Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law Is a Model of Upholding the “Two Integrations”

General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “To develop socialism with Chinese characteristics on the deep foundation of more than 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, it is a necessary path to integrate the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with the best of traditional Chinese culture. This is a law-like understanding we have gained in exploring the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics.” [n1] “‘The Two Integrations’ are the greatest magic weapon for our success.” Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law is a major theoretical innovation that integrates Marxist legal theory with the specific realities of China’s rule-of-law construction and with the best of traditional Chinese legal culture. It is a shining model of upholding the “Two Integrations” to continuously innovate and develop the theory of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics. To thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, we must not only systematically grasp its core essence, spiritual substance, rich connotations, and practical requirements, but also deeply understand and thoroughly comprehend its scientific methods, so as to achieve integrated application and better promote the continuous development, enrichment, and improvement of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law as it advances in tandem with the great practice of building the rule of law under socialism with Chinese characteristics.

习近平总书记指出：“在五千多年中华文明深厚基础上开辟和发展中国特色社会主义，把马克思主义基本原理同中国具体实际、同中华优秀传统文化相结合是必由之路。这是我们在探索中国特色社会主义道路中得出的规律性认识”“‘两个结合’是我们取得成功的最大法宝”。习近平法治思想是把马克思主义法治理论同中国法治建设具体实际相结合、同中华优秀传统法律文化相结合的重大理论创新成果，是坚持“两个结合”不断创新发展中国特色社会主义法治理论的光辉典范。深入学习贯彻习近平法治思想，不仅要系统掌握其核心要义、精神实质、丰富内涵、实践要求，还要学深悟透习近平法治思想的科学方法，做到融会贯通运用，更好推动习近平法治思想随着中国特色社会主义法治建设伟大实践深入推进而持续发展、不断丰富、更加完善。

Upholding the “Two Integrations” Is the Methodological Essence of the Continuous Development of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law

坚持“两个结合”是习近平法治思想不断发展的方法精髓

Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law is a scientific theoretical achievement of the Communist Party of China in advancing the Sinicization of Marxist legal theory. It is grounded in the realities of rule-of-law construction in China in the New Era and the deep cultural foundation of Chinese legal civilization, systematically summarizing the practical experience of law-based governance in all respects and fully absorbing the essence of the best of traditional Chinese legal culture. It is the successful application of the scientific method of the “Two Integrations” in the field of rule-of-law construction. Upholding the “Two Integrations” is the greatest magic weapon end

习近平法治思想是中国共产党在推进马克思主义法治理论中国化进程中，立足新时代法治中国建设实际和中华法治文明深厚文化基础，系统总结全面依法治国实践经验、充分汲取中华优秀传统法律文化精华取得的科学理论成果，是“两个结合”科学方法在法治建设领域的成功运用。坚持“两个结合”是习近平法治思想具有深邃科学性、鲜明主体性、强大生命力的最大法宝，是贯穿习近平法治思想形成发展进程的方法精髓。

It embodies profound scientificity. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “A theoretical leap is not reflected in the novelty of words and phrases, nor in the self-consistency of logic; ultimately, it must be reflected in answering practical questions and leading practical development.” Whether it can answer questions of rule-of-law practice and lead the development of rule-of-law practice is the sole criterion for testing the scientificity and effectiveness of a rule-of-law theory. Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law adheres to the Two Integrations, bases itself on the specific national conditions and the characteristics of the times facing the construction of a rule-of-law China in the New Era, draws on the wisdom of state governance accumulated over the long history of the Chinese nation, insists on proceeding from reality, strengthens problem awareness, continuously responds to major practical issues in the construction of a rule-of-law China, and constantly discovers truth, verifies truth, realizes truth, and develops truth in the combination of theory and practice and the unity of thought and action. It profoundly reveals the rule-of-law code of China’s governance and the correct direction of comprehensive and strict governance of the country according to law, and thus embodies profound scientificity.

体现出深邃的科学性。习近平总书记指出：“理论的飞跃不是体现在词句的标新立异上，也不是体现在逻辑的自洽自证上，归根到底要体现在回答实践问题、引领实践发展上。”能否回答法治实践问题、引领法治实践发展，是检验法治理论科学性、有效性的唯一标准。习近平法治思想坚持“两个结合”，立足新时代法治中国建设面临的具体国情、具有的时代特点，汲取中华民族长期积淀的治国理政智慧，坚持从实际出发、强化问题意识、不断回应法治中国建设的重大现实问题，不断在理论与实践相结合、思想与行动相统一中发现真理、检验真理、实现真理、发展真理，深刻揭示了中国之治的法治密码和全面依法治国的正确方向，具有深邃的科学性。

It manifests a distinct subjectivity. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “Every country and nation has different historical traditions, cultural accumulations, and basic national conditions, so their development paths must have their own characteristics. A country’s governance system and governance capacity are closely related to its historical heritage and cultural traditions. Solving China’s problems can only be done by seeking paths and methods suitable for ourselves on Chinese soil.” Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law adheres to the Two Integrations and realizes the innovative development of the theory of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics. Its significance lies not only in responding to Chinese practice and solving Chinese problems, but also in contributing Chinese wisdom and providing Chinese solutions to the modernization of the rule of law in developing countries and the reform of the global governance system, breaking the pattern in which Western rule-of-law theory is regarded as the sole authority. Adhering to the Two Integrations ensures that Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law pays deep attention to the practical problems facing the construction of a rule-of-law China, profoundly summarizes the unique experience of comprehensive and strict governance of the country according to law, deeply excavates the excellent traditional Chinese legal culture, and puts forward a series of concepts, plans, and propositions that embody Chinese positions, Chinese wisdom, and Chinese values. It fully manifests the unique mode of thinking, spiritual character, and civilizational traits of the Chinese nation, and thus possesses a distinct subjectivity.

彰显出鲜明的主体性。习近平总书记指出：“每个国家和民族的历史传统、文化积淀、基本国情不同，其发展道路必然有着自己的特色。一个国家的治理体系和治理能力是与这个国家的历史传承和文化传统密切相关的。解决中国的问题只能在中国大地上探寻适合自己的道路和办法。”习近平法治思想坚持“两个结合”，实现中国特色社会主义法治理论创新发展，其意义不仅在于回应中国实践、解决中国问题，更在于为发展中国家法治现代化和全球治理体系变革贡献中国智慧、提供中国方案，打破西方法治理论定于一尊的格局。坚持“两个结合”保证了习近平法治思想深度关注法治中国建设面临的现实问题，深刻总结全面依法治国的独特经验，深入挖掘中华优秀传统法律文化，提出一系列体现中国立场、中国智慧、中国价值的理念、方案、主张，充分彰显出中华民族独有的思维方式、精神品格、文明特质，因而具有鲜明的主体性。

It demonstrates a powerful vitality. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “Socialism is not a fixed, unchangeable formula. Only by closely combining the basic principles of scientific socialism with a country’s specific realities, historical and cultural traditions, and the requirements of the times, and by constantly exploring and summing up in practice, can the blueprint be turned into a beautiful reality.” The tree of truth of Marxist rule-of-law theory can only take root and sprout when combined with China’s specific realities; it can only grow luxuriantly when rooted in the fertile cultural soil of Chinese rule-of-law civilization. History and reality both prove that if it is divorced from the specific realities of China’s rule-of-law construction and from the accumulation of more than five thousand years of Chinese civilization, Marxist rule-of-law theory will inevitably become water without a source and a tree without roots. It will neither produce lasting vitality, appeal, or influence, nor gain heartfelt acceptance and recognition from the people. Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law adheres to the Two Integrations, delves deeply into the specific realities of the construction of a rule-of-law China in the New Era, meets the practical needs of comprehensive and strict governance of the country according to law, and is intrinsically connected with the cultural concepts passed down from generation to generation by the Chinese people. The truth

显示出强大的生命力。习近平总书记指出：“社会主义并没有定于一尊、一成不变的套路，只有把科学社会主义基本原则同本国具体实际、历史文化传统、时代要求紧密结合起来，在实践中不断探索总结，才能把蓝图变为美好现实。”马克思主义法治理论的真理之树只有同中国具体实际相结合才能生根发芽，只有植根于中华法治文明的文化沃土才能根深叶茂。历史和现实都证明，如果脱离中国法治建设的具体实际、脱离中华民族五千多年文明史积淀，马克思主义法治理论必然会成为无源之水、无本之木，既不可能产生持久的生命力、感召力、影响力，也不可能得到人民群众发自内心的接受和认同。习近平法治思想坚持“两个结合”，深入新时代法治中国建设具体实际，满足全面依法治国实践需求，并与中国人代代相传的文化观念内在相通。习近平法治思想的真理力量不仅在法治实践中不断得到验证，而且能触及中国人民的心灵深处，因而具有强大的生命力。

A Model for Integrating Marxist Legal Theory with the Concrete Realities of China’s Rule-of-Law Construction

马克思主义法治理论同中国法治建设具体实际相结合的典范

General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “The discipline of law is a highly practical discipline.” [n] To resolve a series of major issues in the construction of a rule-of-law China in the New Era, it is urgently necessary to use a Sinicized Marxist legal theory to observe, interpret, and guide practice. Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law comprehensively implements the scientific method of integrating Marxist legal theory with the concrete realities of China’s rule-of-law construction in such respects as emancipating the mind, seeking truth from facts, keeping pace with the times, and being pragmatic and realistic. It has thus established a model for adhering to the “First Integration” [n] and for providing timely and scientific answers to the practical issues of constructing a rule-of-law China in the New Era.

习近平总书记指出：“法学学科是实践性很强的学科”。解决新时代法治中国建设一系列重大问题，迫切需要用中国化的马克思主义法治理论观察实践、解读实践、引领实践。习近平法治思想从解放思想、实事求是、与时俱进、求真务实等方面，全面贯彻了把马克思主义法治理论同中国法治建设具体实际相结合的科学方法，为坚持“第一个结合”、及时科学解答新时代法治中国建设实践课题树立了典范。

Adhere to Emancipating the Mind. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “When we take Marxism as our guide, we are applying its scientific worldview and methodology to solve China’s problems, not reciting and repeating its specific conclusions and phrases, still less treating Marxism as a rigid dogma.” To integrate Marxist legal theory with the concrete realities of China’s rule-of-law construction, we must adhere to emancipating the mind, break free from the shackles of book worship and dogmatism, and study new situations and new problems in the field of rule of law with a practical perspective. Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law proceeds from the actual problems and practical experience of constructing a rule-of-law China, studying and answering a series of new questions for which there were no ready-made answers in the classical Marxist writers, and putting forward a series of new ideas, new viewpoints, and new judgments that embody Chinese characteristics, practical characteristics, and the characteristics of the times. For example, General Secretary Xi Jinping put forward the original and epochal proposition of “building a system of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics.” From the “system of socialist laws with Chinese characteristics” to the “system of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics,” although only one word differs, this profoundly reflects the breakthrough in Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law’s understanding of the ontological question of “what is rule of law,” achieving a theoretical leap in the connotation of rule of law from “rule by law” centered on national law to “governance by national law and Party regulations” encompassing both national law and intra-Party regulations. Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law creatively incorporates the system of intra-Party regulations into the system of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics, innovatively developing Marxist legal theory and laying the ideological foundation for forming a “grand rule-of-law” pattern in which national law and intra-Party regulations complement, promote, and guarantee each other.

坚持解放思想。习近平总书记指出：“我们坚持以马克思主义为指导，是要运用其科学的世界观和方法论解决中国的问题，而不是要背诵和重复其具体结论和词句，更不能把马克思主义当成一成不变的教条。”把马克思主义法治理论同中国法治建设具体实际相结合，必须坚持解放思想，破除本本主义、教条主义的束缚，以实践眼光研究法治领域的新情况、新问题。习近平法治思想坚持从法治中国建设实际问题和实践经验出发，研究和回答了一系列在马克思主义经典作家那里没有现成答案的新问题，提出了一系列体现中国特色、实践特色、时代特色的新思想、新观点、新论断。譬如，习近平总书记提出了“建设中国特色社会主义法治体系”这一原创性时代性命题。从“中国特色社会主义法律体系”到“中国特色社会主义法治体系”，虽仅一字之差，却深刻反映出习近平法治思想对于“何谓法治”这一本体论问题的认识突破，实现了法治内涵从以国家法律为中心的“法律之治”到既包括国家法律又包括党内法规的“国法党规之治”的理论跨越。习近平法治思想创造性地将党内法规体系纳入中国特色社会主义法治体系，创新发展了马克思主义法治理论，为形成国家法律和党内法规相辅相成、相互促进、相互保障的“大法治”格局奠定了思想基础。

Uphold seeking truth from facts. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “Seeking truth from facts is the fundamental viewpoint of Marxism and the fundamental requirement for Chinese Communists to understand and transform the world; it is our Party’s basic method of thinking, working method, and leadership method.” To integrate the Marxist theory on the rule of law with the concrete realities of China’s rule-of-law construction, we must uphold seeking truth from facts, break free from the shackles of subjectivism, and not disregard national conditions or overstep stages of development. Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law continuously deepens the understanding of the inherent logic and developmental laws of the rule of law, soberly recognizes and correctly grasps the basic national condition that China is still and will long remain in the primary stage of socialism, insists on proceeding from reality and adapting to national conditions, and has put forward a series of scientific judgments that follow the objective laws of the development of human legal civilization and respect the objective realities of rule-of-law construction in China. For example, regarding why rule-of-law construction must focus on the front end and treat disease before it arises, General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “Rule-of-law construction must not only focus on the end result and treat disease after it has arisen, but even more so must focus on the front end and treat disease before it arises. China’s national conditions determine that we cannot become a ‘litigation giant.’ With a population of 1.4 billion, if every big or small matter had to go to court, it would inevitably be an unbearable burden!” This fully demonstrates that we must push more rule-of-law forces toward the guiding and channeling end, improve preventive legal systems, uphold and develop the “Fengqiao experience” in the New Era [3]3 The Second Integration (第二个结合) refers to the integration of the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s excellent traditional culture, as distinct from the First Integration, which was the integration of Marxism with China’s specific realities., and improve the comprehensive mechanism for the diversified prevention, mediation, and resolution of social conflicts and disputes. Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law insists on proceeding from reality in all matters to study and resolve prominent issues in the rule-of-law field that the people strongly reflect upon, insists on integrating theory with practice to formulate and establish correct lines, principles, and policies to guide rule-of-law construction, and thus manifests the theoretical quality of seeking truth from facts.

坚持实事求是。习近平总书记指出：“实事求是，是马克思主义的根本观点，是中国共产党人认识世界、改造世界的根本要求，是我们党的基本思想方法、工作方法、领导方法。”把马克思主义法治理论同中国法治建设具体实际相结合，必须坚持实事求是，破除主观主义的束缚，不能罔顾国情、超越阶段。习近平法治思想不断深化对法治内在逻辑和发展规律的理解，清醒认识和正确把握我国仍处于并将长期处于社会主义初级阶段这个基本国情，坚持从实际出发、与国情相适应，提出了一系列遵循人类法治文明发展客观规律、尊重法治中国建设客观实际的科学论断。譬如，关于法治建设为什么要抓前端、治未病，习近平总书记指出：“法治建设既要抓末端、治已病，更要抓前端、治未病。我国国情决定了我们不能成为‘诉讼大国’。我国有14亿人口，大大小小的事都要打官司，那必然不堪重负！”这充分说明，要推动更多法治力量向引导和疏导端用力，完善预防性法律制度，坚持和发展新时代“枫桥经验”，健全社会矛盾纠纷多元预防调处化解综合机制。习近平法治思想坚持一切从实际出发研究和解决法治领域人民群众反映强烈的突出问题，坚持理论联系实际形成和制定指导法治建设的正确路线方针政策，彰显了实事求是的理论品质。

Uphold advancing with the times. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “Marxism possesses the theoretical quality of advancing with the times.” Marxism is an open theoretical system that continuously develops with the progress of the times, practice, and science; it does not end truth but opens the path to truth. To integrate the Marxist theory on the rule of law with the concrete realities of China’s rule-of-law construction, we must uphold advancing with the times, break free from the shackles of conservative thinking, keenly observe changes in the times, and actively conform to the trends of the times. Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law upholds a grand view of history, grasps the developmental threads and correct direction of world history with a broader vision and a longer-term perspective, understands the great logic and major trends of socialist rule-of-law construction and the development of human legal civilization, and has put forward a series of important judgments that grasp the pulse of the times, highlight the characteristics of the times, and reflect the spirit of the times. For example, regarding why we must uphold the coordinated advancement of domestic rule of law and foreign-related rule of law, General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “The rule of law is an important component of a country’s core competitiveness. At present, the changes unseen in a century are accelerating, peace and development remain the themes of the times, but instability and uncertainty in the international environment have risen markedly, and the COVID-19 pandemic has had a broad and profound impact. China is continuously developing and growing stronger, increasingly moving toward the center of the world stage. We must accelerate the strategic layout of foreign-related rule-of-law work, coordinate the advancement of domestic governance and international governance, and better safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests.” This vividly shows that Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law conforms to the general trend of history, responds to the questions of the times, keeps pace with the steps of social development, scientifically and comprehensively advances the construction of rule-of-law China, and possesses the theoretical self-awareness of advancing with the times.

坚持与时俱进。习近平总书记指出：“马克思主义具有与时俱进的理论品质。”马克思主义是随着时代、实践、科学发展而不断发展的开放的理论体系，它并没有结束真理，而是开辟了通向真理的道路。把马克思主义法治理论同中国法治建设具体实际相结合，必须坚持与时俱进，破除守旧思想的束缚，敏锐观察时代变化、积极顺应时代潮流。习近平法治思想秉持大历史观，以更宽广的视野、更长远的眼光把握世界历史的发展脉络和正确走向，认识社会主义法治建设、人类法治文明发展的大逻辑大趋势，提出了一系列把握时代脉搏、彰显时代特色、反映时代精神的重要论断。譬如，关于为什么要坚持统筹推进国内法治和涉外法治，习近平总书记指出：“法治是国家核心竞争力的重要内容。当前，世界百年未有之大变局加速演变，和平与发展仍然是时代主题，但国际环境不稳定性不确定性明显上升，新冠肺炎疫情大流行影响广泛深远。我国不断发展壮大，日益走近世界舞台中央。要加快涉外法治工作战略布局，协调推进国内治理和国际治理，更好维护国家主权、安全、发展利益。”这生动表明，习近平法治思想顺应历史大势、回应时代之问，紧跟社会发展步伐，科学地、全面地推进法治中国建设，具有与时俱进的理论自觉。

Uphold seeking truth and being pragmatic. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “We must uphold seeking truth and being pragmatic, working earnestly and solidly, actively adapting to new changes in the international and domestic situations, accurately grasping the laws, firmly relying on the people, and striving vigorously to create new prospects in all work.” Seeking truth and being pragmatic is an important method of thinking and working for Communists. To integrate the Marxist theory on the rule of law with the concrete realities of China’s rule-of-law construction, we must uphold seeking truth and being pragmatic, break free from the shackles of formalism, and anchor theoretical innovation in solving practical problems and proposing practical measures. Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law directly confronts the major and difficult issues in the construction of rule-of-law China, establishing a clear work orientation that is reality-oriented, practical, and effective. For example, regarding legislative work, General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “The people’s expectations for legislation

坚持求真务实。习近平总书记指出：“我们要坚持求真务实、真抓实干，积极适应国际国内形势新变化，准确把握规律，紧紧依靠人民，奋发有为开创各项工作新局面”。求真务实是共产党人的重要思想和工作方法。把马克思主义法治理论同中国法治建设具体实际相结合，必须坚持求真务实，破除形式主义的束缚，将理论创新落脚到解决实际问题、提出实际办法上。习近平法治思想直面法治中国建设的重大疑难问题，树立了面向实际、务实管用的鲜明工作导向。譬如，关于立法工作，习近平总书记指出：“人民群众对立法的期盼，已经不是有没有，而是好不好、管用不管用、能不能解决实际问题；不是什么法都能治国，不是什么法都能治好国；越是强调法治，越是要提高立法质量”“要完善立法规划，突出立法重点，坚持立改废并举，提高立法科学化、民主化水平，提高法律的针对性、及时性、系统性”。这充分表明，在习近平法治思想指导下，法治中国建设坚持察实情、出实招、办实事、求实效，把正确的思想路线贯穿到实践中、落实在行动上，体现求真务实的实践导向。

A Model of Integrating Marxist Legal Theory with China’s Excellent Traditional Legal Culture

马克思主义法治理论同中华优秀传统法律文化相结合的典范

China’s excellent traditional legal culture has a long history and is extensive and profound. The concepts of governance and legal culture it contains, such as people-centeredness, public justice, moral enlightenment, cautious punishment, and lenient sentencing, are important manifestations of the Chinese people’s views on the state, society, morality, and law formed over a long history. They exhibit a high degree of compatibility with Marxist legal theory. Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law strengthens historical confidence and cultural confidence, upholds the principle of making the past serve the present and weeding through the old to bring forth the new, and holds fast to the soul and root of theoretical innovation. It has successfully integrated the essence of Marxist thought with the cream of China’s excellent traditional culture and fused it with the common values that the people use daily without conscious awareness, thereby setting a model for upholding the Second Integration.[n]

中华优秀传统法律文化源远流长、博大精深，其中蕴含的民本、公道、明德、慎罚、恤刑等治国理念和法律文化，是中国人民在漫长历史中形成的国家观、社会观、道德观、法律观的重要体现，与马克思主义法治理论存在高度契合性。习近平法治思想坚定历史自信、文化自信，坚持古为今用、推陈出新，坚守理论创新的魂和根，成功把马克思主义思想精髓同中华优秀传统文化精华贯通起来、同人民群众日用而不觉的共同价值观念融通起来，为坚持“第二个结合”树立了典范。

Strengthening historical confidence and cultural confidence. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “Cultural confidence is a more fundamental, deeper, and more enduring force. Both history and reality show that a nation that abandons or betrays its own history and culture cannot only fail to develop but is also likely to stage a historical tragedy.”[n] To integrate Marxist legal theory with China’s excellent traditional legal culture, it is necessary to eliminate the erroneous influence of historical nihilism and cultural nihilism, scientifically evaluate the ideological value of China’s excellent traditional legal culture, and thereby strengthen historical confidence and cultural confidence. Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law conducts in-depth research on ancient Chinese governance practices and legal culture, correcting the distortion and vilification of Chinese legal civilization by historical nihilism and cultural nihilism. For example, regarding how to evaluate the Chinese legal system, which marks Chinese legal civilization, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “Our ancestors began exploring the major issue of how to govern humanity itself very early on. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, there were already self-contained written codes, and by the Han and Tang dynasties, relatively complete codes had been formed. China’s ancient legal system contains very rich wisdom and resources, and the Chinese legal system stands out among the world’s major legal systems.” “The Chinese legal system embodies the spirit and wisdom of the Chinese nation, and there are many excellent ideas and concepts worthy of our inheritance.” Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law views and evaluates China’s legal history and legal culture from the height of continuing Chinese legal civilization, precisely because it stems from firm historical confidence and cultural confidence.

坚定历史自信、文化自信。习近平总书记指出：“文化自信是更基本、更深沉、更持久的力量。历史和现实都表明，一个抛弃了或者背叛了自己历史文化的民族，不仅不可能发展起来，而且很可能上演一场历史悲剧。”把马克思主义法治理论同中华优秀传统法律文化相结合，必须破除历史虚无主义和文化虚无主义的错误影响，科学评价中华优秀传统法律文化的思想价值，从而坚定历史自信、文化自信。习近平法治思想对中国古代治国理政实践和法律文化进行深入研究，纠正了历史虚无主义、文化虚无主义对中华法治文明的歪曲丑化。譬如，关于如何评价标识中华法治文明的中华法系，习近平总书记指出：“我们的先人们早就开始探索如何驾驭人类自身这个重大课题，春秋战国时期就有了自成体系的成文法典，汉唐时期形成了比较完备的法典。我国古代法制蕴含着十分丰富的智慧和资源，中华法系在世界几大法系中独树一帜。”“中华法系凝聚了中华民族的精神和智慧，有很多优秀的思想和理念值得我们传承。”习近平法治思想站在赓续中华法治文明的高度看待和评价中国的法治历史和法治文化，正是源自坚定的历史自信、文化自信。

Uphold making the past serve the present and weeding through the old to bring forth the new. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “Chinese civilization carries the spiritual lifeline of our nation and country; it requires not only passing down the torch and guarding it from generation to generation, but also keeping pace with the times and weeding through the old to bring forth the new.” [1]1 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Symposium on the Work of Philosophy and Social Sciences” (May 17, 2016). To integrate Marxist legal theory with China’s outstanding traditional legal culture, it is necessary to conduct a scientific analysis of traditional legal culture, extract its essence and discard its dross, and uphold making the past serve the present and weeding through the old to bring forth the new. Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law organically incorporates legal viewpoints and ideological essences from ancient Chinese texts into the legal theory of socialism with Chinese characteristics. For example, regarding the importance and urgency of law-based governance in all respects, General Secretary Xi Jinping, on the basis of citing the classic exposition of the Northern Song [2]2 The “First Integration” refers to the integration of the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities, as distinct from the “Second Integration” (integration with China’s fine traditional culture). statesman Wang Anshi — “If good laws are established for the world, the world will be well governed; if good laws are established for a state, the state will be well governed” — put forward such important judgments as: “When the rule of law flourishes, the country flourishes; when the rule of law declines, the country falls into chaos. When the rule of law is valued and clear, the country is stable and the people are at peace; when the rule of law is neglected and lax, the country is in turmoil and the people are resentful.” This inherits and develops the thought in China’s outstanding traditional legal culture that attaches importance to the important role of law in governing the country and administering affairs. Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law pays attention to studying China’s ancient legal traditions and their successes and failures, excavates and inherits the essence of China’s outstanding traditional legal culture, draws nourishment and selects what is good for use, and carries through the principle of making the past serve the present and weeding through the old to bring forth the new in the process of building a higher-level socialist country governed by the rule of law.

坚持古为今用、推陈出新。习近平总书记指出：“中华文明延续着我们国家和民族的精神血脉，既需要薪火相传、代代守护，也需要与时俱进、推陈出新。”把马克思主义法治理论同中华优秀传统法律文化相结合，必须对传统法律文化进行科学分析，取其精华、去其糟粕，坚持古为今用、推陈出新。习近平法治思想把中国古代文献中的法治观点、思想精华有机融入中国特色社会主义法治理论之中。譬如，关于全面依法治国的重要性和紧迫性，习近平总书记在援引北宋政治家王安石“立善法于天下，则天下治；立善法于一国，则一国治”经典论述基础上，提出“法治兴则国家兴，法治衰则国家乱；什么时候重视法治、法治昌明，什么时候就国泰民安；什么时候忽视法治、法治松弛，什么时候就国乱民怨”等重要论断，继承和发展了中华优秀传统法律文化重视法律在治国理政中重要作用的思想。习近平法治思想注意研究我国古代法制传统和成败得失，挖掘和传承中华优秀传统法律文化精华，汲取营养、择善而用，把坚持古为今用、推陈出新贯彻到建设更高水平的社会主义法治国家的过程中。

Hold fast to the soul and root of theoretical innovation. General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “The very proposition of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times determines that we must never abandon the soul of Marxism, and must never abandon the root of China’s outstanding traditional culture.” [3]3 The Second Integration (第二个结合) refers to the integration of the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s excellent traditional culture, as distinct from the First Integration, which was the integration of Marxism with China’s specific realities. To integrate Marxist legal theory with China’s outstanding traditional legal culture, it is necessary to speak new words, but one cannot discard the old masters. Forgetting one’s ancestors is equivalent to cutting off the soul and root, and will ultimately commit the subversive error of losing the soul and root. For example, regarding why it is necessary to uphold the path of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics, General Secretary Xi Jinping points out: “Since ancient times, China has formed the Chinese legal system, unique in the history of world legal systems, accumulating a profound legal culture.” “In modern times, many people tried to copy Western models of rule of law in China, but they all ended in failure. History and reality tell us that only by inheriting China’s outstanding traditional legal culture, exploring a rule-of-law path suitable for ourselves from the practice of China’s revolution, construction, and reform, while drawing on the beneficial achievements of foreign rule of law, can we consolidate the rule-of-law foundation for comprehensively building a modern socialist country and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” This vividly shows that Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law

坚守理论创新的魂和根。习近平总书记指出：“马克思主义中国化时代化这个重大命题本身就决定，我们决不能抛弃马克思主义这个魂脉，决不能抛弃中华优秀传统文化这个根脉。”把马克思主义法治理论同中华优秀传统法律文化相结合，必须讲新话，但也不能丢了老祖宗。数典忘祖就等于割断了魂脉和根脉，最终会犯失去魂脉和根脉的颠覆性错误。譬如，关于为什么要坚持中国特色社会主义法治道路，习近平总书记指出：“自古以来，我国形成了世界法制史上独树一帜的中华法系，积淀了深厚的法律文化”“近代以后，不少人试图在中国照搬西方法治模式，但最终都归于失败。历史和现实告诉我们，只有传承中华优秀传统法律文化，从我国革命、建设、改革的实践中探索适合自己的法治道路，同时借鉴国外法治有益成果，才能为全面建设社会主义现代化国家、实现中华民族伟大复兴夯实法治基础”。这生动表明，习近平法治思想坚持马克思主义这个立党立国、兴党兴国之本不动摇，坚持植根本国、本民族历史文化沃土发展马克思主义不停步，立足波澜壮阔的中华五千多年文明史，深刻揭示中国特色社会主义法治道路的历史必然、文化内涵与独特优势，筑牢了中国特色社会主义法治道路的根基，在始终坚守理论创新魂和根的基础上探索马克思主义法治理论中国化的正确方向、方法和进路。

Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law successfully integrates the essence of Marxist thought with the cream of fine traditional Chinese culture and links it with the common values that the people use daily without conscious awareness. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out: “Only by taking root in the historical and cultural soil of one’s own country and nation can the tree of Marxist truth grow deep and flourish.” The key to integrating Marxist legal theory with fine traditional Chinese legal culture lies in firmly rooting Marxist legal theory in China, making it an inseparable component of the people’s legal consciousness. Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law deeply refines the essence of fine traditional Chinese legal culture, keenly captures the common values of the people embedded in legal maxims, historical allusions, and classic stories, and continuously endows Marxist legal theory with a vivid and lively national form. For example, regarding the necessity of promoting constitutional development, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “The ancients said, ‘Laws change with the times,’ ‘When laws change with the times, governance is achieved; when governance suits the era, there is merit,’ and ‘Observe the times to make laws, adapt to events to set rites.’ As part of the superstructure, the constitution must change in response to changes in the economic base.” This vividly integrates the essence of Marxist dialectical materialism on the development of things with the cream of fine traditional Chinese legal culture such as “laws change with the times.” For another example, regarding the use of intra-Party regulations to govern the Party, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “Formulating and implementing the Eight-Point Regulations of the Central Committee is an act of establishing credibility by moving a wooden pole in the New Era. It must be persistently and unremittingly pursued. If ten years is not enough, then twenty years; if twenty years is not enough, then thirty years, until it truly becomes a custom and transforms social and public conduct with a fine Party conduct.” By adapting the ancient allusion of “establishing credibility by moving a wooden pole,” this integrates Marxist political party theory with the common value of valuing trust and keeping promises among the people. It profoundly reveals, from the people’s simple moral sense, the necessity and inevitability of the Communist Party of China using the spirit of self-revolution to address prominent issues in Party conduct, and demonstrates the confidence and determination of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core to win the trust of the entire Party and the entire people through concrete actions. Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law continuously endows scientific theory with distinct Chinese characteristics, Chinese style, and Chinese manner, further consolidating the cultural and mass foundations for the Sinicization of Marxist legal theory, and enabling Marxist legal theory to continuously radiate vigorous vitality and dynamism.

习近平法治思想成功把马克思主义思想精髓同中华优秀传统文化精华贯通起来、同人民群众日用而不觉的共同价值观念融通起来。习近平总书记指出：“只有植根本国、本民族历史文化沃土，马克思主义真理之树才能根深叶茂。”把马克思主义法治理论同中华优秀传统法律文化相结合，关键在于使马克思主义法治理论在中国牢牢扎根，成为人民群众法治观念密不可分的组成部分。习近平法治思想深刻提炼中华优秀传统法律文化精华，敏锐捕捉蕴含在法理格言、史话典故中的人民群众共同价值观念，不断赋予马克思主义法治理论鲜活生动的民族形式。譬如，关于推动宪法发展的必要性，习近平总书记指出：“古人讲，‘法与时移’，‘法与时转则治，治与世宜则有功’，‘观时而制法，因事而制礼’。宪法作为上层建筑，一定要适应经济基础的变化而变化。”这生动地将马克思主义唯物辩证法关于事物发展的思想精髓，同“法与时移”等中华优秀传统法律文化精华贯通起来。又如，关于运用党内法规管党治党，习近平总书记指出：“制定实施中央八项规定，是我们党在新时代的徙木立信之举，必须常抓不懈、久久为功，十年不够就二十年，二十年不够就三十年，直至真正化风成俗，以优良党风引领社风民风。”这就通过化用中国古代徙木立信的典故，把马克思主义政党建设理论与人民群众重信守诺的共同价值观念融通起来，从人民群众朴素的道德感上深刻揭示中国共产党以自我革命精神解决党风方面突出问题的必要性和必然性，昭示了以习近平同志为核心的党中央以实际行动取信于全党、取信于全国人民的信心和决心。习近平法治思想不断赋予科学理论鲜明的中国特色、中国风格、中国气派，进一步夯实了马克思主义法治理论中国化的文化基础和群众基础，使马克思主义法治理论持续焕发旺盛的生机和活力。

(The author is a senior professor in humanities and social sciences at Wuhan University)

（作者为武汉大学人文社会科学资深教授）