivid practice of comprehensively advancing the building of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese-path modernization. In the current and future period, our Party will unite and lead the people of all ethnic groups across the country, with high morale, to march on the journey of comprehensively advancing Chinese-path modernization. We must not only deeply recognize the contemporary significance of a high-level socialist market economy system as an important guarantee for Chinese-path modernization and high-quality development as the primary task of comprehensively building a modern socialist country, but also firmly grasp the practical requirements of education, science and technology, and talent as the foundational and strategic support for Chinese-path modernization. We must not only deeply understand the value implications of integrated urban-rural development as an inevitable requirement of Chinese-path modernization and openness as a distinctive symbol of Chinese-path modernization, but also deeply appreciate the practical significance of developing whole-process people's democracy as an essential requirement of Chinese-path modernization and law-based governance as an important guarantee of Chinese-path modernization. We must not only fully understand the two fundamental characteristics of Chinese-path modernization — that it is the modernization of material civilization and cultural-ethical progress in harmony, and the modernization of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature — but also systematically plan the three important fulcrums: ensuring and improving people's livelihoods in development as a major task of Chinese-path modernization, national security as an important foundation for the steady and long-term progress of Chinese-path modernization, and the modernization of national defense and the armed forces as an important component of Chinese-path modernization. We must not only unswervingly uphold the Party's leadership as the fundamental guarantee for further comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese-path modernization, but also clearly demonstrate the international demeanor of Chinese-path modernization as a modernization that follows the path of peaceful development. These fourteen aspects [11]11 The fourteen aspects refer to the fourteen-point framework for Chinese-path modernization outlined in the report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC (October 2022), covering areas from economic system to international relations. closely revolve around the theme of Chinese-path modernization. They each have their own focus, form independent chapters, and display their own characteristics, yet they are internally connected, deeply integrated, and mutually supportive, forming an organic and unified whole.

中国式现代化理论的自觉自信自强生动呈现在以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业的生动实践之中。当前和今后的一个时期，我们党将团结和带领全国各族人民，以高昂的姿态，奔赴在统筹推进中国式现代化的征程上。我们不仅要深刻认识到高水平社会主义市场经济体制作为中国式现代化重要保障、高质量发展作为全面建设社会主义现代化国家首要任务的时代意蕴，而且要牢牢把握住教育、科技、人才作为中国式现代化基础性、战略性支撑的实践要求。不仅要深入领会城乡融合发展作为中国式现代化必然要求、开放作为中国式现代化鲜明标识的价值意蕴，而且要深切体悟发展全过程人民民主作为中国式现代化本质要求、法治作为中国式现代化重要保障的现实意义。不仅要充分理解中国式现代化是物质文明和精神文明相协调的现代化、人与自然和谐共生的现代化这两个根本特性，而且要系统谋划发展中保障和改善民生作为中国式现代化的重大任务、国家安全作为中国式现代化行稳致远的重要基础、国防和军队现代化作为中国式现代化的重要组成部分这三个重要支点。不仅要毫不动摇地坚持党的领导这一进一步全面深化改革、推进中国式现代化的根本保证，而且要旗帜鲜明地彰显中国式现代化作为走和平发展道路的现代化所具有的国际风范。这十四个方面紧紧围绕中国式现代化的主题，既各有侧重、独立成章、各显特色，又内在贯通、深度融合、相互支撑，形成一个有机统一的整体。

On this basis, although the self-awareness, self-confidence and self-strengthening of Chinese-path modernization theory belong to different levels and different domains, they are internally unified in the scientific grasp and conscious practice of the grand theme of Chinese-path modernization, and the three have a dialectical relationship of mutual complementarity, mutual connection and inseparability. Theoretical self-awareness is the fundamental prerequisite and cognitive foundation of theoretical self-confidence and theoretical self-strengthening; theoretical self-confidence is the internal driving force and important support for theoretical self-awareness and theoretical self-strengthening; theoretical self-strengthening is the integrated sublimation and practical reinforcement of theoretical self-awareness and theoretical self-confidence. In this sense, it is necessary to take a higher political stance, a deeper political sentiment and a stronger political resolve to scientifically plan and systematically advance the systematic, theoretical, popularized and diversified dissemination of Chinese-path modernization theory, and, from the height of cultivating new generations capable of shouldering the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation [12]12 The phrase “new generations capable of shouldering the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” (担当民族复兴大任的时代新人) is a standard formulation in CPC discourse, referring to the ideal socialist citizens to be cultivated under Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era., to guide and impel the broad masses of the people to continuously strengthen their self-awareness of Chinese-path modernization theory in practice, firmly consolidate their self-confidence in Chinese-path modernization theory, and strive to realize the self-strengthening of Chinese-path modernization theory, and the three cannot be attended to one at the expense of another or favored over another, but must be advanced as one and advanced continuously. Tracing back to the source, the most fundamental and crucial point lies in consistently upholding the leading role of the Communist Party of China in the construction of Chinese-path modernization. From the perspective of the theory of practice and systems theory, the Party’s leadership not only fundamentally determines the fundamental nature and value stance of Chinese-path modernization, but also institutionally ensures that Chinese-path modernization can anchor its struggle goals and proceed steadily and far-reachingly; more importantly, it is at the source that it “stimulates the strong driving force for constructing Chinese-path modernization” and “gathers the mighty power for constructing Chinese-path modernization.” In this sense, the Party’s leadership at the practical level directly concerns the fundamental direction and future destiny of Chinese-path modernization, and it naturally also directly determines the generation, innovation and sublimation of Chinese-path modernization theory. Only by unwaveringly upholding the Party’s leadership and making every effort to transform Chinese-path modernization from a beautiful vision in the heart into a tangible and perceptible good life can the practical power of Chinese-path modernization theory be demonstrated, and can the self-awareness, self-confidence and self-strengthening of Chinese-path modernization theory be continuously reinforced.

基于此，中国式现代化理论的自觉自信自强虽分属不同层次、不同领域，却内在统一于对中国式现代化这一宏大主题的科学把握和自觉践行，三者之间具有相辅相成、彼此关联、密不可分的辩证关系。理论自觉是理论自信和理论自强的根本前提和认识基础，理论自信是理论自觉和理论自强的内在动力和重要支撑，理论自强是理论自觉和理论自信的集成升华和实践强化。从这个意义上讲，必须以更高的政治站位、更深的政治情怀、更强的政治定力，科学谋划和系统推进中国式现代化理论的体系化学理化阐释和大众化多样化传播，从培养担当民族复兴大任的时代新人的高度，引导并推动广大人民群众在实践中不断强化中国式现代化理论的自觉，切实坚定中国式现代化理论的自信，奋力实现中国式现代化理论的自强，且三者之间不能顾此失彼、厚此薄彼，必须一体推进、持续推进。追根溯源，最根本、最关键的就在于始终坚持中国共产党在中国式现代化建设中的领导地位。从实践论和系统论的视角看，党的领导不但在根本上决定着中国式现代化的根本性质和价值立场，而且在制度上确保中国式现代化能够锚定奋斗目标、行稳致远，更重要的是在本源上“激发建设中国式现代化的强劲动力”并“凝聚建设中国式现代化的磅礴力量”。从这个意义上讲，党的领导在实践层面直接关系中国式现代化的根本方向和前途命运，理所当然也直接决定着中国式现代化理论的生成、创新和升华。只有毫不动摇地坚持党的领导，全力推动中国式现代化从心之所向的美好愿景转化为切实可感的美好生活，才能彰显中国式现代化理论的实践伟力，才能不断强化中国式现代化理论的自觉自信自强。

(The author is a specially invited researcher at the Hunan Agricultural University Base of the Hunan Provincial Contemporary Chinese Marxism Research Center, and Dean, Professor and Master’s Supervisor of the School of Marxism at Hunan Agricultural University.)

（作者系湖南省当代中国马克思主义研究中心湖南农业大学基地特约研究员，湖南农业大学马克思主义学院院长、教授、硕士生导师）

Online editor: Ma Jingren

网络编辑：马京仁