Accelerating the Construction of a Chinese Discourse and Chinese Narrative System

The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China proposed: “Accelerate the construction of a Chinese discourse and Chinese narrative system, and comprehensively enhance the effectiveness of international communication.” [1]1 The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC, held in July 2024, focused on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese-path modernization. Effectiveness refers to the function inherent in a thing, encompassing not only the efficiency and effect of work or behavior but also the positive impact and influence it generates. In the field of international communication, effectiveness refers not only to the speed and coverage of information dissemination but also to the persuasiveness of the communicated content, its emotional appeal, and its capacity for cultural resonance. Within these dimensions, discourse and narrative play a crucial role. Discourse is the tool of information transmission, determining whether information can be effectively received and understood; narrative is the structure of information transmission, determining whether information can arouse the interest and resonance of the audience. Therefore, accelerating the construction of a Chinese discourse and Chinese narrative system is vital for enhancing the effectiveness of international communication.

党的二十届三中全会提出：“加快构建中国话语和中国叙事体系，全面提升国际传播效能。”效能指事物所具有的功能，不仅包括工作或行为的效率和效果，也包含其产生的积极影响和作用。在国际传播领域，效能不仅指信息的传播速度和覆盖面，还包括传播内容的说服力、情感感染力以及文化共鸣能力。而在这些维度中，话语和叙事扮演着至关重要的角色。话语是信息传递的工具，决定了信息能否被有效接收和理解；叙事则是信息传递的结构，决定了信息能否引起受众的兴趣和共鸣。因此，加快构建中国话语和中国叙事体系，对于提升国际传播效能至关重要。

The Connotation of the Chinese Discourse and Chinese Narrative System

中国话语和中国叙事体系的内涵

“Discourse” refers to “language in use” and “the content of speech.” It is both an important form of cultural externalization and a power structure, possessing distinct subject consciousness and value positions. Only by adhering to the guidance of Marxism, integrating Chinese history, culture, and social values, and forming a discourse framework with Chinese characteristics can we truly realize value leadership and effective penetration in international communication.

“话语”是“运用中的语言”和“谈话的内容”，既是文化外化的重要表现形式，也是一种权力结构，具有鲜明的主体意识和价值立场。只有坚持以马克思主义为指导，结合中国历史、文化与社会价值观，形成具有中国特色的话语框架，才能真正实现国际传播的价值引领和有效渗透。

“Narrative” refers to recounting events and telling stories. Its key lies in promoting the audience’s deep understanding and internal identification with the narrative content through emotional expression and cultural identity. The narrative system is not only a means of information transmission but also a cultural expression method for showcasing a country’s development path and explaining its national strategic intentions. Constructing a narrative system focuses not only on telling China’s stories well but also, through these stories, on conveying Chinese values, cultural connotations, and development concepts.

“叙事”是叙述事情、讲述故事，其关键在于通过情感表达和文化认同，促进受众对叙事内容的深刻理解和内在认同。叙事体系不仅是信息传递手段，也是展示国家发展道路、阐释国家战略意图的文化表达方式。构建叙事体系，不仅重在讲好中国故事，更要通过这些故事传递中国价值观念、文化内涵和发展理念。

“System” generally refers to a whole composed of multiple elements arranged according to a certain order and internal connections. Therefore, the “discourse and narrative system” can be understood as an overall whole jointly constituted by certain discourses and narratives with internal connections. Constructing a Chinese discourse and Chinese narrative system is conducive to comprehensively enhancing China’s discursive power in international public opinion, systematically explaining to the world its own development path, political system, and cultural traditions, and presenting a more authentic, three-dimensional, and comprehensive image of China.

“体系”泛指按照一定的秩序和内部联系组合成的多个事物整体，因而，“话语和叙事体系”可以理解为由某些具有内部联系的话语和叙事所共同构成的整体。构建中国话语与中国叙事体系，有利于全面提升中国在国际舆论中的话语权，向世界系统解释自身发展道路、政治制度和文化传统，呈现更加真实、立体、全面的中国形象。

Multi-Dimensional Innovation of the Discourse System

多维度创新话语体系

The discourse system can be divided, from the inside out, into the ideological-value layer, the theoretical-knowledge layer, and the expression-form layer. Among these, the ideological-value layer is the inner core and foundation of the discourse system; it determines the direction and stance of the discourse system. The theoretical-knowledge layer is the support of the discourse system, manifested as the logical condensation and summary of patterns in external communication discourse, providing theoretical basis and academic support for the ideological-value layer. The expression-form layer is the external manifestation of the discourse system, conveying ideological values and theoretical knowledge to the audience through specific discourse forms, such as cross-linguistic and cross-cultural expressions of China’s stories and diverse modes of expression.

话语体系由内而外可以分为思想价值层、理论知识层和表达形式层。其中，思想价值层是话语体系的内在核心和基础，它决定了话语体系的方向和立场；理论知识层是话语体系的支撑，表现为对外传播话语的逻辑凝练与规律总结，为思想价值层提供理论依据和学理支撑；表达形式层是话语体系的外在表现，通过具体的话语形态，如中国故事的跨语言、跨文化表述和多元方式表达等将思想价值和理论知识传达给受众。

The above three dimensions, from core to representation, from abstract to concrete, from thought to practice, support each other like the legs of a tripod, sustaining the operation of the external discourse system mechanism. To enhance the effectiveness of China’s international communication, we should base our efforts on the multi-dimensional innovation of the discourse system, forming a powerful discourse communication effect by deeply excavating ideological values, innovating theoretical knowledge, and enriching expression forms.

上述三重维度，从内核到表征、从抽象到具体、从思想到实践，互为掎角之势，支撑着对外话语体系机制的运行。提升中国国际传播效能，应立足于话语体系的多维创新，通过深挖思想价值、创新理论知识、丰富表达形式，形成强有力的话语传播效果。

Deeply excavate ideological values, highlighting profundity and leading power. Integrate the essence of Chinese culture into the external discourse system, use the “Way” of thought and spirit to govern China’s stories, endow them with new value and connotation, and provide Chinese ideas and Chinese solutions for solving global problems.

深挖思想价值，突出深刻性和引领力。将中华文化精髓融入对外话语体系，以思想和精神之“道”统摄中国故事，赋予其以新的价值和内涵，为解决全球问题提供中国思路和中国方案。

Innovate theoretical knowledge, enhancing systematicity and persuasiveness. On the one hand, sublimate and condense the practice of external communication into international communication theory, conduct in-depth research from multiple perspectives such as politics, economy, culture, society, and ecological civilization, so that the innovative theories and governance concepts of the Communist Party of China can be understood, recognized, and accepted by international audiences. On the other hand, innovate knowledge production; through theoretical innovation, concept creation, and discourse creativity, launch original theories, unique paradigms, and systematic knowledge; construct an independent knowledge system of Chinese journalism; and provide academic support for international communication work.

创新理论知识，增强系统性和说服力。一方面，将对外传播实践升华凝练为国际传播理论，从政治、经济、文化、社会、生态文明等多个视角开展深入研究，让中国共产党的创新理论和治国理念被国际受众了解、认知并接受；另一方面，创新知识生产，通过理论创新、概念创造和话语创意，推出原创性理论、独创性范式以及体系化知识，建构中国新闻学自主知识体系，为国际传播工作提供学理支撑。

Renew expression forms, strengthening effectiveness and affinity. Use external discourse that the audience is willing to accept and easy to understand; adopt precise communication methods close to the audiences of different regions, different countries, and different groups; provide richer discourse expressions that evoke empathy and resonance; enable more international audiences to understand, listen to, and comprehend; enhance the affinity of cultural communication; and expand the circle of friends in international public opinion.

焕新表达形式，强化实效性和亲和力。运用受众乐于接受和易于理解的对外话语，采用贴近不同区域、不同国家、不同群体受众的精准传播方式，提供更丰富的共情共鸣的话语表达，让更多国际受众听得懂、听得进、听得明白，增强文化传播亲和力，扩大国际舆论朋友圈。

Multiple Measures to Innovate the Narrative System

多举措创新叙事体系

In practice, the construction of the Chinese narrative system should unfold around the four dimensions of “development,” “voicing,” “promotion,” and “discovery” narratives. That is, starting from national strategic goals and gradually implementing them in specific narrative practices. Among these, the “development” narrative provides a macro perspective at the national level; the “voicing” narrative represents concrete actions on the international stage; the “promotion” narrative demonstrates the depth and breadth of culture; and the “discovery” narrative uses individual stories to bridge the distance with global audiences.

实践中，中国叙事体系构建应当围绕“发展”“发声”“发扬”和“发现”叙事这四个维度展开，即从国家战略目标出发，逐步落实到具体叙事实践中。其中，“发展”叙事提供了国家层面的宏观视角，“发声”叙事是在国际舞台上的具体行动，“发扬”叙事展现了文化的深度和广度，“发现”叙事则通过个体故事拉近与全球受众的距离。

The “development” narrative starts from the national level, focusing on changes and development in multiple aspects such as economy, politics, culture, society, and ecology, “actively telling the stories of the Communist Party of China’s governance, the stories of the Chinese people’s struggle to realize their dreams, and the stories of China’s adherence to peaceful development, win-win cooperation, and shared growth.” [2]2 This phrasing echoes a standard formulation from CPC leadership speeches on international communication, emphasizing the three core story types to be told externally. When narrating serious or major themes, methods closer to people’s hearts and easier to accept should be adopted, making full use of diverse discourses and multiple means so that China’s stories can transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. International communication should not only convey the national image and policy information but also focus on constructing a global narrative, forming broader cultural identity by evoking emotional resonance. The concept of a community with a shared future for mankind provides a core framework for global narrative in international communication. Within this narrative framework, China needs to tell not only its national development achievements but also the concepts and pursuits of sharing development with the world, contributing Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions to global governance.

“发展”叙事是从国家层面出发，围绕经济、政治、文化、社会、生态等多方面的变革发展，“主动讲好中国共产党治国理政的故事、中国人民奋斗圆梦的故事、中国坚持和平发展合作共赢的故事”。讲述严肃或重大的主题，应采用更加贴近人心、易于接受的方式，充分利用多元话语、多种手段，使中国故事能够跨越文化和地域的界限。国际传播不仅应传递国家形象与政策信息，还应着眼于构建全球叙事，通过引发情感共鸣，形成更广泛的文化认同。人类命运共同体理念为国际传播提供了全球叙事的核心框架，在此叙事框架下，中国需要讲述的不仅是国家的发展成就，更是与世界共享发展的理念和追求，为全球治理贡献中国智慧与中国方案。

The “voicing” narrative involves authoritative voicing on international hot topics concerning China, controversial events, and significant historical memories, clarifying facts, distinguishing right from wrong, publicizing positions and attitudes, and guiding international public opinion externally. This is the reactive level within the narrative system, that is, voicing China’s positions and viewpoints on the international stage, safeguarding the national image and interests, focusing on the transformation from “one-way output” to “interactive dialogue,” and enhancing the targetedness and effectiveness of communication through flexible and diverse cultural exchanges and interactive communication.

“发声”叙事，即围绕涉华国际热点议题、争议事件和重大历史记忆，进行权威发声，对外澄清事实、明辨是非，宣介立场态度、引导国际舆论。这是叙事体系中的反应层面，即在国际舞台上为中国的立场和观点发声，维护国家形象和利益，注重从“单向输出”到“互动对话”转变，通过灵活多样的文化交流和互动式传播，增强传播的针对性和实效性。

The “promotion” narrative is based on excellent traditional Chinese culture or distinctive regional cultures, making full use of rich and diverse cultural symbols to strengthen appeal and attractiveness, making them communication carriers that are both outstanding and popular in external communication. Depending on the degree of reliance on information transmission in different cultures, differentiated strategies should be adopted in communication. Low-context cultures emphasize direct and clear information transmission, where communication usually does not rely on background or implicit information. In contrast, high-context cultures place greater emphasis on context and non-verbal information, where much meaning is conveyed through background, relationships, and implication. For low-context cultures, attention should be paid to clear and direct expression to ensure information can be quickly transmitted and accurately understood; in high-context cultures, symbolic expression and audiovisual language are more capable of evoking emotional resonance and cultural identity.

“发扬”叙事，即立足中华优秀传统文化或特色地域文化，充分利用丰富多元的文化符号，强化感染力和吸引力，使其成为对外传播中出彩又出圈的传播载体。根据不同文化中信息传递的依赖程度，在传播中采用差异化策略。低语境文化强调信息传达直接明确，交流时通常不依赖背景或隐含信息。与之相反，高语境文化更强调语境和非言语信息，许多含义通过背景、关系和暗示来传达。对低语境文化应注重清晰、直接的表达，以确保信息能够快速传递并被准确理解；在高语境文化中，象征性表达和视听语言则更能引发情感共鸣和文化认同。

The “discovery” narrative revolves around the daily interests and life stories of Chinese people, discovering touching and insightful real details, empathetic life realizations, and extraordinary creations that inspire wisdom, thereby showcasing the spiritual outlook of the Chinese people and promoting people-to-people connectivity. This is the micro level within the narrative system, promoting the combination of individual narratives with national narratives, using emotional communication to transcend ideological differences and evoke emotional resonance among global audiences.

“发现”叙事，即围绕中国人日常趣味和生活故事，发现令人感动感悟的真实细节、共情共鸣的人生体悟和启发智慧的超凡创造，从而展现中国人的精神风貌，促进民心相通。这是叙事体系中的微观层面，推动个体叙事与国家叙事相结合，以情感传播超越意识形态分歧，引发全球受众的情感共鸣。

Constructing a Chinese discourse and Chinese narrative system is not a battle in one domain, nor is it achieved overnight; it is a systematic project requiring multi-party coordination and persistent, long-term effort. We must proceed from practice, make breakthroughs at key points, and more practically, efficiently, and targetedly innovate the methods and means of discourse and narrative, promoting Chinese discourse and Chinese narrative to radiate more vigorous and enduring vitality in the global public opinion arena, and write a new chapter in international communication in the New Era.

构建中国话语和中国叙事体系，不是一域之役，也非一蹴而就，而是多方协同、久久为功的系统工程。我们要从实践着手、从重点突破，更加切实、高效、有针对性地创新话语和叙事的方式方法，推动中国话语和中国叙事在全球舆论场中焕发出更加蓬勃持久的生命力，谱写新时代国际传播的新篇章。

(Authors: Zeng Xiangmin, Tang Xuan, and Weng Xudong are all specially appointed researchers of the Beijing Research

（作者：曾祥敏 汤 璇 翁旭东，均系北京市习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想研究中心特约研究员，分别系中国传媒大学电视学院教授、副教授、讲师）

Online editor: Huihui

网络编辑：慧慧