Reprint | Introduction to the Key Sections of Volume II of “Selected Works of Xi Jinping”

The “Selected Works of Xi Jinping,” edited by the Editorial Committee for Documents of the CPC Central Committee, opens with General Secretary Xi Jinping’s report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, titled “Upholding the Great Banner of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Striving Together to Fully Build a Modern Socialist Country.” The remaining works are arranged in chronological order. Volume II contains important writings by General Secretary Xi Jinping from October 2017 to October 2022, comprising a total of 75 documents—including reports, speeches, talks, addresses, and instructions—some of which are being made public for the first time. The following is an introduction to the key selections from Volume II of “Selected Works of Xi Jinping.”

"Securing a Decisive Victory in Building a Moderately Prosperous Society in All Respects and Achieving Great Success for Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" (October 18, 2017) This is the report delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. The report holds high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, guided by Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Important Thought of the Three Represents, the Scientific Outlook on Development, and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It analyzes the evolving international and domestic situations, reviews and summarizes the work and historic transformations over the past five years, and makes major political pronouncements, including that socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era and that the principal social contradiction in our country has transformed into the contradiction between the people’s ever-growing need for a better life and unbalanced and inadequate development. The report profoundly expounds the historical mission of the Communist Party of China in the new era, establishes the historical status of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, sets forth the basic strategies for upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, defines the goal of securing a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and embarking on a new journey toward fully building a modern socialist country, and lays out a comprehensive plan for advancing the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the new great project of Party building in the new era. The report outlines a grand blueprint for securing a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and achieving a great victory of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era, further clarifying the direction forward for the cause of the Party and the country. It is the crystallization of the wisdom of the entire Party and all ethnic groups across the country, serving as both a political declaration and an action program through which our Party unites and leads all ethnic groups nationwide in upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era—a programmatic document of Marxism.

"Promoting High-Quality Economic Development in China" (December 18, 2017) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the Central Economic Work Conference. The speech points out that since the 18th National Congress of the Party, we have successfully steered the overall course of China’s economic development and have thus formed a new era of socialist economic thought with Chinese characteristics, whose core component is the new development philosophy. This thought represents the theoretical crystallization derived from China’s economic development practice; it is a rational generalization of the political economy of socialism with Chinese characteristics based on the fundamental principles of Marxism. It is an extremely precious spiritual treasure of the Party and the country, and must be upheld for the long term and continuously enriched and developed. The speech emphasizes that the defining feature of China’s economic development in the new era is that our economy has shifted from a stage of high-speed growth to a stage of high-quality development. High-quality development means development that can effectively meet the people’s ever-growing needs for a better life—a development that embodies the new development philosophy, where innovation becomes the primary driving force, coordination becomes an intrinsic characteristic, green development becomes the prevailing mode, openness becomes the only path forward, and shared prosperity becomes the ultimate goal. To put it more clearly, high-quality development signifies a shift from asking “whether we have it” to asking “how good it is.”

"Opening Up a New Realm for the Development of Contemporary Chinese Marxist Military Theory" (December 22, 2017) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the expanded meeting of the Central Military Commission. The speech points out: In the grand and vigorous practice of strengthening the military, we have kept in mind the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and, focusing on the question of what kind of powerful people’s armed forces we should build in the new era and how we should build such a force, we have carried out in-depth theoretical exploration and practical innovation, thus giving rise to the Party’s Thought on Strengthening the Military for the New Era. It emphasizes: We must adhere to a problem-oriented approach, strengthen both theoretical and practical innovation, and continuously open up new horizons for the development of contemporary Chinese Marxist military theory and military practice.

“Taking the Path of Rural Revitalization with Chinese Characteristics” (December 28, 2017) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the Central Rural Work Conference. The speech points out that in implementing the rural revitalization strategy, we must adhere to the overall requirements of thriving industries, an ecologically livable environment, civilized rural customs, effective governance, and prosperous livelihoods, thereby promoting the comprehensive upgrading of agriculture, the all-round progress of rural areas, and the holistic development of farmers. We must reshape the relationship between urban and rural areas and pursue a path of integrated urban-rural development; consolidate and improve the basic rural operating system and follow the path toward common prosperity; deepen structural reforms on the supply side of agriculture and embrace the path of quality-driven agricultural development; uphold the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature and take the path of green rural development; inherit, develop, and enhance agricultural civilization and pursue the path of flourishing rural culture; innovate the rural governance system and adopt the path of good rural governance; and fight the battle against poverty with precision, following the path of poverty alleviation with Chinese characteristics.

“China’s Door of Opening-up Will Only Open Wider and Wider” (April 10, 2018) This is part of the keynote speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia 2018 Annual Conference. The speech pointed out: “Based on a comprehensive assessment of global development trends, economic globalization is an irreversible trend of our times. China adheres to the basic national policy of opening up to the outside world. Over the past four decades, China’s economic development has been achieved under conditions of openness, and in the future, China’s economy must continue to pursue high-quality development under even more open conditions. China’s door of opening-up will not be closed—it will only open wider and wider. In terms of further expanding its opening-up, China will take major steps such as significantly easing market access, creating a more attractive investment environment, strengthening intellectual property protection, and proactively expanding imports.”

"Accelerating the Building of a Cyberpower" (April 20, 2018) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the National Conference on Cybersecurity and Informatization. The speech points out that we have continuously advanced both theoretical and practical innovation, not only forging a path of internet governance with Chinese characteristics but also putting forward a series of new ideas, new perspectives, and new judgments, thereby forming the strategic thinking behind building a cyber-power nation. It emphasizes: Without cybersecurity, there can be no national security; and if we fail to pass the test of the internet, we will fail to secure long-term governance. We must adhere to the principles of promoting innovative development, governing according to law, ensuring security, maximizing benefits while eliminating harm, and benefiting the people. We must grasp the dialectical relationship among security and development, freedom and order, openness and autonomy, as well as between governance and service, and accelerate the building of a cyber-power nation.

“Studying and Practicing Marxism” (May 4, 2018) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the conference commemorating the 200th anniversary of Karl Marx’s birth. The speech points out that Marxism has always been the guiding ideology of our Party and country—a powerful ideological weapon for us to understand the world, grasp its underlying laws, pursue truth, and transform the world. To study Marx means to learn from and put into practice his ideas on the laws governing the development of human society, his commitment to upholding the people-centered stance, his insights into the relationship between productive forces and relations of production, his thoughts on people’s democracy, his views on cultural development, his perspectives on social development, his understanding of the relationship between humanity and nature, his conception of world history, and his ideas on building Marxist political parties.

“Principles That Must Be Upheld in Strengthening Ecological Civilization Construction” (May 18, 2018) This is an excerpt from a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the National Conference on Ecological and Environmental Protection. The speech points out that the ecological environment is a major political issue closely linked to the Party’s mission and purpose, as well as a significant social issue affecting people’s livelihoods. In the new era, advancing ecological civilization requires adhering to the following principles: fostering harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature; recognizing that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets; viewing a sound ecological environment as the most universally beneficial form of public welfare; regarding mountains, rivers, forests, farmland, lakes, and grasslands as a community of life; protecting the ecological environment with the strictest systems and the most rigorous rule of law; and jointly pursuing global ecological civilization. The speech emphasizes: “The environment is people’s livelihood; green hills represent beauty; and blue skies bring happiness.” We must absolutely stop—and absolutely forbid—any further actions that violate the three red lines: the ecological protection red line, the environmental quality bottom line, and the resource utilization ceiling; actions that continue to rely on extensive growth models and squander our ancestors’ legacy at the expense of future generations.

"Striving to Open Up a New Chapter in Major-Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics" (June 22, 2018) These are the key points from Comrade Xi Jinping’s speech at the Central Conference on Foreign Affairs. The speech emphasized that China’s foreign policy must be guided by the Thought on Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, coordinate the domestic and international contexts, firmly uphold the overarching principle of serving national rejuvenation and promoting human progress, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. We must unswervingly safeguard our country’s sovereignty, security, and development interests; actively participate in and lead the reform of the global governance system; build a more robust network of global partnerships; and strive to open up a new chapter in major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, thereby creating favorable conditions and making due contributions to fully building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and, subsequently, to fully building a modern socialist power. It was stressed that we must uphold the Party Central Committee’s overall authority over foreign affairs and ensure that the Party Central Committee’s foreign policies and strategic plans are effectively implemented.

“The Party’s Construction and the Party’s Organizational Line in the New Era” (July 3, 2018) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the National Conference on Organizational Work. The speech points out that the Party’s organizational line for the new era is to fully implement the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, with a focus on building an organizational system. We must make concerted efforts to cultivate high-quality cadres who are loyal, clean, and capable of taking on responsibilities; we must concentrate on attracting outstanding talents from all fields who are patriotic and dedicated to the country. We must uphold the principle of both moral integrity and competence, giving priority to moral integrity and selecting people based solely on their merits. This will provide strong organizational guarantees for upholding and strengthening the Party’s overall leadership and for upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics. It was emphasized that the Party’s organizational line for the new era is both theoretical and practical, and it must be earnestly implemented in the course of advancing the Party’s new great project of building the Party and in the practice of enforcing comprehensive and strict governance over the Party.

“The Mission and Tasks of Propaganda and Ideological Work” (August 21, 2018) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the National Conference on Propaganda and Ideological Work. The speech points out that, in carrying out propaganda and ideological work under the new circumstances, we must consciously shoulder the mission and tasks of upholding the banner, rallying the people’s hearts, cultivating new generations, promoting culture, and presenting our image. We must strive to unite all members of the people closely around shared ideals, beliefs, values, and moral principles, thereby making greater contributions to serving the overall cause of the Party and the country. This mission and these tasks represent the glorious responsibility of the propaganda and ideological front in the new era, and they are the fundamental requirement for opening up a new chapter in propaganda and ideological work from this new historical starting point. We must always keep them firmly in mind and diligently put them into practice.

“Cultivating Socialist Builders and Successors Who Develop Holistically in Morality, Intelligence, Physical Health, Aesthetics, and Labor” (September 10, 2018) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the National Education Conference. The speech points out: “The question of what kind of people we should cultivate is the primary issue in education. In advancing the modernization of education, we must never forget our original aspiration. We need to establish and improve institutional mechanisms that ensure all members participate in education, that education spans the entire process, and that education is comprehensive and all-round, so as to continuously nurture generation after generation of socialist builders and successors.” We must put great effort into strengthening our ideals and convictions, fostering a deep sense of patriotism, enhancing moral cultivation, broadening our knowledge and insight, cultivating a spirit of struggle, and improving our overall quality.

“Strongly Support the Development and Growth of Private Enterprises” (November 1, 2018) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the symposium on private enterprises. The speech points out that, in the course of China’s economic development, we must continuously create a better environment for the development of the private economy, help private enterprises overcome difficulties encountered in their development, and support private enterprises in reform and innovation. We should ensure that the private economy’s source of innovation flows freely and that its creative vitality is fully unleashed. The speech emphasizes that for the non-public sector economy to develop healthily, it is essential that the individuals involved in the non-public sector economy also grow up healthily. Private entrepreneurs should carry forward the entrepreneurial spirit and set an exemplary standard by being patriotic and dedicated, operating lawfully, pursuing entrepreneurship and innovation, and giving back to society.

“Jointly Striving to Realize the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation and Promote the Peaceful Reunification of the Motherland” (January 2, 2019) This is the speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the commemorative meeting marking the 40th anniversary of the "Message to Compatriots in Taiwan." The speech pointed out: "Our motherland must be reunified—and it will inevitably be reunified. This is an historical conclusion drawn from the 70-year development course of cross-Strait relations, and also an inevitable requirement for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in the new era. All Chinese people on both sides of the Strait, as well as Chinese sons and daughters living at home and abroad, should jointly shoulder the great responsibility of the nation, follow the general trend of history, and work together to promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advance the process of the peaceful reunification of our motherland." The speech emphasized: "Reunification is the general trend of history; it is the right path. 'Taiwan independence' is a retrogression against history—a dead end. We are willing to create ample space for peaceful reunification, but we will never leave any room for 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities in any form. The Taiwan question is China's internal affair, touching upon China's core interests and the national sentiments of the Chinese people, and no external interference whatsoever is permitted."

“Take the Lead in Upholding the ‘Two Safeguards’ and Vigorously Promote the Political Development of Party Organizations in Central and State Organs” (July 9, 2019) This is a segment of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the Work Conference on Party Building in Central and State Organs. The speech points out that central and state organs are at the forefront of implementing the “Two Upholds,” and therefore must firmly establish an awareness of being political institutions. Taking the lead in upholding the “Two Upholds” is the primary task for strengthening Party building in central and state organs. The “Two Upholds” must be reflected in resolute implementation of the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, in effective performance of duties and responsibilities, and in the everyday words and actions of Party members and cadres. At its core, taking the lead in upholding the “Two Upholds” means demonstrating loyalty to the Party—this loyalty must not only reflect a high degree of rational and emotional identification but also embody firm resolve and capability in safeguarding the Party’s interests.

“Uphold the System of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Promote the Development of the CPPCC” (September 20, 2019) This is an excerpt from a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the Central Conference on CPPCC Work and the Commemorative Meeting Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. The speech points out: The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) is a great achievement of the Communist Party of China in combining Marxist-Leninist theories on the united front, party theory, and democratic political theory with China’s actual conditions. It is also a remarkable creation by the CPC in leading various democratic parties, non-party personages, people’s organizations, and representatives from all ethnic groups and social sectors to establish a political system. Seventy years of practice have demonstrated that the CPPCC system possesses distinctive advantages in many aspects. We must firmly uphold the CPPCC system and promote its development, strengthen our sense of responsibility and commitment in carrying out united front work, and unite more people around the Party.

“Upholding and Improving the Socialist System with Chinese Characteristics and Promoting the Modernization of the National Governance System and Governance Capacity” (October 31, 2019) This is the main part of the speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the second plenary session of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The speech points out that the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the national governance system are guided by Marxism, rooted in the Chinese land, deeply grounded in the rich cultural heritage of China, and firmly supported by the people. They represent the fundamental achievements attained through the long-term struggles, successive explorations, countless hardships, and enormous sacrifices made by the Party and the people. These systems boast a wide range of remarkable advantages and abundant practical outcomes. We must cherish them all the more, unswervingly uphold them, advance them with the times, and continuously transform our institutional strengths into greater effectiveness in national governance. The speech emphasizes that the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics is a rigorous and comprehensive scientific system, with the fundamental, basic, and important institutions serving as its four pillars and eight beams. Among these, the Party's leadership system occupies a leading and overarching position.

Speech at the Rally Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Macao’s Return to the Motherland and the Inauguration Ceremony of the Fifth Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (December 20, 2019) The speech summarized the important lessons learned from Macao’s successful implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle: always maintaining firm confidence in the “One Country, Two Systems” institutional framework; always accurately grasping the correct direction of “One Country, Two Systems”; always strengthening our sense of responsibility and mission in upholding “One Country, Two Systems”; and always solidifying the socio-political foundation of “One Country, Two Systems.” It emphasized that to further promote Macao’s sustained and healthy economic development, we must focus on the goal of building “one center, one platform, and one base,” identify key areas for moderately diversified economic development, actively align with national strategies, seize the opportunities presented by jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and make good use of the cooperation between Zhuhai and Macao in developing Hengqin.

“Never Forget Our Original Aspiration, Keep Our Mission Firmly in Mind” (January 8, 2020) This is a segment of the speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the concluding conference of the thematic education campaign on “Staying True to Our Original Aspiration and Keeping Our Mission Firmly in Mind.” The speech pointed out: As a century-old party, our Party must always win the support and endorsement of the people and continue writing the great saga of the Chinese nation for millennia to come. To do so, we must never forget our original aspiration and mission, resolutely eliminate all factors that weaken the Party’s advanced nature or undermine its purity, firmly remove all malignant tumors that have taken root within the Party’s body, and rigorously guard against any dangers that betray our original aspiration and mission or shake the very foundations of the Party. The speech emphasized: Our original aspiration will not naturally remain fresh and pure; if we are even slightly careless, it may become obscured and fade away. If left unattended for too long, it will dry up and wither, making it all too easy to lose sight of why we set out in the first place and where we aim to go. It is all too easy then to become scattered and lost. We must regard staying true to our original aspiration and keeping our mission firmly in mind as an eternal task for strengthening Party building—and as a lifelong commitment for all Party members and cadres—insisting on this work tirelessly and continuously.

“Transforming the Great Spirit of Fighting the Epidemic into a Powerful Force for Realizing the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation” (September 8, 2020) This is an excerpt from the speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the National Conference Commending the Fight Against the COVID-19 Pandemic. The speech pointed out that the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic has achieved significant strategic victories, fully demonstrating the remarkable advantages of the leadership of the Communist Party of China and our country’s socialist system; fully showcasing the great strength of the Chinese people and the Chinese nation; fully highlighting the profound cultural heritage of Chinese civilization; and fully reflecting the conscious sense of responsibility of China as a major country committed to global governance. These achievements have greatly boosted the confidence, pride, cohesion, and centripetal force of all Party members and people of all ethnic groups across the country. In this life-and-death struggle against the severe epidemic, the Chinese people and the Chinese nation, with their fearless spirit of daring to fight and daring to win, have forged the great anti-epidemic spirit characterized by the supreme value placed on life, national unity, selfless dedication, respect for science, and a shared destiny. The speech emphasized that we must vigorously promote the great anti-epidemic spirit throughout society and transform it into a powerful driving force for fully building a modern socialist country and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

"On Building a New Development Paradigm" (October 29, 2020) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the second plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The speech points out that the new stage of development is the stage for fully building a modern socialist country and marching toward the second centenary goal. Building a new development pattern featuring a major domestic circulation as the mainstay and mutual promotion of domestic and international circulations is an inevitable choice for adapting to the requirements of China’s new stage of development and for forging new advantages in international cooperation and competition. To build this new development pattern, we must unswervingly implement the new development philosophy, accelerate the cultivation of a complete domestic demand system, speed up efforts toward scientific and technological self-reliance and strength, promote the optimization and upgrading of industrial and supply chains, advance the modernization of agriculture and rural areas, enhance the quality of life for the people, and firmly uphold the bottom line of safe development. The speech elaborates on the distinctive Chinese characteristics of Chinese-style modernization, emphasizing that Chinese-style modernization not only fits China’s actual conditions and reflects the laws governing socialist construction, but also embodies the laws governing the development of human society. We must unswervingly advance Chinese-style modernization and use it to propel the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

"Promoting the Comprehensive Rule of Law from a Global and Strategic Perspective" (November 16, 2020) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the Central Conference on Promoting the Rule of Law in All Respects. The speech points out that in advancing the rule of law in all respects, we must focus on the overarching goal of building a socialist rule-of-law system with Chinese characteristics and a socialist rule-of-law state. We must uphold the organic unity of Party leadership, the people being masters of the country, and governance according to law. Taking the resolution of prominent problems in the rule-of-law field as our key focus, we must unswervingly follow the path of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics, promote the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity within the track of the rule of law, and provide strong legal guarantees for fully building a modern socialist country and realizing the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

“Continuously Enhancing Political Judgment, Political Comprehension, and Political Execution” (December 24–25, 2020) These are key points from the speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping when he presided over the democratic life meeting of the 19th Central Political Bureau of the CPC. The speech pointed out: Clearly upholding political principles is not only a distinctive feature of Marxist political parties but also a consistent political advantage of our Party. To ensure that our Party always stays true to its original aspiration and keeps its mission firmly in mind, and to continuously advance the cause of the Party and the people for the long term, we must strengthen our political awareness, be adept at viewing issues from a political perspective, and have a keen grasp of the overall political situation. We must constantly enhance our political judgment, political comprehension, and political execution capabilities.

“Grasping the New Stage of Development, Implementing the New Development Philosophy, and Constructing the New Development Pattern” (January 11, 2021) This is a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the special seminar for principal leading officials at the provincial and ministerial levels on studying and implementing the spirit of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee. The speech points out that the new stage of development is a phase within the primary stage of socialism—a new stage in which our Party leads the people through a historic leap from standing up and becoming prosperous to becoming strong. Building a new development pattern is a strategic move and a proactive step to seize the initiative in future development. The key lies in ensuring the smooth and unimpeded flow of economic cycles, and its most essential feature is achieving a high level of self-reliance and self-strengthening. Entering the new stage of development clearly defines China’s historical position in its development; implementing the new development philosophy clarifies the guiding principles for China’s modernization drive; and building a new development pattern specifies the path choices for China’s economic modernization. It is emphasized that we must integrate the political advantages of upholding the Party’s overall leadership and the institutional advantages of adhering to the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics with the theoretical advantages of upholding the new development philosophy, and strengthen the Party’s comprehensive leadership over socialist modernization.

“Highlight Key Points in Carrying Out Party History Education” (February 20, 2021) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the Mobilization Conference for Party History Study and Education. The speech points out that in carrying out Party history study and education, we must strive to understand the principles behind historical events, strengthen our faith in the Party’s mission, uphold moral integrity inspired by history, and put what we learn into practice. We should educate and guide all Party members to study Party history, gain deep insights from it, accomplish practical tasks, and open up new horizons. The speech emphasizes the need to further appreciate the great power of thought, enhancing our political awareness in using the Party’s innovative theories to arm the entire Party; to further grasp the laws and trends of historical development, always maintaining historical initiative in the cause of the Party and the country; to further deepen our understanding of the Party’s nature and purpose, consistently preserving the distinct character of a Marxist political party; to further summarize the Party’s historical experiences, continuously improving our ability to respond to risks and challenges; to further carry forward the revolutionary spirit, always maintaining an uplifting spirit of hard work and struggle; and to further strengthen the Party’s unity and centralized leadership, ensuring that the entire Party moves forward in step and with one accord.

Speech at the National Conference on Summarizing and Commending Poverty Alleviation Efforts (February 25, 2021) The speech solemnly announced that our country has achieved a comprehensive victory in the battle against poverty, eradicating regional and systemic poverty and successfully completing the arduous task of eliminating absolute poverty—a feat that will be forever etched in history as yet another miraculous achievement for humanity. The statement pointed out: Grounded in China’s national conditions and guided by an understanding of the underlying principles of poverty reduction, we have forged a path of poverty alleviation with Chinese characteristics and developed a theory of anti-poverty efforts uniquely suited to China’s context. The great struggle against poverty has cultivated and shaped the spirit of poverty alleviation. It was emphasized that the comprehensive victory in the battle against poverty marks a solid and significant step forward for our Party on the path of uniting and leading the people to create a better life and achieve common prosperity. Escaping poverty and removing the “cap” is not the end but rather the starting point for a new life and new endeavors. We must earnestly ensure the effective integration of consolidating and expanding the achievements of poverty alleviation with rural revitalization, thereby strengthening the foundations of poverty alleviation and making its outcomes more sustainable.

“Striving to Achieve High-Level Scientific and Technological Self-Reliance and Strength” (May 28, 2021) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the 20th Academician Conference of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the 15th Academician Conference of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and the 10th National Congress of the China Association for Science and Technology. The speech points out: “If science and technology thrive, the nation will thrive; if science and technology are strong, the country will be strong.” To embark on a new stage of development, implement a new development philosophy, establish a new development pattern, and promote high-quality development, we must deeply implement the strategies of rejuvenating the country through science and education, strengthening the country through talent, and driving development through innovation; improve the national innovation system; accelerate the building of a science and technology powerhouse; and achieve a high level of scientific and technological self-reliance and self-strengthening. It was emphasized that, in today’s world, competition ultimately comes down to competition for talent and competition in education. Achieving a high level of scientific and technological self-reliance and self-strengthening ultimately hinges on cultivating high-level innovative talent. We must unleash the innovative vitality of all kinds of talents and build a global hub for talent.

Speech at the Meeting Commemorating the Centenary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China (July 1, 2021) The speech solemnly declared that, through the sustained efforts of the entire Party and all ethnic groups across the country, we have achieved our first centenary goal: to have fully built a moderately prosperous society on Chinese soil and historically resolved the issue of absolute poverty. We are now confidently marching toward our second centenary goal—the comprehensive construction of a modern socialist power. The speech put forward the great spirit of Party building: upholding truth and holding fast to ideals, staying true to our original aspiration and shouldering our mission, daring to sacrifice ourselves and fighting bravely, being loyal to the Party and living up to the people’s trust. It also elaborated on the “nine musts”—important requirements for drawing lessons from history and forging ahead into the future. The speech emphasized that we must continue to integrate the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with the outstanding traditional Chinese culture, using Marxism to observe the times, grasp the trends of the times, and lead the times, and further develop contemporary Chinese Marxism and Marxism for the 21st century.

"Solidly Promoting Common Prosperity" (August 17, 2021) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the 10th Meeting of the Central Financial and Economic Commission. The speech points out that common prosperity is an essential requirement of socialism and an important feature of Chinese-style modernization. The common prosperity we speak of means shared prosperity for all the people—prosperity in both their material and spiritual lives—not prosperity enjoyed by just a few, nor uniform egalitarianism. It emphasizes that a happy life is earned through hard work, and common prosperity must be created through diligence and wisdom. Common prosperity is a long-term goal that requires a gradual process and cannot be achieved overnight. We must adhere to a development philosophy centered on the people, promote common prosperity through high-quality development, and ensure that all the people steadily advance toward the goal of common prosperity.

“Community Consciousness of the Chinese Nation Is the Foundation of National Unity” (August 27, 2021) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the Central Conference on Ethnic Work. The speech points out that our Party’s important ideas on strengthening and improving ethnic work represent the crystallization of wisdom from both the Party’s theoretical and practical approaches to ethnic affairs, and serve as the fundamental guiding principle for the Party’s ethnic work in the new era. The entire Party must grasp and implement these ideas in a complete, accurate, and comprehensive manner. The speech emphasizes that a sense of community among the Chinese nation is the very foundation of ethnic unity. We must take forging a strong sense of community among the Chinese nation as the main thread of the Party’s ethnic work in the new era, and continuously advance the building of the Chinese national community.

"Fully Implementing the New Concepts, New Strategies, and New Measures for Talent Development in the New Era" (September 27, 2021) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the Central Conference on Talent Work. The speech points out that since the 18th National Congress of the Party, the Party Central Committee has profoundly addressed major theoretical and practical questions regarding why we should build a country strong in talent, what exactly constitutes a country strong in talent, and how we should go about building such a country. It has put forward a series of new ideas, new strategies, and new initiatives—deepening our understanding of the underlying principles governing the development of China’s talent endeavors—and these must be consistently upheld and continuously enriched and developed. The speech emphasizes that talent is the primary resource for innovation; at its core, innovation-driven development is talent-driven. We must therefore place the development of talent resources at the very top of our priorities and accelerate the building of a globally significant center for talent and a highland for innovation.

“Whole-process people’s democracy is the broadest, most genuine, and most effective form of socialist democracy.” (October 13, 2021) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the Central Conference on People's Congress Work. The speech points out that since the 18th National Congress of the Party, we have deepened our understanding of the laws governing the development of democratic politics and put forward the important concept of whole-process people’s democracy. China’s whole-process people’s democracy unites procedural democracy with substantive democracy, process democracy with outcome democracy, direct democracy with indirect democracy, and people’s democracy with the will of the state. It is a democracy that covers the entire chain, all aspects, and all sectors—broadest in scope, most genuine in practice, and most effective in achieving results. The speech emphasizes that we must continue to advance the building of whole-process people’s democracy, concretely and realistically embodying the principle of the people being masters of the country in the Party’s policies and measures for governing the nation, concretely and realistically reflecting it in the work of Party and state organs at all levels and in all fields, and concretely and realistically translating it into efforts aimed at fulfilling the people’s aspirations for a better life.

“Drawing on History to Guide the Future, Working Diligently and Forging Ahead with Courage and Determination” (November 11, 2021) This is the speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the second plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The speech points out that the CPC Central Committee’s decision to convene a plenary session to comprehensively summarize the Party’s major achievements and historical experiences over the past century reflects our Party’s high degree of political awareness in valuing and skillfully applying historical laws, as well as our Party’s confident commitment to staying true to our original aspirations and mission and carrying forward the past while forging ahead into the future. Like the Party’s first two historical resolutions, this plenary session’s resolution will undoubtedly have a significant and profound impact on uniting the entire Party in thought, will, and action, enabling us to better uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era and realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The speech emphasizes: We must firmly uphold historical confidence and consciously adhere to our ideals and convictions; persist in strengthening the Party’s political development and always maintain the Party’s unity and solidarity; firmly shoulder our responsibilities and continuously enhance both our resolve and capability to engage in the great struggle; and remain committed to self-revolution, ensuring that the Party remains unchanged in its nature, color, and flavor.

"Deepening the Sinicization of Religion in China" (December 3, 2021) This is an excerpt from a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the National Conference on Religious Work. The speech points out that since the 18th National Congress of the Party, the Party Central Committee’s new ideas and initiatives on religious work have addressed major theoretical and practical questions concerning how to understand religion in the new era, how to handle religious issues, and how to carry out the Party’s religious work effectively. These ideas and initiatives have charted the course forward and provided fundamental guidance for doing well the Party’s religious work in the new era. The speech emphasizes that only religions that are adapted to the socialist society and have undergone Chinese adaptation can contribute positively to social stability in our country and to improving people’s livelihoods, and can play a constructive role in promoting our country’s economic and social development.

“Attaching Great Importance to Strategic and Tactical Issues” (January 11, 2022) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the special seminar for principal leading officials at the provincial and ministerial levels on studying and implementing the spirit of the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee. The speech points out: Strategic issues are fundamental issues for any political party and any country. If we can make accurate strategic judgments, scientifically plan our strategies, and proactively secure the upper hand in strategy, then the cause of the Party and the people will be full of promise. A correct strategy must be implemented through appropriate tactics; we must combine the firmness of strategy with the flexibility of tactics. It was emphasized: We are a major party leading a great country engaged in a great cause—under no circumstances should we afford to make strategic mistakes. The strategic decisions made by the Party Central Committee must be carried out unconditionally, ensuring that they remain unwavering, uncompromising, and true to their original intent.

“Exploring a Successful Path for Comprehensively Strengthening Party Governance through Self-Revolution—Breaking Free from the Historical Cycle” (January 18, 2022) This is part of a speech delivered by Comrade Xi Jinping at the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China. The speech summarizes the successful practices and important experiences of the Party’s self-revolution in the new era, and elaborates on the systematic understanding gained since the 18th National Congress of the Party regarding what kind of long-term ruling Marxist political party we should build and how we should build such a party. The text points out: How can we break free from the historical cyclical pattern? Comrade Mao Zedong provided the first answer in the cave dwellings of Yan'an—“Let the people supervise the government.” After a century of struggle, especially through new practices since the 18th National Congress of the Party, the Party has now offered a second answer: self-revolution. Comprehensive and strict governance of the Party represents the great practice of the Party’s self-revolution in the new era, opening up a new realm for the self-revolution of this century-old Party.

Speech at the Rally Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Hong Kong’s Return to the Motherland and the Inauguration Ceremony of the Sixth-term Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (July 1, 2022) The article points out that the “One Country, Two Systems” principle has been repeatedly tested in practice, fully aligning with the fundamental interests of the nation and the Chinese people, as well as with the fundamental interests of Hong Kong and Macao. It enjoys strong support from over 1.4 billion Chinese people at home, unanimous endorsement by residents of Hong Kong and Macao, and widespread approval from the international community. There is absolutely no reason to alter such a good system; it must be upheld for the long term. The article emphasizes that we must fully and accurately implement the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, uphold the unity of the central government’s overall jurisdiction and the guarantee of the special administrative regions’ high degree of autonomy, ensure that “patriots govern Hong Kong,” and preserve Hong Kong’s unique status and advantages—thus ensuring that the cause of “One Country, Two Systems” always moves forward steadily and sustainably in the right direction.

"Promoting the Solidarity and Struggle of Chinese Sons and Daughters at Home and Abroad" (July 29, 2022) These are the key points from Comrade Xi Jinping’s speech at the Central Conference on United Front Work. The speech emphasizes that the united front is a vital treasure for the Party to overcome enemies and achieve victory, as well as to govern the country and promote its prosperity. It is also an essential tool for uniting all Chinese sons and daughters at home and abroad in realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and must be upheld over the long term. The fundamental requirement of united front work is broad unity and broad coalition—its core task is to win the hearts and minds and harness the strength of the people. Promoting the great unity of all Chinese sons and daughters is the historical responsibility of the patriotic united front in the new era. The speech stresses that the united front is led by the Party; therefore, it is crucial to ensure the Party’s comprehensive leadership over united front work and to establish a working pattern characterized by unified leadership by Party committees, coordinated guidance by united front departments, and clear responsibilities assigned to relevant sectors.

Source: People's Daily