Preface

As a theory on communism, Marxism regards the liberation of the proletariat and the rest of humanity as its ultimate goal. To us, communism is an ideal, for which we truly contend. Under the guidance of Marxism, we respect the law and adopt a critical and constructive view of the development of human society, and uphold the unification of the principles of science and value.

However, the path to communism is far from smooth. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, socialism was at a low ebb following the drastic changes in Eastern Europe and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Despite the mutterings that "Marxism is obsolete" and "socialism has failed", we adhered to a socialist path and continued to explore socialism with Chinese characteristics. Through four decades of reform and opening up, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has led the Chinese people to great achievements, blazing the path, forming the theory, and establishing the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics. As a result, scientific socialism has shown great vitality in China in the 21st century, highlighting Chinese wisdom and offering Chinese solutions to the world.

In the new era, China is moving on – from standing up and becoming prosperous, to becoming strong. "Becoming strong" requires a developed economy, together with social fairness, freedom, equality and common prosperity, and meeting the people’s ever-growing needs for a better life. In terms of current status, they mean a strong economy and advanced science and technology; in terms of development, they entail a positive interaction between basic social contradictions and internal factors; in subjective terms, they mean that our Party must maintain the courage to engage in self-reform and that the people have the passion for hard work. From an international perspective, they call for us to confidently participate and play a leading role in the establishment of a new international order, and to have a positive impact on world peace and equitable development.

To realize our goal of becoming strong, we must be more confident in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Where does our confidence come from? It comes from our affirmation that the path of Chinese socialism is correct, the theory sound, the culture advanced, and the system fair. It derives also from our perseverance in the direction and the goal.

Confidence stems from a rational, affirmative self evaluation. Its precondition should be an objective, correct understanding. Our confidence in Chinese socialism is based on a profound and accurate understanding of what it means. This understanding derives from what we witness and what we ponder. It represents what we want to tell the world. Our narration is rational, fact-based, and confident; its purpose is to enhance the people’s understanding of and confidence in Chinese socialism and create a spiritual driving force for realizing the Chinese Dream. It also aims to increase the understanding and support of the rest of world toward Chinese socialism, boost aspirations and passion for building a global community of shared future, and promote global justice and human progress.