Teaching Comparative Government and Politics

Monday, February 02, 2015

Back to basics

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang went off to Davos, Switzerland to participate in the World Economic Forum, while back home, President Xi emphasized the importance of some very basic Marxist principles. I can't help but wonder what the old German theoretician would say.

Xi stresses adherence to dialectical materialism

Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed dialectical materialism as a way to deepen reform.

Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks while presiding over a meeting attended by members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee…

Xi reiterated that China will remain at the primary stage of socialism for a long time to come. Through 30 years of reform and opening up, China has made historic breakthroughs in productivity, comprehensive national strength and people's living standards, but the situation and challenges both domestically and abroad are changing…

All CPC members, Xi said, should value ideological work and promote "core socialist values", taking a direct and positive attitude toward contradictions in development…

In a complicated situation with many heavy tasks, the CPC should take a holistic view, completing construction of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, ruling the country by law and running the Party strictly.

Dialectical methods can deal with complex problems, and make strategic decisions by avoiding disadvantages. "Experience is the best teacher," Xi said.