The Internal Logic Contained in the Theoretical System of Chinese-Path Modernization

Introduction

引 言

Building a modern powerful country and achieving national rejuvenation have been the great dream ardently pursued by the Chinese people since modern times, and the original aspiration and founding mission to which the Communist Party of China has been unswervingly committed. During the period of the New Democratic Revolution, the CPC united and led the people in bloody battles and indomitable struggles. Through the Northern Expedition, the Agrarian Revolutionary War, the War of Resistance Against Japan, and the War of Liberation, it overthrew the three mountains of imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucratic capitalism, established a new socialist China where the people are the masters of the country, and achieved national independence and the liberation of the people, thereby creating the fundamental political prerequisite and social conditions for the Chinese nation to embark on the path of modernization. After the founding of New China, under the circumstances of severe challenges and immense difficulties, the Party led the people to initiate an unremitting exploration of the modernization path. The Chinese Communists, with Comrade Mao Zedong as their chief representative, relying on their own efforts and working hard, profoundly answered the major question of how to learn from the Soviet experience without mechanically copying the Soviet model. They gradually formed the strategic goal of the "Four Modernizations," including the modernization of industry, agriculture, science and technology, and national defense, successfully opening a new era of realizing China's modernization by relying on the socialist system and the strength of independence and self-reliance. It was precisely in the practice of leading the exploration of the modernization path that Mao Zedong creatively put forward the basic policy of adhering to independence and self-reliance, as well as a series of major theories such as *On the Ten Major Relationships* and the correct handling of contradictions among the people. These preliminarily explored the basic laws of the modernization path and effectively guided and advanced the practice of the "Four Modernizations." The Chinese Communists adhered to the "Four Modernizations" as their goal of struggle, enduring the tests of wind and rain without changing their original aspiration.

建设现代强国、实现民族复兴，是近代以来中国人民孜孜以求的伟大梦想，是中国共产党矢志不渝的初心使命。新民主主义革命时期，中国共产党团结带领人民浴血奋战、百折不挠，经过北伐战争、土地革命战争、抗日战争、解放战争，推翻帝国主义、封建主义、官僚资本主义三座大山，建立了人民当家作主的社会主义新中国，实现了民族独立、人民解放，为中华民族走上现 代化道路创造了根本政治前提和社会条件。新中国成立后，在面临严峻挑战和巨大困难的形势下，党领导人民开启了对现代化道路的不懈探索。以毛泽东同志为主要代表的中国共产党人，自力更生、发愤图强，深刻回答如何既学习苏联经验又不照搬苏联模式的重大问题，逐步形成包括工业现代化、农业现代化、科学技术现代化、国防现代化在内的“四个现代化”战略目标，成功开辟了依托社会主义制度和独立自主力量实现中国现代化的新纪元。正是在领导探索现代化道路的实践中，毛泽东创造性地提出了坚持独立自主、自力更生的基本方针和论十大关系、正确处理人民内部矛盾等一系列重大理论，初步探索了现代化道路的基本规律，有力指引和推进了“四个现代化”实践。中国共产党人坚持以“四个现代化”为奋斗目标，历经风雨考验、初心矢志未变。

After the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Party [1]1 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 finest traditional Chinese culture. This formulation was first proposed by Xi Jinping in his July 1, 2021 speech marking the centenary of the CPC and was formally incorporated into the Party’s guiding ideology at the 20th National Congress in 2022., the Chinese Communists, with Comrade Deng Xiaoping as their chief representative, emancipated the mind and sought truth from facts. They deeply tackled the major issue of how to build socialism based on the basic national conditions of the primary stage of socialism, clearly proposed and vigorously advanced the strategic concept of "Chinese-style modernization," and successfully created a new period of realizing China's modernization through reform and opening up and the "three-step" strategy [2]2 落脚点 (luòjiǎo diǎn): Literally "point where the foot lands"; in Chinese political discourse, it means the ultimate goal, purpose or focus of a policy or action.. It was precisely in the practice of leading the exploration of China's modernization path that Deng Xiaoping creatively put forward the theory of the primary stage of socialism, the theory of the essence of socialism, the theory of the socialist market economy, and a series of major theories concerning socialist democracy and legal system, and socialist cultural-ethical progress. These profoundly answered the fundamental question of "what is socialism and how to build socialism," promoting contemporary China's historic transformation from a highly centralized planned economy to a vibrant socialist market economy, from a closed or semi-closed society to an all-round open society, achieving a historic breakthrough from a relatively backward state to ranking second in the world in total economic output, and realizing a historic leap in people's lives from inadequate food and clothing to moderate prosperity in general and then to moderate prosperity in all respects. The great practice and tremendous achievements of the new period of reform and opening up and socialist modernization powerfully advanced the Party's exploration of the laws and theoretical construction of China's modernization.

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，解放思想、实事求是，深入破解如何从社会主义初级阶段的基本国情出发建设社会主义的重大课题，明确提出并奋力推进“中国式的现代化”战略构想，成功开创了通过改革开放和“三步走”战略实现中国现代化的新时期。正是在领导探索中国现代化道路实践中，邓小平创造性地提出了社会主义初级阶段论、社会主义本质论、社会主义市场经济理论以及关于社会主义民主与法制、社会主义精神文明等一系列重大理论，深刻回答了“什么是社会主义、怎样建设社会主义”这一根本问题，推动当代中国实现了从高度集中的计划经济体制到充满活力的社会主义市场经济体制、从封闭半封闭社会到全方位开放社会的历史性转变，实现了从相对落后状况到经济总量跃居世界第二的历史性突破，实现了人民生活从温饱不足到总体小康进而奔向全面小康的历史性跨越。改革开放和社会主义现代化建设新时期的伟大实践和巨大成就，有力推进了党关于中国现代化的规律探索和理论构建。

As socialism with Chinese characteristics entered the New Era, the exploration of China's modernization opened up a new realm. The Chinese Communists, with Comrade Xi Jinping as their chief representative, are

中国特色社会主义进入新时代，中国现代化探索开辟了新境界。以习近平同志为主要代表的中国共产党人，自信自强、守正创新，深刻总结党关于中国现代化探索和实践所取得的理论成果，结合新的时代变化和实践发展不断实现理论和实践上的创新突破，就如何实现强国建设和民族复兴这一时代课题提出了一系列原创性的新理念新思想新战略，成功推进和拓展了中国式现代化。习近平总书记关于中国式现代化的重要论述及其深入实践，坚持一切从中国实际出发，着眼解决当代中国改革开放和现代化建设的实际问题，深刻回答中国之问、世界之问、人民之问、时代之问，深刻破解“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”这一时代课题，构建了中国式现代化理论体系。这一理论体系，是习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的重要组成部分，是在世界格局发生重大变化、国内发展进入新阶段的新的历史方位上推进社会主义现代化强国建设的根本指针。这一理论体系，蕴含着探索中国式现代化基本规律的历史逻辑、理论逻辑、实践逻辑和时代逻辑，深刻彰显了马克思主义中国化时代化在构建中国式现代化自主知识体系上所具有的巨大真理力量。

The essence and core of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization lies in upholding the “Two Integrations.”[1]1 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 finest traditional Chinese culture. This formulation was first proposed by Xi Jinping in his July 1, 2021 speech marking the centenary of the CPC and was formally incorporated into the Party’s guiding ideology at the 20th National Congress in 2022. In the arduous exploration of leading the people to find a path for China’s modernization, and in the theoretical and practical innovations that corrected various “Left” or Right erroneous tendencies, Chinese Communists have come to an ever deeper realization: only by integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with the finest traditional Chinese culture, and by continuously adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, can they correctly answer the major questions posed by the era and by practice, find a revolutionary and construction path suited to China’s national conditions, and gather the mighty force needed to build a strong country and achieve national rejuvenation. “Historical experience, both positive and negative, shows that the ‘Two Integrations’ are the greatest magic weapon for our success.” Upholding the “Two Integrations” is the necessary path and the way to success for Chinese-path modernization. History and reality profoundly demonstrate that, for the expansion of the Chinese modernization path and the advancement of its cause, the “Two Integrations” are organically unified and mutually reinforcing: upholding the “First Integration” has as its core meaning the application of Marxism’s fundamental stand, basic tenets, and scientific methods to deeply study the basic national conditions of contemporary China, to deeply explore the basic laws of social change in contemporary China, to deeply answer the questions of China, the world, the people, and the era, to actively grasp the development trends of Chinese-path modernization, and to always adhere to the people-oriented direction of Chinese-path modernization; upholding the “Second Integration” has as its core meaning the organic fusion of the essence of Marxist thought with the cream of the finest traditional Chinese culture, to deeply grasp the civilizational foundations of Chinese-path modernization from the laws of evolution of the long-standing and time-honored Chinese civilization, to enhance cultural consciousness, strengthen cultural confidence, and continuously consolidate the civilizational roots of Chinese-path modernization. Analyzed from the developmental logic of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times and from the practical needs of Chinese-path modernization, the “First Integration” is fundamental and plays a decisive role; without making a serious effort to do a good job of the “First Integration,” the “Second Integration” would have no basis for discussion and could even lose its direction; the “Second Integration” is the inevitable extension of the “First Integration,” an inevitable requirement for opening up a modernization path that conforms to China’s actual conditions and possesses profound civilizational foundations under the guidance of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. It is precisely from the new historical starting point of the New Era of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the new development of Chinese-path modernization that General Secretary Xi Jinping has made a penetrating analysis of the dialectical relationship between the “Two Integrations” and their respective core values. He profoundly pointed out: “The very proposition of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times determines that we must never abandon the soul of Marxism, nor must we abandon the roots of the finest traditional Chinese culture. Holding fast to this soul and these roots is the foundation and prerequisite for theoretical innovation, and theoretical innovation is also for the purpose of better holding fast to this soul and these roots.” “The world today is undergoing changes unseen in a century, and contemporary China, at a critical period of national rejuvenation, is undergoing the most extensive and profound social changes in its history, and is advancing Chinese-path modernization, a very grand and unique practical innovation in human history.” On the new journey of Chinese-path modernization, to continuously open up new horizons for adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, “it is necessary to firmly establish a grand historical perspective, to grasp the development context and correct direction of world history with a broader vision and a longer-term perspective, to recognize the major logic and major trends of our country’s social development and human social development, to grasp the historical evolution and practical requirements of Chinese-path modernization, to deepen the understanding of the laws governing the promotion of high-quality development and the construction of a new development pattern in the context of the new round of technological revolution, the overall pattern of global economic development, and the stage-specific characteristics of our country’s development, to deepen the understanding of the laws governing the strategic thought on the Party’s self-revolution in the comparison of the fates of Marxist political parties worldwide and the practical tests facing our Party’s long-term governance, and to comprehensively and systematically put forward scientific concepts and effective countermeasures to solve practical problems, so that contemporary Chinese Marxism and Marxism in the 21st century can demonstrate a more powerful and more convincing force of truth.” General Secretary Xi Jinping especially emphasized the far-reaching significance of upholding the “Second Integration” for Chinese-path modernization: “Chinese-path modernization endows Chinese civilization with modern power, and Chinese civilization endows Chinese-path modernization with profound foundations.” “‘The Second Integration’ is a profound summary by our Party of the historical experience of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, a profound grasp of the laws of development of Chinese civilization, indicating that our Party’s understanding of the Chinese path, theory, and system has reached a new height, indicating that our Party’s historical confidence and cultural confidence have reached a new height, and indicating that our Party’s consciousness in promoting cultural innovation while inheriting the finest traditional Chinese culture has reached a new height.” Chinese-path modernization is precisely the major achievement and the crystallization of wisdom of Chinese Communists consciously upholding the “Two Integrations.” The construction and further improvement of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization endow the “Two Integrations” with richer scientific connotations and contemporary value.

中国式现代化理论体系的本质和精髓在于坚持“两个结合”。在领导人民谋求中国现代化道路的艰辛探索中，在纠正各种“左”的或右的错误倾向的理论与实践创新中，中国共产党人愈益深刻认识到，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，不断推进马克思主义中国化时代化，才能正确回答时代和实践提出的重大问题，找到适合中国国情的革命和建设道路，凝聚起实现强国建设和民族复兴的磅礴力量。“历史正反两方面的经验表明，‘两个结合’是我们取得成功的最大法宝。” 坚持“两个结合”，是中国式现代化的必由之路和成功之道。历史和现实深刻表明，对于中国式现代化道路的拓展和事业的推进，“两个结合”有机统一、相得益彰：坚持“第一个结合”，核心要义在于运用马克思主义的根本立场、基本原理和科学方法深入研究当代中国的基本国情，深入探索当代中国社会变革的基本规律，深入回答中国之问、世界之问、人民之问、时代之问，主动把握中国式现代化的发展趋势，始终坚守中国式现代化的人民性方向；坚持“第二个结合”，核心要义在于把马克思主义思想精髓同中华优秀传统文化精华有机贯通起来，从积淀厚重、源远流长的中华文明演进规律中深刻把握中国式现代化的文明底蕴，增强文化自觉、坚定文化自信，不断铸牢中国式现代化的文明根脉。从马克思主义中国化时代化的发展逻辑和中国式现代化的现实需要来分析，“第一个结合”是根本，是起决定性作用的因素，不下功夫做好“第一个结合”的文章，“第二个结合”就无从谈起，甚至会迷失方向；“第二个结合”是“第一个结合”的必然延伸，是在马克思主义中国化时代化指引下开辟符合中国实际、具有厚重文明底蕴的现代化道路的必然要求。正是站在中国特色社会主义新时代和中国式现代化新发展的新的历史起点上，习近平总书记对“两个结合”相互之间的辩证关系及其各自核心价值作出精辟分析。他深刻指出：“马克思主义中国化时代化这个重大命题本身就决定，我们决不能抛弃马克思主义这个魂脉，决不能抛弃中华优秀传统文化这个根脉。坚守好这个魂和根，是理论创新的基础和前提，理论创新也是为了更好坚守这个魂和根。” “当今世界正在经历百年未有之大变局，处在民族复兴关键时期的当代中国正在经历着有史以来最为广泛而深刻的社会变革，正在推进中国式现代化这一人类历史上非常宏大而独特的实践创新。” 在中国式现代化新征程上不断开辟马克思主义中国化时代化新境界，“要牢固树立大历史观，以更宽广的视野、更长远的眼光把握世界历史的发展脉络和正确走向，认清我国社会发展、人类社会发展大逻辑大趋势，把握中国式现代化的历史沿革和实践要求，在新一轮科技革命、全球经济发展大格局和我国发展的阶段性特征中深化对推动高质量发展、构建新发展格局的规律性认识，在世界马克思主义政党命运比较和我们党长期执政面临的现实考验中深化对党的自我革命战略思想的规律性认识，全面系统地提出解决现实问题的科学理念、有效对策，让当代中国马克思主义、21世纪马克思主义展现出更为强大、更有说服力的真理力量” 。习近平总书记特别强调坚持“第二个结合”对于中国式现代化的深远意义：“中国式现代化赋予中华文明以现代力量，中华文明赋予中国式现代化以深厚底蕴。” “‘第二个结合’，是我们党对马克思主义中国化时代化历史经验的深刻总结，是对中华文明发展规律的深刻把握，表明我们党对中国道路、理论、制度的认识达到了新高度，表明我们党的历史自信、文化自信达到了新高度，表明我们党在传承中华优秀传统文化中推进文化创新的自觉性达到了新高度。” 中国式现代化正是中国共产党人自觉坚持“两个结合”的重大成果和智慧结晶。中国式现代化理论体系的构建和进一步完善，赋予“两个结合”以更丰富的科学内涵和时代价值。

I. Adhering to National Conditions as the Basis, Endowing Chinese-Path Modernization with Distinct Chinese Characteristics

一、坚持以国情为依据，赋予中国式现代化鲜明的中国特色

Modernization is a beautiful goal and development trend of human society. In terms of its developmental essence and value orientation, modernization is a process in which each country independently chooses its own development path. There is no single modernization model that can be copied everywhere. Since the 1970s and 1980s, with the collapse of the bipolar world structure and the rapid development of the new technological revolution, the world pattern has undergone new changes, and developing countries have increasingly shown diversity and particularity in their choice of modernization paths. General Secretary Xi Jinping profoundly pointed out: “What kind of modernization path a country chooses is determined by many factors, such as its historical traditions, social system, development conditions, and external environment. Different national conditions will lead to different modernization paths. Practice has proved that for a country to achieve modernization, it must not only follow the general laws of modernization but also conform to its own actual conditions and have its own characteristics.” On the basis of following the general laws of human social modernization and actively drawing on the beneficial achievements of modernization in developed countries, deeply revealing the development laws of Chinese-path modernization and grasping the Chinese characteristics of Chinese-path modernization are the primary questions that the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization must profoundly answer. The basic national conditions of contemporary China are the logical starting point for the choice of the Chinese modernization path. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: “The report of the 20th National Congress of the CPC clearly summarized the five aspects of Chinese characteristics of Chinese-path modernization, profoundly revealing the scientific connotation of Chinese-path modernization. This is both a theoretical summary and a practical requirement, pointing out a broad path for comprehensively building a modern socialist country and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”

现代化是人类社会的美好目标和发展趋势。从其发展本质和价值取向来说，现代化是各个国家自主选择发展道路的过程。世界上不存在唯一的可以到处照搬的现代化模式。自20世纪七八十年代以来，随着世界两极格局的瓦解和新科技革命的迅猛发展，世界格局发生新的变化，发展中国家在现代化道路选择上愈来愈呈现出多元化和特殊性。习近平总书记深刻指出：“一个国家选择什么样的现代化道路，是由其历史传统、社会制度、发展条件、外部环境等诸多因素决定的。国情不同，现代化途径也会不同。实践证明，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。” 在遵循人类社会现代化一般规律和积极借鉴发达国家现代化有益成果的基础上，深入揭示中国式现代化的发展规律、把握中国式现代化的中国特色，是中国式现代化理论体系必须深刻回答的首要问题。当代中国的基本国情则是中国式现代化道路选择的逻辑起点。习近平总书记强调：“党的二十大报告明确概括了中国式现代化5个方面的中国特色，深刻揭示了中国式现代化的科学内涵。这既是理论概括，也是实践要求，为全面建成社会主义现代化强国、实现中华民族伟大复兴指明了一条康庄大道。”

What is the basic national condition of contemporary China? What is the internal connection between special national conditions and Chinese-path modernization? This is the basic logic that must be firmly grasped in order to use the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization to deeply guide the practice of Chinese-path modernization. China is a socialist country, a large developing country with a population of over 1.4 billion — this is the most fundamental national condition that Chinese-path modernization must always rely on. After more than 70 years of construction and development since the founding of New China, especially the leapfrog development since reform and opening up, our country has successfully laid the material foundation, social conditions and institutional guarantees necessary for realizing modernization, but China is still in the primary stage of socialism and still faces many contradictions and problems that constrain modernization development — this is the basic national condition that Chinese-path modernization must firmly grasp. In today's world, the historical trend of peace and development is unstoppable, changes unseen in a century are accelerating, and the realization of our country's modernization faces many favorable opportunities, but various uncertain and unstable factors are also increasing, bringing severe challenges to our country's modernization process — this is the basic national condition that Chinese-path modernization must attach great importance to. In short, the basic national conditions of contemporary China determine that Chinese-path modernization must both follow the general laws of human social modernization, draw on the successful experiences and beneficial achievements of European and American modernization, and absolutely not copy the Western modernization model or take the old path of European and American modernization. The gradual formation and continuous improvement of the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization is precisely the historical conclusion and crystallization of wisdom from the Chinese Communists' insistence on independence and self-reliance in exploring a modernization path suited to China's national conditions.

当代中国的基本国情是什么？特殊的国情条件与中国式现代化有什么内在关联？这是以中国式现代化理论体系深入引领中国式现代化实践需要牢牢把握的基本逻辑。中国是社会主义国家，是拥有14亿多人口的发展中大国，这是中国式现代化必须始终依据的最基本国情；经过新中国70多年的建设和发展，尤其是改革开放以来的跨越式发展，我国已成功奠定实现现代化所必需的物质基础、社会条件和制度保证，但中国仍然处在社会主义初级阶段，还存在着许多制约现代化发展的矛盾和问题，这是中国式现代化必须牢牢把握的基本国情；当今世界，和平与发展的历史潮流不可阻挡，百年未有之大变局加速演进，实现我国现代化面临许多有利机遇，但各种不确定、 不稳定因素也愈益增多，给我国现代化进程带来严峻挑战，这是中国式现代化必须高度重视的基本国情。总之，当代中国基本国情决定，中国式现代化既要遵循人类社会现代化一般规律，借鉴欧美国家现代化的成功经验和有益成果，又绝不能照搬西方现代化模式、走欧美国家现代化老路。中国式现代化理论体系的逐步形成和日臻完善，正是中国共产党人坚持独立自主、自力更生探索符合中国国情的现代化道路的历史结论和智慧结晶。

"Chinese-path modernization is socialist modernization led by the Communist Party of China." This is the most important conclusion drawn from the national conditions of contemporary China in exploring the modernization path, and the most important principle that must be firmly grasped in the historical process of Chinese-path modernization. History and practice profoundly show that the leadership of the Communist Party of China is the fundamental guarantee of the nature and development direction of Chinese-path modernization, and whether the strengthening of Party leadership can be implemented in all aspects of modernization construction directly determines the success or failure of Chinese-path modernization. The Party has successfully solved a key issue: opening up a modernization path that is both full of vitality and ensures social fairness and justice. On the one hand, it follows the laws of the modern market economy, actively absorbs the beneficial achievements of the market economy in developed countries, uses modern market mechanisms to liberate and develop social productive forces and promote high-quality development, allows all the vitality of labor, knowledge, technology, management and capital to burst forth, allows all sources of social wealth to flow fully, and builds the material and technological foundations of industrialization, urbanization, scientification and informatization necessary for building a modern powerful country. On the other hand, it adheres to the socialist system and direction, adheres to the people-centered principle, takes promoting social fairness and justice and enhancing people's well-being as the starting point and落脚点 [n], strives to prevent and eliminate various "modern social diseases" that are difficult to avoid in the modernization process, such as interest differentiation, class solidification, extreme individualism and abnormal social development, continuously promotes comprehensive social progress and the all-round development of people, and allows the fruits of modernization to benefit all the people more and more fairly. "Chinese-path modernization breaks the myth that 'modernization equals Westernization,' presents another picture of modernization, expands the path choices for developing countries to move toward modernization, and provides a Chinese solution for humanity's exploration of a better social system."

“中国式现代化，是中国共产党领导的社会主义现代化” 。这是从当代中国国情出发探索现代化道路作出的最重要论断，是在中国式现代化历史进程中必须牢牢把握的最重要原则。历史和实践深刻表明，中国共产党领导是中国式现代化性质和发展方向的根本保障，能否把加强党的领导落实到现代化建设的各个方面，直接关系中国式现代化的成败。党成功解决了一个关键性课题，就是开辟了一条既充满生机活力又确保社会公平正义的现代化道路。一方面，遵循现代市场经济规律，积极吸收发达国家市场经济的有益成果，运用现代市场机制解放和发展社会生产力、促进经济高质量发展，让一切劳动、知识、技术、管理和资本的活力竞相迸发，让一切创造社会财富的源泉充分涌流，构筑建设现代化强国所必备的工业化、城市化、科技化、信息化等物质技术基础；另一方面，坚持社会主义制度和方向，坚持以人民为主体和中心，以促进社会公平正义、增进人民福祉为出发点和落脚点，着力防止和消除现代化过程中所难以避免的利益分化、阶层固化、极端个人主义、社会畸形发展等种种“现代社会病”，不断促进社会全面进步和人的全面发展，让现代化建设成果更多更公平惠及全体人民。“中国式现代化，打破了‘现代化=西方化’的迷思，展现了现代化的另一幅图景，拓展了发展中国家走向现代化的路径选择，为人类对美好社会制度的探索提供了中国方案。”

The five aspects of Chinese characteristics of Chinese-path modernization incisively revealed in the report of the 20th National Congress of the CPC profoundly embody the scientific method and core values of independently exploring the modernization path based on the basic national conditions of contemporary China, creatively answer the prominent difficulties in the world modernization process, expand the correct path for a large socialist country to move toward modernization, and provide Chinese experience and open up effective paths for many developing countries in the world on how to independently move toward modernization. First, Chinese-path modernization is the modernization of a huge population, providing Chinese experience and opening up an effective path for how to promote all the people to enter modern society together. Second, Chinese-path modernization is the modernization of common prosperity for all the people, providing Chinese experience and opening up an effective path for how to uphold fairness and justice and prevent interest differentiation in the modernization process. Third, Chinese-path modernization is the modernization of material civilization and cultural-ethical progress in coordination, providing Chinese experience and opening up an effective path for how to promote the comprehensive enrichment of things and the all-round development of people in the modernization process. Fourth, Chinese-path modernization is the modernization of harmony between humanity and nature, providing Chinese experience and opening up an effective path for how to protect nature and achieve sustainable development in the modernization process. Fifth, Chinese-path modernization is the modernization of taking the path of peaceful development, providing Chinese experience and opening up an effective path for how to promote the common progress of human society through modernization. In short, the Chinese characteristics inherent in Chinese-path modernization both follow the general laws of modernization and, even more, conform to China's national conditions, embodying the organic unity of the universality and particularity of modernization, and constructing an independent knowledge system about modernization that is rich in connotation and distinctive in characteristics. General Secretary Xi Jinping especially emphasized: "It is necessary to turn the five aspects of Chinese characteristics of Chinese-path modernization into successful practice, and turn the distinctive features into prominent advantages, which requires arduous efforts."

党的二十大报告精辟揭示的中国式现代化五个方面的中国特色，深刻体现了从当代中国基本国情出发独立自主探索现代化道路的科学方法和核心价值，创造性地回答了世界现代化进程中的突出难题，拓展了社会主义大国走向现代化的正确道路，为世界上众多发展中国家如何独立自主地迈向现代化提供了中国经验、开辟了有效路径。第一，中国式现代化是人口规模巨大的现代化，为如何促进全体人民共同迈进现代化社会，提供了中国经验、开辟了有效路径。第二，中国式现代化是全体人民共同富裕的现代化，为如何在现代化进程中坚持公平正义、防止利益分化，提供了中国经验、开辟了有效路径。第三，中国式现代化是物质文明和精神文明相协调的现代化，为如何在现代化进程中促进物的全面丰富和人的全面发展，提供了中国经验、开辟了有效路径。第四，中国式现代化是人与自然和谐共生的现代化，为如何在现代化进程中保护自然、实现可持续发展，提供了中国经验、开辟了有效路径。第五，中国式现代化是走和平发展道路的现代化，为如何通过现代化促进人类社会共同进步，提供了中国经验、开辟了有效路径。总之，中国式现代化所内在具有的中国特色，既遵循现代化的一般规律，更符合中国国情，体现了现代化普遍性与特殊性的有机统一，构建了关于现代化内涵丰富、特色鲜明的自主知识体系。习近平总书记特别强调：“要把中国式现代化5个方面的中国特色变为成功实践，把鲜明特色变成突出优势，需要付出艰巨努力。”

II. Adhere to a People-Centered Approach, Highlighting the Firm People-Oriented Direction of Chinese-Path Modernization

二、坚持以人民为中心，突出中国式现代化坚定的人民方向

Direction determines the path, direction determines destiny. Whether a country's modernization process is smooth and successful depends on whether the correct direction is adhered to. General Secretary Xi Jinping clearly pointed out: "We must adhere to the concept of putting the people first, highlighting the people-oriented nature of the modernization direction. The people are the creators of history, the most solid foundation and the most profound force for advancing modernization." "Chinese-path modernization is the cause of all the Chinese people. Only by firmly relying on the people and gathering the infinite wisdom and strength hidden among the people can we continuously create new historical achievements." Adhering to the people-oriented direction of Chinese-path modernization is a prominent manifestation of the Chinese Communist Party's adherence to the people-centered development thought, a theoretical creation that organically combines Marxist historical materialism with the practice of contemporary China's modernization construction, and the people's subjectivity ideological logic deeply contained in the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization.

方向决定道路，方向决定命运。一个国家现代化进程是否顺利、能否成功，关键在于能否坚持正确的方向。习近平总书记明确指出：“我们要坚守人民至上理念，突出现代化方向的人民性。人民是历史的创造者，是推进现代化最坚实的根基、最深厚的力量。” “中国式现代化是全体中国人民的事业，必须紧紧依靠人民，汇聚蕴藏在人民中的无穷智慧和力量，才能不断创造新的历史伟业。” 坚守中国式现代化的人民性方向，是中国共产党坚持以人民为中心发展思想的突出体现，是把马克思主义唯物史观同当代中国现代化建设实践有机结合的理论创造，是中国式现代化理论体系深刻蕴含的人民主体性思想逻辑。

People's subjectivity is a basic viewpoint of Marxist philosophy and an important ideological logic of the theory of scientific socialism. On the basis of profoundly analyzing the theoretical fallacy of idealist history that "declares reason supreme to oppose the supremacy of the people," thereby excluding and denying the people's subjective role in creating history, Marx and Engels incisively revealed that "the first premise of all human history is undoubtedly the existence of living human individuals" and "history is nothing but the activity of people pursuing their own purposes." Marx particularly emphasized that the people as the subject of historical activity are not abstract individuals divorced from social life, but the mass of people creating social practice. "The essence of man is not an abstraction inherent in each single individual. In its reality, it is the ensemble of social relations," and "all social life is essentially practical." The brilliant thought of the Marxist classical writers on people's subjectivity is a sharp ideological weapon for awakening the consciousness of the proletariat and working people and dynamically promoting revolution and reform. Chinese-path modernization is a great social transformation led by the Communist Party of China, adhering to a people-centered approach. The deepest logic contained in this transformation is that people's subjectivity must be organically integrated into all aspects of modernization construction. "Whether the modernization path can ultimately be walked smoothly and steadily depends on whether it adheres to a people-centered approach."

人民主体性，是马克思主义哲学的基本观点，是科学社会主义学说的重要思想逻辑。马克思和恩格斯在深刻剖析唯心史观“宣布理性至上来同人民至上相对立”，从而排斥和否定人民群众在创造历史中的主体作用的理论谬误的基础上，精辟揭示“全部人类历史的第一个前提无疑是有生命的个人的存在” ，“历史不过是追求着自己目的的人的活动而已” 。马克思特别强调，作为历史活动主体的人，不是脱离社会生活的抽象个体，而是创造社会实践的人民群体。“人的本质不是单个人所固有的抽象物，在其现实性上，它是一切社会关系的总和”，而“全部社会生活在本质上是实践的” 。马克思主义经典作家关于人民主体性的光辉思想，是唤醒无产阶级和劳动人民觉悟、能动地推动革命和改革的锐利思想武器。中国式现代化是中国共产党领导的坚持以人民为中心的伟大社会变革，这场变革所蕴含的最深层逻辑，就是必须把人民主体性有机贯通于现代化建设的各个方面。“现代化道路最终能否走得通、行得稳，关键要看是否坚持以人民为中心。”

Highlighting the people-oriented direction of Chinese-path modernization has especially rich connotations and special significance in the current critical period of comprehensively building a modern socialist country. First, continuously enhance the people’s subjective consciousness in modernization. The critical period of getting off to a good start in comprehensively building a modern socialist country is also an important historical period of transition toward a fully modernized society. Both the mode of social production and the mode of living are undergoing profound changes. This not only brings favorable conditions and powerful impetus to the vast majority of social members, encouraging them to keep pace with the steps of social change and use their own diligence and wisdom to create a better life and build a stronger country, but also brings many new challenges and tests, giving rise to various social problems that urgently need to be resolved. The most prominent among these are the negative effects brought about by various “modern social diseases” [3]3 “Modern social diseases” (现代社会病) refers to a range of social pathologies and negative psychological phenomena (e.g., materialism, formalism, loss of values) that the author argues emerge during rapid modernization. generated in the process of modernization, such as the materialization of goals, the weakening of efficiency concepts, the degeneration of reform consciousness, the solidification of formalism, and even the distortion of values and loss of subjectivity among some social members. The people’s subjective consciousness is an important prerequisite and a powerful lever for advancing social change. Marxist philosophy points out that being determines consciousness, and consciousness reflects being and exerts an active role on objective being. Chinese-path modernization, a social change that involves the vital interests and subjective consciousness of every social member, urgently requires enhancing the people’s subjective consciousness, overcoming all institutional and mechanistic drawbacks and ideological conceptual obstacles that affect the exertion of the people’s subjective initiative, and continuously raising the people’s identification with the grand goals and development strategies of Chinese-path modernization, thereby forming a mighty force of millions united in heart and mind to jointly advance the great cause of building a strong country and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. [4]4 “The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” (中华民族伟大复兴) is the overarching national goal articulated by the CPC, often referred to as the “Chinese Dream.” Second, let the fruits of modernization benefit all the people more and more fairly. Entering the new stage of comprehensively building a modern socialist country, the principal contradiction in society [5]5 The “principal contradiction in society” (社会主要矛盾) is a key analytical category in Maoist and post-Mao Chinese Marxism, officially redefined at the 19th National Congress of the CPC in 2017 as “the contradiction between unbalanced and inadequate development and the people’s ever-growing needs for a better life.” has further evolved. On the one hand, on the basis of overall poverty alleviation and a moderately prosperous society in all respects, the people’s growing needs for a better life have become further prominent, raising higher requirements for fairness, justice, the rule of law, and security. On the other hand, due to the impact of new changes in the international landscape and the severe challenges faced by economic development, the problems of unbalanced and inadequate development in areas such as the real economy have become further prominent, becoming the main constraining factor in meeting the people’s growing needs for a better life. On the new journey of Chinese-path modernization, it is necessary to firmly grasp the new changes in the principal contradiction in society, take adhering to high-quality development as the central task, ensure and improve people’s livelihood in the course of continuously achieving high-quality development, effectively solve the most realistic interest issues that the people are most concerned about, and continuously meet the people’s needs for a better life. Third, continuously promote the all-round development of the individual in the process of modernization. The essence of modernization is the modernization of people. Material poverty is not modernization, nor is spiritual impoverishment. The socialist system inherently requires continuously promoting the all-round development of the individual as an essential feature and important task of modernization. The outstanding advantage and core value of Chinese-path modernization lie in incorporating the realization of people’s modernization into the strategic target system of comprehensive modernization, and on the basis of greatly promoting the growth of social material wealth, continuously raising people’s quality and realizing the all-round development of the individual. As a late-development modernization, Chinese-path modernization can fully draw lessons from the modernization of capitalist countries, transcend the limitations of Western modernization to the greatest extent, and prevent and avoid various drawbacks such as the distortion of people’s values and the loss of subjectivity in the process of modernization. As a socialist modernization, the human-centered logic [6]6 “Human-centered logic” (人本逻辑) here refers to the theoretical principle of “people-centered” (以人民为中心) development, a core tenet of Xi Jinping Thought. inherent in Chinese-path modernization takes raising people’s quality and realizing the all-round development of the individual as an inherent requirement and a practical task, running through all fields and the entire process of modernization.

突出中国式现代化的人民性方向，在当前全面建设社会主义现代化国家的关键时期尤其具有丰富内涵和特殊意义。其一，不断增强人民群众在现代化中的主体意识。全面建设社会主义现代化国家开局起步的关键时期，也是向全面现代化社会转型的重要历史时期，社会生产方式和生活方式均处于深度变革之中，这既给广大社会成员带来有利的条件和强大的动力，促进人们紧跟社会变革步伐，用自己的勤劳和智慧创造更加美好的生活、建设更加强大的国家，同时也给人们带来许多新的挑战和考验，产生种种亟待解决的社会问题。其中最突出的就是现代化进程中产生的种种“现代社会病”所带来的消极影响，诸如奋斗目标物化、效率观念弱化、改革意识退化、形式主义固化，甚至会造成一部分社会成员价值观扭曲、主体性失落。人民主体意识是推进社会变革的重要前提和强大杠杆。马克思主义哲学指明，存在决定意识、意识反映存在并对客观存在发挥能动作用。中国式现代化这场涉及每一个社会成员切身利益和主观意识的社会变革，迫切要求增强人民群众的主体意识，克服一切影响人民主体积极性发挥的体制机制弊端和思想观念障碍，不断提升人民群众对中国式现代化宏伟目标和发展战略的认同，从而形成万众一心共同推进强国建设和民族复兴伟业的磅礴力量。其二，让现代化建设成果更多更公平惠及全体人民。进入全面建设社会主义现代化国家新阶段，社会主要矛盾进一步演变。一方面，在整体脱贫、全面小康基础上，人民日益增长的美好生活需要进一步凸显，对公平、正义、法治、安全提出了更高的要求；另一方面，由于国际格局新变化的影响和经济发展面临的严峻挑战，实体经济等领域发展不平衡和不充分的问题进一步凸显，成为满足人民日益增长的美好生活需要的主要制约因素。在中国式现代化新征程上，必须紧紧抓住社会主要矛盾新变化，把坚持高质量发展作为中心任务，在不断实现高质量发展中保障和改善民生，切实解决好人民群众最关心最现实的利益问题，不断满足人民对美好生活的需要。其三，在现代化进程中不断促进人的全面发展。现代化的本质是人的现代化。物质贫穷不是现代化，精神贫乏也不是现代化。社会主义制度内在要求必须把不断促进人的全面发展作为现代化的本质特征和重要任务。中国式现代化的突出优势和核心价值就在于，把实现人的现代化列入全面现代化的战略目标体系，在极大促进社会物质财富增长的基础上不断提升人的素质、实现人的全面发展。作为后发型现代化，中国式现代化可以充分汲取资本主义国家现代化的教训，最大限度超越西方现代化的局限性，防止和避免现代化进程中人的价值观扭曲和主体性失落等种种弊端；作为社会主义现代化，中国式现代化内涵的人本逻辑，把提升人的素质、实现人的全面发展作为内在要求和现实任务，贯穿于现代化建设的各领域和全过程。

III. Adhere to civilization as the foundation, consolidate the solid civilizational roots of Chinese-path modernization

三、坚持以文明为底蕴，筑牢中国式现代化厚重的文明根脉

General Secretary Xi Jinping profoundly pointed out: “Civilization is a notable hallmark of a modern country.” [7]7 This quotation is from Xi Jinping’s speech at the National Conference on Cultural and Ethical Progress, 2021. Modernization is a major achievement in the process of human civilization. Modernization, in essence, is the re-creation and elevation of civilization. The history of the evolution of human civilization shows that civilization is both profoundly inclusive and global, and distinctly indigenous and national. The choice of any country’s modernization path and the advancement of its modernization practice cannot be separated from the country’s and its nation’s unique material civilization, cultural-ethical progress, and institutional civilization as the developmental foundation and powerful driving force, nor from the cultural subjectivity forged by the country’s and its nation’s people in long-term exploration and practice. A deep-seated logic contained in the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization is adhering to a “grand view of civilization” that civilization is colorful, civilization is equal, and civilization is inclusive: on the one hand, in creatively transforming and innovatively developing fine traditional Chinese culture, construct the cultural subjectivity of the Chinese nation, and continuously enhance the foundation of Chinese civilization for Chinese-path modernization; on the other hand, in keeping with the trend of the times and promoting exchanges and mutual learning among various civilizations, transcend civilizational estrangement and resolve civilizational conflict, and continuously expand the global civilizational vision of Chinese-path modernization. A creative contribution of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important discourses on Chinese-path modernization is the emphatic emphasis on adhering to the combination of the basic tenets of Marxism with fine traditional Chinese culture, “strengthening historical confidence and cultural confidence, making the past serve the present and weeding through the old to bring forth the new, integrating the essence of Marxist thought with the cream of fine traditional Chinese culture and with the common values that the people unconsciously hold,” [8]8 This quotation is from Xi Jinping’s report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC, October 2022. thereby enhancing the solid civilizational foundation of Chinese-path modernization and consolidating the firm civilizational roots of Chinese-path modernization.

习近平总书记深刻指出：“文明是现代化国家的显著标志。” 现代化是人类文明进程的重大成果，现代化从本质上说是文明的再造与提升。人类文明演进史表明，文明既具有深刻的包容性和世界性，又具有鲜明的本土性和民族性，任何国家现代化道路的选择和现代化实践的推进，都离不开本国和本民族特有的物质文明、精神文明、制度文明作为发展底蕴和强大动力，离不开本国和本民族人民在长期探索与实践中铸成的文化主体性。中国式现代化理论体系所蕴含的一个深层逻辑，就是坚持文明是多彩的、文明是平等的、文明是包容的“大文明观”：一方面，在创造性转化、创新性发展中华优秀传统文化中构筑中华民族文化主体性，不断增强中国式现代化的中华文明底蕴；另一方面，在顺应时代潮流、促进各种文明交流互鉴中超越文明隔阂、破解文明冲突，不断拓展中国式现代化的世界文明视野。习近平总书记关于中国式现代化重要论述的一个创造性贡献，就是突出强调坚持马克思主义基本原理同中华优秀传统文化相结合，“坚定历史自信、文化自信，坚持古为今用、推陈出新，把马克思主义思想精髓同中华优秀传统文化精华贯通起来、同人民群众日用而不觉的共同价值观念融通起来” ，从而增强中国式现代化厚重的文明底蕴，筑牢中国式现代化坚实的文明根脉。

The long-standing Chinese culture and the extensive and profound Chinese civilization have accumulated the deepest spiritual pursuits of the Chinese nation, represent the unique spiritual identity of the Chinese nation, and contain many ideological and cultural elements of important inspiration for solving the difficult problems facing contemporary humanity. This is the indispensable cultural resource and civilizational foundation for consolidating the cultural subjectivity of the Chinese nation on the new journey of Chinese-path modernization, and for continuously enhancing cultural consciousness and strengthening cultural confidence. The fundamental basis and internal logic for why the integration of the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s fine traditional culture is possible and necessary lie precisely herein. The reason why Chinese civilization has endured for so long without decline, and why China’s fine traditional culture has been renewed through the ages, exerting a profound influence on the choice and expansion of the path of Chinese-path modernization, is, in a fundamental sense, that the Chinese nation has formed a series of unique ideological connotations and spiritual qualities in the long process of evolution, constituting the subjective elements of China’s fine traditional culture. These cultural factors permeate and are integrated into many aspects of the Chinese nation’s unique value system, national genes, spiritual world, methods of thinking, and modes of behavior, exerting a subtle but significant influence on the historical development of China. Among them, the cultural elements with universal significance and practical value are prominently manifested in the following six aspects: (1) The humanistic spirit. “The interaction of the hard and the soft constitutes the patterns of heaven; to stop at civilization constitutes the patterns of humanity.” [9]9 A classical allusion from the *Book of Changes* (《易经》), specifically the commentary on the hexagram *Bi* (贲). The phrase “文明以止” (civilization stops at the appropriate point) is interpreted as the origin of the concept of “humanity” (人文) in Chinese thought. The core connotation of the humanistic spirit is respect for people, that is, the view of Chinese civilization that takes people as the center and people as the subject. (2) The concept of establishing virtue and cultivating the self. An inevitable extension of the humanistic spirit is the emphasis on one’s own integrity and self-cultivation, and the pursuit of perfection of personality. “One cannot be corrupted by wealth and rank, cannot be swayed by poverty and lowliness, and cannot be subdued by power and force,” [10]10 A classical quotation from the *Mencius* (《孟子·滕文公下》), describing the steadfast character of a true person (大丈夫). strengthening self-cultivation, so that “everyone can become a Yao or a Shun.” [11]11 A classical reference from the *Mencius* (《孟子·告子下》), expressing the Confucian belief in the perfectibility of all people through self-cultivation. Yao and Shun were legendary sage-kings in ancient China. (3) The sentiment of the family and the state as one. The state is a large family, and the family is a small state. The strong sentiment of family and state is the spiritual bond uniting all ethnic groups in the land of China, and is a distinct national character formed by the Chinese nation in the long process of development. “When the great Way prevails, the world is shared by all,” [12]12 A classical quotation from the *Book of Rites* (《礼记·礼运》), describing the ideal of a commonwealth under the rule of the Great Way (大道之行也，天下为公). has always been the highest value realm for which Chinese sons and daughters have striven tirelessly and unremittingly. (4) The thought of reform and change. “Although Zhou was an ancient state, its mandate was renewed.” [13]13 A classical quotation from the *Book of Songs* (《诗经·大雅·文王》), used to justify the Zhou dynasty’s overthrow of the Shang, implying that political legitimacy requires continuous renewal and reform. It is precisely the concept of change and the spirit of inclusiveness embodied in “As Heaven’s movement is ever vigorous, so must a gentleman ceaselessly strive for self-improvement” and “As the Earth’s condition is receptive and supportive, so must a gentleman cultivate virtue to carry all things,” [14]14 Classical quotations from the *Book of Changes* (《易经》), from the commentaries on the first two hexagrams, *Qian* (乾) and *Kun* (坤), respectively. They are foundational expressions of the Chinese spirit of self-strengthening and virtue-bearing. that have made Chinese civilization the only great civilization in human history that has continued uninterrupted for over 5,000 years to the present day. (5) The aesthetic realm of the mean and harmony. Starting from the simple dialectics of the alternation of yin and yang, the ancients proposed the “realm of the mean and harmony” and the “Way of the mean and harmony” as basic principles for handling relationships between people, between people and society, between people and nature, and even for governing the country. This is “In the practice of rites, harmony is the most valuable.” [15]15 A classical quotation from the *Analects of Confucius* (《论语·学而》), attributed to Youzi (有子), a disciple of Confucius, emphasizing the central role of harmony in ritual practice. (6) The advocacy of holistic thinking. “The Way of Heaven is established by yin and yang; the Way of Earth is established by the soft and the hard; the Way of Humanity is established by benevolence and righteousness.” [16]16 A classical quotation from the *Book of Changes* (《易经》), from the commentary *Shuo Gua* (说卦), establishing the triadic structure of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity as the fundamental framework of Chinese cosmology and ethics. The worldview of the unity of opposites among the three elements of “Heaven, Earth, and Humanity” is a precious ideological asset and political wisdom left by the sages of Chinese civilization in understanding nature, transforming society, and even governing the country. The above six aspects are the civilizational elements with the strongest vitality in Chinese civilization. On the new journey of Chinese-path modernization, making good use of these civilizational elements and continuously deepening the integration of the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s fine traditional culture will surely powerfully stimulate the strong vitality of historical and cultural traditions and transform them into a powerful cultural subjective force for advancing the great cause of building a strong country and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

源远流长的中国文化、博大精深的中华文明，积淀着中华民族最深层的精神追求，代表着中华民族独特的精神标识，蕴藏着许多对解决当代人类面临难题具有重要启示的思想文化元素，这是在中国式现代化新征程上巩固中华民族文化主体性，不断增强文化自觉、坚定文化自信不可或缺的文化资源和文明底蕴。马克思主义基本原理同中华优秀传统文化相结合之所以可能、之所以必要，根本依据和内在逻辑正在于此。中华文明之所以经久不衰，中华优秀传统文化之所以历久弥新，对中国式现代化道路的选择和拓展产生深刻影响，从根本意义上说就是因为中华民族在长期演进过程中形成了一系列独特的思想内涵和精神品质，构成中华优秀传统文化主体性元素。这些文化因素渗透于、融入于中华民族特有的价值体系、民族基因、精神世界、思想方法、行为方式等诸多方面，对中国历史发展产生潜移默化的重大影响。其中具有普遍意义和现实价值的文化元素突出体现在：（1）人文精神。“刚柔交错，天文也；文明以止，人文也。”人文精神的核心内涵是对人的尊崇，这就是以人为中心、以人为主体的中华文明观。（2）立德修身理念。人文精神的必然延伸，就是重视人自身的节操和修养，追求人格的完美。“富贵不能淫，贫贱不能移，威武不能屈”，加强自我修养，“人皆可以为尧舜”。（3）家国一体情怀。国是大的家、家是小的国，浓郁的家国情怀是凝聚中华大地各民族的精神纽带，是中华民族在长期发展过程中形成的鲜明民族品格。“大道之行，天下为公”，历来是中华儿女不畏艰险、不懈奋斗的最高价值境界。（4）维新变革思想。“周虽旧邦，其命维新。”正是“天行健，君子以自强不息”“地势坤，君子以厚德载物”的变革观念和包容精神，使中华文明成为人类历史上唯一一个绵延5000多年至今未曾中断的伟大文明。（5）中和为美境界。古人从阴阳交替的朴素辩证法出发，提出了“中和之境”“中和之道”，作为处理人与人、人与社会、人与自然的关系乃至治国理政的基本准则，这就是“礼之用，和为贵”。（6）崇尚整体思维。“立天之道曰阴与阳，立地之道曰柔与刚，立人之道曰仁与义”，“天、地、人”三要素对立统一的世界观，是中华文明先哲们在认识自然、改造社会乃至治国理政方面留下的宝贵思想财富和政治智慧。以上六个方面，是中华文明中最具有强大生命力的文明元素。在中国式现代化新征程上，利用好文明元素，不断深化马克思主义基本原理同中华优秀传统文化相结合，必将有力激发历史文化传统的强大活力，转化为推进强国建设和民族复兴伟业的强大文化主体力量。

The long-standing Chinese culture and the extensive and profound Chinese civilization have formed a series of unique prominent characteristics in the long process of evolution. These characteristics are highly compatible with the essential features and development trends of Chinese-path modernization and can be internally transformed into a cultural subjective force for advancing the great cause of building a strong country and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s speech at the Symposium on Cultural Heritage and Development systematically elaborated on the prominent characteristics of Chinese civilization, further pointing the way for us to deeply understand and grasp the significant role of China’s fine traditional culture in the historical process of Chinese-path modernization. The first is the prominent continuity. “Chinese civilization is the only great civilization in the world that has continued uninterrupted and developed in the form of a state to this day.” [17]17 A quotation from Xi Jinping’s speech at the Symposium on Cultural Heritage and Development on June 2, 2023. This cultural subjectivity and vigorous vitality of “self-development, responding to challenges, and creating new situations” are the subjective factors that make it inevitable for the Chinese nation to take its own path of modernization. The second is the prominent innovativeness. “Chinese civilization is a civilization that discards the old and introduces the new, constantly renewing itself, interweaving the deep and still waters with the surging waves.” [18]18 Ibid. This spirit of civilizational innovation of “upholding the fundamental principles without being conservative, respecting antiquity without restoring the old” is the precious national character of the Chinese nation of “not fearing new challenges and being brave in accepting new things.” The third is the prominent unity. “The pursuit of unity through ‘inward cohesion’ is both the prerequisite for the continuity of civilization and the result of that continuity.” [19]19 Ibid. This common belief that “the territory cannot be divided, the country cannot be thrown into chaos, the nation cannot be dispersed, and the civilization cannot be severed” determines that national unity will always be the core of China’s core interests, and determines that a strong and unified country is the destiny and value destination of all ethnic groups. The fourth is the prominent inclusiveness. “Chinese civilization has never replaced diverse cultures with a single culture, but has instead brought together diverse cultures into a common culture, resolving conflicts and building consensus.” [20]20 Ibid. This civilizational inclusiveness fundamentally determines the historical orientation of exchange, interaction, and integration among the Chinese nation, and determines the open-mindedness of Chinese culture to absorb everything from world civilizations. The fifth is the prominent peacefulness. “It advocates constructing a world where the self and the group are united through moral order, placing others first in the relationship between self and others”; “it advocates communication to achieve harmony, opposes isolation and closure; advocates coexistence and mutual progress, opposes imposing one’s will on others; advocates preserving great harmony, opposes the law of the jungle.” [21]21 Ibid. This civilizational character of “continuously pursuing exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations without engaging in cultural hegemony” “determines that China will not impose its own values and political system on others, and determines that China insists on cooperation, does not engage in confrontation, and will never engage in the ‘clique politics’ of ‘uniting with those who agree and attacking those who disagree.’” [22]22 Ibid. The prominent characteristics gradually formed by Chinese civilization in the long process of evolution have been continuously enriched and updated with historical development. On the new journey of Chinese-path modernization, they continue to manifest great civilizational value, becoming the iconic civilizational foundation of Chinese-path modernization and important civilizational elements for building the solid civilizational roots of Chinese-path modernization.

源远流长的中国文化，博大精深的中华文明，在长期演进过程中形成了一系列独有的突出特性，这与中国式现代化的本质特征和发展趋势十分契合，可以内在转化为推进强国建设和民族复兴伟业的文化主体力量。习近平总书记在文化传承发展座谈会上的讲话对中华文明的突出特性作出系统阐释，为我们深刻认识和把握中华优秀传统文化在中国式现代化历史进程中的重大作用进一步指明了方向。一是突出的连续性。“中华文明是世界上唯一绵延不断且以国家形态发展至今的伟大文明。” 这种“自我发展、回应挑战、开创新局”的文化主体性与旺盛生命力，是中华民族必然走自己的现代化道路的主体因素。二是突出的创新性。“中华文明是革故鼎新、辉光日新的文明，静水深流与波澜壮阔交织。” 这种“守正不守旧、尊古不复古”的文明创新精神，是中华民族“不惧新挑战、勇于接受新事物”的宝贵民族品格。三是突出的统一性。“‘向内凝聚’的统一性追求，是文明连续的前提，也是文明连续的结果。” 这种“国土不可分、国家不可乱、民族不可散、文明不可断”的共同信念，决定了国家统一永远是中国核心利益的核心，决定了一个坚强统一的国家是各族人民的命运所系、价值所归。四是突出的包容性。“中华文明从来不用单一文化代替多元文化，而是由多元文化汇聚成共同文化，化解冲突，凝聚共识。” 这种文明包容性，从根本上决定了中华民族交往交流交融的历史取向，决定了中华文化对世界文明兼收并蓄的开放胸怀。五是突出的和平性。“主张以道德秩序构造一个群己合一的世界，在人己关系中以他人为重”；“倡导交通成和，反对隔绝闭塞；倡导共生并进，反对强人从己；倡导保合太和，反对丛林法则” 。这种“不断追求文明交流互鉴而不搞文化霸权”的文明品格，“决定了中国不会把自己的价值观念与政治体制强加于人，决定了中国坚持合作、不搞对抗，决不搞‘党同伐异’的小圈子” 。中华文明在长期演进过程中逐步形成的突出特性，随着历史的发展而不断丰富更新，在中国式现代化新征程上继续彰显巨大的文明价值，成为中国式现代化标志性的文明底蕴，成为筑牢中国式现代化厚重文明根脉的重要文明元素。

IV. Adhering to Reform as the Driving Force, Unleashing the Strong Institutional Advantages of Chinese-Path Modernization

四、坚持以改革为动力，释放中国式现代化强大的制度优势

Modernization is a profound process of institutional and social transformation. Chinese-path modernization not only profoundly touches upon social relations of production, requiring the comprehensive deepening of reform to further liberate and develop the productive forces, and resolutely removing institutional and mechanistic obstacles that are incompatible with the requirements of productive forces development; it also profoundly involves the mode of social life and development, requiring the comprehensive deepening of reform to further stimulate and enhance social vitality, and resolutely removing structural contradictions that hinder the full release of social vitality and dynamism; at the same time, it profoundly affects the social superstructure and the ideological concepts of social members, requiring the comprehensive deepening of reform to further enhance institutional modernization, better transforming institutional advantages into national governance effectiveness, and fully stimulating the creative vitality of the people through vibrant institutional mechanisms. Both the historical experience of China’s reform and opening up and the arduous tasks facing the comprehensive construction of a modern socialist country profoundly indicate that further comprehensively deepening reform is the essential requirement and fundamental driving force for advancing Chinese-path modernization, and “is the key move determining the success or failure of Chinese-path modernization.” [23]23 A quotation from Xi Jinping, referring to the decisive role of comprehensively deepening reform in the success of Chinese-path modernization.

现代化是深刻的制度变革和社会变革过程。中国式现代化不仅极其深刻地触及社会生产关系，要求以进一步解放和发展社会生产力来全面深化改革，坚决破除与生产力发展要求不相适应的体制机制障碍；而且极其深刻地涉及社会生活方式和发展方式，要求以进一步激发和增强社会活力来全面深化改革，坚决破除影响社会生机活力充分释放的结构性矛盾；同时也极其深刻地影响社会上层建筑和社会成员思想观念，要求以进一步提升制度现代化来全面深化改革，把制度优势更好转化为国家治理效能，以充满活力的制度机制充分激发人民群众的创造活力。无论是我国改革开放的历史经验，还是全面建设社会主义现代化国家面临的艰巨任务，都深刻表明，进一步全面深化改革，是推进中国式现代化的本质要求和根本动力，“是决定中国式现代化成败的关键一 招” 。

To liberate and develop the social productive forces through further comprehensive and deepening reform, thereby laying a solid material foundation for Chinese-path modernization. Developing new quality productive forces in light of local conditions, transforming traditional productive forces in step with the times, and promoting high-quality economic development are the primary tasks in building a modern socialist country in all respects and the top priority on the new journey of Chinese-path modernization. Every liberation and development of the social productive forces requires corresponding adjustments and reforms in the social relations of production. Deng Xiaoping incisively pointed out, “To develop the productive forces, reform of the economic system is the only way,” and “Revolution means the liberation of the productive forces, and reform also means the liberation of the productive forces.” [24]24 Deng Xiaoping, “Excerpts from Talks in Wuchang, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shanghai, etc.” (January 18–February 21, 1992), in *Selected Works of Deng Xiaoping*, vol. 3 (Beijing: People’s Publishing House, 1993), p. 370. This important thesis is a scientific truth repeatedly proven by the practice of reform and opening up and socialist modernization. On the new journey of Chinese-path modernization, in the crucial period of getting the comprehensive building of a modern socialist country off to a good start, the most prominent task and the most important link in further liberating and developing the social productive forces is to further deepen the reform of the socialist market economy, “focusing on building a high-level socialist market economy system, giving full play to the decisive role of the market in resource allocation, and better playing the role of the government.” [25]25 “Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reform to Advance Chinese-Path Modernization” (adopted by the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on July 18, 2024). On the one hand, by further deepening reform comprehensively to build an “effective market,” we must firmly focus on invigorating the real economy and enhancing market efficiency, use modern market systems and mechanisms to consolidate the public sector of the economy and develop the non-public sector, grant full autonomy to various market entities, and continuously unleash the strong vitality of further liberating and developing the social productive forces. On the other hand, by further deepening reform comprehensively to build a “capable government,” we must firmly focus on building a service-oriented government that serves the people, is clean and efficient, and administers according to law, deeply advance reforms to streamline administration, delegate power, improve regulation, and upgrade services, give full play to the government’s important functions in macroeconomic regulation, market supervision, social governance, public services, and ecological environmental protection, resolutely eradicate the institutional drawbacks that breed bureaucracy, formalism, and privilege-seeking thinking, and provide strong administrative impetus and a sound institutional environment for promoting the healthy development of the market economy.

以进一步全面深化改革解放和发展社会生产力，为中国式现代化奠定坚实物质基础。因地制宜发展新质生产力，与时俱进改造传统生产力，推动经济高质量发展，是全面建设社会主义现代化国家的首要任务，是中国式现代化新征程上的重中之重。社会生产力的每一次解放和发展，都要求社会生产关系作出与之相适应的调整和改革。邓小平精辟指出，“要发展生产力，经济体制改革是必由之路”，“革命是解放生产力，改革也是解放生产力” 。这一重要论断，是被改革开放和社会主义现代化建设实践反复证明了的科学真理。在中国式现代化新征程上，在全面建设社会主义现代化国家开局起步的关键时期，进一步解放和发展社会生产力，最突出任务和最重要环节就是必须进一步深化社会主义市场经济改革，“聚焦构建高水平社会主义市场经济体制，充分发挥市场在资源配置中的决定性作用，更好发挥政府作用” 。一方面，通过进一步全面深化改革构建“有效市场”，牢牢聚焦搞活实体经济、增强市场效益，运用现代市场体制和机制巩固公有制经济、发展非公有制经济，赋予各类市场主体以充分自主权，不断释放进一步解放和发展社会生产力的强大活力。另一方面，通过进一步全面深化改革建设“有为政府”，牢牢聚焦建设为民服务、廉洁高效、依法行政的服务型政府，深入推进简政放权、放管结合、优化服务改革，充分发挥政府在宏观调控、市场监管、社会治理、公共服务、生态环境保护等方面的重要职能，坚决革除产生官僚主义、形式主义和特权思想的制度性弊端，为促进市场经济健康发展提供强大行政动力和良好制度环境。

To stimulate and enhance social vitality through further comprehensive and deepening reform, thereby gathering strong social forces for Chinese-path modernization. Further liberating and developing the social productive forces and further stimulating and enhancing social vitality are two major tasks that must be accomplished with effort in advancing Chinese-path modernization through further comprehensive and deepening reform. These two tasks interact with and promote each other; without the further liberation and eruption of social vitality, the liberation and development of the social productive forces will lose their internal driving force and sustained tension, because only people with subjective consciousness and subjective creativity are the primary factor of the social productive forces and the inexhaustible driving force for further liberating and developing them. Society is the foundation of the state, and the people are the subjects of society. The foundation and driving force for building a modern socialist country lie in the further exertion of the people’s creative spirit as subjects and in the further stimulation of the vitality of the social organism. “To further deepen reform comprehensively, we must closely adhere to the theme of advancing Chinese-path modernization, highlight the focus of reform, firmly grasp the value orientation, and pay attention to methods and approaches.” [26]26 “Comrade Xi Jinping’s Explanation of the ‘Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reform to Advance Chinese-Path Modernization’” (July 21, 2024). Practice has profoundly shown that taking the further stimulation and enhancement of social vitality as an important focal point of further comprehensive and deepening reform seizes the principal contradiction and the principal aspect of the contradiction affecting the overall situation of Chinese-path modernization, and seizes the vital parts and key links of comprehensively advancing the building of a modern socialist country through Chinese-path modernization.

以进一步全面深化改革激发和增强社会活力，为中国式现代化汇聚强大社会力量。进一步解放和发展社会生产力、进一步激发和增强社会活力，是以进一步全面深化改革推进中国式现代化必须着力完成的两大突出任务。这两大任务相互作用、相互促进，没有社会活力的进一步解放和迸发，社会生产力的解放和发展就会失去内在动力和持续张力，因为只有具有主体意识和主体创造性的人，才是社会生产力的首要因素，是进一步解放和发展社会生产力的不竭动力。社会是国家的基础，人民是社会的主体，建设社会主义现代化国家的基础和动力在于人民主体创造精神的进一步发挥，在于社会机体活力的进一步激发。“进一步全面深化改革，要紧扣推进中国式现代化这个主题，突出改革重点，把牢价值取向，讲求方式方法” 。实践深刻表明，把进一步激发和增强社会活力作为进一步全面深化改革的重要着力点，抓住了影响中国式现代化全局的主要矛盾和矛盾的主要方面，抓住了以中国式现代化全面推进社会主义现代化国家建设的要害部位和关键环节。

The new journey of Chinese-path modernization contains a profound logic of institutional reform. The Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee [27]27 The Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the CPC, held in November 2013, which adopted the “Decision on Major Issues Concerning Comprehensively Deepening Reform.” first put forward the new concept of “modernization of institutional governance,” taking “improving and developing the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and advancing the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity” [28]28 “Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Major Issues Concerning Comprehensively Deepening Reform” (adopted by the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on November 12, 2013). as the overall goal of comprehensively deepening reform, thereby opening up a new situation for comprehensively deepening reform. The Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee [29]29 The Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the CPC, held in October 2019, which focused on upholding and improving the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and advancing the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity. first put forward the new concept of “effectiveness of institutional governance,” prominently emphasizing “upholding and improving the fundamental systems, basic systems, and important systems that underpin the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, focusing on consolidating foundations, leveraging strengths, shoring up weaknesses, and strengthening weak links, building a system of institutions that is complete, scientifically standardized, and effectively operational, strengthening systematic governance, law-based governance, comprehensive governance, and source governance, and better transforming China’s institutional advantages into national governance effectiveness.” [30]30 “Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Upholding and Improving the System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Advancing the Modernization of the National Governance System and Governance Capacity” (adopted by the Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on October 31, 2019). The 20th National Congress of the CPC [31]31 The 20th National Congress of the CPC, held in October 2022. clearly established “persisting in deepening reform and opening up” as a “major principle” that must be firmly grasped on the new journey of Chinese-path modernization, emphasizing the need to “deeply advance reform and innovation, unswervingly expand opening up, focus on solving deep-seated institutional and mechanistic obstacles, continuously highlight the institutional advantages of socialism with Chinese characteristics, continuously enhance the driving force and vitality of socialist modernization, and better transform China’s institutional advantages into national governance effectiveness.” [32]32 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 Communist Party of China (October 16, 2022). The decision adopted by the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee [33]33 The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC, held in July 2024, which adopted the “Decision on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reform to Advance Chinese-Path Modernization.” clearly emphasized that further comprehensive and deepening reform must adhere to “taking institutional building as the main line, strengthening top-level design and overall planning, establishing while abolishing, establishing before abolishing, consolidating fundamental systems, improving basic systems, and innovating important systems.” [34]34 “Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reform to Advance Chinese-Path Modernization” (adopted by the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on July 18, 2024). Institutional reform and institutional innovation in the New Era exhibit many new connotations and new characteristics, the most important of which is to continuously take the enhancement of institutional modernization as the value orientation and to take the deep advancement of the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity as the main axis of reform, making the modernization orientation of institutional reform clearer and the modernization connotation of institutional innovation more substantial. Consolidating fundamental systems, improving basic systems, and innovating important systems are interdependent, interactive, and exert force in the same direction, jointly constituting a complete, scientifically standardized, and effectively operational system of institutions for socialism with Chinese characteristics, powerfully promoting the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity, and providing solid institutional support and strong institutional impetus for comprehensively advancing Chinese-path modernization.

中国式现代化新征程蕴含着深邃的制度改革逻辑。党的十八届三中全会首次提出“制度治理现代化”新理念，把“完善和发展中国特色社会主义制度，推进国家治理体系和治理能力现代化” 作为全面深化改革的总目标，开创了全面深化改革的新局面。党的十九届四中全会首次提出“制度治理效能”新理念，突出强调“坚持和完善支撑中国特色社会主义制度的根本制度、基本制度、重要制度，着力固根基、扬优势、补短板、强弱项，构建系统完备、科学规范、运行有效的制度体系，加强系统治理、依法治理、综合治理、源头治理，把我国制度优势更好转化为国家治理效能” 。党的二十大明确把“坚持深化改革开放”确立为中国式现代化新征程上必须牢牢把握的一项“重大原则”，强调必须“深入推进改革创新，坚定不移扩大开放，着力破解深层次体制机制障碍，不断彰显中国特色社会主义制度优势，不断增强社会主义现代化建设的动力和活力，把我囯制度优势更好转化为国家治理效能” 。党的二十届三中全会通过的决定明确强调，进一步全面深化改革必须坚持“以制度建设为主线，加强顶层设计、总体谋划，破立并举、先立后破，筑牢根本制度，完善基本制度，创新重要制度” 。新时代的制度改革和制度创新呈现出许多新内涵和新特点，最重要的就是以不断提升制度现代化为价值取向、以深入推进国家治理体系和治理能力现代化为改革主轴，使制度改革的现代化取向更加明确、制度创新的现代化内涵更加厚重。筑牢根本制度、完善基本制度、创新重要制度，相互依存、相互作用、同向发力，共同构成系统完备、科学规范、运行有效的中国特色社会主义制度体系，有力推动国家治理体系和治理能力现代化，为全面推进中国式现代化提供坚实制度支撑和强大制度动力。

V. Adhering to a Problem-Oriented Approach to Enhance the Sustained Development Effect of Chinese-Path Modernization

五、坚持以问题为导向，增强中国式现代化持续的发展效应

Marx profoundly pointed out: “Problems are the watchwords of the age, the most actual voice expressing the inner state of the times.” [35]35 Karl Marx, “Debates on the Law on Thefts of Wood” (1842), in *Marx and Engels Collected Works*, vol. 1 (Beijing: People’s Publishing House, 1995), p. 203. Adhering to a problem-oriented approach and deeply solving problems is the scientific method by which the Communist Party of China in the New Era has opened up a new realm of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, and is the source of firm confidence and sustained momentum for Chinese-path modernization. Adhering to a problem-oriented approach, and enhancing the driving force and effect of the sustainable development of Chinese-path modernization in the process of solving problems and resolving contradictions, is an important logic deeply embedded in the theoretical system of Chinese-path modernization. The report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC clearly pointed out: “Today, the complexity of the problems we face and the difficulty of solving them have increased markedly, placing entirely new demands on theoretical innovation. We must enhance our problem awareness, focus on new problems encountered in practice, deep-seated problems in reform, development, and stability, the urgent and pressing problems of the people, major problems in the changing international landscape, and prominent problems in Party building, and continuously put forward new ideas, new thinking, and new methods that truly solve the problems.” [36]36 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 Communist Party of China (October 16, 2022). Chinese-path modernization is a grand and profound economic and social transformation, a process of continuously discovering problems, deeply solving problems, and promoting the transformation of contradictions in a direction favorable to building a strong country and rejuvenating the nation. Every step forward in Chinese-path modernization inherently requires that we must adhere to a problem-oriented approach to further comprehensively deepen reform, resolutely eliminate the ideological concepts and institutional and mechanistic drawbacks that hinder the advancement of Chinese-path modernization, focus on solving deep-seated institutional and mechanistic obstacles and structural contradictions, continuously enhance the sustainable development driving force of Chinese-path modernization, and release the sustainable development effect of Chinese-path modernization.

马克思深刻指出：“问题是时代的格言，是表现时代自己内心状态的最实际的呼声。” 坚 持问题导向、深入解决问题，是新时代中国共产党开辟马克思主义中国化时代化新境界的科学方法，是中国式现代化的坚定信心所在、发展后劲所在。坚持问题导向，在解决问题、化解矛盾中增强中国式现代化可持续发展的动力和效应，是中国式现代化理论体系深刻蕴含的重要逻辑。党的二十大报告明确指出：“今天我们所面临问题的复杂程度、解决问题的艰巨程度明显加大，给理论创新提出了全新要求。我们要增强问题意识，聚焦实践遇到的新问题、改革发展稳定存在的深层次问题、人民群众急难愁盼问题、国际变局中的重大问题、党的建设面临的突出问题，不断提出真正解决问题的新理念新思路新方 法。” 中 国式现代化是一场宏大而深刻的经济社会变革，是一个不断发现问题、深入解决问题、推动矛盾向着有利于强国建设和民族复兴方向转化的过程。中国式现代化的每一步推进，都内在要求必须坚持以问题为导向进一步全面深化改革，坚决破除妨碍推进中国式现代化的思想观念和体制机制弊端，着力破解深层次体制机制障碍和结构性矛盾，不断增强中国式现代化的可持续发展动力、释放中国式现代化的可持续发展效应。

Contradiction is the fundamental driving force of social development, and problems are powerful levers for promoting social change. Adhering to a problem-oriented approach, facing problems and resolving contradictions with a strong sense of problem awareness and a tenacious reform spirit, is a distinctive feature and valuable experience of exploring and advancing Chinese-path modernization in the New Era. At the Third Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the CPC, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphatically stated, “We Chinese Communists, whether in revolution, construction, or reform, have always done so to solve China’s practical problems. It can be said that reform is forced by problems and deepened in the continuous process of solving them,” and “In the process of understanding and transforming the world, when old problems are solved, new problems arise; institutions always need constant improvement, so reform cannot be accomplished overnight, nor can it be done once and for all.” [37]37 Xi Jinping, “Explanation of the ‘Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Several Major Issues Concerning Comprehensively Deepening Reform’,” November 9, 2013, in *Selected Readings of Xi Jinping’s Works*, Vol. 1 (Beijing: People’s Publishing House, 2023), p. 178. It is precisely by adhering to a problem-oriented approach, taking the in-depth resolution of major problems affecting development as the breakthrough point and key focus, that comprehensively deepening reform has forcefully opened up a new situation in economic and social development and opened up a new realm of Chinese-path modernization. Practice has profoundly shown that every step forward in Chinese-path modernization must adhere to a problem-oriented approach, taking the resolution of principal contradictions and prominent problems on the path forward as the main focus. “To further comprehensively deepen reform, we must anchor on the overall goal of improving and developing the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and advancing the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity, closely focus on promoting Chinese-path modernization, adhere to the combination of goal orientation and problem orientation, go after problems, target problems for reform, resolutely eliminate deep-seated institutional and mechanism obstacles and structural contradictions, and continuously inject strong impetus into Chinese-path modernization and provide a solid institutional guarantee.” [38]38 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Symposium on Comprehensively Deepening Reform and Opening Up in the New Era,” April 21, 2024, *People’s Daily*, April 22, 2024. The decision adopted by the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC clearly emphasizes the need to “adhere to upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, adhere unswervingly to socialism with Chinese characteristics, keep pace with the times, conform to practical development, highlight a problem-oriented approach, and promote theoretical innovation, practical innovation, institutional innovation, cultural innovation, and other innovations from a new starting point,” [39]39 “Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reform and Promoting Chinese-Path Modernization,” adopted by the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC on July 18, 2024, *People’s Daily*, July 22, 2024. profoundly analyze the institutional drawbacks and structural contradictions faced on the path forward, clearly put forward the reform goals and tasks of the “seven focal points,” [40]40 The “seven focal points” refer to the seven key reform areas identified at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee: building a high-level socialist market economy system, advancing whole-process people’s democracy, building a culturally strong country, improving people’s wellbeing, building a Beautiful China, building a higher-level Peaceful China, and improving the Party’s leadership level and governance capacity. and profoundly point out the goals and direction of adhering to the combination of goal orientation and problem orientation and advancing modernization in various fields through in-depth problem-solving.

矛盾是社会发展的根本动力，问题是推动社会变革的强大杠杆。坚持问题导向，以强烈的问题意识和坚韧的改革精神直面问题、化解矛盾，是新时代探索和推进中国式现代化的鲜明特点和宝贵经验。在党的十八届三中全会上，习近平总书记旗帜鲜明地强调，“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。可以说，改革是由问题倒逼而产生，又在不断解决问题中得以深化”，“在认识世界和改造世界的过程中，旧的问题解决了，新的问题又会产生，制度总是需要不断完善，因而改革不可能一蹴而就，也不可能一劳永逸” 。正是坚持以问题为导向，以深入解决影响发展的重大问题为突破口和关键点，全面深化改革有力开创了经济社会发展新局面、开辟了中国式现代化新境界。实践深刻表明，中国式现代化的每一步推进，都必须坚持问题导向，以解决前进道路上的主要矛盾和突出问题为主要着力点。“进一步全面深化改革，要锚定完善和发展中国特色社会主义制度、推进国家治理体系和治理能力现代化这个总目标，紧扣推进中国式现代化，坚持目标导向和问题导向相结合，奔着问题去、盯着问题改，坚决破除深层次体制机制障碍和结构性矛盾，不断为中国式现代化注入强劲动力、提供有力制度保障。” 党的二十届三中全会通过的决定明确强调，必须“坚持守正创新，坚持中国特色社会主义不动摇，紧跟时代步伐，顺应实践发展，突出问题导向，在新起点上推进理论创新、实践创新、制度创新、文化创新以及其他各方面创新” ，深刻分析前进道路上面临的体制性弊端和结构性矛盾，明确提出“七个聚焦”的改革目标任务，深刻指明坚持目标导向和问题导向相结合、在深入解决问题中推进各个领域现代化建设的目标和方向。

The modernization process of countries around the world shows that modernization is a process full of contradictions and problems. Whether it is the modernization path taken by European and American countries and the many social problems that still exist, or the various severe challenges encountered by the former “Four Asian Tigers” in the process of creating an economic take-off miracle, or the “modernization traps” encountered by emerging market countries in Latin America on their path to modernization, all profoundly indicate that the ability to face problems, resolve contradictions, and meet challenges is directly related to the future and fate of modernization, and directly related to the cost and effectiveness of modernization. Chinese-path modernization has its own unique advantages, relying on the socialist system and the characteristics of late-developing modernization to avoid the detours taken by Western countries in their modernization to the greatest extent, yet it inevitably faces various problems and challenges. The contradictions and problems on the new journey of Chinese-path modernization include both common problems encountered in the modernization process of all countries and specific problems faced under China’s unique national conditions; both long-standing old problems that need repeated resolution and new problems arising under new circumstances. The prominent problems are mainly reflected in: new problems arising from new changes in the principal social contradiction, prominently manifested in the fact that unbalanced and inadequate development has not yet been fundamentally resolved, and there are still many constraints affecting the people’s growing needs for a better life; deep-seated institutional and mechanism drawbacks and structural contradictions hindering high-quality economic and social development, prominently manifested in the underdevelopment of market mechanisms in some areas, an imperfect market system, and the relationship between the government and the market not yet fully straightened out, seriously affecting the vitality and efficiency of state-owned enterprises and the survival and development of private enterprises; ideas and ways of thinking incompatible with modernization requirements, prominently manifested in some outdated thinking and narrow concepts constraining people’s minds, seriously affecting the full exertion of the people’s subjective initiative and creativity; the unique difficulties faced by our large Party in the process of long-term governance, prominently manifested in serious formalism in some areas and levels, varying degrees of arbitrary action, inaction, reluctance to act, and inability to act among the cadre contingent, and the fact that privileged thinking and privileged behavior have not yet been fundamentally curbed, with abuse of power for personal gain and reliance on power for corruption remaining prominent problems in Party building. The various problems and contradictions mentioned above, with different forms of expression and complex causes, are essentially problems in the process of development and challenges on the path forward. The problems and challenges we face require that on the new journey of Chinese-path modernization, we must always adhere to a problem-oriented approach, solidly promote the further comprehensive deepening of reform in various fields, resolutely eliminate the institutional and mechanism drawbacks that hinder Chinese-path modernization, strive to resolve structural contradictions in economic and social development, deeply overcome ideas and concepts incompatible with Chinese-path modernization, resolutely correct formalism, bureaucracy, privileged phenomena, and other unhealthy Party and social conduct that interfere with Chinese-path modernization, continuously promote the adaptation of relations of production to productive forces, the superstructure to the economic base, and national governance to social development, and continuously enhance the vitality and sustainable development effect of Chinese-path modernization.

世界各国现代化历程表明，现代化是一个充满矛盾和问题的过程。无论是欧美国家所走过的现代化道路及其依然存在的诸多社会问题，还是曾经的“亚洲四小龙”在创造经济腾飞奇迹过程中所遇到的种种严峻挑战，抑或是拉美新兴市场国家在寻求现代化道路上所遇到的“现代化陷阱”，都深刻表明，能否直面问题、化解矛盾、应对挑战，直接关系到现代化的前途和命运，直接关系到现代化的成本和成效。中国式现代化既具有自己的独特优势，依托社会主义制度和后发型现代化特点，最大程度地避免西方国家现代化所走过的弯路，又不可避免地面临种种问题和挑战。中国式现代化新征程上的矛盾和问题，既有各国现代化过程中所遇到的共性问题，又有在中国特有国情条件下所面临的个性问题；既有长期存在的需要反复化解的老问题，又有在新形势下产生的新问题。突出的问题主要体现在：社会主要矛盾新变化所产生的新问题，突出表现为发展不平衡和不充分尚未得到根本性解决，仍然存在着不少影响人民日益增长的美好生活需要的制约因素；妨碍经济社会高质量发展的深层次体制机制弊端和结构性矛盾，突出表现为一些领域市场机制发育不充分、市场体系不健全，政府与市场的关系尚未完全理顺，严重影响国有企业的活力与效率，严重影响民营企业的生存与发展；与现代化要求不相适应的思想观念和思维方式，突出表现为一些陈旧思维和狭隘观念禁锢着人们的思想，严重影响人民群众主体能动性和创造性的充分发挥；我们这个大党在长期执政过程中面临的独有难题，突出表现为在一些领域和层面形式主义严重，干部队伍中不同程度存在着乱作为、不作为、不敢为、不善为现象，特权思想和特权行为尚未从根本上得到扼制，以权谋私、恃权腐败依然是党的建设面临的突出问题。以上种种问题和矛盾，表现形式各异、成因错综复杂，实质上都是发展过程中的问题、前进道路上的挑战。我们面临的问题和挑战要求在中国式现代化新征程上，必须始终坚持以问题为导向扎实推进各个领域改革进一步全面深化，坚决破除妨碍中国式现代化的体制机制弊端，着力破解经济社会发展中的结构性矛盾，深入克服与中国式现代化不相适应的思想观念，坚决纠正形式主义、官僚主义、特权现象等干扰中国式现代化的不良党风民风，不断推动生产关系和生产力、上层建筑和经济基础、国家治理和社会发展相适应，不断增强中国式现代化的生机活力和可持续发展效应。

Author’s affiliation: Academic Committee of the Chinese Political Science Association

作者单位：中国政治学会学术委员会