Keep the Tree of Theory Evergreen

In his important speech at the symposium commemorating the 120th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Deng Xiaoping, General Secretary Xi Jinping highly appraised the great historical contributions of Comrade Deng Xiaoping in leading the Party and the people to successfully inaugurate the New Era of reform and opening up and socialist modernization in China, to inaugurate socialism with Chinese characteristics, and to found Deng Xiaoping Theory. He set forth clear requirements for continuing to deeply study and apply Deng Xiaoping Theory, emphasizing the need to “constantly open up new frontiers in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times” and to “keep the tree of theory evergreen and the tree of the cause evergreen.” We must deeply study and comprehend the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech, creatively study and apply Deng Xiaoping Theory, and continue to advance the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

习近平总书记在纪念邓小平同志诞辰120周年座谈会上的重要讲话，高度评价邓小平同志带领党和人民成功开创了我国改革开放和社会主义现代化建设新时期、开创中国特色社会主义、创立邓小平理论的伟大历史功勋，对继续深入学习运用邓小平理论提出明确要求，强调要“不断开辟马克思主义中国化时代化新境界”“让理论之树常青、事业之树常青”。我们要深入学习领会习近平总书记重要讲话精神，创造性地学习运用邓小平理论，继续推进马克思主义中国化时代化。

Deng Xiaoping Theory Is an Important Milestone in Adapting Marxism to the Chinese Context and the Needs of the Times

邓小平理论是马克思主义中国化时代化的重要里程碑

The history of the Communist Party of China is a history of continuously advancing the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, continuously advancing theoretical innovation, and carrying out theoretical creation. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “The most important ideological wealth Comrade Deng Xiaoping left us is Deng Xiaoping Theory, of which he was the principal creator. Deng Xiaoping Theory is an important milestone in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.”

中国共产党的历史就是一部不断推进马克思主义中国化时代化，不断推进理论创新、进行理论创造的历史。习近平总书记指出：“邓小平同志留给我们最重要的思想财富，就是以他为主创立的邓小平理论。邓小平理论是马克思主义中国化时代化的重要里程碑。”

Deng Xiaoping Theory was founded in the historical process of inaugurating socialism with Chinese characteristics. After the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the CPC [1]1 The Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the CPC, held in December 1978, marked a major turning point in Chinese history, shifting the Party’s focus from class struggle to economic development and initiating the policy of reform and opening up., the Communist Party of China, with Comrade Deng Xiaoping as its principal representative, united and led the entire Party and the people of all ethnic groups across the country, profoundly summed up the positive and negative experiences since the founding of New China, realized the shift of the Party’s work focus to economic construction, implemented reform and opening up, opened up a new situation in socialist modernization, gradually formed the line, principles, and policies for building socialism with Chinese characteristics, clarified the basic questions concerning building, consolidating, and developing socialism in China, and founded Deng Xiaoping Theory. Under the scientific guidance of Deng Xiaoping Theory, our Party clearly put forward “taking our own road and building socialism with Chinese characteristics,” systematically expounded the theory of the primary stage of socialism, comprehensively summarized the Party’s basic line for the primary stage of socialism, scientifically formulated a three-step development strategy for basically realizing socialist modernization, and successfully inaugurated socialism with Chinese characteristics.

邓小平理论是在开创中国特色社会主义的历史进程中创立的。党的十一届三中全会以后，以邓小平同志为主要代表的中国共产党人，团结带领全党全国各族人民，深刻总结新中国成立以来正反两方面经验，实现全党工作中心向经济建设的转移，实行改革开放，开辟了社会主义现代化建设新局面，逐步形成了建设中国特色社会主义的路线、方针、政策，阐明了在中国建设社会主义、巩固和发展社会主义的基本问题，创立了邓小平理论。在邓小平理论的科学指导下，我们党鲜明提出“走自己的道路，建设有中国特色的社会主义”，系统论述社会主义初级阶段理论，完整概括党在社会主义初级阶段的基本路线，科学制定分三步走、基本实现社会主义现代化的发展战略，成功开创了中国特色社会主义。

Deng Xiaoping Theory is the foundational work of the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Since reform and opening up, our Party has adhered to and developed Marxism based on new practices and the characteristics of the times, forming the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Within this theoretical system, Deng Xiaoping Theory upholds Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought, while centering on the practical problems of our country’s reform, opening up, and modernization, and on what we are doing. It focuses on the application of Marxist theory, on theoretical reflection on practical problems, and on new practices and new developments. It profoundly revealed that “the essence of socialism is to liberate and develop the productive forces, eliminate exploitation and polarization, and ultimately achieve common prosperity.” For the first time, it relatively systematically and preliminarily answered a series of basic questions concerning the path of development, stage of development, fundamental task, driving force of development, development strategy, political guarantee, national reunification, diplomacy and international strategy, leading force, and relying force for building socialism with Chinese characteristics, thereby promoting a new leap in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context. The 14th National Congress of the CPC [2]2 The 14th National Congress of the CPC, held in October 1992, formally adopted the concept of “building a socialist market economy” and systematized Deng Xiaoping’s theory of building socialism with Chinese characteristics. put forward Comrade Deng Xiaoping’s theory of building socialism with Chinese characteristics; the 15th National Congress of the CPC [3]3 The 15th National Congress of the CPC, held in September 1997, officially enshrined Deng Xiaoping Theory as the guiding ideology of the Party in the Party Constitution. established Deng Xiaoping Theory as the guiding ideology of the Party. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: “Establishing Deng Xiaoping Theory as the guiding ideology of the Party and the state is an unshakable conclusion drawn by the Party and the people from history and reality.” Deng Xiaoping Theory provided the action guide for our country’s reform, opening up, and socialist modernization, and is the foundational work of the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

邓小平理论是中国特色社会主义理论体系的奠基之作。改革开放以来，我们党从新的实践和时代特征出发坚持和发展马克思主义，形成了中国特色社会主义理论体系。在这一理论体系中，邓小平理论坚持马克思列宁主义、毛泽东思想，同时以我国改革开放和现代化建设的实际问题、以我们正在做的事情为中心，着眼于马克思主义理论的运用，着眼于对实际问题的理论思考，着眼于新的实践和新的发展，深刻揭示了“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”，第一次比较系统地初步回答了建设中国特色社会主义的发展道路、发展阶段、根本任务、发展动力、发展战略、政治保证、祖国统一、外交和国际战略、领导力量和依靠力量等一系列基本问题，推动实现了马克思主义中国化新的飞跃。党的十四大提出邓小平同志建设有中国特色社会主义理论；党的十五大把邓小平理论确立为党的指导思想。习近平总书记强调：“把邓小平理论确立为党和国家的指导思想，是党和人民从历史和现实中得出的不可动摇的结论。”邓小平理论为我国改革开放和社会主义现代化建设提供了行动指南，是中国特色社会主义理论体系的奠基之作。

Deng Xiaoping Theory is an important milestone in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. Adhering to theoretical innovation and continuously advancing the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times is one of the valuable historical experiences accumulated by our Party in leading the people in great struggles over more than one hundred years. Deng Xiaoping Theory adheres to emancipating the mind and seeking truth from facts, inherits predecessors while breaking through outdated conventions on the basis of new practices, and opens up a new realm of Marxism. It adheres to the basic achievements of the theory and practice of scientific socialism, seizes the fundamental question of “what is socialism and how to build socialism,” profoundly reveals the essence of socialism, and raises the understanding of socialism to a new scientific level. It adheres to observing the world with the broad vision of Marxism, correctly analyzes the characteristics of the current era and the overall international situation, the successes and failures of other socialist countries, the gains and losses of developing countries in their pursuit of development, and the trends and contradictions of developed countries, and makes new scientific judgments. Practice has proven that Deng Xiaoping Theory is the correct theory guiding the Chinese people to successfully realize socialist modernization through reform and opening up, and is an important milestone in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

邓小平理论是马克思主义中国化时代化的重要里程碑。坚持理论创新、不断推进马克思主义中国化时代化，是我们党一百多年来领导人民进行伟大奋斗积累的宝贵历史经验之一。邓小平理论坚持解放思想、实事求是，在新的实践基础上继承前人又突破陈规，开拓了马克思主义的新境界；坚持科学社会主义理论和实践的基本成果，抓住“什么是社会主义、怎样建设社会主义”这个根本问题，深刻地揭示社会主义的本质，把对社会主义的认识提高到新的科学水平；坚持用马克思主义的宽广眼界观察世界，对当今时代特征和总体国际形势，对世界上其他社会主义国家的成败，发展中国家谋求发展的得失，发达国家发展的态势和矛盾，进行正确分析，作出了新的科学判断。实践证明，邓小平理论是指导中国人民在改革开放中胜利实现社会主义现代化的正确理论，是马克思主义中国化时代化的重要里程碑。

Closely Integrating with Reality to Creatively Study and Apply Deng Xiaoping Theory

紧密结合实际创造性地学习运用邓小平理论

Deng Xiaoping Theory is not a dogma but a guide to action. In his speech, General Secretary Xi Jinping put forward the important requirement that “on the new journey of the New Era, we must continue to deeply study and apply Deng Xiaoping Theory,” providing a fundamental guideline for us to closely integrate with reality and creatively study and apply Deng Xiaoping Theory.

邓小平理论不是教条，而是指引行动的指南。习近平总书记在讲话中提出“新时代新征程，我们必须继续深入学习运用邓小平理论”的重要要求，为我们紧密结合实际、创造性地学习运用邓小平理论提供了根本遵循。

“Completely and accurately understand its scientific connotation and core essence.” A comprehensive and accurate understanding and grasp of scientific theory is the central link in correctly implementing and applying scientific theory. In his speech, General Secretary Xi Jinping systematically summarized and expounded a series of important ideological viewpoints of Deng Xiaoping Theory, pointing out: “These important ideas and judgments are full of dialectical materialism, embody a global perspective and strategic vision, grasp the principal contradiction and the principal aspect of the contradiction, and manifest the distinctive style and unique charm of Deng Xiaoping Theory.” General Secretary Xi Jinping particularly emphasized: “Only by combining these important ideas and judgments with their historical background, focusing on holistic and dialectical understanding, grasping both their meaning and rationale, and understanding both what they are and why they are so, can we correctly use them to guide practice.” We must deeply recognize that Deng Xiaoping Theory is a complete scientific system, in which each basic viewpoint and basic principle is not isolated but internally connected. This requires us, in studying and applying it, to always adhere to the viewpoints of practice, history, dialectics, and development, to pay attention to comprehensively and correctly grasping it from the overall perspective, from the perspective of interconnections, and from the spiritual essence. We must not only learn the scientific connotation of this theory but also closely combine it with the historical background of its formation; we must not only understand the basic viewpoints of this theory but also pay attention to the internal connections within it. We must truly master the dialectical materialism and historical materialism that run through and are embodied in it, and learn Comrade Deng Xiaoping’s scientific attitude, creative spirit, and revolutionary style.

“完整、准确理解它的科学内涵、核心要义”。对科学理论全面、准确地理解和掌握，是正确贯彻和运用科学理论的中心环节。习近平总书记在讲话中系统概括和阐述了邓小平理论的一系列重要思想观点，指出：“这些重要思想和论断充满唯物辩证法，体现了全局视野和战略眼光，抓住了事物的主要矛盾和矛盾的主要方面，彰显了邓小平理论的鲜明风格和独特魅力。”习近平总书记特别强调：“对这些重要思想和论断，只有结合历史背景，注重整体把握、辩证把握，知其义又明其理，知其然又知其所以然，才能正确用以指导实践。”我们要深刻认识到，邓小平理论是一个完整的科学体系，其中的各个基本观点、基本原理都不是孤立的，而是有着内在联系的。这就要求我们在学习和运用中，始终坚持实践的观点、历史的观点、辩证的观点、发展的观点，注意从总体上、相互联系上和精神实质上去全面地、正确地把握，不仅要学习这一理论的科学内涵，而且要紧密结合其形成的历史背景；不仅要理解这一理论的基本观点，而且要注重其中的内在联系。要真正把贯穿和体现其中的辩证唯物主义和历史唯物主义学到手，把邓小平同志的科学态度、创造精神和革命风格学到手。

“We must closely integrate with reality and creatively study and apply Deng Xiaoping Theory.” General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “Like the theories of other classical Marxist writers, what fundamentally guides Deng Xiaoping Theory’s long-term practice lies in its basic principles and the Marxist stance, viewpoint, and method that run through it.” Comrade Mao Zedong once emphasized that in studying Marxist classical works, one must not selectively quote individual phrases, but rather “use their stance, viewpoint, and method to concretely study China’s current situation and China’s history, and concretely analyze China’s revolutionary problems and solve China’s revolutionary problems.” Comrade Deng Xiaoping pointed out: “The main thing is to use the Marxist stance, viewpoint, and method to analyze problems and solve problems. The living soul of Marxism is the concrete analysis of concrete conditions.” The reason our Party has consistently emphasized studying and mastering the Marxist stance, viewpoint, and method is that this is the scientific attitude toward Marxism. Adhering to Marxism as a guide means using its scientific worldview and methodology to solve China’s problems, not memorizing and repeating its specific conclusions and phrases, and still less treating Marxism as an immutable dogma. Emancipating the mind and seeking truth from facts condense the worldview and methodology of dialectical materialism and historical materialism; they are the essence of Deng Xiaoping Theory and also the essence of Marxism. It is precisely by relying on and applying this essence that successive generations of Chinese Communists, through both inheriting predecessors and breaking through conventions, both eliminating interference from various erroneous tendencies and drawing lessons from various mistakes, have continuously resolved new issues, opened up new realms, and achieved new leaps. The times are constantly advancing, and the cause is constantly developing. Therefore, to creatively study and apply Deng Xiaoping Theory, we must “both uphold the major conclusions, basic viewpoints, and correct propositions that Comrade Deng Xiaoping put forward based on his understanding of the laws of socialism, and be adept at correctly grasping the essence and substance of the theory according to constantly changing circumstances, using it to solve practical problems, so as to adhere to the truth without wavering and guide practice without deviation.”

“要紧密结合实际，创造性地学习运用邓小平理论”。习近平总书记指出：“邓小平理论同其他马克思主义经典作家的理论一样，用以长期指导实践的，根本在于其基本原理和贯穿其中的马克思主义立场观点方法。”毛泽东同志曾经强调，学习马克思主义经典著作，不能片面引用个别词句，而要“运用他们的立场、观点和方法，来具体地研究中国的现状和中国的历史，具体地分析中国革命问题和解决中国革命问题”。邓小平同志指出：“主要的是要用马克思主义的立场、观点、方法来分析问题，解决问题。马克思主义的活的灵魂，就是具体地分析具体情况。”我们党之所以一以贯之地强调学习和掌握马克思主义立场观点方法，是因为这是对待马克思主义的科学态度。坚持以马克思主义为指导，是要运用其科学的世界观和方法论解决中国的问题，而不是要背诵和重复其具体结论和词句，更不能把马克思主义当成一成不变的教条。解放思想、实事求是，凝结着辩证唯物主义和历史唯物主义的世界观和方法论，是邓小平理论的精髓，也是马克思主义的精髓。正是依靠和运用这个精髓，一代一代中国共产党人通过既继承前人又突破陈规、既排除各种错误倾向的干扰又吸取各种失误的教训，不断解决新课题、开拓新境界、实现新飞跃。时代在不断前进、事业在不断发展。因此，创造性地学习运用邓小平理论，就要“既坚持邓小平同志基于社会主义规律性认识提出的重大结论、基本观点、正确主张，又善于根据不断变化的情况，正确把握理论的精髓和实质，用以解决现实问题，做到坚持真理不动摇、指导实践不偏离”。

Always hold fast to the soul and root of theoretical innovation, and continue to adapt Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

始终坚守理论创新的魂和根，继续推进马克思主义中国化时代化

Comrade Deng Xiaoping once said: “The world situation changes with each passing day, especially the rapid development of modern science and technology” and “One who does not inherit and develop Marxism with new ideas and viewpoints is not a true Marxist.” Since the New Era, Chinese Communists, with Comrade Xi Jinping as their chief representative, have profoundly summarized and fully applied the historical experience since the Party’s founding, conformed to the demands of the times, proceeded from new realities, and founded Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, opening up a new realm of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

邓小平同志说过：“世界形势日新月异，特别是现代科学技术发展很快”“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”。新时代以来，以习近平同志为主要代表的中国共产党人，深刻总结并充分运用党成立以来的历史经验，顺应时代要求，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，开辟了马克思主义中国化时代化新境界。

Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has achieved a new leap in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. From the integration of theory and practice, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has conducted profound reflection and scientific judgment on a series of major theoretical and practical issues concerning the development of the Party and the national cause in the New Era. It has 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 socialist modernized country to build and how to build it, and what kind of long-term governing Marxist party to build and how to build it. With a completely new perspective, it has deepened the understanding of the laws of Communist Party governance, the laws of socialist construction, and the laws of human social development. With a wealth of new ideological content, it has enriched and developed Marxism, forming a systematic and scientific theoretical system. This important thought inherits and develops Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of the Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development. It is the Marxism of contemporary China and Marxism of the 21st century, achieving a new leap in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times.

习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想实现了马克思主义中国化时代化新的飞跃。习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想从理论和实践的结合上，对关系新时代党和国家事业发展的一系列重大理论和实践问题进行了深邃思考和科学判断，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，以全新的视野深化对共产党执政规律、社会主义建设规律、人类社会发展规律的认识，以崭新的思想内容丰富发展了马克思主义，形成了系统科学的理论体系。这一重要思想继承和发展马克思列宁主义、毛泽东思想、邓小平理论、“三个代表”重要思想、科学发展观，是当代中国马克思主义、21世纪马克思主义，实现了马克思主义中国化时代化新的飞跃。

Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era profoundly reveals the fundamental pathway and scientific method for advancing the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era emphasizes that the fundamental pathway for advancing the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times is the “Two Integrations”; [4]4 The Two Integrations (两个结合) refers to the integration of the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with the fine traditional Chinese culture. that we must never discard the soul of Marxism, nor the root of fine traditional Chinese culture; that only by integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with fine traditional Chinese culture, and by persisting in applying dialectical materialism and historical materialism, can we correctly answer the major questions posed by the times and practice, and can we always maintain the vigorous vitality and exuberant energy of Marxism. These important theses scientifically reveal the fundamental pathway for advancing the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, opening up broad space for theoretical and practical innovation. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era emphasizes the necessity of always putting the people first, always maintaining self-confidence and self-reliance, always upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, always adopting a problem-oriented approach, always applying systems thinking, and always embracing the world with a broad vision. These “Six Musts” are an important embodiment of the stance, viewpoint, and method of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, profoundly revealing the scientific method for continuing to advance theoretical innovation.

习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想深刻揭示了推进马克思主义中国化时代化的根本途径和科学方法。习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想强调推进马克思主义中国化时代化的根本途径是“两个结合”；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；只有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，坚持运用辩证唯物主义和历史唯物主义，才能正确回答时代和实践提出的重大问题，才能始终保持马克思主义的蓬勃生机和旺盛活力。这些重要论断科学揭示了推进马克思主义中国化时代化的根本途径，开启了广阔的理论和实践创新空间。习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想强调必须坚持人民至上、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。这“六个必须坚持”，是习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的立场观点方法的重要体现，深刻揭示了继续推进理论创新的科学方法。

Continue to adapt Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times on the new journey. Continuously opening up new realms of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times is the solemn historical responsibility of contemporary Chinese Communists. In his speech, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: “Comprehensively advancing Chinese-path modernization has opened up broad space for the development of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics and also provided fertile soil for the Party’s theoretical innovation on the new journey of the New Era.” On the new journey of the New Era, we must fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, adhere to the “Two Integrations,” firmly grasp the “Six Musts,” deeply study the practical issues of advancing Chinese-path modernization, profoundly answer the questions of China, the world, the people, and the times, continue to adapt Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, and let the Marxism of contemporary China and the Marxism of the 21st century shine with even more brilliant rays of truth.

在新征程上继续推进马克思主义中国化时代化。不断开辟马克思主义中国化时代化新境界，是当代中国共产党人的庄严历史责任。习近平总书记在讲话中强调：“全面推进中国式现代化，为中国特色社会主义事业发展打开了广阔空间，也为新时代新征程党的理论创新提供了丰厚土壤。”新时代新征程上，我们要全面贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，坚持“两个结合”，牢牢把握“六个必须坚持”，深入研究推进中国式现代化的实际问题，深刻回答中国之问、世界之问、人民之问、时代之问，继续推进马克思主义中国化时代化，让当代中国马克思主义、21世纪马克思主义闪耀出更加璀璨的真理光芒。

[The author is Vice President of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee]

【作者为中共中央党史和文献研究院副院长】

Editor: Ma Jingren

责编：马京仁