Yan’an holds a significant place in the narrative of the Chinese revolution, often described as the birthplace of modern China. Recently, Renmin University of China hosted an exhibition titled “Yan’an Thirteen Years and Chinese-Style Modernization.” This exhibition organizes a rich array of historical documents and artifacts to reflect on the pivotal role of the Communist Party of China during the Yan’an period, highlighting their efforts to develop a modernization path tailored to China. It serves as a crucial opportunity for us to explore the historical foundations and spiritual essence that underpin Chinese-style modernization.
General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized that the process of modernization in China is deeply rooted in its unique social realities. While modernization is a common goal across the globe, the routes taken by various nations differ widely. Chinese-style modernization is informed by the country’s specific conditions, cultural legacy, and historical backdrop. Understanding the journey of Chinese-style modernization, including its past and prospects for the future, requires us to look closely at its historical development. During the thirteen years in Yan’an, leaders like Mao Zedong and the Central Committee of the Communist Party crafted a compelling story of resilience and ambition, as they sought national rejuvenation in the face of adversity. This era was crucial for shaping the politics, ideology, and organization of the Party and garnered substantial grassroots support through its dedication to serving the people, laying a robust foundation for unity as they pursued modernization.
On the theoretical front, the Party adeptly merged the core tenets of Marxism with the specificities of the Chinese context, introducing the significant concept of “Sinicization of Marxism.” This strategy delineated a practical pathway to establish the social conditions conducive to modernization through a new democratic revolution, thereby offering fresh perspectives on China’s modernization process.
The years spent in Yan’an marked a transformative period for the Communist Party, reshaping the nation’s path. The values and spirit nurtured during this time represent a rich spiritual legacy for the Party. As we embark on a new historical journey towards fully realizing the modernization of our nation and the rejuvenation of the Chinese people, it is essential to draw on the lessons and experiences of the past, celebrating and advancing the Yan’an spirit to fuel our progress in this unprecedented undertaking.
To successfully advance Chinese-style modernization, we must firmly commit to Party leadership, as it fundamentally shapes this process. The Party’s leadership not only drives the momentum for modernization but also ensures alignment with overarching goals. The achievements evident during the Yan’an era were largely due to strong, centralized leadership from the Party. As we navigate future challenges, it is crucial to reinforce our comprehensive Party leadership, fully understanding the significance of the “two establishments,” and enhancing our political consciousness and actions to align closely with the Central Committee under Xi Jinping. This will ensure that all initiatives, both Party and national, remain on course.
People-centric development is also vital for fostering Chinese-style modernization. The people are the true architects of history and the driving force behind this process. During the Yan’an years, the Party relied on the populace to alter the trajectory of the nation, leading to significant victories in both the Anti-Japanese War and the War of Liberation. Today, as we pursue a distinct path of modernization separate from the West, we are revealing a new model of socialist modernization focused on the people. To effectively promote this vision, we must embrace a people-centered development approach, striving for the comprehensive liberation and development of all individuals as the ultimate aim of modernization. This requires engaging with the people’s creative spirit, harnessing their wisdom and strength, and ensuring that the rewards of modernization are equitably shared.
Moreover, the advancement of Chinese-style modernization necessitates the Party’s commitment to self-revolution, which is integral to its leadership role in a broader social revolution. The capacity for self-correction is a defining characteristic of the Communist Party of China, underscoring its mission as a Marxist entity to lead societal change. This dual commitment has allowed the Party to remain relevant and effective over the past century, guiding the Chinese revolution, construction, and reform toward successive victories. During the Yan’an period, the Party addressed its shortcomings through self-revolution and upheld the truth, shepherding the movements for national independence and the liberation of the people to success. As we enter a decisive chapter in promoting Chinese-style modernization for national empowerment and rejuvenation, we must maintain clarity and determination, uphold a reformist mindset, and apply rigorous standards in Party management. Enhancing our self-purification, self-improvement, self-renewal, and self-advancement capabilities is essential for strengthening our political leadership, ideological direction, mass organization, and social appeal as we embark on new phases of the great social revolution, guiding the Chinese-style modernization initiative through challenges toward a brighter future.
(Interviewee: Zhou Jiabin, Associate Dean of the School of History and Party Building at Renmin University of China, Researcher at the Institute of Party History and Party Building)
Source: Guangming Daily
