Deng Xiaoping’s Historic Contribution to Exploring Chinese-Path Modernization

The report of the 20th National Congress of the CPC points out: “On the basis of long-term exploration and practice since the founding of New China, especially since reform and opening up, and through theoretical and practical innovations and breakthroughs since the 18th National Congress, our Party has successfully advanced and expanded Chinese-path modernization.” Deng Xiaoping, as the chief architect of China’s reform and opening up and the founder of the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, tirelessly explored Chinese-path modernization, made historic contributions, and is the main pioneer and promoter of Chinese-path modernization. The important thought on “Chinese-style modernization” proposed by Deng Xiaoping is an inheritance and development of the strategic thought on the “four modernizations” [1]1 The “four modernizations” refers to the goal, first articulated by Zhou Enlai in 1964 and reiterated by Mao Zedong, of modernizing agriculture, industry, national defense, and science and technology. of Party and state leaders such as Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai before reform and opening up, and has had a profound impact on our Party’s leadership of the people of all ethnic groups in the country in comprehensively advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization in the New Era.

党的二十大报告指出：“在新中国成立特别是改革开放以来长期探索和实践基础上，经过十八大以来在理论和实践上的创新突破，我们党成功推进和拓展了中国式现代化。”邓小平作为中国改革开放的总设计师、中国特色社会主义道路的开创者，对中国式现代化进行了不懈探索，作出了历史性贡献，是中国式现代化的主要开拓者和推动者。邓小平提出的关于“中国式的现代化”的重要思想，是对改革开放前毛泽东、周恩来等党和国家领导人关于“四个现代化”战略思想的继承和发展，对新时代我们党领导全国各族人民以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴产生了深远影响。

I. The Proposal of the Era-Defining Proposition of “Chinese-Style Modernization”

一、“中国式的现代化”时代命题的提出

“Chinese-style modernization” is an important thought proposed by Deng Xiaoping during the exploration of national economic adjustment in the early period of reform and opening up. The Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the CPC [2]2 The Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee, held in December 1978, marked the official launch of reform and opening up and the shift away from class struggle as the central task. made the historic decision to shift the focus of the Party and state work from “taking class struggle as the key link” to economic construction and to implement reform and opening up, ushering in a new period of reform and opening up and socialist modernization. On the basis of profoundly summing up the experiences and lessons of China’s socialist construction, combined with his in-depth investigations and repeated reflections during visits to the United States, Japan, Singapore and other countries, and proceeding from China’s basic national conditions of “a large population and a weak foundation,” Deng Xiaoping creatively put forward the strategic concept of taking the path of “Chinese-style modernization.”

“中国式的现代化”，是邓小平在改革开放初期探索国民经济调整过程中提出的重要思想。党的十一届三中全会作出把党和国家工作重心从“以阶级斗争为纲”转移到经济建设上来、实行改革开放的历史性决策，开启了改革开放和社会主义现代化建设新时期。邓小平在深刻总结我国社会主义建设经验教训的基础上，结合他出访美国、日本、新加坡等国进行的深入考察和反复思考，从我国“人口多、底子薄”的基本国情出发，创造性提出了走“中国式的现代化”道路的战略构想。

The “four modernizations” were the initial exploration and expression of “Chinese-style modernization.” On March 2, 1978, at the Fifth National People’s Congress, Deng Xiaoping pointed out: “We must restore and carry forward our effective policies, restore and carry forward a set of good work styles founded by Chairman Mao. The goal is the four modernizations.” Subsequently, on March 8, 1978, at the Fifth National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Deng Xiaoping emphasized: “Our country has entered a new period of development. Realizing the four modernizations of socialism is an unprecedented great undertaking and an extremely profound revolution. Our country’s revolutionary united front will certainly play its important role in the struggle to achieve the general task of the new period and in the great march toward the four modernizations.” On March 18, 1978, at the National Science Conference, Deng Xiaoping further pointed out: “Within the 20th century, comprehensively realizing the modernization of agriculture, industry, national defense, and science and technology, and building our country into a modern and powerful socialist country, is the great historical mission shouldered by our people.” These statements highlighted the goal orientation of the “four modernizations,” indicating that the “four modernizations” possess both revolutionary character and long-term nature.

“四个现代化”是“中国式的现代化”的最初探索和表述。1978年3月2日，邓小平在第五届全国人民代表大会上指出：“要恢复和发扬我们行之有效的政策，恢复和发扬毛主席创立的一套好作风。目标就是四个现代化。”随后，邓小平于1978年3月8日在中国人民政治协商会议第五届全国委员会上强调：“我国进入了一个新的发展时期。实现社会主义的四个现代化，是前所未有的伟大事业，是一场极其深刻的革命。我国革命统一战线必将在实现新时期总任务的斗争中，在向四个现代化的伟大进军中，发挥它的重要作用。”1978年3月18日，邓小平在全国科学大会上进一步指出：“在二十世纪内，全面实现农业、工业、国防和科学技术的现代化，把我们的国家建设成为社会主义的现代化强国，是我国人民肩负的伟大历史使命。”这些论述突出了“四个现代化”的目标指向，表明“四个现代化”具有革命性与长期性。

With a weak foundation and severe financial constraints, especially given the large gap between China and the advanced level of world modernization, how exactly should China’s modernization path be taken? After careful consideration, on March 21, 1979, during a meeting with a delegation from the Executive Committee of the Sino-British Cultural Association, Deng Xiaoping for the first time proposed the concept of “Chinese-style four modernizations.” Deng Xiaoping pointed out: “Our set goal is to realize the four modernizations by the end of this century. Our concept is different from the West’s; let me use a new term for now, called Chinese-style four modernizations.” Why redefine the “four modernizations”? Deng Xiaoping explained that it was mainly aimed at the gap with developed countries in the world. Based on the national conditions at the time, it was very difficult to achieve modernization by international standards by the end of the 20th century. “Our current technological level is still at your level of the 1950s. If we can reach your level of the 1970s by the end of this century, that would be quite remarkable. Even reaching that level will require a lot of effort.” Deng Xiaoping emphasized that realizing modernization must proceed from China’s actual conditions, focus on gradual progress, highlight Chinese characteristics, and not blindly pursue speed; the objective laws of economic and social development must be respected.

在基础薄弱、财力严重不足，特别是中国与世界现代化先进水平差距很大的情况下，中国的现代化道路究竟怎么走？经过慎重思考，1979年3月21日，邓小平在会见英中文化协会执行委员会代表团时，首次提出“中国式的四个现代化”的概念。邓小平指出：“我们定的目标是在本世纪末实现四个现代化。我们的概念与西方不同，我姑且用个新说法，叫做中国式的四个现代化。”为什么要重新定义“四个现代化”？邓小平解释说，主要是针对与世界发达国家的差距而言，基于当时的国情，到20世纪末实现国际标准的现代化是很难做到的。“现在我们的技术水平还是你们五十年代的水平。如果本世纪末能达到你们七十年代的水平，那就很了不起。就是达到这个水平，也还要做许多努力。”邓小平强调，实现现代化要从中国实际出发，注重循序渐进，突出中国特色，而不能盲目追求速度，要尊重经济社会发展的客观规律。

On March 23, 1979, during a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee to discuss the 1979 plan of the State Planning Commission and national economic adjustment, Deng Xiaoping formally proposed “Chinese-style modernization” within the Party. At the subsequent Party theoretical work conference [3]3 The Party theoretical work conference was a meeting convened by the Central Committee from January to April 1979 to discuss ideological and theoretical issues in the new period, at which Deng Xiaoping delivered a major speech on upholding the Four Cardinal Principles., Deng Xiaoping publicly explained “Chinese-style modernization” to the entire Party, reminding the whole Party that to realize the four modernizations in China, at least two important characteristics must be recognized: first, “a weak foundation,” “China is still one of the very poor countries in the world,” and “the overall level of science and technology is twenty to thirty years behind the advanced countries in the world”; second, “a large population and little arable land,” “the national population is over 900 million, of which 80 percent are peasants,” “the land area is vast, but arable land is very little,” and “under conditions where production is not yet sufficiently developed, food, education, and employment all become serious problems.” Against the backdrop of national economic adjustment, by proposing and explaining “Chinese-style modernization,” Deng Xiaoping’s intention was clear: the goal of modernization must be pragmatic and effective, not just empty slogans. Especially considering the huge population, there should be no blind comparison in per capita income and personal living standards, and a clear understanding of the arduousness of development was necessary. He particularly emphasized, “Chinese-style modernization must proceed from China’s characteristics.” “In the past, when carrying out the democratic revolution, we had to suit China’s conditions.” “Now, when building, we must also suit China’s conditions and blaze a Chinese-style modernization path.” In 1983, Deng Xiaoping again discussed “Chinese-style modernization,” combining the conditions of the times and actual circumstances, proposing that “Chinese-style modernization” is a modernization that is more pragmatic and effective, without blind comparison.

1979年3月23日，在中央政治局讨论国家计委1979年计划和国民经济调整时，邓小平在党内正式提出“中国式的现代化”。在随后召开的党的理论工作务虚会上，邓小平向全党公开阐释了“中国式的现代化”，提醒全党，要使中国实现四个现代化，至少有两个重要特点必须看到：一是“底子薄”，“中国仍然是世界上很贫穷的国家之一”“科学技术水平从总体上看要比世界先进国家落后二三十年”；二是“人口多，耕地少”，“全国人口有九亿多，其中百分之八十是农民”“土地面积广大，但是耕地很少”“在生产还不够发展的条件下，吃饭、教育和就业就都成为严重的问题”。在国民经济调整的大背景下提出并阐释“中国式的现代化”，邓小平的意图很明确，那就是现代化的目标要务实有效，不要空喊口号，尤其是考虑到庞大的人口数量，在人均收入和个人生活水平上不能盲目攀比，对发展的艰巨性要有清醒认识。他特别强调，“中国式的现代化，必须从中国的特点出发。”“过去搞民主革命，要适合中国情况”“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”。1983年，邓小平再论“中国式的现代化”，结合时代条件和实际情况，提出“中国式的现代化”是更加务实有效、不盲目攀比的现代化。

From the “four modernizations,” to the “Chinese-style four modernizations,” and then to “Chinese-style modernization,” the change in terminology indicates that Deng Xiaoping’s understanding of the laws of China’s modernization construction gradually deepened. The proposal of “Chinese-style modernization” has a profound historical background. From 1978 to 1979, Deng Xiaoping made frequent visits abroad. During his inspections of Japan, Singapore, and the United States, he experienced firsthand the degree of modernization in developed countries and gained a completely new understanding of modernization. During his visit to Japan in October 1978, Deng Xiaoping exclaimed: I understand what modernization is. During his visit to the United States in early 1979, Deng Xiaoping was again shocked and sighed: I have seen modernization. It was precisely by seeing the huge development gap between China and developed countries, and proceeding from China’s basic national conditions of a large population and a weak foundation, that Deng Xiaoping put forward the strategic concept of “Chinese-style modernization.” His original intention was to oppose rash and impetuous advance, to establish development goals suitable for China’s national conditions; to oppose copying Western models, and to take China’s own development path. This fully embodies his adherence to the ideological line of seeking truth from facts, indicating that China, outside the Western path of modernization development, began to embark on a development path of socialist modernization with Chinese characteristics.

从“四个现代化”，到“中国式的四个现代化”，再到“中国式的现代化”，提法的变化表明邓小平对中国现代化建设规律的认识逐步深化。“中国式的现代化”的提出，有着深刻的历史背景。1978年至1979年，邓小平频繁出访，在考察日本、新加坡、美国时身临其境地感受到发达国家的现代化程度，对现代化有了全新的认识。1978年10月访问日本时，邓小平感叹：我懂得什么是现代化了。1979年初访问美国时，邓小平再次受到震撼，感慨道：我看到现代化了。正是看到了我国与发达国家的巨大发展差距，从我国人口多、底子薄的基本国情出发，邓小平提出“中国式的现代化”的战略构想，其初衷是反对急躁冒进，确立适合中国国情的发展目标；反对照搬西方模式，走中国自己的发展道路。这充分体现了他坚持实事求是的思想路线，表明中国在西方现代化发展路径之外，开始走上一条具有中国特色的社会主义现代化建设的发展道路。

II. Mapping Out the Construction Goal of a “Moderately Prosperous Society” and the “Three-Step” Development Strategy

二、擘画“小康之家”建设目标与“三步走”发展战略

With the development of practice, Deng Xiaoping theoretically elevated “Chinese-style modernization,” developing its connotation of opposing rash and impetuous advance and establishing development goals suitable for China’s national conditions into the thought of a moderately prosperous society, and developing its connotation of opposing copying Western experience and taking China’s own development path into the theory of “building socialism with Chinese characteristics.” The construction goal of a “moderately prosperous society” and the “three-step” development strategy are Deng Xiaoping’s specific elaborations of the thought of “Chinese-style modernization.” Both embody Deng Xiaoping’s ideological thread in advancing modernization construction, enrich the connotation of “Chinese-style modernization,” and lay an important foundation for building China into a great modern socialist country by the middle of this century.

随着实践的发展，邓小平对“中国式的现代化”进行了理论提升，将其反对急躁冒进、确立适合中国国情的发展目标的内涵发展为小康社会思想，将其反对照搬西方经验、走中国自己的发展道路的内涵发展为“建设有中国特色的社会主义”理论。“小康之家”建设目标与“三步走”发展战略是邓小平对“中国式的现代化”思想的具体阐释。两者体现了邓小平推进现代化建设的思想脉络，丰富了“中国式的现代化”内涵，为到本世纪中叶建成社会主义现代化强国奠定了重要基础。

The construction goal and realization steps of the “moderately well-off family.” In December 1979, when meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Masayoshi Ōhira, Deng Xiaoping for the first time put forward the concept of “moderately well-off” (xiaokang). Deng Xiaoping pointed out: “The four modernizations we want to realize are Chinese-style four modernizations. Our concept of the four modernizations is not a concept like yours, but rather a ‘moderately well-off family.’ By the end of this century, even if China’s four modernizations reach some target, our per capita gross national product will still be very low. To reach the level of a relatively well-off country in the Third World, for example a per capita GNP of one thousand US dollars, we will still have to make great efforts. Even if we reach that level, compared with the West, we will still be backward. So, I can only say that China will still be in

“小康之家”的建设目标与实现步骤。1979年12月，邓小平在会见日本首相大平正芳时，首次提出“小康”的概念。邓小平指出：“我们要实现的四个现代化，是中国式的四个现代化。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’。到本世纪末，中国的四个现代化即使达到了某种目标，我们的国民生产总值人均水平也还是很低的。要达到第三世界中比较富裕一点的国家的水平，比如国民生产总值人均一千美元，也还得付出很大的努力。就算达到那样的水平，同西方来比，也还是落后的。所以，我只能说，中国到那时也还是一个小康的状态。”此后，1982年9月，邓小平在党的十二大开幕词中提出“建设有中国特色的社会主义”的命题，强调“我们的现代化建设，必须从中国的实际出发”，“把马克思主义的普遍真理同我国的具体实际结合起来，走自己的道路，建设有中国特色的社会主义，这就是我们总结长期历史经验得出的基本结论”。党的十二大确定了到二十世纪末力争使全国工农业年总产值翻两番，使全国人民的物质文化生活达到小康水平的战略目标。

The clear judgment and formal proposal of the “three-step” development strategy. On November 11, 1980, when meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, Deng Xiaoping pointed out: “For China to shake off its poverty, this will definitely not be accomplished by the end of this century; it may even require half of the next century to achieve.” On August 21, 1982, when meeting with UN Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, Deng Xiaoping also pointed out: “The task we place first is to achieve an initial goal of modernization by the end of this century, which is to reach the level of moderate prosperity. If we can achieve this goal, our situation will be relatively good. More importantly, we will have gained a new starting point, and then it will take another thirty to fifty years to approach the level of the developed countries.” Thereafter, Deng Xiaoping continuously deepened the clear judgment that the task of quadrupling could certainly be realized, and began to raise the question of what steps to take next. In September 1986, when meeting with foreign guests, Deng Xiaoping pointed out: “What is called a moderately prosperous society means that although we are not wealthy, life will be comfortable” and “with the foundation laid by the end of this century, it will take another thirty to fifty years to quadruple the per capita gross national product again.” On this basis, on April 30, 1987, Deng Xiaoping elaborated the “three-step” development strategy, which was affirmed at the 13th National Congress of the CPC held in October 1987. The report of the 13th National Congress of the CPC stated: “After the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee, the strategic plan for China’s economic construction is broadly divided into three steps. The first step is to double the gross national product compared to 1980 and solve the problem of food and clothing for the people. This task has been basically accomplished. The second step is to double the gross national product again by the end of this century, so that the people’s standard of living reaches a moderately prosperous level. The third step is to bring the per capita gross national product up to the level of moderately developed countries by the middle of the next century, so that the people’s life is relatively well-off and modernization is basically realized.” At this point, the “three-step” development strategy was basically finalized.

“三步走”发展战略的明确判断与正式提出。1980年11月11日，邓小平在会见新加坡总理李光耀时指出：“中国要摆脱自己的贫困，绝不是本世纪末的事情，甚至于还需花下个世纪的一半时间才能达到。”1982年8月21日，邓小平在会见联合国秘书长德奎利亚尔时还指出：“我们摆在第一位的任务是在本世纪末实现现代化的一个初步目标，这就是达到小康的水平。如果能实现这个目标，我们的情况就比较好了。更重要的是我们取得了一个新起点，再花三十年到五十年时间，接近发达国家的水平。”此后，邓小平不断深化翻两番任务肯定能够实现的明确判断，开始提出下一步如何走的问题。1986年9月，邓小平在会见外宾时指出：“所谓小康社会，就是虽不富裕，但日子好过”“有了本世纪末的基础，再花三十年到五十年时间，人均国民生产总值再翻两番”。在此基础上，1987年4月30日，邓小平阐述了“三步走”发展战略，在1987年10月召开的党的十三大上得到肯定。党的十三大报告指出：“党的十一届三中全会以后，我国经济建设的战略部署大体分三步走。第一步，实现国民生产总值比一九八○年翻一番，解决人民的温饱问题。这个任务已经基本实现。第二步，到本世纪末，使国民生产总值再增长一倍，人民生活达到小康水平。第三步，到下个世纪中叶，人均国民生产总值达到中等发达国家水平，人民生活比较富裕，基本实现现代化。”至此，“三步走”发展战略基本定型。

III. Clarifying a Series of Important Principles for Advancing Modernization

三、明确推进现代化建设的一系列重要原则

To advance “Chinese-path modernization,” it is necessary to adhere to the correct political direction. Deng Xiaoping conducted in-depth reflection and elaboration on the leading force, relying force, development direction, and development momentum of Chinese-path modernization, and the series of important principles he put forward provided direction and guidance for advancing “Chinese-path modernization.”

推进“中国式的现代化”，必须坚持正确政治方向。邓小平对中国式的现代化的领导力量、依靠力量、发展方向、发展动力等进行了深入思考和阐述，提出的一系列重要原则为推进“中国式的现代化”提供了方向和遵循。

“Chinese-path modernization” is a socialist modernization led by the Communist Party of China. China’s modernization drive requires a leading force with organizational capacity, combat effectiveness, and executive ability; it requires a strong and powerful leading core. This is the fundamental political guarantee for advancing Chinese-path modernization. On March 30, 1979, in his article “Uphold the Four Cardinal Principles,” Deng Xiaoping pointed out: “Without the leadership of the Communist Party of China, who would organize the socialist economy, politics, military affairs, and culture? Who would organize China’s four modernizations? In today’s China, we must never extol the spontaneity of the masses while departing from the Party’s leadership.” Upholding the leadership of the Communist Party of China is the choice of history and the choice of the people. Advancing Chinese-path modernization is both an exploratory undertaking, with many unknown areas, and a systematic project requiring overall consideration, systematic planning, and holistic advancement. It will inevitably encounter various predictable and unpredictable risks, challenges, difficulties, obstacles, and even stormy waves. Only by unswervingly upholding the Party’s leadership and steadfastly taking the socialist road can Chinese-path modernization have a bright future and continue to advance smoothly.

“中国式的现代化”是中国共产党领导的社会主义现代化。中国的现代化建设需要一个有组织力、战斗力、执行力的领导力量，需要坚强有力的领导核心，这是推进中国式的现代化的根本政治保证。1979年3月30日，邓小平在《坚持四项基本原则》一文中指出：“离开了中国共产党的领导，谁来组织社会主义的经济、政治、军事和文化？谁来组织中国的四个现代化？在今天的中国，决不应该离开党的领导而歌颂群众的自发性。”坚持中国共产党的领导，是历史的选择、人民的选择。推进中国式现代化，既是一个探索性事业，还有许多未知领域，也是一个系统工程，需要统筹兼顾、系统谋划、整体推进，必然会遇到各种可以预料和难以预料的风险挑战、艰难险阻甚至惊涛骇浪，只有毫不动摇坚持党的领导，坚定不移走社会主义道路，中国式的现代化才能前景光明，不断顺利往前推进。

“Chinese-path modernization” must proceed from the basic national condition of “a large population and a weak foundation.” A large population is China’s basic national condition. After the founding of New China, China gradually established a relatively complete industrial system, but the low cultural quality of the labor force seriously affected production efficiency. Under conditions of underdeveloped productive forces, how to properly solve the urgent and pressing problems of the people, especially livelihood issues, relates to the purpose of modernization and reflects the effectiveness of the modernization drive. Proceeding from the basic national condition, Deng Xiaoping repeatedly emphasized, “Achieving our goals is not easy.” Advancing modernization requires “a spirit of arduous struggle and entrepreneurship.” “Our country is large, with a huge population and a weak foundation; only through long-term struggle can we catch up with the level of developed countries.” In his talks during the southern tour, Deng Xiaoping further pointed out: “We have only been building socialism for a few decades and are still in the primary stage. Consolidating and developing the socialist system will require a very long historical stage, requiring the unremitting efforts of several, a dozen, or even dozens of generations. We must never be negligent.”

“中国式的现代化”要从“人口多、底子薄”的基本国情出发。人口数量大，是我国的基本国情。新中国成立以后，我国逐渐建立起比较完整的工业体系，但是，劳动者的文化素质不高严重影响了生产效率。在生产力不发达的情况下，如何妥善解决好人民群众的急难愁盼问题尤其是民生问题，关系现代化建设的目的，反映着现代化建设的成效。从基本国情出发，邓小平多次强调，“实现我们的目标，不是很容易的”。推进现代化建设“要有一股艰苦奋斗的创业精神”“我们国家大，人口多，底子薄，只有长期奋斗才能赶上发达国家的水平”。在视察南方谈话中，邓小平进一步指出：“我们搞社会主义才几十年，还处在初级阶段。巩固和发展社会主义制度，还需要一个很长的历史阶段，需要我们几代人、十几代人，甚至几十代人坚持不懈地努力奋斗，决不能掉以轻心。”

“Chinese-path modernization” must gradually achieve common prosperity for all the people, not “polarization.” Common prosperity is an important feature of the future society envisioned by Marx and Engels, and it is also the core essence of Chinese-path modernization. Chinese-path modernization cannot follow the old Western path of modernization characterized by polarization between rich and poor; instead, it must pursue common prosperity for all the people. Adhering to the new path of modernization that achieves common prosperity for all the people can most broadly gather the mighty force for socialist modernization. On the basis of deeply grasping the laws of the international communist movement and systematically summarizing the experience of socialist construction, Deng Xiaoping clearly pointed out: “The essence of socialism is to liberate and develop the productive forces, eliminate exploitation and polarization, and ultimately achieve common prosperity.” “Taking the socialist road means gradually achieving common prosperity.”

“中国式的现代化”要逐步实现全体人民共同富裕而不是“两极分化”。共同富裕是马克思、恩格斯所设想的未来社会的重要特征，也是中国式的现代化的核心要义。中国式的现代化不能走贫富两极分化的西方现代化老路，而是要追求全体人民的共同富裕。坚持走全体人民共同富裕的现代化新道路，能够最广泛地凝聚起社会主义现代化建设的磅礴力量。邓小平在深刻把握国际共产主义运动规律和系统总结社会主义建设经验的基础上，明确指出：“社会主义的本质，是解放生产力，发展生产力，消灭剥削，消除两极分化，最终达到共同富裕。”“走社会主义道路，就是要逐步实现共同富裕。”

“Chinese-path modernization” must adhere to the basic line of “one central task and two basic points.” After the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee, the Party’s political line was gradually enriched and developed in the great practice of bringing order out of chaos and reform and opening up. In July 1987, when meeting with Bangladeshi President Hussain Muhammad Ershad, Deng Xiaoping pointed out: “Engaging in socialist modernization is the basic line. To carry out modernization and make China prosperous and strong, first, we must implement the policies of reform and opening up; second, we must uphold the Four Cardinal Principles, mainly upholding the Party’s leadership and the socialist road, opposing bourgeois liberalization and the capitalist road. These two basic points are interdependent.” On this basis, the 13th National Congress of the CPC clearly stated: “Lead and unite the people of all ethnic groups across the country, take economic construction as the central task, uphold the Four Cardinal Principles, uphold reform and opening up, be self-reliant and work hard, and strive to build China into a prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, and modern socialist country.” At this point, the political line established by the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee developed into the Party’s basic line for the primary stage of socialism.

“中国式的现代化”要坚持“一个中心，两个基本点”的基本路线。党的十一届三中全会后，党的政治路线在拨乱反正和改革开放伟大实践中逐步丰富和发展。1987年7月，邓小平在会见孟加拉国总统艾尔沙德时指出：“搞社会主义现代化建设是基本路线。要搞现代化建设使中国兴旺发达起来，第一，必须实行改革、开放政策；第二，必须坚持四项基本原则，主要是坚持党的领导，坚持社会主义道路，反对资产阶级自由化，反对走资本主义道路。这两个基本点是相互依存的。”在此基础上，党的十三大明确提出：“领导和团结全国各族人民，以经济建设为中心，坚持四项基本原则，坚持改革开放，自力更生，艰苦创业，为把我国建设成为富强、民主、文明的社会主义现代化国家而奋斗。”至此，党的十一届三中全会确定的政治路线发展成为党在社会主义初级阶段的基本路线。

“Chinese-style modernization” must adhere to “grasping with both hands and being hard with both hands” in material civilization and cultural-ethical progress. When designing the grand blueprint for Chinese-style modernization, Deng Xiaoping emphasized that socialist modernization construction must not only achieve a high level of material civilization but also a high level of cultural-ethical progress. The mutual promotion of material civilization construction and cultural-ethical progress construction is the essential requirement of socialism. In October 1979, Deng Xiaoping pointed out: “Our country has already entered a new period of socialist modernization construction. While greatly raising social productive forces, we must reform and perfect the socialist economic system and political system, and develop a high degree of socialist democracy and a complete socialist legal system. While building a high level of material civilization, we must raise the scientific and cultural level of the entire nation, develop a noble and rich and varied cultural life, and build a high level of socialist cultural-ethical progress.” This indicates that, in the early period of reform and opening up, Deng Xiaoping had already proposed that Chinese-style modernization must take the path of modernization with the coordinated development of “the two civilizations.”

“中国式的现代化”要坚持物质文明和精神文明“两手抓、两手都要硬”。在设计中国式的现代化宏伟蓝图时，邓小平强调社会主义现代化建设，不但要有高度的物质文明，而且要有高度的精神文明。物质文明建设与精神文明建设相互促进，这是社会主义的本质要求。1979年10月，邓小平指出：“我们的国家已经进入社会主义现代化建设的新时期。我们要在大幅度提高社会生产力的同时，改革和完善社会主义的经济制度和政治制度，发展高度的社会主义民主和完备的社会主义法制。我们要在建设高度物质文明的同时，提高全民族的科学文化水平，发展高尚的丰富多彩的文化生活，建设高度的社会主义精神文明。”这表明，改革开放初期，邓小平就提出了中国式的现代化要走“两个文明”协调发展的现代化之路。

IV. Conclusion

四、结语

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, in response to the epochal questions of “Where is China headed?” and “What should be done next?” General Secretary Xi Jinping has clearly put forward the iconic concept of “Chinese-path modernization,” clarifying the mission and task of “comprehensively advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization.” This iconic concept of “Chinese-path modernization” is an inheritance and development of the historic proposition of “Chinese-style modernization” put forward by Deng Xiaoping. In October 2020, General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed unswervingly advancing Chinese-path modernization at the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee. In July 2021, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out at the “CPC and World Political Parties Summit”: “The Communist Party of China will unite and lead the Chinese people to deeply advance Chinese-path modernization and make new contributions to humanity’s exploration of the path to modernization.” In November 2021, the “Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century” adopted at the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee pointed out: “The Party has led the people to successfully blaze a path of Chinese-path modernization, creating a new form of human civilization.” In October 2022, General Secretary Xi Jinping systematically elaborated the profound connotation of “Chinese-path modernization” at the 20th National Congress of the CPC.

党的十八大以来，面对“中国向何处去”“以后该怎么办”的时代之问，习近平总书记鲜明提出“中国式现代化”的标识性概念，明确了“以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴”的使命任务。“中国式现代化”这一标识性概念，是对邓小平提出的“中国式的现代化”历史性命题的继承和发展。2020年10月，习近平总书记在十九届五中全会上提出坚定不移推进中国式现代化。2021年7月，习近平总书记在“中国共产党与世界政党领导人峰会”上指出：“中国共产党将团结带领中国人民深入推进中国式现代化，为人类对现代化道路的探索作出新贡献。”2021年11月，党的十九届六中全会通过的《中共中央关于党的百年奋斗重大成就和历史经验的决议》指出：“党领导人民成功走出中国式现代化道路，创造了人类文明新形态。”2022年10月，习近平总书记在党的二十大上系统阐述了“中国式现代化”的深刻内涵。

“Chinese-path modernization” and “Chinese-style modernization” are of the same lineage. On the one hand, both were proposed in response to the issues of the times at important historical junctures. “Chinese-style modernization” was proposed during the process of China’s great historical turn after the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee, aiming to resolve the strategic goals of modernization construction and answer the question of how to achieve the “four modernizations.” [8]8 The “four modernizations” were a policy goal first proposed by Zhou Enlai in 1964 and later adopted by Deng Xiaoping, referring to the modernization of agriculture, industry, national defense, and science and technology. “Chinese-path modernization” was proposed against the backdrop of the “two overall situations” [9]9 The “three-step” development strategy was a long-term plan for China’s economic development proposed by Deng Xiaoping in 1987: first, doubling the 1980 GNP by 1990 and ensuring basic food and clothing; second, doubling the 1990 GNP by the end of the 20th century to reach a moderately prosperous level; third, reaching the level of moderately developed countries by the middle of the 21st century. in the New Era, aiming to correctly grasp new strategic opportunities for modernization construction under the circumstances of profound changes in the global governance pattern and answer the question of how to build a great modern socialist country. On the other hand, both adhere to the principles of problem-orientation and seeking truth from facts. Regarding “Chinese-style modernization,” Deng Xiaoping emphasized both learning from others and hard struggle. In March 1979, Deng Xiaoping pointed out: “Due to lack of experience, realizing the four modernizations may be more difficult than imagined. Our policy is to absorb and introduce a large amount of Western advanced technology, and even capital; doing so may be faster. Moreover, we must be good at absorbing, good at using, and good at managing.” On New Year’s Day 1980, Deng Xiaoping pointed out at the CPPCC National Committee New Year’s Tea Party: “We want to carry out Chinese-style modernization. We are still very poor; we must honestly start an undertaking, we must endure some hardship; otherwise, there cannot be sweetness in the future.” Regarding “Chinese-path modernization,” General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasizes both respecting laws and highlighting characteristics. On February 7, 2023, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out at the study session on studying

“中国式现代化”和“中国式的现代化”是一脉相承的。一方面，两者都是在重要历史节点回答时代课题。“中国式的现代化”是在党的十一届三中全会后我国实现伟大历史转折过程中提出的，旨在解决现代化建设的战略目标，回答好如何实现“四个现代化”的问题。“中国式现代化”是在新时代“两个大局”的背景下提出来的，旨在全球治理格局深刻变化的形势下正确把握现代化建设新的战略机遇，回答好建设社会主义现代化强国的问题。另一方面，两者都坚持问题导向和实事求是的原则。关于“中国式的现代化”，邓小平强调既要注重借鉴，又要艰苦奋斗。1979年3月，邓小平指出：“由于缺乏经验，实现四个现代化可能比想象的还要困难些。我们的方针是大量吸收、引进西方先进技术，甚至资金，这样做可能快一些。而且，我们还要善于吸收，善于使用，善于管理。”1980年元旦，邓小平在全国政协新年茶话会上指出：“我们要搞中国式的现代化，我们还很穷，就是要老老实实地创业，就是要吃点苦，否则不可能有今后的甜。”关于“中国式现代化”，习近平总书记强调既要尊重规律，又要突出特色。2023年2月7日，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上指出：“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。” 总之，“中国式的现代化”和“中国式现代化”两个概念的理论内涵一脉相承，“中国式的现代化”的主要目标是要建成“小康之家”，而“中国式现代化”的主要目标是在全面建成小康社会的基础上全面建成社会主义现代化强国。

“Chinese-path modernization” has achieved an innovative development of “Chinese-style modernization.” First, the connotation of “Chinese-path modernization” is richer. “Chinese-style modernization” focuses more on elaborating the goal orientation of modernization construction in the primary stage of socialism from the perspective of the “four modernizations” [8]8 The “four modernizations” were a policy goal first proposed by Zhou Enlai in 1964 and later adopted by Deng Xiaoping, referring to the modernization of agriculture, industry, national defense, and science and technology. of modern industry, modern agriculture, modern national defense, and modern science and technology, with its content encompassing the “moderately prosperous society” goal and the “three-step” development strategy [9]9 The “three-step” development strategy was a long-term plan for China’s economic development proposed by Deng Xiaoping in 1987: first, doubling the 1980 GNP by 1990 and ensuring basic food and clothing; second, doubling the 1990 GNP by the end of the 20th century to reach a moderately prosperous level; third, reaching the level of moderately developed countries by the middle of the 21st century., among others. “Chinese-path modernization” proceeds from the long-term practical exploration of socialist modernization construction, especially the successful practice since the 18th National Congress of the CPC [10]10 The 18th National Congress of the CPC, held in November 2012, marked the beginning of the New Era under Xi Jinping’s leadership and the formal adoption of the goal of comprehensively building a moderately prosperous society., to elaborate the goal orientation of modernization construction in the New Era. Its content covers major characteristics such as modernization with a huge population, common prosperity for all the people, coordination between material civilization and cultural-ethical progress, harmony between humanity and nature, and taking the path of peaceful development; major principles such as upholding and strengthening the Party’s overall leadership, adhering to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, adhering to the people-centered development philosophy, adhering to deepening reform and opening up, and adhering to carrying forward the spirit of struggle; and essential requirements such as upholding the leadership of the Communist Party of China and adhering to socialism with Chinese characteristics. Second, the vision of “Chinese-path modernization” is broader. “Chinese-style modernization” emphasizes how to rapidly improve the living standards of our people and enhance the country’s comprehensive national strength while respecting the laws of economic and social development, continuously meeting the growing material and cultural needs of the people. “Chinese-path modernization” not only focuses on China’s own development but also on providing more development opportunities for other countries in the process of advancing modernization, achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. In summary, “Chinese-style modernization” emphasizes adapting to China’s national conditions, opposing the copying of Western experience, and taking China’s own development path, with more emphasis on principle and direction; the vision of “Chinese-path modernization” focuses more on holism and systemicity. Chinese-path modernization is the broad road to building a strong country and rejuvenating the Chinese nation. To advance Chinese-path modernization, we must always adhere to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the action guide and fundamental principle, ensuring steady and sustained progress.

“中国式现代化”实现了对“中国式的现代化”的创新性发展。首先，“中国式现代化”的内涵更加丰富。“中国式的现代化”更侧重从现代工业、现代农业、现代国防和现代科学技术这“四个现代化”的角度出发，阐述社会主义初级阶段现代化建设的目标定位，其内容涵盖“小康社会”目标和“三步走”发展战略等。“中国式现代化”从社会主义现代化建设的长期实践探索，尤其是党的十八大以来的成功实践出发，阐述新时代现代化建设的目标定位，其内容涵盖人口规模巨大、全体人民共同富裕、物质文明和精神文明相协调、人与自然和谐共生、走和平发展道路的现代化等主要特征，坚持和加强党的全面领导、坚持中国特色社会主义道路、坚持以人民为中心的发展思想、坚持深化改革开放、坚持发扬斗争精神等重大原则，以及坚持中国共产党领导、坚持中国特色社会主义等本质要求。其次，“中国式现代化”的视野指向更加开阔。“中国式的现代化”强调如何在尊重经济社会发展规律的前提下迅速提升我国人民生活水平和增强国家综合实力，不断满足人民群众日益增长的物质文化需要。“中国式现代化”不仅注重中国自身的发展，也注重在推动现代化进程中为其他国家提供更多发展机遇，实现互利共赢。总之，“中国式的现代化”强调要适合中国国情，反对照搬西方经验，走中国自己的发展道路，更多侧重原则性和方向性；“中国式现代化”的视野指向更多侧重整体性和系统性。中国式现代化是强国建设、民族复兴的康庄大道，推进中国式现代化，必须始终坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为行动指南和根本遵循，确保行稳致远。

[The authors Sang Xuecheng and Guo Kai are respectively a Counselor of the Jiangsu Provincial Government and Dean of the Jiangsu Institute of Party Building Theory and Practice Innovation; and Vice Dean and Professor of the School of Marxism at the Jiangsu Provincial Party School (Jiangsu Academy of Governance).]

〔作者桑学成、郭凯，分别系江苏省政府参事、江苏党的建设理论与实践创新研究院院长；江苏省委党校（江苏行政学院）马克思主义学院副院长、教授〕

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