A Preliminary Exploration of the Framework and Content of the Theoretical System of Chinese-Path Modernization

General Secretary Xi Jinping made the major judgment at the opening ceremony of the study session for newly elected members and alternate members of the Central Committee and leading cadres at the provincial and ministerial level on studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the CPC that we have “preliminarily constructed the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization, making Chinese-path modernization clearer, more scientific, and more tangible and feasible.” Conducting in-depth research on the framework and content of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization is an inherent requirement for “correctly understanding and vigorously advancing Chinese-path modernization.”

习近平总书记在新进中央委员会的委员、候补委员和省部级主要领导干部学习贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想和党的二十大精神研讨班开班式上作出我们“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”的重大论断。对中国式现代化理论体系的框架和内容开展深入研究，是“正确理解和大力推进中国式现代化”的题中之义。

The Framework and Outline of the Theoretical System of Chinese-Path Modernization

中国式现代化理论体系的框架轮廓

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, Chinese Communists have further deepened their understanding of the connotation and essence of Chinese-path modernization, preliminarily constructed the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization, and enriched and developed Marxist modernization theory and world modernization theory. The framework and outline of this latest major achievement of scientific socialism can be delineated through five pairs of categories: history and reality, theory and practice, inheritance and innovation, the general and the particular, and China and the world.

党的十八大以来，中国共产党人进一步深化对中国式现代化内涵和本质的认识，初步构建了中国式现代化的理论体系，丰富和发展了马克思主义现代化理论和世界现代化理论。对这一科学社会主义最新重大成果的框架轮廓，可以从历史与现实、理论与实践、继承与创新、一般与特殊、中国与世界五对范畴来勾勒。

First, the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization is a theoretical system that integrates history and reality. “History tells us that for a country to develop and prosper, it must grasp and conform to the general trend of world development; otherwise, it will inevitably be abandoned by history.” Modernization is a worldwide trend of transformation from traditional society and an epochal issue that every nation-state must confront. Achieving modernization is the common aspiration of peoples of all countries. As China’s doors were forced open by the West’s strong ships and powerful cannons, China was dragged into the world modernization process. Achieving national modernization became the goal of the Chinese people’s struggle since modern times. Attempts to imitate Western modernization, such as the Westernization Movement, the Hundred Days’ Reform, and the Xinhai Revolution, all failed, demonstrating that the Western-style modernization path would not work in China. [1]1 The Westernization Movement (c. 1861–1895) was a self-strengthening reform effort by late Qing officials; the Hundred Days’ Reform (1898) was a short-lived attempt at institutional modernization; the Xinhai Revolution (1911) overthrew the Qing dynasty and established the Republic of China. The Communist Party of China, with its original aspiration and founding mission of seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, upholding the spirit of historical initiative, took on the historical responsibility of exploring the path of Chinese modernization. By completing the historical tasks of the New Democratic Revolution period, it created the fundamental social conditions for achieving modernization. By completing the historical tasks of the Socialist Revolution and Construction period, it laid the fundamental political prerequisite and institutional foundation for modernization, and provided valuable experience, theoretical preparation, and material foundation. By completing the historical tasks of the Reform and Opening Up and Socialist Modernization New Period, it provided the institutional guarantee full of new vitality and the material conditions for rapid development for Chinese-path modernization. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a New Era. Based on this new historical juncture, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core led the entire Party and people of all ethnic groups in the country to continue advancing on the existing foundation, promoting unprecedented great transformations, and successfully advancing and expanding Chinese-path modernization. “From now on, the central task of the Communist Party of China is to unite and lead the people of all ethnic groups across the country to comprehensively build a great modern socialist country, achieve the Second Centenary Goal, and comprehensively advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization.” [2]2 The Second Centenary Goal refers to the goal of building China into a great modern socialist country by the middle of the 21st century, the centenary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. This is the latest hallmark of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization, formed on the basis of a grand historical perspective, that integrates history and reality.

其一，中国式现代化理论体系是历史与现实相贯通的理论体系。“历史告诉我们，一个国家要发展繁荣，必须把握和顺应世界发展大势，反之必然会被历史抛弃。”现代化是一种由传统社会转型的世界性潮流，是每个民族国家都要面对的时代课题。实现现代化是各国人民的共同向往。伴随国门被西方的坚船利炮所打开，中国被裹挟进世界现代化进程之中。实现国家现代化成为中国人民近代以来的奋斗目标。洋务运动、戊戌变法、辛亥革命等模仿西方现代化的尝试都未成功，表明西式现代化道路在中国走不通。以为中国人民谋幸福、为中华民族谋复兴为初心使命的中国共产党，秉持历史主动精神，担负起探索中国现代化道路的历史重任。通过完成新民主主义革命时期的历史任务，为实现现代化创造了根本社会条件。通过完成社会主义革命和建设时期的历史任务，为现代化建设奠定了根本政治前提、制度基础，提供了宝贵经验、理论准备和物质基础。通过完成改革开放和社会主义建设新时期的历史任务，为中国式现代化提供了充满新的活力的体制保证和快速发展的物质条件。党的十八大以来，中国特色社会主义进入新时代。基于这一新的历史方位，以习近平同志为核心的党中央领导全党全国各族人民在已有基础上继续前进，推动实现前所未有的伟大变革，成功推进和拓展了中国式现代化。“从现在起，中国共产党的中心任务就是团结带领全国各族人民全面建成社会主义现代化强国、实现第二个百年奋斗目标，以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴。”这是基于大历史观形成的中国式现代化理论体系贯通历史与现实的最新标识。

Second, the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization is a theoretical system that integrates theory and practice. “The history of our Party has repeatedly proven that when the integration of theory with practice is upheld well, the cause of the Party and the people can continuously achieve victory; conversely, the cause of the Party and the people will suffer losses, or even encounter serious setbacks.” The exploration of Chinese-path modernization was carried out by Chinese Communists based on China’s unique national conditions and the objective requirements of each historical stage. It is manifested not only in the historical practical process of China’s modernization construction but also in the process of enriching and developing theoretical understanding of modernization issues. In other words, Chinese Communists continuously explored and resolved the issue of achieving modernization through the integration of theory and practice, effectively constructing it on both theoretical and practical levels, and forging their own modernization path. “The contradiction between the people’s demand for building an advanced industrial country and the reality of a backward agricultural country” and “the contradiction between the people’s need for rapid economic and cultural development and the inability of the current economy and culture to meet the people’s needs” required concentrating efforts “to transform our country as quickly as possible from a backward agricultural country into an advanced industrial country.” [3]3 These formulations are from the resolution of the Eighth National Congress of the CPC (1956) on the principal contradiction in socialist society. Related explorations laid a good foundation and provided theoretical preparation for the comprehensive development of socialist modernization. “The contradiction between the people’s ever-growing material and cultural needs and backward social production” required shifting the focus of work “to socialist modernization centered on economic construction” and achieving a “moderately prosperous society” (xiaokang). [4]4 This formulation is from the resolution of the 11th National Congress of the CPC (1977) and the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee (1978), which shifted the focus to economic development. Related explorations pushed socialist modernization construction into a new phase. “The contradiction between the people’s ever-growing needs for a better life and unbalanced and inadequate development” required comprehensively building a moderately prosperous society and comprehensively building a great modern socialist country. [5]5 This formulation is from the report of the 19th National Congress of the CPC (2017), which updated the principal contradiction for the New Era. Related explorations achieved new breakthroughs in theory and practice, successfully advancing and expanding Chinese-path modernization. Chinese Communists observed the contradictory movement of productive forces and relations of production in conjunction with the contradictory movement of the economic base and superstructure, treated the basic contradictions of society as a whole, and comprehensively grasped the overall appearance and development direction of the entire society. The theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization formed on this basis achieved the integration of theory and practice.

其二，中国式现代化理论体系是理论与实践相贯通的理论体系。“我们党的历史反复证明，什么时候理论联系实际坚持得好，党和人民事业就能够不断取得胜利；反之，党和人民事业就会受到损失，甚至出现严重曲折。”中国式现代化的探索是中国共产党人基于中国特有的国情与各历史阶段的客观要求展开的，不仅表现为中国现代化建设的历史实践进程，也表现为关于现代化问题理论认识的丰富发展进程。换言之，中国共产党人在理论与实践的结合中不断探索解答实现现代化的课题，从理论与实践双重层面进行有效建构，走出自己的现代化道路。“人民对于建立先进的工业国的要求同落后的农业国的现实之间的矛盾”“人民对于经济文化迅速发展的需要同当前经济文化不能满足人民需要的状况之间的矛盾”，要求集中力量“把我国尽快从落后的农业国变为先进的工业国”。相关探索为社会主义现代化建设的全面开展奠定了良好基础，作出了理论准备。“人民日益增长的物质文化需要与落后的社会生产之间的矛盾”，要求把工作重点转移到“以经济建设为中心的社会主义现代化建设上来”，实现“小康”。相关探索推动社会主义现代化建设出现新局面。“人民日益增长的美好生活需要与不平衡不充分的发展之间的矛盾”，要求全面建成小康社会、全面建成社会主义现代化强国。相关探索在理论和实践上取得新突破，成功推进和拓展了中国式现代化。中国共产党人把生产力和生产关系的矛盾运动同经济基础和上层建筑的矛盾运动结合起来进行观察，把社会基本矛盾作为一个整体进行观察，全面把握了整个社会的基本面貌和发展方向。在此基础上形成的中国式现代化理论体系，实现了理论与实践的贯通。

Third, the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization is a theoretical system that integrates inheritance and innovation. “We are historical materialists and must recognize that without inheritance, there is no development; without innovation, there is no future. We must always adhere to innovating in inheritance and developing in innovation.” “Chinese-path modernization is deeply rooted in fine traditional Chinese culture and embodies the advanced essence of scientific socialism.” Fine traditional culture is the foundation for the inheritance and development of a country and a nation. Only by forging ahead from the continuity of the nation’s cultural bloodline can we accomplish today’s undertakings. Fine traditional Chinese culture contains important inspirations for solving the difficult problems facing contemporary humanity. In the process of exploring the modernization path, Chinese Communists drew on ideas such as “the world is for all,” “a world of great harmony,” “people-oriented governance,” and “enriching, stabilizing, and delighting the people,” and revitalized concepts such as “moderately prosperous society” (xiaokang), achieving the inheritance and promotion of fine traditional Chinese culture. Marxism is the fundamental guiding ideology for founding the Party and the country, and for rejuvenating the Party and the country. Classical Marxist writers discussed the issue of modernization. For example, Marx and Engels emphasized in the *Communist Manifesto* that “the big industry has connected the peoples of all countries with each other, has united all local small markets into a world market, and has everywhere prepared the way for civilization and progress,” fully affirming the contribution of industrialization to human civilization. Lenin, on the other hand, pointed out that “Communism is Soviet power plus the electrification of the whole country… We must strive to transform the small peasant economic base into a large industrial economic base. Only when the country is electrified and has laid the technical foundation of modern large-scale industry for industry, agriculture, and transport can we achieve final victory.” [6]6 The quotation from Lenin is from his 1920 report on the electrification plan. Chinese Communists courageously promoted theoretical innovation on the basis of practice, adhered to the fundamental principles of scientific socialism, endowed them with distinct Chinese characteristics in light of actual conditions, completed the construction of the “new modernity” of socialism with Chinese characteristics, completed the fundamental and overarching construction of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization, achieved the organic unity of inheritance and innovation, and propelled a new leap in Marxist modernization theory.

其三，中国式现代化理论体系是继承与创新相贯通的理论体系。“我们是历史唯物主义者，要认识到没有继承，就没有发展；没有创新，就没有未来。必须始终坚持在继承中创新，在创新中发展。”“中国式现代化，深深植根于中华优秀传统文化，体现科学社会主义的先进本质。”优秀传统文化是一个国家、一个民族继承和发展的根本，只有从延续民族文化血脉中开拓，才能做好今天的事业。中华优秀传统文化中蕴藏着解决当代人类面临的难题的重要启示。中国共产党人在探索现代化道路的过程中，汲取了天下为公、大同世界、以民为本、安民富民乐民等思想，活用了“小康”等概念，实现了对中华优秀传统文化的传承与弘扬。马克思主义是我们立党立国、兴党兴国的根本指导思想。马克思主义经典作家对现代化问题展开了论述。譬如，马克思、恩格斯在《共产党宣言》中强调，“大工业把世界各国人民互相联系起来，把所有地方性的小市场联合成为一个世界市场，到处为文明和进步做好了准备”，充分肯定了工业化对人类文明的贡献。列宁则指出，“共产主义就是苏维埃政权加全国电气化……一定要努力把小农经济基础变成大工业经济基础。只有当国家实现了电气化，为工业、农业和运输业打下了现代大工业的技术基础的时候，我们才能得到最后的胜利”。中国共产党人勇于推进实践基础上的理论创新，在坚持科学社会主义基本原则的基础上，结合实际赋予其鲜明中国特色，完成了中国特色社会主义“新现代性”的构建，完成了中国式现代化理论体系的根源性、总体性构建，实现了继承性与创新性的有机统一，推动了马克思主义现代化理论的全新飞跃。

Fourth, the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization is a theoretical system that integrates the general with the particular. “For a country to achieve modernization, it must not only follow the general laws of modernization but also conform to its own actual conditions and have its own distinctive features. Chinese-path modernization not only shares the common characteristics of modernization in various countries but also has distinct features based on its own national conditions.” Chinese-path modernization emphasizes absorbing all outstanding achievements of human civilization; it not only embodies the laws of socialist construction but also reflects the general laws of modernization and the laws of human social development. Following the general laws of modernization is not equivalent to taking the Western-style modernization path. This is because there are not only no universally applicable modernization standards in the world, but also no single modernization model that is exclusively authoritative. The diversity of historical conditions determines that modernization is not a single-choice question; the modernization paths available to different countries are diverse, and each country can and may find its own path. Chinese Communists adhere to independence and self-reliance, overlaying industrialization, informatization, urbanization, and agricultural modernization, advancing the modernization process in a “parallel” manner, leading the Chinese people to independently forge a modernization path that suits China’s actual conditions. Thus, it can be seen that Chinese-path modernization is a comprehensive reconstruction of the general elements of modernization, the essential elements of socialism, and the elements of Chinese characteristics. The theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization achieves the integration of the general and the particular.

其四，中国式现代化理论体系是一般与特殊相贯通的理论体系。“一个国家走向现代化，既要遵循现代化一般规律，更要符合本国实际，具有本国特色。中国式现代化既有各国现代化的共同特征，更有基于自己国情的鲜明特色。”中国式现代化注重吸收一切人类优秀文明成果，不仅体现了社会主义建设规律，也体现了现代化一般规律和人类社会发展规律。遵循现代化的一般规律不等同于走西式现代化道路。因为世界上不单不存在放之四海而皆准的现代化标准，更不存在定于一尊的现代化模式。历史条件的多样性决定了现代化不是单选题，可供不同国家选择的现代化道路是多样的，各国完全可以并可能走出自己的路来。中国共产党人坚持独立自主，将工业化、信息化、城镇化、农业现代化叠加，“并联式”推进现代化进程，领导中国人民独立自主地走出一条切合中国实际的现代化道路。可见，中国式现代化是现代化一般要素、社会主义本质要素和中国特色要素的综合性再造。中国式现代化理论体系实现了一般与特殊的贯通。

Fifth, the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization is a theoretical system that integrates China with the world. “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, offer new impetus for humanity’s exploration of modernization paths, and make new contributions to the theoretical and practical innovation of human social modernization.” From the perspective of the relationship between China and the world, “History tells us that only by embracing the world can we embrace tomorrow; only by working together can we achieve steady and long-term progress.” China’s development cannot be separated from the world, and the world’s prosperity also needs China. Chinese-path modernization is a great transformation carried out in the process of world historical development and interconnected world interactions, which not only focuses on developing itself but also does not forget to benefit the world, creating a new model of open cooperation and common development between China and the world. From the perspective of the attributes of Chinese-path modernization, the elements of Chinese characteristics and conformity to China’s actual conditions determine that Chinese-path modernization is “Chinese”; while embodying the general laws of modernization and the laws of human social development determines that Chinese-path modernization is also “global.” From the perspective of the characteristics of the Chinese-path modernization path, Chinese-path modernization continuously advances on the path of peaceful development, developing itself by maintaining world peace and promoting world peace through its own development, providing inspiration for the international community to explore ways of getting along between countries and maintain world peace and development in an era of major changes. The above perspectives all indicate that the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization achieves the integration of China and the world.

其五，中国式现代化理论体系是中国与世界相贯通的理论体系。“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。”从中国与世界关系的角度看，“历史告诉我们，拥抱世界，才能拥抱明天；携手共进，才能行稳致远”。中国的发展离不开世界，世界的繁荣也需要中国。中国式现代化是世界历史发展和世界交往联动进程中开展的既立足发展自身也不忘造福世界的伟大变革，开创出中国与世界开放合作、共同发展的新模式。从中国式现代化属性的角度看，中国特色要素、切合中国实际决定了中国式现代化是“中国的”；而体现现代化一般规律和人类社会发展规律决定了中国式现代化也是“世界的”。从中国式现代化道路特征的角度看，中国式现代化是在和平发展道路上不断开拓前进的，既通过维护世界和平发展自己又通过自身发展促进世界和平，为国际社会在大变局时代探讨国与国相处之道、维护世界和平与发展提供了启迪。上述几个角度均表明，中国式现代化理论体系实现了中国与世界的贯通。

Main Content of the Theoretical System of Chinese-Path Modernization

中国式现代化理论体系的主要内容

Centering on the five pairs of categories—history and reality, theory and practice, inheritance and innovation, the general and the particular, China and the world—the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization includes at least ten important aspects: historical roots, essential requirements, core themes, major principles, overall goals, overall strategy, fundamental values, distinctive features, foreign relations, and ideological methods. Together, they constitute an internally unified organic whole.

围绕历史与现实、理论与实践、继承与创新、一般与特殊、中国与世界五对范畴，中国式现代化理论体系至少包含历史根源、本质要求、核心主题、重大原则、整体目标、总体战略、根本价值、鲜明特色、对外关系、思想方法十个方面的重要内容，它们共同构成了内在统一的有机整体。

First, historical roots. Chinese-path modernization is a major achievement of the long-term exploration and practice led by the Communist Party of China. In 1945, Comrade Mao Zedong, in *On Coalition Government*, devoted considerable space to discussing the “industrial problem,” stating, “The task of the Chinese working class is not only to struggle for the establishment of a new-democratic state but also to struggle for China’s industrialization and agricultural modernization,” outlining the development direction indicated by “industrialization and agricultural modernization.” In 1954, Comrade Mao Zedong delivered the opening address *Strive to Build a Great Socialist Country* at the First Session of the First National People’s Congress, calling for building China into “a great country with an industrialized and highly modernized cultural level”; Comrade Zhou Enlai, in his government work report, explicitly proposed the concept of the “Four Modernizations”: “If we do not build a powerful modern industry, modern agriculture, modern transportation, and modern national defense, we cannot escape backwardness and poverty, and our revolution cannot achieve its goal.” Subsequent statements such as “We will certainly build a socialist country with modern industry, modern agriculture, and modern science and culture” and “Building socialism originally required the modernization of industry, agriculture, and science and culture; now we must add the modernization of national defense” indicate that the Party’s understanding of the “Four Modernizations” continuously deepened. In 1964, Comrade Zhou Enlai, in his government work report at the First Session of the Third National People’s Congress, formally established the “Four Modernizations” as China’s development goal: “The main task of developing the national economy in the future, generally speaking, is to build China into a powerful socialist country with modern agriculture, modern industry, modern national defense, and modern science and technology within a relatively short historical period, catching up with and surpassing the world’s advanced levels.” At the beginning of reform and opening up, Comrade Deng Xiaoping repeatedly discussed the issue of modernization on various occasions: “Now, in construction, we must also suit China’s conditions and take a Chinese-style modernization path.” “The Four Modernizations we want to achieve are Chinese-style modernization. Our concept of the Four Modernizations is not like your concept of modernization, but rather a ‘moderately prosperous society.’” “This moderately prosperous society is called Chinese-style modernization. Doubling the GDP, a moderately prosperous society, Chinese-style modernization—these are all our concepts.” Entering the 21st century, the 16th and 17th National Congresses of the CPC successively proposed the goals of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and building a prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, and harmonious modern socialist country. The above explorations and practices laid the foundation for the construction of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization. “Chinese-path modernization” has been continuously advanced and expanded precisely on the basis of “industrialization,” the “Four Modernizations,” a “moderately prosperous society,” and “Chinese-style modernization.”

其一，历史根源。中国式现代化是中国共产党领导人民长期探索和实践的重大成果。1945年，毛泽东同志在《论联合政府》中用相当篇幅专门讨论“工业问题”，“中国工人阶级的任务，不但是为着建立新民主主义的国家而斗争，而且是为着中国的工业化和农业近代化而斗争”。勾勒出以“工业化和农业近代化”所指代的发展方向。 1954年，毛泽东同志在一届全国人大一次会议上致开幕词《为建设一个伟大的社会主义国家而奋斗》，号召将我国“建设成为一个工业化的具有高度现代文化程度的伟大的国家”；周恩来同志在作政府工作报告时明确提出“四个现代化”的概念，“如果我们不建设起强大的现代化的工业、现代化的农业、现代化的交通运输业和现代化的国防，我们就不能摆脱落后和贫困，我们的革命就不能达到目的”。其后的“我们一定会建设一个具有现代工业、现代农业和现代科学文化的社会主义国家”“建设社会主义，原来要求是工业现代化，农业现代化，科学文化现代化，现在要加上国防现代化”等表明党对“四个现代化”的认识不断丰富。1964年，周恩来同志在三届全国人大一次会议作政府工作报告时正式将“四个现代化”作为我国发展目标，“今后发展国民经济的主要任务，总的说来，就是要在不太长的历史时期内，把我国建设成为一个具有现代农业、现代工业、现代国防和现代科学技术的社会主义强国，赶上和超过世界先进水平”。改革开放之初，邓小平同志在多种场合反复论及现代化问题，“现在搞建设，也要适合中国情况，走出一条中国式的现代化道路。”“我们要实现的四个现代化，是中国式的现代化。我们的四个现代化的概念，不是像你们那样的现代化的概念，而是‘小康之家’。”“这个小康社会，叫做中国式的现代化。翻两番、小康社会、中国式的现代化，这些都是我们的概念。”进入21世纪，党的十六大、十七大先后提出全面建设小康社会、建设富强民主文明和谐的社会主义现代化国家的目标。上述探索和实践，为中国式现代化理论体系的构建奠定了基础。“中国式现代化”正是在“工业化”“四个现代化”“小康社会”“中国式的现代化”的基础上不断推进和拓展而来的。

Second, essential requirements. Chinese-path modernization is socialist modernization led by the Communist Party of China, which determines that Chinese-path modernization must adhere to the following essential requirements: First, adhere to the leadership of the Communist Party of China. Party leadership directly concerns the fundamental direction, future destiny, and ultimate success or failure of Chinese-path modernization; this is a requirement regarding the leading force. Second, adhere to socialism with Chinese characteristics. Adhering to socialism with Chinese characteristics profoundly reveals the basic nature and development direction of Chinese-path modernization; this is a requirement regarding the direction and path. Third, achieve high-quality development. High-quality development is the primary task in building a modern socialist country in all respects. This is a requirement focusing on economic construction, i.e., the material and technological foundation. Fourth, develop whole-process people’s democracy. People’s democracy is an inherent requirement of building a modern socialist country in all respects. This is a requirement regarding political construction. Fifth, enrich the people’s spiritual world. A person cannot stand without spirit; enhance the people’s spirit. This is a requirement regarding cultural construction. Sixth, achieve common prosperity for all the people. Common prosperity for all the people requires correctly handling the relationship between efficiency and fairness. This is a requirement regarding social construction. Seventh, promote harmony between humanity and nature. A beautiful China is the goal of building a modern socialist power. This is a requirement regarding ecological civilization construction. Eighth, promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. A community with a shared future for mankind is the Chinese version of the “association of free individuals” and a Chinese solution to answering the questions of the world. This is a relentless pursuit at the global level. Ninth, create a new form of human civilization. Chinese-path modernization represents the direction of progress in human civilization and portends a bright development prospect. This is a requirement regarding the form of civilization. The above essential requirements are both clearly stratified and broadly encompassing, highlighting the systematic, multidimensional, and comprehensive nature of Chinese-path modernization.

其二，本质要求。中国式现代化是中国共产党领导的社会主义现代化，决定了中国式现代化必须坚持以下本质要求：一是坚持中国共产党领导。党的领导直接关系中国式现代化的根本方向、前途命运和最终成败，这是领导力量方面的要求。二是坚持中国特色社会主义。坚持中国特色社会主义深刻揭示了中国式现代化的基本性质和发展方向，这是方向道路方面的要求。三是实现高质量发展。高质量发展是全面建设社会主义现代化强国的首要任务。这是侧重经济建设暨物质技术基础方面的要求。四是发展全过程人民民主。人民民主是全面建设社会主义现代化国家的应有之义。这是政治建设方面的要求。五是丰富人民精神世界。人无精神不立，增强人民精神。这是文化建设方面的要求。六是实现全体人民共同富裕。全体人民共同富裕要正确处理好效率与公平的关系。这是社会建设方面的要求。七是促进人与自然和谐共生。美丽中国是建设社会主义现代化强国的目标。这是生态文明建设方面的要求。八是推动构建人类命运共同体。人类命运共同体是“自由人的联合体”的中国版本，是回答世界之问的中国方案。这是全球层面的不懈追求。九是创造人类文明新形态。中国式现代化代表人类文明进步的发展方向，预示着美好的发展前景。这是文明形态方面的要求。上述本质要求既层次分明，又涵盖广泛，彰显出中国式现代化的系统性、多维性和全面性。

Third, the core theme. The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is the common dream for which the Chinese people have striven unremittingly since modern times. The Chinese Dream is historical, embodying the tireless efforts of countless people with lofty ideals. These efforts are concentratedly manifested in the practice and exploration of modernization. The century-long course of the CPC leading the Chinese people in seeking, pursuing, and realizing the dream vividly interprets that the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is the core theme of Chinese-path modernization. The Chinese Dream is realistic. Realizing socialist modernization and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is the general task of upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics. As socialism with Chinese characteristics enters the New Era, the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process, and we are closer than ever before to the goal of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. As the saying goes, a journey of a hundred miles is half completed in the last ninety miles. [10]10 A classical Chinese proverb meaning the last part of a task is the hardest; one must not slacken efforts near the goal. We must “persist in advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization, neither taking the old path of closed-door rigidity nor the evil path of changing the banner and flag, [11]11 “Changing the banner and flag” (改旗易帜) is a Party idiom referring to abandoning socialism for a capitalist or other non-socialist path. insisting on placing the development of the country and the nation on the basis of our own strength and firmly grasping the destiny of China’s development and progress in our own hands.”

其三，核心主题。实现中华民族伟大复兴是近代以来中国人民矢志奋斗的共同梦想。中国梦是历史的，凝结着无数仁人志士的不懈努力。这些努力集中展现为对现代化的实践和探索。中国共产党领导中国人民寻梦、追梦、圆梦的百年历程，生动诠释了中华民族伟大复兴的中国梦是中国式现代化的核心主题。中国梦是现实的。实现社会主义现代化和中华民族伟大复兴是坚持和发展中国特色社会主义的总任务。中国特色社会主义进入新时代，中华民族伟大复兴进入不可逆转的历史进程，我们前所未有地接近实现中华民族伟大复兴的目标。行百里者半九十。我们必须“坚持以中国式现代化推进中华民族伟大复兴，既不走封闭僵化的老路，也不走改旗易帜的邪路，坚持把国家和民族发展放在自己力量的基点上、把中国发展进步的命运牢牢掌握在自己手中。”

Fourth, major principles. To comprehensively build a modern socialist country, we must firmly grasp the following major principles: First, uphold and strengthen the Party’s overall leadership; this is the fundamental guarantee of Chinese-path modernization. Second, uphold the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics; this is the banner guidance of Chinese-path modernization. Third, uphold the people-centered development philosophy; this is the fundamental stance of Chinese-path modernization. Fourth, uphold the deepening of reform and opening up; this is the basic driving force of Chinese-path modernization. Fifth, uphold the promotion of the spirit of struggle; this is the spiritual quality of Chinese-path modernization.

其四，重大原则。全面建设社会主义现代化国家，必须牢牢把握以下重大原则：一是坚持和加强党的全面领导，这是中国式现代化的根本保证。二是坚持中国特色社会主义道路，这是中国式现代化的旗帜引领。三是坚持以人民为中心的发展思想，这是中国式现代化的根本立场。四是坚持深化改革开放，这是中国式现代化的基本动力。五是坚持发扬斗争精神，这是中国式现代化的精神品质。

Fifth, overall goals. The report of the 20th National Congress of the CPC made a strategic blueprint for the overall goals to be achieved by Chinese-path modernization in 2035: First, economic strength, scientific and technological strength, and comprehensive national power will increase significantly, and per capita GDP will reach a new major plateau, reaching the level of moderately developed countries. Second, high-level self-reliance and self-strengthening in science and technology will be achieved, and China will rank among the forefront of innovative countries. Third, a modernized economic system will be built, a new development pattern will be formed, and new industrialization, informatization, urbanization, and agricultural modernization will be basically realized. Fourth, the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity will be basically realized, and the system of whole-process people’s democracy will be more complete. Fifth, China will become a leading country in education, science and technology, talent, culture, sports, and health, and the country’s cultural soft power will be significantly enhanced. Sixth, the people’s lives will be happier and more fulfilling, per capita disposable income of residents will reach a new level, society will maintain long-term stability, and more obvious substantive progress will be made in the well-rounded development of people and common prosperity for all. Seventh, green production and lifestyles will be widely formed, and the goal of a Beautiful China will be basically achieved. Eighth, the national security system and capacity will be comprehensively strengthened, and the modernization of national defense and the armed forces will be basically realized.

其五，整体目标。党的二十大报告对中国式现代化在2035年要达到的总体目标作出了战略擘画：一是经济实力、科技实力、综合国力大幅跃升，人均国内生产总值迈上新的大台阶，达到中等发达国家水平。二是实现高水平科技自立自强，进入创新型国家前列。三是建成现代化经济体系，形成新发展格局，基本实现新型工业化、信息化、城镇化、农业现代化。四是基本实现国家治理体系和治理能力现代化，全过程人民民主制度更加健全。五是建成教育强国、科技强国、人才强国、文化强国、体育强国、健康中国，国家文化软实力显著增强。六是人民生活更加幸福美好，居民人均可支配收入再上新台阶，社会保持长期稳定，人的全面发展、全体人民共同富裕取得更为明显的实质性进展。七是广泛形成绿色生产生活方式，美丽中国目标基本实现。八是国家安全体系和能力全面加强，基本实现国防和军队现代化。

Sixth, overall strategy. “From completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects to basically realizing modernization, and then to comprehensively building a great modern socialist country, this is the strategic arrangement for the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era.” Since the New Era, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has made a scientific and complete strategic deployment for the development of the Party and the country’s undertakings, successively clarifying the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan overall layout and the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy strategic layout, as well as the “two-step” strategic arrangement from 2020 to 2035 to basically realize socialist modernization and from 2035 to the middle of this century to build China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful, comprehensively constructing the strategic layout for realizing Chinese-path modernization.

其六，总体战略。“从全面建成小康社会到基本实现现代化，再到全面建成社会主义现代化强国，是新时代中国特色社会主义发展的战略安排。”新时代以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央对党和国家事业发展作出科学完整的战略部署，先后明确“五位一体”总体布局和“四个全面”战略布局以及从2020年到2035年基本实现社会主义现代化、从2035年到本世纪中叶把我国建设成为富强民主文明和谐美丽的社会主义现代化强国“两步走”的战略安排，全面构建了实现中国式现代化的战略布局。

Seventh, fundamental value. “The essence of modernization is the modernization of people.” The people-centered nature is the essential attribute of Marxism, and realizing the free and well-rounded development of people is the value goal of scientific socialism. The CPC has always firmly stood on the people’s stance, never forgetting during the exploration and practice of modernization that “the ultimate goal of modernization is to realize the free and well-rounded development of people,” highlighting the people-centered nature of the direction of modernization, and respecting the historical subject status of the people as “the most solid foundation and the deepest strength for advancing modernization,” fully unleashing the “creative power” of hundreds of millions of people in the process of modernization. It can be said that Chinese-path modernization strictly follows the value logic of scientific socialism, adheres to putting the people first, adheres to being people-centered, adheres to taking the realization of the people’s aspiration for a better life as the starting point and落脚点, [12]12 落脚点 (luòjiǎodiǎn) literally “foothold” or “point of arrival”; in this context it means the ultimate goal or end point. and manifests a distinct people-centered nature. Chinese-path modernization, which is committed to realizing the “modernization of people,” is a modernization model of multi-dimensional parallel development, transcending the one-dimensional modernization model centered on the “pursuit of things.”

其七，根本价值。“现代化的本质是人的现代化。”人民性是马克思主义的本质属性，实现人的自由全面发展是科学社会主义的价值旨归。中国共产党始终牢牢站稳人民立场，在现代化探索和实践过程中时刻不忘“现代化的最终目标是实现人自由而全面的发展”，突出现代化方向的人民性，并尊重人民作为“推进现代化最坚实的根基、最深厚的力量”的历史主体地位，充分发挥亿万人民在现代化进程中的“创造伟力”。可以说，中国式现代化严格遵循科学社会主义的价值逻辑，坚持人民至上，坚持以人民为中心，坚持把实现人民对美好生活的向往作为出发点和落脚点，彰显出鲜明的人民性。致力于实现“人的现代化”的中国式现代化是多向度并联发展的现代化模式，超越了以“物的追求”为中心的单向度现代化模式。

Eighth, distinctive features. Socialism is the底色 [13]13 底色 (dǐsè) literally “background color” or “base color”; here it means the foundational character or essence. of Chinese-path modernization. The vivid combination of the basic principles of scientific socialism with the concrete reality of China’s modernization construction has led Chinese-path modernization, on the basis of the socialist底色, to derive five distinctive features: First, Chinese-path modernization is the modernization of a huge population. The huge population size is a notable feature of Chinese-path modernization, and high-quality population development is an important support for Chinese-path modernization. Second, Chinese-path modernization is the modernization of common prosperity for all. Common prosperity is the essential requirement of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the essential feature of Chinese-path modernization, and also a long-term process. Third, Chinese-path modernization is the modernization of material civilization and cultural-ethical progress in coordination. Material abundance and spiritual enrichment are the fundamental requirements of socialist modernization. Fourth, Chinese-path modernization is the modernization of harmony between humanity and nature. Humanity and nature are a community of life, and harmony between humanity and nature is a distinctive feature of Chinese-path modernization. Fifth, Chinese-path modernization is the modernization of taking the path of peaceful development. Peaceful development is a prominent feature that distinguishes Chinese-path modernization from Western-style modernization.

其八，鲜明特色。社会主义是中国式现代化的底色。科学社会主义基本原则与我国现代化建设具体实际的生动结合，使中国式现代化在社会主义底色的基础上，衍生出五个方面的鲜明特色：一是中国式现代化是人口规模巨大的现代化。人口规模巨大是中国式现代化的显著特征，人口高质量发展是中国式现代化的重要支撑。二是中国式现代化是全体人民共同富裕的现代化。共同富裕是中国特色社会主义的本质要求，是中国式现代化的本质特征，也是一个长期过程。三是中国式现代化是物质文明和精神文明相协调的现代化。物质富足、精神富有是社会主义现代化的根本要求。四是中国式现代化是人与自然和谐共生的现代化。人与自然是生命共同体，人与自然和谐共生是中国式现代化的鲜明特点。五是中国式现代化是走和平发展道路的现代化。和平发展是中国式现代化区别于西式现代化的突出特征。

Ninth, external relations. The CPC adheres to a global vision, seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, while also seeking progress for humanity and common good for the world. To realize the Two Centenary Goals [14]14 The Two Centenary Goals are: (1) building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by the centenary of the CPC in 2021 (already achieved); (2) building a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful by the centenary of the People’s Republic of China in 2049. and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, it is necessary to adapt to the new trends of economic globalization, accurately judge new changes in the international situation, and actively manage external relations. At the same time, conforming to the trend of the times of peace, development, cooperation, and win-win, promoting the building of a new type of international relations and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind also contributes Chinese wisdom, Chinese solutions, and Chinese strength to solving common problems facing humanity and promoting human peace and development. Chinese-path modernization coordinates both domestic and international imperatives, firmly grasps the main line of realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and promoting human progress, connects the dreams of the Chinese people with the dreams of the people of the world, develops itself while benefiting the world, and creates a practical path for the common development of China and the world.

其九，对外关系。中国共产党坚持胸怀天下，既为中国人民谋幸福、为中华民族谋复兴，也为人类谋进步、为世界谋大同。实现“两个一百年”奋斗目标，实现中华民族伟大复兴，必须适应经济全球化新趋势、准确判断国际形势新变化，积极运筹对外关系。同时，顺应和平、发展、合作、共赢的时代潮流，推动构建新型国际关系、推动构建人类命运共同体，也为解决人类面临的共同问题、促进人类和平与发展贡献了中国智慧、中国方案和中国力量。中国式现代化统筹国内国际两个大局，牢牢把握实现中华民族复兴、促进人类进步的主线，把中国人民的梦想与世界人民的梦想连接起来，既发展自身又造福世界，开创了中国与世界共同发展的实践路径。

Tenth, thought method. “A scientific worldview and methodology are the ‘master key’ for us to study and solve problems.” Chinese-path modernization embodies the stance, viewpoint, and method of the “Six Musts.” [15]15 The “Six Musts” (六个必须坚持) are six stances, viewpoints, and methods emphasized in Xi Jinping Thought: putting the people first, self-confidence and self-reliance, upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, problem-oriented approach, systems concept, and global vision. “Whether a modernization path can ultimately be taken smoothly and steadily depends on whether it adheres to being people-centered.” Adhering to putting the people first is the basic stance of Chinese-path modernization. “No matter in the past, present, or future, we must place the development of the country and the nation on the basis of our own strength, uphold national self-esteem and self-confidence, and unswervingly take our own path.” Adhering to self-confidence and self-reliance is the logical starting point of Chinese-path modernization. “What we are engaged in is a great cause without precedent; upholding fundamental principles keeps us from losing direction or making subversive mistakes, while innovation enables us to grasp the times and lead the times.” Adhering to upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground is the scientific method for advancing Chinese-path modernization. “Problems are the voice of the times; answering and guiding the resolution of problems is the fundamental task of theory.” Adhering to a problem-oriented approach is the breakthrough point for Chinese-path modernization to open up the situation. “A systems concept is a fundamental thought and working method.” Adhering to a systems concept is the basis for Chinese-path modernization to correctly handle a series of major relationships. “An important experience of the CPC’s century-long struggle is adhering to a global vision and always paying attention to the future and destiny of humanity.” Adhering to a global vision is the pattern and breadth of vision of Chinese-path modernization.

其十，思想方法。“科学的世界观和方法论是我们研究问题、解决问题的‘总钥匙’”。中国式现代化集中体现了“六个必须坚持”的立场观点方法。“现代化道路最终能否走得通、行得稳，关键要看是否坚持以人民为中心。”坚持人民至上是中国式现代化的基本立场。“不论过去、现在和将来，我们都要把国家和民族发展放在自己力量的基点上，坚持民族自尊心和自信心，坚定不移走自己的路。”坚持自信自立是中国式现代化的逻辑原点。“我们从事的是前无古人的伟大事业，守正才能不迷失方向、不犯颠覆性错误，创新才能把握时代、引领时代。”坚持守正创新是推进中国式现代化的科学方法。“问题是时代的声音，回答并指导解决问题是理论的根本任务。”坚持问题导向是中国式现代化打开局面的突破口。“系统观念是具有基础性的思想和工作方法。”坚持系统观念是中国式现代化正确处理一系列重大关系的基础。“中国共产党百年奋斗的一条重要经验就是坚持胸怀天下，始终关注人类前途命运。”坚持胸怀天下是中国式现代化的格局和胸怀。

The theory of Chinese-path modernization profoundly answers the major epochal question of what kind of socialist modernized power to build and how to build a socialist modernized power. It is a major theoretical achievement of the long-term exploration and practice led by the Communist Party of China, a systematic scientific theoretical construction with normative significance concerning the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the future vision of the historical development of human society. It provides new impetus for humanity’s exploration of the path to modernization and makes new contributions to the theoretical innovation of human societal modernization. The unique worldview, view of history, view of civilization, view of democracy, view of ecology, and other major innovative achievements in modernization theory contained within it merit further in-depth research and elucidation.

中国式现代化理论深刻回答了建设什么样的社会主义现代化强国、怎样建设社会主义现代化强国的重大时代课题，是中国共产党领导人民长期探索和实践的重大理论成果，是关于中华民族伟大复兴和人类社会历史发展未来愿景的带有规范性意义的系统化的科学理论建构，为人类对现代化道路的探索提供了新助力，为人类社会现代化理论创新作出了新贡献。其中蕴含的独特世界观、价值观、历史观、文明观、民主观、生态观等现代化理论重大创新成果值得进一步深入研究阐释。

Online editor: Zhang Fujun

网络编辑：张福军