The Sinicization, Modernization and Popularization of Marxism

The important strategic task of the Party’s ideological and theoretical construction in 2009, the 4th Plenary Session of the 17th CPC Central Committee put forward the sinicization, modernization and popularization of Marxism for the first time, and raised the proposition in a complete way that we should “continuously promote the sinicization, modernization and popularization of Marxism”. The sinicization of Marxism means the unity of universal truth of Marxism and concrete practice of Chinese revolution; the modernization of Marxism means the combination of the basic principles of Marxism with the contemporary characteristics and the application and development of Marxism in the concrete practice with the features of the times; the popularization of Marxism means to arm the minds of the masses with the Marxist theory and transform it into material forces that change the world.

The proposal of the sinicization, modernization and popularization of Marxism went through a development process. Since the founding of the CPC in 1921, the sinicization of Marxism has began. In October, 1938, Mao Zedong put forward the proposition of “sinicization of Marxism” at the 6th Plenary Session of the 6th CPC Central Committee. After Yan’an rectification, Mao Zedong’s idea of combining Marxism-Leninism theory with Chinese revolutionary practice became the consensus of the whole Party. In the 7th CPC National Congress in 1945, Mao Zedong Thought, the theoretical achievement of Marxism in China, was established as the Party’s guiding ideology. The theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics is another theoretical achievement created by the Party in the sinicization process of Marxism in China.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping’s series of important speeches are the latest achievements of the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the latest development of contemporary Chinese Marxism.

The sinicization, modernization and popularization of Marxism is a unified whole. Sinicization of Marxism is the core.

Modernization and popularization of Marxism was put forward along with the development of the sinicization of Marxism. In the process of putting forward and then promoting the sinicization of Marxism, our Party did integrate it with the characteristics of the times and with the Chinese people in understanding and applying Marxism, but it was a gradual process to clearly propose the modernization and popularization of Marxism. In 1997, the 15th CPC National Congress established Deng Xiaoping Theory as the guiding theory of the whole Party and stated that:“Deng Xiaoping Theory is the product of combining the basic principles of Marxism-Leninism with contemporary Chinese practice and characteristics of the times”. In 2002, the 16th CPC National Congress stated that the historical position of the Party should be scientifically judged, “the characteristics of the times should be accurately grasped” and “reflected in all work of the Party”. In 2007, the 16th CPC National Congress demanded that the latest achievements of Marxism sinicization should be always resorted to educate the whole Party and people so as to “boost the popularization of Marxism in contemporary China”. In 2009, “Decision of the CPC Central Committee on Strengthening and Improving Some Major Issues in Party Building under New Circumstances” adopted by the 4th Plenary Session of the 17th CPC Central Committee provided a clear and complete statement on promoting the sinicization, modernization and popularization of Marxism when discussing “always putting ideological and theoretical construction in the first place and improving the Marxist level of the whole Party”. In the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, it was emphasized that we should “promote the sinicization, modernization and popularization of Marxism, and persistently arm the whole Party and educate the people with the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics”.

At the celebration of the 95th anniversary of the CPC founding in 2016, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that Marxism is the fundamental guiding ideology for building the Party and the country. We must be firm and never waver, at any time and under any circumstances, with respect to the adherance to the guiding position of Marxism. “At the same time, Marxism should be further sinicized, modernized and popularized according to the new characteristics and practical requirements of the times”. “Promoting the sinicization, modernization and popularization of Marxism is of great and far-reaching significance for the CPC to stay true to the original aspiration, move forward, and adhere to and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics”. Promoting the sinicization, modernization and popularization of Marxism is a valuable historical experience in the CPC’s ideological and theoretical construction. It embodies the Party’s scientific attitude towards Marxism. It is an important strategic measure to strengthen the Party’s ideological and theoretical construction, an ideological and theoretical guarantee of the Party’s always leading China’s development and progress in the forefront of the times and shouldering the historical mission of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and an important mission of contemporary Chinese Communists in the process of great struggle, building great projects, advancing great undertakings and realizing great dreams.

Only by further promoting the sinicization, modernization and popularization of Marxism can we consolidate the guiding position of Marxism, constantly open up a new realm of Marxist development in the 21st century, and enable contemporary Chinese Marxism to radiate a brighter light of truth; so that we can continuously strengthen and improve the Party’s leadership level and ruling ability, and maintain its advanced nature and purity; only in this way can Marxism always maintain its vigorous vitality; the developing Marxism should be used to educate the masses and guide new great practice.