The Internal Drivers, Methods, and Laws of Theoretical Innovation in Adapting Marxism to the Chinese Context and the Needs of the Times

“The vitality of theory lies in constant innovation; promoting the continuous development of Marxism is the sacred duty of Chinese Communists.” Looking back over the Party’s history of more than one hundred years, the fundamental reason why our Party has been able to lead the people through hardships and difficulties to continuously create new glories and achieve great accomplishments that have attracted worldwide attention is that it has mastered the scientific theory of Marxism and has combined the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with the best of traditional Chinese culture, constantly advancing theoretical innovation. So, what are the internal drivers of theoretical innovation in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times? What methods are used to achieve theoretical innovation? What basic laws must theoretical innovation follow? In-depth study of these questions is of great significance for deepening the understanding of the laws of the Party’s theoretical innovation and for promoting the Party’s “achievement of richer theoretical innovation results on the new journey of the New Era.” [1]1 The phrase “on the new journey of the New Era” refers to the period after the 20th National Congress of the CPC (2022), during which the Party leads the people in realizing the goals of building a modern socialist country in all respects.

“理论的生命力在于不断创新，推动马克思主义不断发展是中国共产党人的神圣职责。”纵观党的百余年历史，我们党之所以能够领导人民历经艰难困苦不断创造新的辉煌，取得举世瞩目的伟大成就，根本在于掌握了马克思主义科学理论，并把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，不断推进理论创新。那么，马克思主义中国化时代化理论创新的内在动因是什么？以什么样的方法实现理论创新？理论创新要遵循哪些基本规律？深入研究这些问题，对于加深对党的理论创新的规律性认识，推进党“在新时代新征程上取得更为丰硕的理论创新成果”具有重要意义。

I. The Internal Drivers of Theoretical Innovation in Adapting Marxism to the Chinese Context and the Needs of the Times

一、马克思主义中国化时代化理论创新的内在动因

Persisting in theoretical innovation is an important historical experience of our Party’s century-long struggle. “Every step forward in the Party’s cause requires a corresponding step forward in the Party’s theory,” and the “source of the Party’s theoretical innovation can only be the rich and vivid reality of life, and its driving force can only be the practical demands of solving social contradictions and problems.” [4]4 The “two overall situations” refers to the overall situation of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the overall situation of changes unseen in a century in the world. This profoundly points out the internal drivers of theoretical innovation in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

坚持理论创新使我们党百年奋斗的重要历史经验。“党的事业每发展一步，党的理论就要创新一步”，而党的理论创新，“源泉只能是丰富生动的现实生活，动力只能是解决社会矛盾和问题的现实要求”。[4]这就深刻指明了马克思主义中国化时代化理论创新的内在动因。

1. Practice-Driven: The Great Practice of the CPC’s Century-Long Struggle Demands Theoretical Innovation

1. 实践推动：中国共产党百余年奋斗的伟大实践要求理论创新

“The times are the mother of thought; practice is the source of theory. As practice develops without end, our understanding of truth and our theoretical innovation will also be without end.” [5]5 The “Two Integrations” refers to integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with fine traditional Chinese culture.(P9) The great practice of China’s revolution, construction, and reform is an unprecedented new exploration. The breadth and depth of these practices were impossible for the classical Marxist writers to encounter at the time. This requires us to continuously engage in practical exploration and, in light of new realities, constantly advance the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

“时代是思想之母，实践是理论之源。实践发展永无止境，我们认识真理、进行理论创新就永无止境。”[5](P9)中国革命、建设、改革的伟大实践是前无古人的全新探索，这些实践的广度和深度是以往马克思主义经典作家在当时不可能遇到的，这就需要我们不断进行实践探索，结合新的实际不断推进马克思主义中国化时代化。

How to carry out a new-democratic revolution in a large, backward Eastern country that was semi-colonial and semi-feudal and had a peasant majority—this was the new practice faced by Chinese Communists. To explore a new path for the Chinese revolution, Chinese Communists initially copied the “path of revolution from the cities to the countryside,” which had been tested and proven successful in the Russian October Revolution, but this repeatedly suffered setbacks. Practice proved that, under the objective conditions of the time, the Chinese revolution could not adopt the “city-centric theory” as Russia had done; instead, it had to promote theoretical innovation in conjunction with the practice of the new-democratic revolution, and thereby find a revolutionary path suited to China’s actual conditions. The Chinese Communists, with Comrade Mao Zedong as their chief representative, combined the basic tenets of Marxism-Leninism with China’s realities, promoted theoretical innovation, opened up the correct revolutionary path of encircling the cities from the countryside and seizing state power with armed force, and established Mao Zedong Thought. [6]6 The “three big mountains” is a standard Chinese Communist term for imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucratic capitalism, which were seen as oppressing the Chinese people before 1949.(P7)

如何在一个半殖民地半封建的、以农民为主体的、落后的东方大国进行新民主主义革命，这是中国共产党人面对的新实践。为了探索中国革命新道路，中国共产党人最初照搬了经过俄国十月革命检验成功的“城市包围农村革命道路”，结果屡遭挫折。实践证明，在当时的客观条件下，中国革命不可能像俄国那样采用“城市中心论”，而必须结合新民主主义革命实践推进理论创新，进而找到适合中国实际的革命道路。以毛泽东同志为主要代表的中国共产党人，把马克思列宁主义基本原理同中国实际相结合，推进理论创新，开辟了农村包围城市、武装夺取政权的正确革命道路，创立了毛泽东思想。[6](P7)

How to carry out socialist revolution and construction in a large Eastern country that was poor and blank and had a huge population—this was also an entirely new practice. Mao Zedong proposed a “second integration” of the basic tenets of Marxism-Leninism with China’s specific realities, promoted theoretical innovation in the practice of socialist revolution and construction, explored the path of socialist transformation with Chinese characteristics, and completed the socialist revolution; he formed a series of original theoretical achievements, including the theory of the basic contradictions of socialist society and the idea of taking the “path of China’s industrialization” based on China’s national conditions, which enriched and developed Mao Zedong Thought.

如何在一个一穷二白、人口众多的东方大国进行社会主义革命和建设，这也是全新的实践。毛泽东提出把马克思列宁主义基本原理同中国具体实际进行“第二次结合”，在社会主义革命和建设的实践中推进理论创新，探索了中国特色社会主义改造道路，完成社会主义革命；形成了包括社会主义社会基本矛盾理论、从中国国情出发走“中国工业化的道路”的思想等在内的一系列独创性理论成果，丰富和发展了毛泽东思想。

Continuing to explore the correct path for building socialism in China and opening up new prospects for reform and opening up and socialist modernization—this was an entirely new undertaking, and we had to use theoretical innovation to lead the development of the cause. Since reform and opening up, our Party, starting from new practice, has scientifically answered a series of basic questions concerning the path, stage, tasks, driving forces, and strategy of building socialism with Chinese characteristics, achieving major theoretical innovation results, including the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which encompasses Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of the “Three Represents,” and the Scientific Outlook on Development.

继续探索中国建设社会主义的正确道路，开创改革开放和社会主义现代化建设新局面，这是一项全新的事业，我们必须以理论创新引领事业发展。改革开放以来，我们党从新的实践出发，科学回答了建设中国特色社会主义的道路、阶段、任务、动力、战略等一系列基本问题，取得了包括邓小平理论、“三个代表”重要思想和科学发展观在内的中国特色社会主义理论体系等重大理论创新成果。

In the New Era, facing the new great practice of comprehensively advancing the building of a strong country and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, it is urgently necessary for us to promote theoretical innovation. The Chinese Communists, with Comrade Xi Jinping as their chief representative, have adhered to the “Two Integrations,” [2]2 The “Two Integrations” refers to the combination of the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with the best of traditional Chinese culture. proceeded from new realities, and established Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. [6]6 The “three big mountains” is a standard Chinese Communist term for imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucratic capitalism, which were seen as oppressing the Chinese people before 1949.(P24)

新时代，面对全面推进强国建设、民族复兴新的伟大实践，迫切需要我们推进理论创新。以习近平同志为主要代表的中国共产党人，坚持“两个结合”，从新的实际出发，创立了习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想。[6](P24)

In summary, in the great practice of revolution, construction, and reform, our Party has always promoted theoretical innovation in conjunction with new practice, constantly enriched and developed Marxism, and led the Chinese people from victory to victory.

总之，我们党在革命、建设、改革的伟大实践中，始终结合新的实践推进理论创新，不断丰富和发展马克思主义，领导中国人民不断从胜利走向胜利。

2. Problem-Oriented: Scientifically Answering New Questions of the Times Drives Theoretical Innovation

2. 问题导向：科学解答时代新课题推动理论创新

Adhering to a problem-oriented approach is the starting point of theoretical innovation. “Problems are the slogans of the times.” Each era always faces new problems different from those of other eras. Chinese Communists “scientifically answer new questions of the times,” [7]7 The “Six Musts” (六个必须坚持) are six principles for theoretical innovation: upholding the Party’s leadership, upholding the people-centered approach, upholding self-reform, upholding the Chinese path, upholding the global vision, and upholding the spirit of struggle. “make correct answers that conform to China’s actual conditions and the requirements of the times, arrive at scientific understandings that conform to objective laws, and form theoretical results that keep pace with the times,” [8]8 The “Four Questions” (四个之问) are questions concerning China, the world, the people, and the times.(P17-18) thereby driving the Party’s theoretical innovation.

坚持问题导向是理论创新的起点。“问题就是时代的口号”。每个时代总会面临不同于其他时代的新问题，中国共产党人“科学解答时代新课题”，[7]“作出符合中国实际和时代要求的正确回答，得出符合客观规律的科学认识，形成与时俱进的理论成果”，[8](P17-18)从而推动党的理论创新。

“Questions of the times are the driving force of theoretical innovation.” [9]9 The “Two Integrations” refers to integrating the basic principles of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with fine traditional Chinese culture. The “Six Musts” are the six requirements for theoretical innovation listed in the report of the 20th National Congress of the CPC.(P668) Any epoch-making theory is the result of answering and solving major questions of the times. In the 1840s, the world was in the era of free capitalism. Based on the theory of the basic contradictions of capitalist society, Marx and Engels put forward the theory that “capitalism will inevitably perish and socialism will inevitably triumph,” scientifically answering the question of the times, “Where is capitalism heading, and where is humanity heading?” and founded Marxism. At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, the world was in the era of monopoly capitalism. Starting from the law of uneven economic and political development of imperialist countries, Lenin scientifically answered the question of the times, “Where is imperialism heading, and where is the proletarian revolution heading?” enriching and developing Marxism and founding Leninism.

“时代课题是理论创新的驱动力。”[9](P668)任何划时代的理论都是对重大时代课题回答和解决的结果。19世纪40年代，世界处于自由资本主义时代，马克思、恩格斯依据资本主义社会基本矛盾理论，提出“资本主义必然消亡，社会主义必然胜利”的理论，科学回答了“资本主义向何处去，人类向何处去”的时代课题，创立了马克思主义；19世纪末20世纪初，世界处于垄断资本主义时代，列宁从帝国主义国家经济政治发展不平衡的规律出发，科学回答了“帝国主义向何处去、无产阶级革命向何处去”的时代课题，丰富和发展了马克思主义，创立了列宁主义。

In China, during the period of the new-democratic revolution, facing the main task of opposing the “three big mountains” [3]3 The “three big mountains” is a standard Chinese Communist term for imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucratic capitalism, which were seen as the main oppressors of the Chinese people before 1949. and striving for national independence and the liberation of the people, the Chinese Communists, with Comrade Mao Zedong as their chief representative, clearly recognized that “the present world is in a new era of revolution and war.” [10]10 Xi Jinping, speech at a symposium on cultural heritage, 2023.(P680) Based on this understanding of the theme of the times, Mao Zedong scientifically answered the question of the times, “What is the new-democratic revolution, and how to carry out the new-democratic revolution?” and founded Mao Zedong Thought.

在我国，新民主主义革命时期，面对反对“三座大山”、争取民族独立和人民解放的主要任务，以毛泽东同志为主要代表的中国共产党人清醒地认识到，“现在的世界，是处在革命和战争的新时代”。[10](P680)基于对这一时代主题的认识，毛泽东科学回答了“什么是新民主主义革命，怎样进行新民主主义革命”这一时代课题，创立了毛泽东思想。

During the period of socialist revolution and construction, the Chinese Communists, with Comrade Mao Zedong as their chief representative, scientifically answered the questions of the times concerning how to achieve the transition from a new-democratic society to a socialist society, how to carry out the socialist revolution, and how to advance socialist construction. They put forward a series of original theories, including the theory of the stages of socialist development, the theory of the basic contradictions of socialist society, the theory of the “ten major relationships” in socialist construction, and the theory of the path of socialist industrialization, enriching and developing Mao Zedong Thought.

社会主义革命和建设时期，以毛泽东同志为主要代表的中国共产党人，科学回答了如何实现从新民主主义社会到社会主义社会的转变，如何进行社会主义革命，推进社会主义建设的时代课题，提出了社会主义发展阶段理论、社会主义社会基本矛盾理论、社会主义建设“十大关系”理论、社会主义工业化道路理论等一系列原创性理论，丰富和发展了毛泽东思想。

In the new period of reform and opening up and socialist modernization, the theme of the times shifted from “war and revolution” to “peace and development.” Facing the main tasks of continuing to explore the correct path for building socialism, liberating and developing the productive forces, and achieving the prosperity of the people, the Chinese Communists, with Comrades Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, and Hu Jintao as their chief representatives, in the great practice of initiating, advancing, upholding, and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics, scientifically answered new questions of the times such as “What is socialism and how to build socialism,” “What kind of Party to build and how to build it,” and “What kind of development to achieve and how to develop.” They creatively put forward a series of basic theories for building socialism with Chinese characteristics, forming the major theoretical innovation achievement of the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

改革开放和社会主义现代化建设新时期，时代主题由“战争与革命”转变为“和平与发展”，面对继续探索社会主义建设的正确道路、解放和发展社会生产力、实现人民富裕的主要任务，以邓小平、江泽民、胡锦涛等同志为主要代表的中国共产党人，在开创、推进、坚持和发展中国特色社会主义的伟大实践中，科学回答了“什么是社会主义、怎样建设社会主义”“建设什么样的党、怎样建设党”“实现什么样的发展、怎样发展”等时代新课题，创造性地提出了建设中国特色社会主义一系列基本理论，形成了中国特色社会主义理论体系这一重大理论创新成果。

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, in the face of the main task of achieving the first centenary goal and embarking on the new journey toward the second centenary goal, the Chinese Communists, with Comrade Xi Jinping as their chief representative, have taken an overall view of the “two overall situations” [4]4 The “two overall situations” refers to the overall situation of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the overall situation of changes unseen in a century in the world., adhered to the “Two Integrations” [5]5 The “Two Integrations” refers to integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with fine traditional Chinese culture., and scientifically answered major epochal questions such as “what kind of socialism with Chinese characteristics to uphold and develop in the New Era and how to uphold and develop it,” “what kind of strong modern socialist country to build and how to build it,” and “what kind of long-term governing Marxist party to build and how to build it,” thereby establishing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

党的十八大以来，面对实现第一个百年奋斗目标、开启实现第二个百年奋斗目标新征程的主要任务，以习近平同志为主要代表的中国共产党人统筹把握“两个大局”，坚持“两个结合”，科学回答了“新时代坚持和发展什么样的中国特色社会主义、怎样坚持和发展中国特色社会主义”“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”“建设什么样的长期执政的马克思主义政党、怎样建设长期执政的马克思主义政党”等重大时代课题，创立了习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想。

Problems call for theory, and theory in turn leads and promotes the resolution of new problems. Xi Jinping pointed out: “We Chinese Communists engage in revolution, construction, and reform precisely to solve China’s practical problems.” [11]11 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 CPC, October 16, 2022. It is precisely on the basis of solving new epochal questions at different historical stages that our Party continuously advances theoretical innovation in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

问题呼唤理论，理论又引领和推动解决新的问题。习近平指出：“我们中国共产党人干革命、搞建设、抓改革，从来都是为了解决中国的现实问题。”[11]正是在解决不同历史阶段时代新课题的基础上，我们党不断推进马克思主义中国化时代化理论创新。

3. Mission-Driven: Fulfilling the Mission and Tasks of the CPC Requires Theoretical Innovation

3. 使命激发：完成中国共产党的使命任务需要理论创新

As a Marxist mission-oriented party, the CPC has, since its founding, taken the realization of national independence, people’s liberation, national prosperity, and people’s affluence as its mission and tasks. This mission and tasks have stimulated our Party’s conscious responsibility to continuously advance theoretical innovation in different historical periods.

中国共产党作为马克思主义使命型政党，自成立之日起就把实现民族独立、人民解放和国家富强、人民富裕作为自己的使命任务，这一使命任务激发了我们党在各个不同历史时期不断推进理论创新的自觉担当。

Achieving national independence and people’s liberation was the historical mission undertaken by the CPC during the New Democratic Revolution period. To fulfill this historical mission, the Party led the people in the Agrarian Revolutionary War, the War of Resistance Against Japan, and the War of Liberation, overthrew the “three big mountains” [6]6 The “three big mountains” is a standard Chinese Communist term for imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucratic capitalism, which were seen as oppressing the Chinese people before 1949. weighing down on the Chinese people, and established the People’s Republic of China, where the people are the masters of the country. It not only completed the historical mission of national independence and people’s liberation but also, in the process of fulfilling this historical mission, advanced the integration of Marxism-Leninism with the concrete practice of the Chinese revolution, achieving the first historic leap in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and establishing Mao Zedong Thought.

实现民族独立、人民解放是中国共产党在新民主主义革命时期承担的历史使命。为了完成这一历史使命，中国共产党领导人民进行土地革命战争、抗日战争、解放战争，推翻了压在中国人民头上的“三座大山”，建立了人民当家作主的中华人民共和国，不仅完成了民族独立、人民解放的历史使命，而且在完成这一时期历史使命的进程中，推进马克思列宁主义同中国革命的具体实践相结合，实现了马克思主义中国化的第一次历史性飞跃，创立了毛泽东思想。

Achieving national prosperity and people’s affluence is an important historical mission that successive generations of Chinese Communists since the founding of New China have had to continue to fulfill. During the period of socialist revolution and construction, to fulfill the historical mission of this period, Mao Zedong creatively proposed a series of important thoughts on socialist revolution and construction, enriching and developing Mao Zedong Thought. During the new period of reform, opening up, and socialist modernization, our Party undertook the historical mission of continuing to explore the correct path for socialist construction and realizing people’s affluence. To fulfill this historical mission, the Chinese Communists, with Comrades Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, and Hu Jintao as their chief representatives, achieved a new leap in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context in the course of promoting the fulfillment of the historical mission, obtaining major theoretical innovation achievements such as Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of the “Three Represents,” and the Scientific Outlook on Development.

实现国家富强、人民富裕是新中国成立以来历代中国共产党人要接续完成的重要历史使命。社会主义革命和建设时期，为了完成这一时期的历史使命，毛泽东独创性地提出关于社会主义革命和建设的一系列重要思想，丰富和发展了毛泽东思想。改革开放和社会主义现代化建设新时期，我们党担负着继续探索社会主义建设正确道路、实现人民富裕的历史使命。为了完成这一历史使命，以邓小平、江泽民、胡锦涛等同志为主要代表的中国共产党人，在推动完成历史使命的历程中，实现了马克思主义中国化新的飞跃，取得了邓小平理论、“三个代表”重要思想、科学发展观等重大理论创新成果。

As socialism with Chinese characteristics enters the New Era, the Chinese Communists, with Comrade Xi Jinping as their chief representative, have clearly stated that “the major task of opening up new horizons in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times is the solemn historical responsibility of contemporary Chinese Communists.” [7]7 The “Six Musts” (六个必须坚持) are six principles for theoretical innovation: upholding the Party’s leadership, upholding the people-centered approach, upholding self-reform, upholding the Chinese path, upholding the global vision, and upholding the spirit of struggle. This solemn historical responsibility continuously stimulates our Party to carry out theoretical innovation in the New Era. To fulfill this mission and task, our Party adheres to the scientific methods of advancing theoretical innovation, such as the “Two Integrations” and the “Six Musts” [7]7 The “Six Musts” (六个必须坚持) are six principles for theoretical innovation: upholding the Party’s leadership, upholding the people-centered approach, upholding self-reform, upholding the Chinese path, upholding the global vision, and upholding the spirit of struggle., continuously answers the “Four Questions” [8]8 The “Four Questions” (四个之问) are questions concerning China, the world, the people, and the times., establishes Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and writes a new chapter in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

中国特色社会主义进入新时代，以习近平同志为主要代表的中国共产党人明确提出，“开辟马克思主义中国化时代化新境界的重大任务，是当代中国共产党人的庄严历史责任”，[7]这一庄严历史责任不断激发我们党进行新时代的理论创新。为完成这一使命任务，我们党坚持“两个结合”“六个必须坚持”等推进理论创新的科学方法，不断回答“四个之问”，创立了习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，谱写了马克思主义中国化时代化的新篇章。

The proposal and advancement of the Party’s mission and tasks gave rise to the Party’s theoretical innovation, and the Party’s theoretical innovation in turn guides the completion of new mission and tasks; the two develop in interaction. The CPC’s mission and tasks have no end, and the Party’s theoretical innovation also has no end. It is precisely because the CPC always upholds a high degree of historical consciousness and responsibility that it can closely focus on the mission and tasks of different periods, and while committed to fulfilling the mission and tasks entrusted by the times, continuously advance theoretical innovation in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

党的使命任务的提出和推进催生了党的理论创新，党的理论创新又指导新的使命任务的完成，二者在互动中发展。中国共产党使命任务没有止境，党的理论创新也没有止境。正是因为中国共产党始终秉持高度的历史自觉和责任担当，才能紧紧围绕不同时期的使命任务，在致力于完成时代赋予的使命任务的同时，不断推进马克思主义中国化时代化的理论创新。

II. Methodological Requirements for Theoretical Innovation in Adapting Marxism to the Chinese Context and the Needs of the Times

二、马克思主义中国化时代化理论创新的方法要求

Adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times is a complex process of ideological creation. On the basis of adhering to the soul vein of Marxism and the root vein of fine traditional Chinese culture, it is necessary to adhere to scientific methods such as the “Two Integrations” and the “Six Musts” to advance the systematization and theorization of theory.

马克思主义中国化时代化是一项复杂的思想创造过程，要在坚守马克思主义这个魂脉和中华优秀传统文化这个根脉的基础上，坚持“两个结合”“六个必须坚持”等科学方法，推进理论的体系化、学理化。

1. Upholding Fundamentals and Breaking New Ground: Adhering to the “Soul Vein” and “Root Vein” is the Foundation and Prerequisite for Theoretical Innovation

1. 守正创新：坚守“魂脉”和“根脉”是理论创新的基础和前提

Upholding fundamentals and breaking new ground is the dialectic of theoretical development. Upholding fundamentals embodies inheritance, while breaking new ground embodies development. “Only by upholding fundamentals can we avoid losing our direction and committing subversive errors; only by breaking new ground can we grasp the times and lead the times.” [8]8 The “Four Questions” (四个之问) are questions concerning China, the world, the people, and the times.(P20) To uphold fundamentals and break new ground, it is necessary to properly handle the relationship between the “soul vein” and the “root vein.” Xi Jinping uses the metaphors of “soul vein” and “root vein” to emphasize the relationship between Marxism and fine traditional Chinese culture. He said: “The very proposition of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times determines that we must never abandon the soul vein of Marxism, and must never abandon the root vein of fine traditional Chinese culture. Adhering to this soul and root is the foundation and prerequisite for theoretical innovation.” [7]7 The “Six Musts” (六个必须坚持) are six principles for theoretical innovation: upholding the Party’s leadership, upholding the people-centered approach, upholding self-reform, upholding the Chinese path, upholding the global vision, and upholding the spirit of struggle.

守正创新是理论发展的辩证法，守正体现继承，创新体现发展，“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”。[8](P20)要守正创新，就必须处理好“魂脉”和“根脉”的关系。习近平借喻“魂脉”和“根脉”来强调马克思主义与中华优秀传统文化之间的关系，他说：“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。坚守好这个魂和根，是理论创新的基础和前提。”[7]

First, theoretical innovation must adhere to the “soul vein” of Marxism. Theoretical innovation must speak new words that the “founding fathers” of Marxism did not speak, but it cannot abandon the “founding fathers” of Marxism, because “Marxism is the fundamental guiding ideology for our Party and our country, and is the soul and banner of our Party.” [12]12 The “Six Musts” are: people-centered, self-confidence and self-reliance, integrity and innovation, problem-oriented, systems perspective, and global vision.(P12) Marxism is a scientific theory. Despite the vicissitudes of history, we cannot deny that we are still in the historical era indicated by Marxism. Adhering to the “soul vein” of Marxism means that we must adhere to the fundamental system of Marxism’s guiding position in the ideological domain, adhere to the fundamental requirement of the “Two Integrations,” adhere to the CPC’s cultural leadership, and adhere to the Marxist worldview and methodology.

一是理论创新要坚守马克思主义这个“魂脉”。理论创新必须讲马克思主义的“老祖宗”没有讲过的新话，但不能丢了马克思主义这个“老祖宗”，因为“马克思主义是我们立党立国的根本指导思想，是我们党的灵魂和旗帜”。[12](P12)马克思主义是科学的理论，尽管历史风云变幻，我们不能否认至今依然处在马克思主义所指明的历史时代。坚守马克思主义这个“魂脉”，意味着我们要坚守马克思主义在意识形态领域指导地位的根本制度，坚守“两个结合”的根本要求，坚守中国共产党的文化领导权，坚守马克思主义的世界观和方法论。

Second, theoretical innovation must adhere to the “root vein” of fine traditional Chinese culture. The root vein is the spiritual support for the continuous vitality of a nation. “Fine traditional Chinese culture is the cultural root vein of the Chinese nation. The ideas, humanistic spirit, and moral norms it contains are not only the core of our Chinese people’s thoughts and spirit,” [13]13 Xi Jinping, speech at a symposium on theoretical work, 2023.(P314) but also “represent the unique spiritual identity of the Chinese nation,” [14]14 V. I. Lenin, *Materialism and Empirio-Criticism* (1909).(P13) and are “the fundamental characteristic that distinguishes us from other countries and nations.” [15]15 Xi Jinping, *Speech at the Ceremony Marking the Centenary of the Communist Party of China*, July 1, 2021.(P407) If it is denied and abandoned, it is tantamount to cutting off one’s own spiritual lifeline and national genes. In this regard, Mao Zedong pointed out: “From Confucius to Sun Yat-sen, we should sum up and inherit this precious legacy.” [10]10 Xi Jinping, speech at a symposium on cultural heritage, 2023.(P534) Adhering to the “root vein” of fine traditional Chinese culture means that we must make the past serve the present, weed through the old to bring forth the new, use Marxism to activate fine traditional Chinese culture, and inject the great spirit and rich wisdom of the Chinese nation into Marxism at a deeper level, continuously endowing scientific theory with distinct Chinese characteristics.

二是理论创新要坚守中华优秀传统文化这个“根脉”。根脉是一个民族生生不息的精神依托。“中华优秀传统文化是中华民族的文化根脉，其蕴含的思想观念、人文精神、道德规范，不仅是我们中国人思想和精神的内核”，[13](P314)而且“代表着中华民族独特的精神标识”，[14](P13)更是“我们区别于其他国家和民族的根本特征”，[15](P407)如果将其否定和抛弃，无异于割断自己的精神命脉和民族基因。对此，毛泽东就指出：“从孔夫子到孙中山，我们应当给以总结，承继这一份珍贵的遗产。”[10](P534)坚守中华优秀传统文化这个“根脉”，意味着我们要坚持古为今用、推陈出新，用马克思主义激活中华优秀传统文化，并把中华民族的伟大精神和丰富智慧更深层次地注入马克思主义，不断赋予科学理论以鲜明的中国特色。

Third, the organic integration of the “soul vein” and the “root vein” is the pathway for theoretical innovation. Over the past century, our Party has adhered to integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities, using the Marxist scientific worldview and methodology to solve China’s practical problems, continuously answering epochal questions, forming theoretical innovation achievements, enriching and developing Marxism, and solving the problem of Marxism taking root and bearing fruit in China. At the same time, our Party has adhered to integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with fine traditional Chinese culture, continuously consolidating the theoretical, historical, and mass foundations for adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, thereby continuously opening up new horizons in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

三是“魂脉”与“根脉”的有机结合是理论创新的途径。百余年来，我们党坚持把马克思主义基本原理与中国具体实际相结合，运用马克思主义科学的世界观和方法论解决中国实际问题，不断回答时代课题，形成理论创新成果，丰富和发展马克思主义，解决马克思主义在中国扎下根来、结出硕果的问题。同时，我们党坚持把马克思主义基本原理与中华优秀传统文化相结合，不断夯实马克思主义中国化时代化的理论基础、历史基础和群众基础，从而不断开辟马克思主义中国化时代化新境界。

2. Scientific Methods: Adhering to the “Two Integrations” and the “Six Musts” is the Fundamental Guidance for Advancing Theoretical Innovation

2. 科学方法：坚持“两个结合”“六个必须坚持”是推进理论创新的根本遵循

The report of the 20th National Congress of the CPC, on the basis of summing up historical experience, put forward and elaborated on scientific methods for advancing theoretical innovation, such as the “Two Integrations” and the “Six Musts,” providing fundamental guidance for continuing to advance the Party’s theoretical innovation.[9]9 The “Two Integrations” refers to integrating the basic principles of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with fine traditional Chinese culture. The “Six Musts” are the six requirements for theoretical innovation listed in the report of the 20th National Congress of the CPC.

党的二十大报告在总结历史经验的基础上，提出并阐述了“两个结合”“六个必须坚持”等推进理论创新的科学方法，为继续推进党的理论创新提供了根本遵循。[2]

First, the “Two Integrations” profoundly indicate the fundamental path for advancing the Party’s theoretical innovation. Xi Jinping pointed out: “In the New Era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, an important reason why the cause of the Party and the state has achieved historic accomplishments and undergone historic transformations is that we have adhered to the ‘Two Integrations.’”[10]10 Xi Jinping, speech at a symposium on cultural heritage, 2023. It is precisely because the Communist Party of China has insisted on integrating the basic principles of Marxism with the concrete realities of China’s revolution, construction, and reform, and has continuously drawn rich nourishment from fine traditional Chinese culture, thereby promoting the Party’s theoretical innovation, that it has achieved theoretical innovation results such as Mao Zedong Thought, the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

一是“两个结合”深刻指明了推进党的理论创新的根本途径。习近平指出：“在中国特色社会主义新时代，党和国家的事业之所以取得了历史性成就、发生了历史性变革，一个重要原因就是我们坚持了‘两个结合’。”[16]正是因为中国共产党坚持把马克思主义基本原理与中国革命、建设和改革的具体实际相结合，并源源不断地从中华优秀传统文化中汲取丰厚滋养，从而推动党的理论创新，取得了毛泽东思想、中国特色社会主义理论体系、习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想等党的理论创新成果。

Second, the “Six Musts” profoundly indicate the fundamental requirements for advancing the Party’s theoretical innovation. The “Six Musts” are: must uphold a people-centered approach, must uphold self-confidence and self-reliance, must uphold integrity and innovation, must uphold a problem-oriented approach, must uphold a systems perspective, and must uphold a global vision. The report of the 20th National Congress of the CPC states: “To continue theoretical innovation on the basis of practice, we must first grasp the worldview and methodology of Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and adhere to and apply the positions, viewpoints, and methods that run through it.”[11]11 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 CPC, October 16, 2022.(P18-19) The “Six Musts” not only reveal the worldview and methodology that must be adhered to in the Party’s theoretical innovation from the perspectives of fundamental stance, basic points, scientific attitude, fundamental tasks, methods of thinking, and global vision,[12]12 The “Six Musts” are: people-centered, self-confidence and self-reliance, integrity and innovation, problem-oriented, systems perspective, and global vision. but also clarify the scientific methods for continuing to advance the Party’s theoretical innovation.

二是“六个必须坚持”深刻指明了推进党的理论创新的根本要求。“六个必须坚持”，即必须坚持人民至上、必须坚持自信自立、必须坚持守正创新、必须坚持问题导向、必须坚持系统观念、必须坚持胸怀天下。党的二十大报告指出：“继续推进实践基础上的理论创新，首先要把握好新时代中国特色社会主义思想的世界观和方法论，坚持好、运用好贯穿其中的立场观点方法。”[8](P18-19)“六个必须坚持”不仅从根本立场、基本点、科学态度、根本任务、思想方法、世界眼光等方面揭示了党的理论创新必须坚持的世界观和方法论，[17]而且明确了继续推进党的理论创新的科学方法。

To advance theoretical innovation in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times in the New Era, we must adhere to the integrated understanding and implementation of the “Two Integrations” and the “Six Musts.” In deeply grasping the “Two Integrations,” we enhance our profound understanding of the relationship between the soul and the root, strengthen our ideals and convictions, and boost our cultural confidence; in deeply grasping the “Six Musts,” we deepen our understanding of the worldview and methodology of the Party’s innovative theory, and continue to promote the Party’s theoretical innovation in the New Era.

新时代推进马克思主义中国化时代化理论创新，必须坚持“两个结合”“六个必须坚持”一体认识、一体落实。在深入把握“两个结合”中，增强对魂脉和根脉关系的深刻认识，坚定理想信念，提升文化自信；在深入把握“六个必须坚持”中，深入理解党的创新理论的世界观和方法论，继续推动新时代党的理论创新。

3. Internal Requirement: Promoting the systematization and theorization of theory is an important pathway for the Party’s theoretical innovation

3. 内在要求：推进理论的体系化、学理化是党的理论创新的重要途径

A truly thorough theory not only possesses a systematic framework but also combines a theorized expression. Systematization and theorization are not only important markers of theoretical maturity but also internal requirements for theoretical innovation. Xi Jinping pointed out, “We must continuously deepen theoretical research and interpretation, focusing on researching and interpreting the principled theoretical achievements among the new concepts and judgments put forward by our Party, and grasping their internal interconnections.”[13]13 Xi Jinping, speech at a symposium on theoretical work, 2023.

真正彻底的理论不仅具有体系化的构架，同时兼具学理化的表达。体系化和学理化不仅是理论成熟的重要标志，更是理论创新的内在要求。习近平指出，“要不断深化理论研究阐释，重点研究阐释我们党提出的新理念新论断中原理性理论成果，把握相互的内在联系”。[2]

First, promoting the systematization and theorization of theory is an important pathway for the development of Marxism. From its initial formation to its maturation, Marxism underwent a process of systematization and theorization. In works such as *Socialism: Utopian and Scientific*, Engels scientifically demonstrated the internal unity of Marxist philosophy, Marxist political economy, and scientific socialism; Lenin, in *Materialism and Empirio-Criticism*, pointed out that Marxist philosophy is a complete system, “in this Marxist philosophy, cast from a single piece of steel, you cannot remove any single basic premise, any essential part, without departing from objective truth and falling into the embrace of bourgeois reactionary fallacies.”[14]14 V. I. Lenin, *Materialism and Empirio-Criticism* (1909).(P221-222) Later, in *The Three Sources and Three Component Parts of Marxism*, Lenin clarified the three sources of Marxist theory and connected the three component parts into a system with class struggle as the core. The reason Marxism has had such a profound influence is that it demonstrates its scientificity, truth, people-centeredness, and practicality through systematization and theorization, thereby becoming the guiding ideology of our Party and state.

一是推进理论体系化、学理化是马克思主义发展的重要途径。马克思主义从初步形成到走向成熟，经历了理论的体系化、学理化的过程。恩格斯在《社会主义从空想到科学的发展》等论著中，科学论证了马克思主义哲学、马克思主义政治经济学和科学社会主义的内在统一性；列宁在《唯物主义和经验批判主义》中指出，马克思主义哲学是一个完整的体系，“在这个由一整块钢铸成的马克思主义哲学中，决不可去掉任何一个基本前提、任何一个重要部分，不然就会离开客观真理，就会落入资产阶级反动谬论的怀抱”。[18](P221-222)之后，在《马克思主义的三个来源和三个组成部分》中，列宁又明确了马克思主义理论的三个来源，并以阶级斗争为核心将三个组成部分连接成一个体系。马克思主义之所以影响深远，就在于以体系化、学理化彰显了其科学性、真理性、人民性和实践性，从而成为我们党和国家的指导思想。

Second, adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times requires systematization and theorization. The Party’s theoretical innovation achievements, such as Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of the “Three Represents,” the Scientific Outlook on Development, and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, have all undergone a process of systematization and theorization with a clear structure and distinct levels, such as “gradually proposing viewpoints and judgments—forming logical relationships internally—perfecting the theoretical system framework.” For example, Mao Zedong Thought went through a process of germination, basic formation, maturation, and enrichment and development, ultimately becoming a scientific theoretical system. Similarly, the development of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is also a process of continuous enrichment and ongoing systematization and theorization. It is precisely in the process of promoting the systematization and theorization of the Party’s innovative theory that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has continuously enriched and developed, ultimately forming a scientific theoretical system that is systematic, comprehensive, logically rigorous, rich in content, and internally unified.

二是推进马克思主义中国化时代化需要体系化、学理化。毛泽东思想、邓小平理论、“三个代表”重要思想、科学发展观、习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想等党的理论创新成果，都经历了“渐次提出观点论断—内部之间形成逻辑关系—完善理论系统框架”这样一个结构清晰、层次分明的体系化、学理化过程。如毛泽东思想就经历了萌芽、基本形成、成熟到丰富和发展的过程，最终成为科学的理论体系。再如，习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的发展也是一个不断丰富并持续体系化、学理化的过程。正是在推进党的创新理论的体系化、学理化过程中，习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想不断丰富发展，最终形成了系统全面、逻辑严密、内涵丰富、内在统一的科学理论体系。

Third, promoting the systematization and theorization of theory is a deepening of the understanding of the laws of the Party’s theoretical innovation. Systematization emphasizes the knowledge structure and logical system of theory, while theorization emphasizes the scientificity and truth of theory. Promoting the systematization and theorization of theory can more profoundly explain social phenomena and the laws of historical development, enhance the logic, explanatory power, and persuasiveness of theory, provide more comprehensive and systematic guidance for practice, and help people better understand and transform the world. Only based on a more systematic and theorized understanding and grasp of theory can the original contributions of the Party’s innovative theory be deeply researched and thoroughly explained.

三是推进理论的体系化、学理化是对党的理论创新的规律性认识的深化。体系化强调理论的知识结构和逻辑体系，学理化强调理论的科学性、真理性。推进理论的体系化、学理化，能够更深刻地解释社会现象和历史发展规律，增强理论的逻辑性、解释力和说服力，为实践提供更为全面和系统的指导，帮助人们更好地认识和改造世界。也只有基于对理论更加体系化、学理化的理解和把握，才能把党的创新理论的原创性贡献研究深、阐释透。

III. The Internal Laws of Theoretical Innovation in Adapting Marxism to the Chinese Context and the Needs of the Times

三、马克思主义中国化时代化理论创新的内在规律

Accurately grasping the internal laws of theoretical innovation is a prerequisite for adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. The Party’s theoretical innovation must follow the following internal laws.

准确把握理论创新的内在规律，是推进马克思主义中国化时代化的前提。党的理论创新要遵循以下内在规律。

1. Promoting theoretical innovation in the dialectical unity of adhering to Marxism and developing Marxism

1. 在坚持马克思主义与发展马克思主义辩证统一中推动理论创新

“Marxist theory is not a dogma but a guide to action; it must develop with practice, must be sinicized to take root, and must be localized to gain deep acceptance.”[15]15 Xi Jinping, *Speech at the Ceremony Marking the Centenary of the Communist Party of China*, July 1, 2021.(P66) Adherence and development are dialectically unified; the two must be unified to advance theoretical innovation. First, advancing the Party’s theoretical innovation must adhere to Marxism. Marxism correctly reveals the general laws of the development of human society; it is not a doctrine confined to the study but is formed, enriched, and developed in the practice of the people’s liberation. Adhering to Marxism means adhering to the basic principles of Marxism and the positions, viewpoints, and methods that run through them. Our Party’s century-long history of struggle is a history of adhering to Marxism. Mao Zedong pointed out, “The books of these ancestors, Marx, must be read, and their basic principles must be observed.”[16]16 Mao Zedong, *Rectify the Party’s Style of Work* (1942).(P109) Deng Xiaoping, during the drastic changes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe and the severe setbacks of the world socialist movement, pointed out: “I firmly believe that more people in the world will approve of Marxism, because Marxism is science.”[17]17 Deng Xiaoping, *Selected Works of Deng Xiaoping*, Vol. 3.(P382) Xi Jinping pointed out: “Looking back at the Party’s century-long history of struggle, the fundamental reason why our Party was able to achieve major accomplishments in various historical periods of revolution, construction, and reform, and to lead the people to complete arduous tasks that other Chinese political forces could not, lies in its mastery of Marxist scientific theory.”[18]18 Xi Jinping, speech at a symposium on theoretical work, 2023. It is precisely because our Party has always unswervingly upheld the guiding position of Marxism that it has ensured that the various undertakings of China’s revolution, construction, and reform advance along the correct direction of socialism.

“马克思主义理论不是教条而是行动指南，必须随着实践发展而发展，必须中国化才能落地生根、本土化才能深入人心。”[6](P66)坚持和发展是辩证统一的，必须把两者统一起来推进理论创新。一是推进党的理论创新必须坚持马克思主义。马克思主义正确揭示了人类社会发展的一般规律，它不是书斋里的学问，而是在人民求解放的实践中形成、丰富和发展的。坚持马克思主义是坚持马克思主义基本原理和贯穿于其中的立场、观点、方法。我们党的百年奋斗史就是一部坚持马克思主义的历史。毛泽东指出，“马克思这些老祖宗的书，必须读，他们的基本原理必须遵守”。[19](P109)邓小平在苏东剧变、世界社会主义运动遭受严重挫折时指出：“我坚信，世界上赞成马克思主义的人会多起来的，因为马克思主义是科学。”[20](P382)习近平指出：“回顾党的百年奋斗史，我们党之所以能够在革命、建设、改革各个历史时期取得重大成就，能够领导人民完成中国其他政治力量不可能完成的艰巨任务，根本在于掌握了马克思主义科学理论”。[7]正是因为我们党始终坚持马克思主义的指导地位不动摇，才确保中国革命、建设和改革的各项事业沿着社会主义的正确方向前进。

Second, advancing the Party’s theoretical innovation requires developing Marxism. Developing Marxism means adhering to the Two Integrations, using Marxism to solve practical problems in the development of the Party and the state, and advancing the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. Engels profoundly pointed out: “Marx’s whole world outlook is not a doctrine, but a method. It provides not ready-made dogmas, but starting points for further research and the method for that research.”[19]19 Engels, “Letter to Werner Sombart,” Marx and Engels Collected Works, Vol. 39.(P664) Marx was extremely disgusted with “slavish blind worship” and “simple imitation” of his theory. Lenin also clearly stated, “We by no means regard Marx’s theory as something complete and inviolable.”[20]20 Lenin, “Our Program,” Lenin Collected Works, Vol. 4.(P274) In the early and middle stages of the Agrarian Revolutionary War, our Party once made the mistake of dogmatizing Marxism and also sanctified the resolutions of the Communist International and the experience of the Soviet Union, which led to serious setbacks in the Chinese revolution. In response, Mao Zedong pointed out: “Our dogmatists violate Lenin’s instructions, never use their brains to concretely analyze anything, and when writing articles or making speeches, always adopt a stereotyped, empty tone, creating an extremely bad style in our Party.”[21]21 Mao Zedong, “Rectify the Party’s Style of Work,” Selected Works of Mao Zedong, Vol. 3.(P312) In the early period of reform and opening up, in response to the problems of ideological rigidity and complacency, Deng Xiaoping pointed out: “One who does not inherit and develop Marxism with new ideas and viewpoints is not a true Marxist.”[22]22 Deng Xiaoping, “Emancipate the Mind, Seek Truth from Facts, and Unite as One in Looking to the Future,” Selected Works of Deng Xiaoping, Vol. 2.(P292) In the New Era, Xi Jinping pointed out: “Marxism is an open theoretical system that continuously develops with the times, practice, and science. It does not end truth, but opens up the path to truth.”[23]23 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of Marx’s Birth,” Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, Vol. 3.(P13) The century-long history of struggle of the Communist Party of China is also a history of developing Marxism. Taking the CPC’s exploration of the correct path for China as an example, our Party has always, in light of the realities of China’s revolution, construction, and reform, correctly treated the theory of the proletarian revolutionary path pointed out by Marxism-Leninism, thereby “opening up the path of the new-democratic revolution, the path of the socialist revolution, the path of socialist construction, and the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics,”[24]24 “Resolution on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party’s Centenary Struggle,” adopted at the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee.(P295) enriching and developing Marx’s theory on the path of social development.

二是推进党的理论创新必须发展马克思主义。发展马克思主义，就是要坚持“两个结合”，运用马克思主义解决党和国家发展中的现实问题，推进马克思主义中国化时代化。恩格斯深刻指出：“马克思的整个世界观不是教义，而是方法。它提供的不是现成的教条，而是进一步研究的出发点和供这种研究使用的方法”。[21](P664)马克思十分厌恶对他的理论的“奴隶式的盲目崇拜”和“简单模仿”。列宁也明确指出，“我们决不把马克思的理论看做某种一成不变的和神圣不可侵犯的东西”。[22](P274)土地革命前中期，我们党一度出现把马克思主义教条化的错误，还把共产国际决议和苏联经验神圣化，结果导致中国革命遭受严重挫折。对此，毛泽东指出：“我们的教条主义者违背列宁的指示，从来不用脑筋具体地分析任何事物，做起文章或演说来，总是空洞无物的八股调，在我们党内造成了一种极坏的作风。”[23](P312)改革开放初期，针对思想僵化、故步自封问题，邓小平指出：“不以新的思想、观点去继承、发展马克思主义，不是真正的马克思主义者。”[20](P292)新时代，习近平指出：“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。”[24](P13)中国共产党百余年奋斗史，也是一部发展马克思主义的历史。以中国共产党对中国正确道路的探索为例，我们党始终结合中国革命、建设、改革的实际，正确对待马克思列宁主义指出的无产阶级革命道路理论，进而“开辟了新民主主义革命道路、社会主义革命道路、社会主义建设道路、中国特色社会主义道路”，[25](P295)丰富和发展了马克思关于社会发展道路的理论。

Third, advancing theoretical innovation requires unifying adherence to Marxism with the development of Marxism. Xi Jinping emphasized, “We must unswervingly adhere to Marxism as the foundation of our Party and our country, and unswervingly advance Marxism by rooting it in the historical and cultural soil of our own country and nation.”[2]2 The “Two Integrations” refers to the combination of the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with the best of traditional Chinese culture. Unifying adherence to Marxism with the development of Marxism is the key to continuously advancing the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. Adherence to Marxism is the prerequisite for developing Marxism, and developing Marxism is the best form of adherence to Marxism. To talk about development divorced from adherence is like water without a source or a tree without roots, and will lead to the error of pragmatism; to talk about adherence divorced from development will fall into a rigid mold and lead to the error of dogmatism. Through this unity, theoretical innovation both preserves the essence and living soul of Marxism and can adapt to and guide new social practices, promoting new theoretical innovation.

三是推进理论创新必须把坚持马克思主义与发展马克思主义统一起来。习近平强调，“我们必须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”。[2]把坚持马克思主义与发展马克思主义统一起来，是不断推进马克思主义中国化时代化的关键。坚持马克思主义是发展马克思主义的前提，发展马克思主义是对马克思主义最好的坚持。脱离坚持谈发展，犹如无源之水、无本之木，就会犯实用主义错误；脱离发展谈坚持，就会陷入刻板的窠臼，就会犯教条主义的错误。通过这种统一，理论创新既保持了马克思主义的精髓和活的灵魂，又能够适应并指导新的社会实践，推进新的理论创新。

2. Promoting theoretical innovation in the dialectical unity of theoretical innovation and practical innovation

2. 在理论创新与实践创新的辩证统一中推动理论创新

Xi Jinping pointed out: “To keep the cause of the Party and the people from stagnating, first of all, theory must not stagnate. We must, based on changes in the times and the development of practice, continuously deepen understanding, continuously sum up experience, continuously carry out theoretical innovation, adhere to the dialectical unity of theoretical guidance and practical exploration, and realize a benign interaction between theoretical innovation and practical innovation.”[25]25 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Conference Celebrating the 95th Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China,” Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, Vol(P65) First, the emergence and development of Marxism is a dialectical unity of theoretical innovation and practical innovation. In the 1830s and 1840s, the European workers’ movement surged. Through in-depth practice in the class struggle of the working class, Marx deepened his understanding of the revolutionary role of the proletariat, gradually formed historical materialism and the theory of surplus value, and provided a scientific theoretical foundation for the proletariat’s struggle for liberation. It was precisely in the interaction of theoretical innovation and practical innovation that the scientific theory of Marxism emerged. Lenin, in the practice of leading the Russian proletarian revolution and socialist construction, not only enriched and developed Marxism but also actively engaged in the practice of the proletarian revolution and socialist construction, creating Leninism in the interaction of theoretical innovation and practical innovation. The emergence and development of Sinicized Marxism is likewise a dialectical unity of theoretical innovation and practical innovation. “The key reason our Party has been able to endure trials and hardships and remain invincible lies precisely in continuously carrying out practical innovation and theoretical innovation.”[26]26 This is a quotation from Xi Jinping, paraphrasing a common expression in the CPC’s mass-line tradition. It is precisely in the dialectical unity of theoretical innovation and practical innovation that Sinicized Marxism has emerged and developed.

习近平指出：“要使党和人民事业不停顿，首先理论上不能停顿。我们要根据时代变化和实践发展，不断深化认识，不断总结经验，不断进行理论创新，坚持理论指导和实践探索辩证统一，实现理论创新和实践创新良性互动”。[14](P65)一是马克思主义的产生与发展是理论创新与实践创新的辩证统一。19世纪三四十年代欧洲工人运动高涨，马克思通过深入工人阶级的斗争实践，加深了对无产阶级革命作用的认识，逐渐形成了唯物史观和剩余价值学说，为无产阶级争取解放提供了科学的理论基础。正是在理论创新与实践创新的互动中，马克思主义科学理论应运而生。列宁在领导俄国无产阶级革命和社会主义建设的实践中，不仅丰富和发展马克思主义，还积极进行无产阶级革命和社会主义建设的实践，在理论创新与实践创新的互动中，创立了列宁主义。中国化马克思主义产生和发展同样是理论创新与实践创新的辩证统一。“我们党之所以能够历经考验磨难无往而不胜，关键就在于不断进行实践创新和理论创新。”[26]正是在理论创新与实践创新的辩证统一中，中国化马克思主义得以产生和发展。

Second, theoretical innovation and practical innovation mutually stimulate and promote each other. Theoretical innovation and practical innovation do not proceed independently; rather, they mutually stimulate and promote each other. Their interaction is both an inherent requirement of Marxist dialectical materialism and an internal requirement for continuously advancing theoretical innovation on the basis of practice. Practical innovation is the foundation of theoretical innovation; theoretical innovation must take practical innovation as its source, analyzing problems, summing up experience, and refining theory on the basis of practice. Practical innovation requires the support and guidance of theoretical innovation, thereby bringing into play the guiding role of theory for practice and enhancing the effectiveness of practical exploration. At the same time, the continuous development of practical exploration tests, supplements, corrects, and perfects the results of theoretical innovation, and the newly developed theory continues to guide new practice forward, forming a benign cycle of mutual promotion and dynamic development, thereby continuously advancing theoretical innovation in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

二是理论创新和实践创新是相互激发、相互促进的。理论创新与实践创新不是各自独立进行的，而是相互激发、相互促进的，两者的互动，既是马克思主义唯物辩证法的应有之义，也是不断推进实践基础上的理论创新的内在要求。实践创新是理论创新的基础，理论创新要以实践创新为源泉，在实践基础上分析问题、总结经验、提炼理论；实践创新需要理论创新的支撑和引领，进而发挥理论对实践的指导作用，提升实践探索的效果。同时，实践探索的不断发展，又对理论创新成果进行检验、补充、修正和完善，创新发展的新理论又继续指导新的实践向前发展，这就形成一个相互促进、动态发展的良性循环，以此不断推进马克思主义中国化时代化理论创新。

3. Drawing wisdom for theoretical innovation from the creation of the masses

3. 注重从人民群众的创造中汲取理论创新智慧

The report of the 20th National Congress of the CPC pointed out: “The Party’s theory is a theory that comes from the people, serves the people, and benefits the people. The people’s creative practice is the inexhaustible source of theoretical innovation.”[27]27 The reference [28](P30) is to a Chinese-language edition of Xi Jinping’s works; the page number is given as in the original.(P19) This indicates that the Party’s theoretical innovation must focus on drawing wisdom from the creation of the masses. First, “the achievements in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times are all the crystallization of the practical experience and collective wisdom of the Party and the people.”[2]2 The “Two Integrations” refers to the combination of the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with the best of traditional Chinese culture. Since its founding, the Communist Party of China has focused on summing up experience, drawing wisdom, and refining theory from the creative practice of the masses, relying closely on the masses to promote the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. Looking back at the Party’s century-long history, every theoretical innovation of the Party has originated from the exploration and creation of the people. During the period of the new-democratic revolution, Mao Zedong, proceeding from China’s actual conditions, recognized that the peasant question was the basic question of the Chinese revolution and put forward the idea of the armed independent regime of workers and peasants, which became an important component of Mao Zedong Thought. During the new period of reform and opening up and socialist modernization, major reform measures such as the implementation of the household contract responsibility system and the development of township enterprises all came from the creative practice of the masses, providing important content for the formation of the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics. In response, Deng Xiaoping pointed out, “Many things in reform and opening up were proposed by the masses in practice,” and “This is the wisdom of the masses, the wisdom of the collective.”[28]28 The reference [29](P18) is to another Chinese-language edition of Xi Jinping’s works; the page number is given as in the original.(P1350) As socialism with Chinese characteristics entered the New Era, Xi Jinping emphasized, “To advance the Party’s theoretical innovation, we must also follow the mass line, and must by no means engage in armchair theorizing, empty talk, or idle speculation.”[2]2 The “Two Integrations” refers to the combination of the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with the best of traditional Chinese culture. Xi Jinping has extensively conducted investigations and research at the grassroots level, systematically summed up the creative practical experience of the masses, and put forward a series of original new concepts, ideas, and strategies for governing the country, establishing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a new achievement rooted in the vivid practice of the masses.

党的二十大报告指出：“党的理论是来自人民、为了人民、造福人民的理论，人民的创造性实践是理论创新的不竭源泉。”[8](P19)这说明，党的理论创新要注重从人民群众的创造中汲取智慧。一是“马克思主义中国化时代化成果，都是党和人民实践经验和集体智慧的结晶”。[2]中国共产党自成立之日起就注重从人民群众的创造性实践中总结经验、汲取智慧、提炼理论，紧紧依靠人民群众推动马克思主义中国化时代化。回顾党的百年历史，党的每一次理论创新，无不源自于人民的探索和创造。新民主主义革命时期，毛泽东从中国实际出发，认识到农民问题是中国革命的基本问题，提出工农武装割据思想，这一思想成为毛泽东思想的重要组成部分。改革开放和社会主义现代化建设新时期，家庭联产承包责任制的推行、乡镇企业的发展等重大改革举措，都来自人民群众的创造性实践，为中国特色社会主义理论体系的形成提供了重要内容。对此，邓小平指出，“改革开放中许许多多的东西，都是群众在实践中提出来的”，“这是群众的智慧，集体的智慧”。[27](P1350)中国特色社会主义进入新时代，习近平强调，“推进党的理论创新也要走好群众路线，决不能闭门造车、坐而论道、流于空想”。[2]习近平广泛深入基层一线考察调研，系统总结人民群众创造性实践经验，提出了一系列原创性治国理政新理念新思想新战略，创立了习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想这一扎根于人民群众的生动实践的新成果。

Second, the masses “are at the forefront of practice, are the most sensitive to changes in practice, feel them most deeply, and are also the most intelligent.”[26]26 This is a quotation from Xi Jinping, paraphrasing a common expression in the CPC’s mass-line tradition. In the New Era, the “most grand and unique practical innovation in human history”[27]27 The reference [28](P30) is to a Chinese-language edition of Xi Jinping’s works; the page number is given as in the original.(P30) carried out by the more than 1.4 billion Chinese people provides an inexhaustible source for the Party’s theoretical innovation. The experience accumulated by the masses in practice, the questions they raise, and the insights they form are important content for the Party’s theoretical innovation; whether the masses identify with, support, and practice it is the criterion for judging the Party’s theoretical innovation. “All theories that are divorced from the people are pale and feeble, and all theories that do not bring benefit to the people have no vitality.”[8]8 The “Four Questions” (四个之问) are questions concerning China, the world, the people, and the times.(P19) Therefore, to advance the Party’s theoretical innovation, it is necessary to follow the mass line well in the New Era, to obtain the source of theoretical innovation by respecting the masses’ pioneering spirit, to draw on the wisdom of theoretical innovation by maintaining close ties with the masses, and to explore ideas for theoretical innovation by going deep among the masses to conduct investigation and research. In this regard, Xi Jinping points out: “In front of the people, we are forever primary-school students; we must consciously regard the people as our teachers, seek advice from the capable, and ask the wise for strategies; we must fully respect the will expressed by the people, the experience they have created, the rights they possess, and the role they play.”[28]28 The reference [29](P18) is to another Chinese-language edition of Xi Jinping’s works; the page number is given as in the original.(P18)

二是人民群众“身处实践最前沿，对实践变化感知最敏感、感受最深切，也最聪慧”。[2]新时代，14亿多中国人民进行的“人类历史上最为宏大而独特的实践创新”，[28](P30)为党的理论创新提供了不竭源泉。人民群众在实践中积累的经验、提出的问题、形成的见解，是党的理论创新的重要内容，人民群众认同不认同、支持不支持、践行不践行是党的理论创新的评判标准。“一切脱离人民的理论都是苍白无力的，一切不为人民造福的理论都是没有生命力的。”[8](P19)因此，推进党的理论创新，必须走好新时代的群众路线，要在尊重群众首创精神中获取理论创新的源泉，要在密切联系群众中汲取理论创新的智慧，要在深入群众开展调查研究中探寻理论创新的思路。对此，习近平指出：“在人民面前，我们永远是小学生，必须自觉拜人民为师，向能者求教，向智者问策；必须充分尊重人民所表达的意愿、所创造的经验、所拥有的权利、所发挥的作用。”[29](P18)

To sum up the above discussion, theoretical innovation in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times has internal motivations such as practical impetus, problem orientation, and mission inspiration; it also has methodological requirements such as upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, scientific methods, and internal demands; and it must further follow internal laws such as the dialectical unity of upholding Marxism and developing Marxism, the positive interaction between theoretical innovation and practical innovation, and drawing wisdom for theoretical innovation from the creation of the masses. Internal motivations are the driving force of theoretical innovation, methodological requirements are the basic path of theoretical innovation, and internal laws are the development trend of theoretical innovation. The three are unified with each other, jointly promoting theoretical innovation in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

综上所论，马克思主义中国化时代化理论创新既有其实践推动、问题导向和使命激发等内在动因，也有守正创新、科学方法和内在要求等方法要求，更要遵循坚持马克思主义与发展马克思主义辩证统一、理论创新与实践创新良性互动和注重从人民群众的创造中汲取理论创新智慧等内在规律。内在动因是理论创新的推动力，方法要求是理论创新的基本路径，内在规律是理论创新的发展趋势，三者相互统一，共同推动马克思主义中国化时代化理论创新。

(Author’s brief biography: Wang Gang, second-level professor and doctoral supervisor at the School of Marxism, Nanjing Normal University)

（作者简介：王刚，南京师范大学马克思主义学院二级教授、博士生导师）

Online editor: Tongxin

网络编辑：同心