Portrait of Xi Jinping
Politician · concept
Wikipedia (opens in new tab)

Xi Jinping on Communism

Strong Communist Revivalist (strong)

TL;DR

Xi Jinping strongly champions the continued relevance of Marxist-Leninist theory and Communism as the guiding ideology for China's future.

Key Points

  • He stated that Communism is the Party's highest ideal and ultimate goal in November 2021.

  • The ideology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era incorporates Marxism-Leninism as its foundation.

  • He has called for strict adherence to Marxist theory as a political commitment necessary for national rejuvenation, as seen in major Party anniversaries.

Summary

Xi Jinping consistently affirms Communism and the core tenets of Marxism as the essential guiding ideology for the Communist Party of China and the nation. He views Marxism as a living, evolving truth that profoundly changes the world and serves as the ultimate political conviction for the Party, stressing that abandoning this foundation would lead the country astray. This position is continually evidenced in major speeches, where he links contemporary governance to Marxist theory, emphasizing that the Party's success rests on adhering to this ideology while adapting it to China's current realities, a concept integrated into his governing philosophy.

This steadfast commitment involves a significant ideological revival, sometimes characterized as a return to orthodox principles reminiscent of Mao Zedong's era, though framed within the modern context of "Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era." He has promoted the study of classical Marxist texts and historical party documents, framing them not as historical relics but as vital tools for navigating contemporary challenges, including global competition and internal political consolidation. This drive is interpreted as an attempt to cement ideological purity and personal authority atop the Party structure.

Key Quotes

Socialism with Chinese characteristics is socialism, not any other 'ism.'

Marxism is the fundamental guiding thought upon which our Party and country are founded. Were we to depart from or abandon Marxism, our Party would lose its sole and its direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Xi Jinping holds a strong, positive position, viewing Communism and Marxism as the essential and unwavering guiding ideology for China. He stresses that the Party's continued success depends on adhering to these theoretical foundations while adapting them to modern circumstances.

His stance has generally not changed, remaining consistently strong in its support for the foundational role of Marxism. However, his emphasis has involved a visible revival and stricter application of orthodox Marxist-Leninist principles in governance.

Xi Jinping has asserted that Marxism profoundly changes the world by providing a scientific theoretical framework for understanding and guiding historical development. He connects the success of the Chinese Communist Party directly to its theoretical grounding in this global ideological tradition.