刘奇葆：我们走在正确的道路上（中英双语）

我们走在正确的道路上

We Are Advancing on the Correct Path

——关于中国特色社会主义道路的几点认识

– Several Points of View Concerning the Path of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics

刘奇葆

Liu Qibao

核心要点：

Key Points

·我们说中国道路走得对、行得通，不是哪个人的主观判断，而是实践作出的有力回答，是历史和国际对比得出的深刻结论。我们没有走封闭僵化的老路，也没有走改旗易帜的邪路，而是走出了中国特色社会主义的新路。

·道路和制度紧密相连，道路的成功离不开制度的保障。中国选择自己独具特色的制度，是大浪淘沙的结果。近代以来，中国试穿了各种各样的“鞋子”，甚至想照搬西方制度的“飞来峰”，但最终都没有成功。

– The path a country takes and the system it employs are closely linked to one another. Without the right system to support it, the success of a path would be impossible. China’s unique system was derived from a process of “washing away the sand to reveal the gold.” Since the advent of modern times, China has tried on “shoes” of all shapes and sizes. At one point, it even sought to copy the system of the West. None of these, however, resulted in success.

·价值理念是发展道路的内核。解读中国道路不能忽略价值维度。对于一个民族、一个国家来说，最持久、最深层的力量是全社会共同认可的核心价值观。

– Values constitute the core element of a development path. For this reason, no interpretation of the Chinese path would be complete without affording consideration to values. The deepest and most enduring strength that a nation and country can have lies in the core values commonly recognized in its society.

·中国道路是人民的选择、人民的创造，是党领导人民干出来、走出来的。

– The Chinese path is the choice and the creation of the people. It has been pioneered by the people through their actions under the leadership of the CPC.

·道路好不好，走在这条路上的人最有发言权。中国人民从衣食住行的持续改善中、从国家面貌的巨大变化中、从充满希望的憧憬中，切身感受到中国道路的正确性，也发自内心地拥护这条道路。

– No one is more qualified to comment on the merits of a path than those who are following it. The Chinese people are able to directly appreciate the correctness of the Chinese path – a feeling which comes from the constant improvements in their standard of living, the huge changes that have taken place to the face of the country, and their strong optimism for the future. Moreover, they genuinely support this path from the bottom of their hearts.

世界上没有两片完全相同的树叶。同样，国家的发展也没有完全相同的道路。正如习近平总书记指出的，一个民族、一个国家，必须知道自己是谁，是从哪里来的，要到哪里去，想明白了、想对了，就要坚定不移朝着目标前进。当代中国，正阔步走在中国特色社会主义道路上。这条道路，是在改革开放30多年的伟大实践中走出来的，是在新中国成立60多年的持续探索中走出来的，是在对近代以来170多年中华民族发展历程的深刻总结中走出来的，是在对中华民族5000多年悠久文明的传承中走出来的，具有深厚历史渊源和广泛现实基础。这条道路，适合中国国情、符合中国特点、顺应时代发展要求，是创造人民美好生活、实现中华民族伟大复兴中国梦的必由之路。

No two leaves in the world are identical. Similarly, the development paths that different countries follow are not exactly the same. As General Secretary Xi Jinping has noted, a nation and country must know who they are, where they come from, and where they are going; once they are clear on these issues, they must advance towards their goals with unyielding determination. Today, China is marching forwards on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Being deeply rooted in history and broadly based on China’s present realities, this path has emerged from our great endeavors in reform and opening up over more than 30 years; from our constant explorations since the founding of the People’s Republic of China more than 60 years ago; from our profound summary of the Chinese nation’s experiences during more than 170 years of modern history; and from our inheritance of more than 5,000 years of Chinese cultural heritage. This path conforms to China’s realities, is suited to its features and responds to the needs of contemporary development. It is the path that we must follow if we are to create better lives for the people and achieve the Chinese Dream – the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

走上中国道路

Embarking on the Chinese path

我们在“国际竞赛”中脱颖而出、跑在前列

We have pulled away from the crowd and come to the front position in the “international contest”.

我们说中国道路走得对、行得通，不是哪个人的主观判断，而是实践作出的有力回答，是历史和国际对比得出的深刻结论。回首鸦片战争之后的积贫积弱、新中国成立时的一穷二白，再看当今中国的崭新面貌和勃勃生机，历史以超出人们想象的大跨越和大进步，对中国共产党领导人民走出的中国道路作出了最生动的诠释。

The statement that the Chinese path is both correct and viable is not a matter of personal opinion. Rather, it is the powerful answer that has been received through practice, and the profound conclusion that has been reached through historical and international comparisons. If we compare how poor and weak China was at the end of the Opium War, and how poor and backward it was when the People’s Republic of China was founded in 1949, to how reinvigorated and vibrant it is today, it can be said that history has made a giant leap forward and great advances that few could have imagined, serving as a testament to the Chinese path – the path that the Chinese people have pioneered under the leadership of the Communist Party of China – in the most vivid possible way.

实践是最好的裁判，比较最有说服力。二战结束以后尤其是最近30多年，世界各国无形中展开了一场发展道路和发展模式的竞赛。在这场竞赛中，许多国家起点比中国高、资源比中国丰富、外部环境比中国好，但经过这些年的角逐，比赛结果已初见分晓。有的国家改旗易帜，结果步入歧途、陷入困境；有的国家照搬他国制度，结果水土不服、“南橘北枳”。与之形成鲜明对比的是，我们没有走封闭僵化的老路，也没有走改旗易帜的邪路，而是走出了中国特色社会主义的新路。在这条道路上，我们用几十年的时间走完了发达国家几百年走过的发展历程，实现了从贫困到温饱再到总体小康的历史性跨越，中华民族大踏步赶上时代进步潮流、迎来伟大复兴的光明前景。以经济发展为例，1979年到2012年，我国国内生产总值年均增长9.8%，远高于同期世界经济年均2.8%的增速；经济总量跃居世界第2位，占世界经济总量的份额由不到2%提高到近12%，从昔日的物质匮乏、产品短缺变成如今的“世界工厂”，走近“世界舞台的中心”。当然，这条道路并不平坦，一路走来，我们也经历了很多曲折和坎坷，战胜了一系列风险和挑战。远的不说，就说应对国际金融危机这场大考，中国交出了出色答卷，在全球率先实现经济企稳向好，成为推动世界经济走出低谷的重要引擎，近几年中国对世界经济增长的贡献率超过20%，现在更是高达30%。对于中国的巨变，国外一些政要和学者称之为“当今时代最为重大的事件”，认为中国的成就“无可比拟”，美国前国务卿基辛格更是感慨“难以想象”、“超越想象”。

There is no judge better than practice, and nothing more convincing than a comparison. Since the end of World War II, and especially over the last three decades, a discreet contest between the developmental paths and models of different countries has been playing out around the world. In this contest, many countries have made a head start on China, had more abundant resources and enjoyed a more favorable external environment than China. However, after many years of tussling, the outcome of this contest is now becoming evident. Some countries opted to change their banner, only to lead themselves astray and land themselves in a tough predicament; some others opted to copy the systems of other countries, only to discover that these systems were incompatible with their local conditions, producing results very different from the ones intended. Coming in sharp contrast is China, which instead of going down the rigid, “closed-door” path of the past or embarking upon the erroneous path of changing its political system, has pioneered the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

By following this path, China has managed to complete, over a period of several decades, a process of development that took place over the course of several centuries in developed countries, realizing a historic leap from poverty to subsistence and further to moderate prosperity in overall terms. Advancing in great strides, the Chinese nation has caught up with the pace of contemporary development to come in touch with the prospects for its great rejuvenation. Looking at China’s economic development, for example, during the period from 1979 to 2012, China’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an average rate of 9.8% per year – considerably faster than the world average of 2.8% for the same period; China’s economy grew to become the second largest in the world – raising its share of the global economy from less than 2% to almost 12%; and China went from a state of material deprivation in which commodities were extremely scarce to being the “world’s factory,” moving towards the “center of the world stage.”

Of course, this path has not been an easy one; on the way we have suffered many setbacks, endured many tests, and overcome many risks and challenges. A more recent case is that we have responded to a formidable challenge in the form of the global financial crisis. China’s response to the crisis was nothing short of exceptional: as the first country to mount a successful recovery, China became an important engine driving the global economy out of the slump. Several years ago China’s contribution to world economic growth exceeded 20%; now it is as high as 30%. Some leading politicians and scholars in the world have used “the most important event of our time” to describe the huge changes China has undergone, and have called China’s achievements “unparalleled.” Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger went even further by describing China’s achievements “hard to imagine” and “beyond imagination.”

党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为总书记的党中央接过历史的接力棒，坚持以马克思主义为指导，坚定不移走中国道路，与时俱进拓展中国道路，续写中国特色社会主义这篇大文章。在追梦圆梦的道路上，党中央统筹国内国际两个大局，全面深化改革，敢于啃硬骨头、敢于涉险滩，坚决破除各方面的体制机制弊端，推进国家治理体系和治理能力现代化；适应经济增长新常态，坚持稳中求进、改革创新，推动经济持续健康发展；立足国情改善和保障民生，织牢民生安全网；坚持从严管党治党，以踏石留印、抓铁有痕的劲头抓作风建设，以零容忍态度惩治腐败；坚持走和平发展道路，着力建立以合作共赢为核心的新型国际关系，赢得了人民群众的衷心拥护和国际社会的广泛认同。党和国家开创了新局面、营造了新风气、取得了新成就，在中国道路的征程上镌刻下新的历史标注。

Since the Eighteenth National Congress of the CPC, the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping as General Secretary has taken over the baton of history, upheld the guiding role of Marxism, committed itself to the Chinese path, and engaged in efforts to broaden this path as the times advance, thereby opening up a new chapter in the development of Chinese socialism.

On the path towards realizing our dream, the CPC Central Committee has balanced domestic considerations with international ones, committed itself to comprehensively deepening reform, and demonstrated the courage to grapple with the toughest of problems and brave the most treacherous of waters. It has resolutely eliminated defects present in various systems and mechanisms, and advanced the modernization of our country’s governance system and governance capacity; it has adapted to a new state of economic growth, maintained a commitment to seeking steady progress while engaging in reform and innovation, and promoted sustained and sound economic growth; it has improved and guaranteed public wellbeing on the basis of China’s realities, and weaved a stronger social safety net; it has upheld the principle that the Party should govern itself according to a strict code of discipline, grappled the issue of conduct by taking vigorous action, and combated corruption with a zero-tolerance attitude; and it has persisted in pursuing the path of peaceful development, devoted major efforts to establishing a new model of international relations based on cooperation and mutual benefit, and won both the sincere support of the people and the widespread recognition of the international community. Through these efforts, the Party and state have opened up new horizons, created a new social atmosphere, and made new achievements, thereby laying down a new historical milestone on the Chinese path.

解码中国道路

Decoding the Chinese Path

我们开创了独具特色和优势的制度文明

We have created an institutional civilization that boasts unique features and advantages.

随着中国发展奇迹越来越受关注，在国际上的影响越来越大，“解码中国”成为国际社会的热门话题。中国为什么能？中国共产党为什么能？这样的问题，总能引起人们广泛的思考。道路和制度紧密相连，道路的成功离不开制度的保障。中国选择自己独具特色的制度，是大浪淘沙的结果。近代以来，中国试穿了各种各样的“鞋子”，甚至想照搬西方制度的“飞来峰”，但最终都没有成功。直到中国共产党诞生之后，才从根本上改变了这一切。我们党带领人民通过艰辛奋斗实践，在探索中找到了中国特色社会主义道路，形成了中国特色社会主义理论体系，确立了中国特色社会主义制度。与其他制度相比，我们这套制度在许多方面都具有显著优势，体现了一种独具特色和优势的制度文明。

As the miracle of China’s development has received increasingly high levels of attention and China’s international influence has continued to grow, “decoding China” has become a popular topic of discussion among the international community. How has China done it? How has the Communist Party of China done it? Questions such as these have frequently been the subject of much thought.

The path a country takes and the system it employs are closely linked to one another. Without the right system to support it, the success of a path would be impossible. China’s unique system was derived from a process of “washing away the sand to reveal the gold.” Since the advent of modern times, China has tried on “shoes” of all shapes and sizes. At one point, it even sought to copy the system of the West. None of these, however, resulted in success. It was not until the birth of the Communist Party of China that things really began to change. Through their bitter explorations, the Chinese people, led by the Communist Party of China, have discovered the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics; formulated its theoretical framework and established the Chinese socialist system. Compared with other systems, China’s system has shown marked advantages in a number of areas, being demonstrative of an institutional civilization with unique features and advantages.

比如，科学高效的决策和执行。一个国家的决策能力和执行效率，是衡量其制度优劣的重要尺度。朝令夕改，什么事也干不成。阿富汗前总统卡尔扎伊说：“如果阿富汗有机会重新选择的话，一定会走中国式的发展道路。因为它行动高效，决策果断，以结果为导向。”这道出了中国制度的一个突出优势。我们的制度，能够着眼人民整体利益和国家长远发展，科学及时决策、高效有力执行，把持续性与开拓性有效地结合起来。每一个“五年发展规划”的制定，都经过各方面磋商和咨询，几上几下、上下结合，最后形成共识、作出决定。在集中力量办大事、解难事中，我们的制度更展现出强大的执行力。抗击汶川特大地震等巨灾过程中，党中央一声令下，全国上下立即行动，迅速汇聚起抗灾救灾的磅礴伟力，在较短的时间里重建起新的家园。

First, our system is highly rational and effective with regard to decision-making and enforcement. The capacity of a country to make decisions and enforce them constitutes an important criterion for gauging the merits of that country’s system. Nothing can be achieved when decisions are made one minute and then changed the next on a whim. In a recent interview, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai said that if Afghanistan had the opportunity to choose again, it would certainly choose a Chinese-style path of development. This was because it was highly effective in taking action, resolute in its decision making, and results-oriented. These remarks shed light on one of the most prominent advantages of China’s system. Our system is able to focus on the overall interests of the people and the long-term development of the country. It ensures that decisions can be made rationally and promptly; enforced efficiently and effectively; and that a balance of continuity and innovation can be attained. Each of China’s Five-Year Plans, for instance, is formulated through a process of consultations among all interested parties, with opinions being conveyed upwards and then fed back downwards time and again until a consensus is reached and a decision is made.

The huge capacity of China’s system for action is even more evident in cases where we are able to pool national strength to carry out major undertakings and overcome major adversities. During our response to the devastating Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan Province in 2008, for instance, the entire country rushed into action upon the calls of the CPC Central Committee, and this quickly culminated in a disaster relief effort of monumental proportions. As a result, we were able to mount an effective reconstruction effort within a relatively short period of time.

比如，广泛有效的人民民主。我们的民主是人民民主。有事好商量，众人的事情由众人商量，找到全社会意愿和要求的最大公约数，是人民民主的真谛。我们实行人民代表大会制度这个根本政治制度，实行中国共产党领导的多党合作和政治协商制度、民族区域自治制度以及基层群众自治制度等基本政治制度。人民通过选举、投票行使权力和人民内部实行广泛多层制度化的协商民主，是我国社会主义民主政治的两种重要民主形式。这样的民主形式，不仅有完整的制度程序，而且有完整的参与实践，有利于保证党领导人民有效治理国家，有利于人民持续参与日常政治生活，有利于人民依法实行民主选举、民主决策、民主管理、民主监督，有利于加强社会各种力量的合作协调。相比之下，以多党制、三权鼎立为主要特征的西式民主，日益暴露出其弊端和局限性。一些西方学者也承认，近年来西式民主正面临深刻危机，民主制衡演变为权力掣肘，党派博弈绑架国家利益。一些国家盲目“移植”或“被输入”西式民主，反而陷入无休止的政权更迭和社会动荡，造成“民主之殇”。只有扎根本国土壤、汲取充沛养分的民主制度，才最可靠、也最管用。对此，我们要保持清醒头脑，保持政治定力，不能舍本逐末、邯郸学步。

Second, our system boasts extensive and effective people’s democracy. Our democracy is people’s democracy. Solving problems through consultation, addressing the concerns of the many through the consultation of the many, and finding common ground with regard to the wishes and demands of society as a whole – these are the essential aspects of people’s democracy. China implements a fundamental political system of people’s congresses, and a set of basic political systems which include the system of multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC; the system of regional ethnic autonomy; and the system of community-level self-governance. Our country’s socialist democracy is realized through two key forms: on the one hand, the people exercise their rights by participating in elections and casting their votes; and on the other, people enjoy a multi-level institutionalized consultative democracy on an extensive basis. These forms of democracy are not only supported by complete institutional procedures; they also feature complete participation in practice. They are conducive to ensuring that the Party is able to lead the people in effectively governing the country; that the people are able to engage in day-to-day political activities on a sustained basis; that the people are able to participate in democratic elections, decision-making, management, and supervision in accordance with the law; and that the cooperation and coordination of various social forces can be strengthened.

In contrast, the flaws and limitations of Western-style democracy – which is primarily characterized by the multi-party system and the separation of legislative, executive, and judicial powers – are becoming increasingly evident. Even some Western scholars have acknowledged that Western-style democracy has experienced a profound crisis in recent years, with the balancing function of democracy becoming an impediment to the exercise of power and contention between rivaling parties holding national interests to ransom. Some countries which blindly “transplanted” Western-style democracy, or which had it “infused” from the outside, have been plagued by repeated changes of government and social turbulence, resulting in the “death of democracy.” There can be no democratic system more reliable or effective than one that is rooted in a country’s soils and preserved by the rich nutrients drawn therefrom.

Therefore, it is important that we stay clear-headed and maintain our political resolve on this issue. We cannot afford to neglect what is basic in favor of what is trivial, or to imitate others at the expense of what makes us unique.

比如，层层历练的选贤任能。经过长期探索，我们形成了广纳群贤、充满活力的选人用人机制，广泛把各方面优秀人才集聚到党和国家各项事业中来。各级领导干部走上领导岗位，都要通过严格的组织考察、民主推荐、竞争选拔等程序，都经过了时间的考验和实践的锤炼，都有着多岗位的基层历练和出色的工作业绩。走红网络的卡通视频《领导人是怎样炼成的》，对此作了生动展示。现在，“中国功夫”式的长期锻炼选贤任能，正得到世界上越来越多有识之士的认可。

Third, our system allows for the selection and appointment of people whose moral character and competence have been put to the test at various levels of office. Over the course of long-term explorations, we have developed a vibrant mechanism for the selection and appointment of competent people with sound moral character, which allows us to enlist outstanding talents from all walks of life to the various causes of the Party and state. Before assuming posts of leadership, officials at all levels are required to undergo a rigorous process that consists of official evaluation, democratic recommendation, and competitive selection. All officials in leading posts have been tested over time and tempered through the course of their work; they all have gained a broad range of work experience and an outstanding record at low-ranking posts. The tests that leading officials must undergo were vividly depicted in the short animation How Leaders Become Leaders, which took the web by storm. Now, the Chinese “Kung-fu” style practice of selecting and appointing people whose moral character and competence have been tempered on a long-term basis is increasingly receiving recognition from people of insight around the world.

比如，市场和政府“两只手”协同发力。我国实行的是社会主义市场经济体制，其显著特点就是既注重发挥市场作用，又注重发挥政府作用，使“看不见的手”与“看得见的手”都用好。这一制度安排，既遵循市场经济的一般规律，又弥补市场调节的盲目性、自发性和滞后性等缺陷，把市场作用和政府作用很好地结合起来。依靠这个制度，我们拿出了令世人惊叹的“社会主义市场经济成绩单”。而世界上一些国家，脱离本国实际套用新自由主义开出的药方，实行完全放任的自由化、私有化和市场化，结果跌入发展“陷阱”难以自拔。根据实践拓展和认识深化，我们党提出了“使市场在资源配置中起决定性作用和更好发挥政府作用”的重大理论观点，对市场和政府关系作出了新的科学定位。这必将推动我国经济体制改革不断深化，把社会主义市场经济体制的优势进一步发挥出来。

Fourth, our system allows the “invisible hand” of the market and the “visible hand” of the government to work together as one. China practices a socialist market economy whose most distinguishing feature is the joint emphasis on the role of the market and that of the government. In other words, it seeks to make good use of both the “invisible hand” and the “visible hand.” This institutional arrangement not only observes the general rules of the market economy, but also makes up for its deficiencies such as blindness, spontaneity, and hysteresis. In doing so, it effectively links together the role of the market and that of the government. Relying on this system, we have presented the world with stunning performances of our socialist market economy. Some countries, in contrast, have turned to the cure prescribed by neoliberalism, indulging in all-out liberalization, privatization, and marketization in spite of their local realities. As a result, these countries have descended into a developmental trap from which they find it hard to escape. With the broadening of our experience and the deepening of our understanding, our Party has proposed the critically important theory of “enabling the market to play the decisive role in the allocation of resources and the government to exert its role more effectively.” With this, we have scientifically redefined the relationship between the market and the government. This will surely help the constant deepening of China’s economic reform and bring the advantages of the socialist market economy further into play.

习近平总书记在庆祝全国人民代表大会成立60周年大会上的重要讲话中，鲜明提出了评价一个国家政治制度民主、有效的重要标准。对照这些标准，我们以实践中的决定性进展，交出了令人信服的答卷。实践证明，中国的制度具有巨大优势、韧性、活力、潜能，丰富和发展了人类社会的制度文明。有国外学者指出，西方的发展模式正还原为地区性发展模式，中国制度的成功，开启了各种制度并存、竞争的多元时代。就连“历史终结论”的提出者福山也认为，中国模式有一些重要优势是西方民主制度不具备的，人类思想文明宝库应为中国留有一席之地。

In his speech to mark the 60th anniversary of the National People’s Congress, General Secretary Xi introduced an important criterion for judging whether or not the political system of a country is democratic and effective. According to this criterion, the decisive progress that China has made constitutes a convincing performance. Facts have demonstrated that China’s system, with its huge advantages, tenacity, vitality, and potential, has added to and developed the institutional civilization of human society. Some overseas scholars have pointed out that the Western model of development is currently reverting back to its original state as a regional development model. The success of China’s system has ushered in a new era of plurality in which different systems exist side by side and compete with one another. Even Francis Fukuyama, known for his “end of history” theory, suggests that the Chinese model has important advantages not found in the democratic systems of the West, and that a place should be reserved for China in the treasure trove of human thinking.

寻根中国道路

Tracing the Roots of the Chinese Path

我们凝聚了最持久、最深层的精神力量

We have brought together the deepest and most enduring aspects of our inner strength.

中华文化是我们民族的“根”和“魂”，也是中国道路生于斯、长于斯的深厚土壤。中华民族5000多年创造的灿烂文化，蕴含着宝贵的思想资源和崇高的价值追求，蕴藏着解决当代人类面临难题的重要启示，比如“大同”、“小康”的美好理想，“民惟邦本、本固邦宁”的治国理念，“天行健，君子以自强不息”的奋斗精神，“和而不同、和谐相处”的重要思想，“讲信修睦”、“协和万邦”的博大胸怀等，潜移默化地影响着中国人的思想方式和行为方式。但近代以后，一些人认为中国之所以落后，不仅是技不如人、制度不如人，更是文化不如人，对民族文化丧失自信，甚至提出“全盘西化”的主张。中国共产党扛起了传承弘扬中华文化、倡导发展先进文化的大旗，用科学理论赋予中华文化先进的思想内涵。在长期的革命、建设、改革实践中，我们坚守中华文化立场，传承中华文化基因，推动中华文化创造性转化、创新性发展，形成了当代中国文化，为开创和发展中国道路提供了丰厚滋养。

Chinese culture is the “root” and “soul” of the Chinese nation. It is the rich soil from which the Chinese path has emerged and expanded. This splendid culture, which the Chinese nation has created over the course of more than 5,000 years, is home to a wealth of precious ideas and noble values. It embodies important wisdom that helps us to address the difficulties that humanity faces today. Some examples include the fine ideals of “Datong” (universal harmony) and “Xiaokang” (universal prosperity); the philosophy of national governance crystalized in “The people represent the foundation of a nation, and national stability is only possible when this foundation is solid”; the undying spirit of determination found in “As Nature thrives through self-regeneration, so should a man of noble character ceaselessly strive for self-improvement”; the important notions of “harmony in diversity” and “harmonious coexistence”; and the great sense of inclusiveness expressed in “acting in good faith and cultivating harmony” and pursuing “peace among all countries.” Each of these notions has a deep subconscious influence on the way the Chinese people think and act.

Following the advent of modern times, however, some people have attributed China’s backwardness not only to its inferior technology and system, but also to its inferior culture. Thus, they have lost all faith in Chinese culture, and even called for all-out westernization. However, the Communist Party of China has held high the great banner of Chinese culture, calling for the development of advanced culture. Through the application of scientific theories, it has enriched Chinese culture with advanced thinking. During the long course of China’s revolution, construction, and reform, we have maintained our stance on Chinese culture, carried forward its genes, and promoted its creative transformation and progress. In doing so, we have succeeded in developing a contemporary Chinese culture, which has served as a rich source of nutrition for the creation and advancement of the Chinese path.

价值理念是发展道路的内核。解读中国道路，不能忽略价值维度。对于一个民族、一个国家来说，最持久、最深层的力量是全社会共同认可的核心价值观。我们党提出的倡导富强、民主、文明、和谐，倡导自由、平等、公正、法治，倡导爱国、敬业、诚信、友善的社会主义核心价值观，深刻回答了要建设什么样的国家、建设什么样的社会、培育什么样的公民的重大问题，是中国道路在精神和价值层面的集中表达。这一核心价值观，传承中华优秀传统文化的价值内核，体现中国特色社会主义的本质属性、发展要求和奋斗目标，是13亿中国人民价值观的“最大公约数”。在中国道路上，面对世界范围内各种思想文化相互激荡、交流交融交锋更加频繁，我们大力建设社会主义核心价值体系，积极培育和践行社会主义核心价值观，在多元中立主导、在多样中谋共识，有效整合了社会思想意识和价值取向。坚持和拓展中国道路，要进一步增强价值观自信，决不能盲目地成为西方价值观念的附和者，决不能丧失自己的精神独立性。

Values constitute the core element of a development path. For this reason, no interpretation of the Chinese path would be complete without affording consideration to values. The deepest and most enduring strength that a nation and country can have lies in the core values commonly recognized in its society. The core socialist values that our Party has proposed – namely, prosperity, democracy, civility, and harmony; freedom, equality, justice and rule of law; and patriotism, dedication, integrity, and amicability – constitute a profound answer to the major questions of what kind of country we hope to build, what kind of society we hope to establish, and what kind of citizens we hope to foster. They represent a crystalized expression of the Chinese path from the perspective of ethos and values. Carrying forward the essence of China’s fine traditional culture, this set of core values embodies the fundamental character, developmental requirements, and goals of Chinese socialism. They constitute the greatest common divisor in the values of 1.3 billion Chinese people.

In pursuing the Chinese path against a global backdrop of increasingly frequent clashing, communication, and integration of different ideas and cultures, we have engaged in major efforts to develop our framework of core socialist values and worked actively to foster and practice these values, thereby establishing guiding principles amidst plurality whilst seeking consensus amidst diversity. This has enabled us to effectively integrate ideas and value orientations in our society. In order to uphold and widen the Chinese path, it is essential that we have more confidence in our values. Under no circumstances should we blindly parrot Western values or lose our independent ethos.

炼尽黄沙自是金。中国道路的形成和发展，不仅意味着物质的丰富、制度的完善，也体现为精神的充盈、文化的振兴。这其中，最重要的就是继承和弘扬了以爱国主义为核心的民族精神，铸就了以改革创新为核心的时代精神，汇聚成伟大的中国精神。一路走来，经历各种重大事件的洗礼，经受各种风险挑战的磨砺，我们不断为中国精神注入新的活力和内涵，鼓舞中国人民始终朝气蓬勃地走向未来。在这条道路上，我们还绘就了文化发展繁荣的绚丽画卷，传统的戏剧、曲艺、民族音乐、小说、诗歌等文化样式焕发生机，现代的电影、电视剧、流行音乐、网络动漫等文化样式异彩纷呈，文化创新创造活力不断增强，人民群众的文化生活多姿多彩、精神世界不断丰富。“形于中”而“发于外”。现在，“中华文化热”持续升温，孔子学院在全球100多个国家开枝散叶，学汉语、读中国书、看中国影视、听中国故事，在一些国家开始流行，中华文化的国际影响力和感召力大大增强，源远流长的中华文化迈向新的辉煌。

Once the grains of sand have been washed away, what remains is gold. The formation and development of the Chinese path not only implies greater material abundance and more refined systems, but also stronger aspirations and a revitalized culture. Most importantly, the Chinese path has allowed us to bring forth a great Chinese spirit, which we have done by inheriting and carrying forward a national spirit with patriotism at its core, and by forging a contemporary spirit with reform and innovation at its core.

On this path, we have survived all manner of major trials, and weathered all kinds of risks and challenges. These experiences have served to infuse the Chinese spirit with new vitality and meaning on a constant basis, inspiring the Chinese people to march ever forward in high spirits. On this path, we have also painted a splendid picture of cultural development and prosperity: traditional forms of culture such as opera, folk arts and music, novels, and poetry have demonstrated new vitality; modern forms of culture such as films, television serials, popular music, and online animations have flourished; creative activities in culture have been constantly strengthened; and people’s cultural and non-material lives have become increasingly diverse and abundant. Thus, it is important to note that only when something has taken shape on the inside can it be expressed on the outside. At present, there is a growing interest in Chinese culture overseas. Confucius Institutes have been established in more than 100 countries; Chinese books, films, television programs, and stories have begun to become popular in some countries as interest in learning Chinese has grown; and the international influence and appeal of Chinese culture has increased considerably. With this, China’s ancient and profound culture is well on its way to renewed splendor.

评判中国道路

Judging the Chinese Path

我们把全体人民共建共享作为最终标准

We make it our ultimate criteria to allow all people to participate in and benefit from development.

中国道路是人民的选择、人民的创造，是党领导人民干出来、走出来的。可以说，我们在认识和实践上的每一次突破和创新，改革开放中每一个新生事物的产生和发展，现代化建设中每一条重要经验的创造和积累，无不来自人民群众的实践和智慧。从小岗村18户村民按下红手印实行“包干到户”、无数农民洗脚上田投身乡镇企业，到“踏遍千山万水、吃尽千辛万苦”创办民营企业，等等，亿万人民的探索与创新，汇聚成改革开放的强劲原动力。正是因为我们党尊重人民主体地位、尊重群众首创精神，得以让一切劳动、知识、技术、管理、资本的活力竞相迸发，让一切创造社会财富的源泉充分涌流，使中国道路获得了最深厚的力量源泉。

The Chinese path is the choice and the creation of the people. It has been pioneered by the people through their actions under the leadership of the CPC. We can say for certain that each breakthrough and innovation in our understanding and practice; each new development in reform and opening up; and each important new experience in modernization has without exception come from the endeavors and wisdom of the people. From the 18 farmers in Xiaogang Village, Anhui Province, who entered into a daring agreement to divide farmland and production quota between themselves, to the countless rural laborers who left the fields to go and work in township enterprises, and again to the men and women who have traveled the land and endured all manner of hardships to run their own businesses, the explorations and innovations of millions of people have culminated in a huge motive force driving China’s reform and opening up forwards. It is precisely the respect that the Party has shown for the principal role of the people and for the people’s spirit of creativity that has allowed the vigor of labor, knowledge, technology, managerial expertise, and capital to fully unleash themselves; and all potential sources for the creation of wealth to fully surge forward, injecting the Chinese path with the most resourceful strength.

人民对美好生活的向往，就是我们的奋斗目标。中国人民热爱生活、富有梦想，期盼有更好的教育、更稳定的工作、更舒适的居住条件，追求尊严的保证、事业的成功、价值的实现。改革开放30多年来，这些朴实的梦想逐步成真，并正在向更高的水平迈进。我们对民生投入的决心之大、力度之大，在世界范围内都是少有的。我们用十多年时间实现了最低生活保障制度、城乡基本养老保险制度、基本医疗保障制度的全覆盖，构筑起一些西方国家近百年才完成的基本社会保障网络。经过多年努力，中国有6亿多人口脱贫，完成全世界超过70%的减贫任务。保障民生没有终点，只有接连不断的新起点。党的十八大以来，户籍制度改革、考试招生制度改革、计划生育政策调整完善等，一批改善民生的政策密集出台，使发展成果更多更公平地惠及全体人民。美国学者库恩认为，“在人类的历史上，以前从未有过如此之多的人口以如此之快的速度过上这样水准的生活。”

People’s yearning for a better life is our goal to strive forward. The Chinese people love life and have many dreams. They wish to have better education, more stable jobs, and better living conditions. They want their dignity to be assured, their careers successful, and their value fulfilled. During more than 30 years of reform and opening up, these ordinary dreams have gradually become a reality, and are now in the process of being realized on a higher level. The degree of our commitment to improving the people’s wellbeing and the amount of resources we have devoted have been almost unmatched anywhere in the world. In merely over a decade, we have managed to cover the entire population with a subsistence allowance system, a basic pension system for residents in both urban and rural areas, and a basic medical insurance system, thereby putting in place the kind of basic social safety net that some Western countries spent almost a century building. Following years of efforts, China has lifted more than 600 million people out of poverty, a figure that accounts for more than 70% of the global target in poverty reduction.

There is no end to the efforts to ensure public wellbeing, only one new starting point after the next. Since the convening of the Party’s Eighteenth National Congress in 2012, we have introduced a series of polices in close succession in a bid to improve public wellbeing, including the reform of the household registration system, the reform of examination and enrollment systems for school and university students, and the adjustment and improvement of the family planning policies. These initiatives have ensured that all people can benefit more fairly and thoroughly from the fruits of development. In the words of the American scholar Robert Lawrence Kuhn, “never before in human history has the standard of living of so many people improved so fast.”

道路好不好，走在这条路上的人最有发言权。中国人民从衣食住行的持续改善中、从国家面貌的巨大变化中、从充满希望的憧憬中，切身感受到中国道路的正确性，也发自内心地拥护这条道路。有人形象地说，改革开放30多年来，大多数中国人事实上经历了一场“财富革命”，普通家庭的“大件”消费，从过去的手表、自行车、缝纫机，到冰箱、彩电、洗衣机，再到现在的住房、汽车和电脑，发生了翻天覆地的巨变。现在，中国人对自己国家总体状况和发展前景持比较满意和乐观的态度。2013年，留学回国人数超过35万，是本世纪初的近30倍，年均增长率超过32%。这种留学人员“回国潮”彰显了中国魅力，从一个侧面反映了人们对国家未来的信心。有了亿万人民对中国道路的坚定信心，我们更加有理由、有底气继续走好这条道路。

No one is more qualified to comment on the merits of a path than those who are following it. The Chinese people are able to directly appreciate the correctness of the Chinese path – a feeling which comes from the constant improvements in their standard of living, the huge changes that have taken place to the face of the country, and their strong optimism for the future. Moreover, they genuinely support this path from the bottom of their hearts. According to one vivid observation, most Chinese people have in fact experienced a “wealth revolution” over the past three decades of reform and opening up: the major items of consumption that the average family once purchased were watches, bicycles, and sewing machines; later they were refrigerators, color television sets, and washing machines; and now they are houses, cars, and computers. These changes have been simply enormous.

At present, the Chinese people are largely happy with the overall state of their country and optimistic about its prospects for development in the future. In 2013, more than 350,000 Chinese students returned to China from abroad, almost 30 times the number that returned at the beginning of this century. According to these figures, the number of returning students has grown at an average rate of over 32% per year. This wave of students returning to China bears testament to China’s appeal, and to the confidence that people have in China’s future. As we have the confidence of millions of people, we feel even more justified and assured in our commitment to following the Chinese path.

道路问题最根本，事关国运兴衰和人民福祉。上世纪90年代，站在杨浦大桥桥头，望着改革开放大潮激荡下的新上海，邓小平同志感慨：“喜看今日路，胜读百年书。”对党领导人民历经千辛万苦、付出各种代价成功走出的中国道路，必须倍加珍惜、始终坚持并不断拓展延伸。我们要不断加深对中国特色社会主义的思想认同、理论认同、情感认同，不断增强道路自信、理论自信、制度自信，始终保持战略定力，不为任何风险所惧，不为任何干扰所惑。我们坚信，中国特色社会主义道路必将越走越宽广，中华民族伟大复兴的中国梦一定能够实现！

The path we take is the most fundamental issue, having a bearing on the fortunes of the country and the wellbeing of the people. In the 1990s, when he stood on the Yangpu Bridge and looked out over the new Shanghai, which had been transformed amidst the surge of China’s reform and opening up drive, Deng Xiaoping exclaimed: “What I see today gives me more joy than reading books for a hundred years.” It is imperative that we cherish, uphold, and constantly expand the Chinese path – a path that the Chinese people have successfully pioneered under the leadership of the Party after enduring all manner of hardships and making all manner of sacrifices. We need to continue strengthening our ideological, theoretical, and emotional identification with Chinese socialism, our confidence in our path, theories, and system and our strong strategic resolve, neither allowing ourselves to be intimidated by risks nor led into confusion amidst interference. We have every confidence that the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics will become broader as it goes, and that the Chinese Dream – the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation – will become a reality!

来源：求是

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