On November 23, Ambassador Zheng Zeguang pointed out during the Online Symposium on the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Communist Party of China Central Committee that the fundamental reason behind the great achievements of the CPC over the past century is the guidance of scientific theories. After Marxism was introduced into China, the CPC adapted it to the Chinese context and developed it based on the practice of leading the Chinese people in a great social revolution.

The adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese reality is summed up in the Resolution as three historic steps. The establishment of Mao Zedong Thought marked the first historic step. It represents a creative application and advancement of Marxism-Leninism in China. It is a summation of theories, principles, and experience on China’s revolution and construction that have been proven correct through practice. The formation of the theory of socialism with Chinese characteristics was the second historic step. It effectively answers a series of basic questions regarding socialism with Chinese characteristics during reform, opening up and socialist modernization. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era marked the third breakthrough in the adaptation. The Resolution points out that this Thought is the Marxism of contemporary China and of the 21st century. It embodies the best of the Chinese culture and ethos in our times. On the basis of the Report to the 19th CPC National Congress, the Resolution provides further summary of the core content of this Thought, laying out “ten clear-cut conclusions”. In particular, it sets forth a series of original new ideas, thoughts, and strategies.

Ambassador Zheng pointed out that over the past century, the Party has led the Chinese people through great endeavours and accumulated valuable historical experience. These include: 

· Uphold the Party’s leadership,

· Put the people first,

· Advance theoretical innovation,

· Stay independent,

· Follow the Chinese path,

· Maintain a global vision,

· Break new ground,

· Stand up for ourselves,

· Promote the united front, and 

· Remain committed to self-reform.

These ten points sum up the valuable experience the Party gained over a long period. They are also the key to observing and understanding China’s success.  

Ambassador Zheng stressed that a review of the Party’s endeavours in the past century drives home more clearly that it is completely right for the Party to establish Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and to define the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought. The CPC has over 95 million members. China has 56 ethnic groups and over 1.4 billion people. Both history and reality show that such a big party and a big country must have a strong leadership core, and this is the only way to give the party and the country strength. It is with profound love for the people, extraordinary political wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility that General Secretary Xi Jinping has led the Party and the Chinese people in ushering a new era for socialism with Chinese characteristics, and in building China into a moderately prosperous society. He is the widely-recognized and well-deserved core of the Party, leader of the people and commander in chief of the armed forces. It is the call of the times, the choice of history and the aspiration of the people to establish Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position and to define the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought. By firmly upholding and safeguarding this core position, and the guidance of the Thought, the Party will have solid footing, and the nation will have a pillar of strength and the confidence to prevail over any challenges.