Innovation the watchword as Party forges ahead

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, the Party has answered the question of what type of socialism with Chinese characteristics should be adhered to, and how to develop this in the new era. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era was founded during this process.

Zhang Guozuo, a researcher of Marxism at Hunan University in Changsha, the provincial capital of Hunan, said the Party has laid the institutional foundations for the development of scientific socialism in China after 1949.

The path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which the Party has explored since the introduction of reform and opening-up, has no parallels in Chinese history, he said.

"The Party's innovations in theory and practice have injected strong vitality to socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era," Zhang added.

Since 2012, the Party has deepened reform, combated corruption, modernized the governance system and advanced the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind, he said.

It has also successfully responded to a series of challenges at home and abroad, particularly the coronavirus outbreak, he added.

"The series of innovations in theory and practice have prompted China to overcome these difficulties, which have not been seen for a century, and to make historic achievements in socioeconomic development," Zhang said.

Song Tao, head of the CPC Central Committee's International Department, said at a recent symposium that advancing with the times and taking the initiative to lead innovation is the Party's duty and responsibility.

There is no tested one-size-fits-all route to follow, so parties in different countries have to explore their respective paths according to their nations' conditions and their own strengths, he said.

In the new era, the Party is creating and implementing innovative development concepts, reforming relevant institutions accordingly, supporting and cultivating innovative talent, and carrying out pilot reforms to test innovation, Song said.

Liu Jingquan, a political researcher at the Tianjin Research Center for Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, said, "The impetus for the Party's innovation stems from its original aspiration and mission, while the core of the Party's innovation is to localize and develop Marxism in China."

"The main characteristic of the Party's innovation is that it advances with the times, while the purpose of its innovation is to enable it to better serve the people," Liu said.

The Party's commitment to advancing the country's revolution, construction and development has prompted it to pursue such innovation over the past 100 years.

Although the road ahead may be bumpy and difficult, and although the Party has encountered setbacks or even failures, the pursuit of national rejuvenation is promising, and the CPC will continue to pursue innovation in this regard.