Chinese-style modernization endows Chinese civilization with a modern form, while Chinese civilization provides Chinese-style modernization with a profound foundation. Interpreting it from the perspective of Confucianism is an important academic exploration for the in-depth advancement of the “second combination,” strengthening cultural confidence, revealing the characteristics of civilization, and creating a modern civilization for the Chinese nation.
In the discourse system of Chinese-style modernization, “xiaokang” (moderately prosperous society) and “datong” (great harmony) correspond respectively to the goals of the “two centenaries.” “Xiaokang” is the foundation and preparation for “datong,” while “datong” represents the sublimation and leap of “xiaokang.” The term “xiaokang” appears three times in the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and “datong” appears once. Both “xiaokang” and “datong” reflect the basic division of social development stages by Confucianism and embody the relentless pursuit and vision of an ideal society by Confucianism. The era of “xiaokang” society is characterized by the hidden but not apparent great way, the world taking the family as the foundation, and the establishment based on kinship and private property. A more advanced social stage than “xiaokang” is “datong,” which is characterized by the implementation of the great way, the world being public and selfless, the implementation of meritocracy, and the promotion of social harmony. At the new historical starting point, Chinese-style modernization marks the Chinese society’s move towards the “datong” vision and the beginning of a new journey to achieve the second centenary goal after fully realizing “xiaokang.”
President Xi Jinping pointed out that the “second combination” makes Marxism Chinese, excellent traditional Chinese culture modern, and the new culture formed by the “combination” becomes the cultural form of Chinese-style modernization. In the relationship between Marxism and Confucianism, the “second combination” is manifested as the two-way interaction and integrated generation of the Sinicization of Marxism and the modernization of Confucianism. First, it is necessary to dialectically understand the premise and result of the “combination.” The mutual fit and mutual achievement of Marxism and Chinese culture will create an organic and unified new cultural life body, that is, the modern civilization of the Chinese nation. Second, it is necessary to systematically comb through the soul and root of the “combination.” Excellent traditional Chinese culture is the cultural root of the Chinese nation. The ideas, humanistic spirit, and moral norms it contains are not only the core of Chinese people’s thoughts and spirit, but also of great value in solving human problems. Finally, it is necessary to continuously promote the transformation and innovation of the “combination.” Chinese-style modernization is the only way to rejuvenate Chinese civilization.
The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China emphasized that “The Communist Party of China is a party that seeks happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, as well as a party that seeks progress for humanity and great harmony for the world.” Compared with the report of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the important expression of “seeking progress for humanity and great harmony for the world” was added, expanding from “two for” to “four for.” This is not only an enrichment of the level of expression, but also an expansion of the theoretical dimension, containing a global vision and profound thinking about human destiny. The Communist Party of China is committed to promoting theoretical innovation on the basis of practice and continuously writing a new chapter in the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism. This is not only its solemn historical responsibility, but also a concrete manifestation of “must adhere to the world in mind” and “walking the great way of the world.” Chinese-style modernization is not only “Chinese-style,” but also has universal significance as a “global style.”