A profound thought not only derives from scientific methods, but also deep feelings for the nation. The national feelings are one’s recognition for his culture and values. They not only sustain one’s personal life meaning and social belongings, but also foster a harmonious order and common values of the nation internally. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era features the unity of scientificity and nationality reflecting changes of the times as it takes deep root in ethnic culture to safeguard national interests, showcase national thinking, enhance national emotion, highlight national features and demonstrate deep national mindset. A deeper grip on the national structure for emotion in the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is conducive to having a profound understanding of its theoretical essence and basic connotations. Its profound national feelings include as follows:
First, we need to showcase national identity and Chinese logic. The uniqueness of China’s culture, tradition, history and circumstances determine that China needs to follow a development path that suits its own reality. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era explains the law of socialism with Chinese characteristics by virtue of the logical outcome of the evolution of history, theory, and practice. Therefore, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese characteristics focuses on explaining “Chinese identity”. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, a lot of new words, such as “Chinese Dream”, “Chinese Spirit”, “Chinese Story”, “Chinese Voice”, “Chinese Path”, “Chinese Pattern”, “Chinese Experience” and “Chinese Style”, have been brought to public to demonstrate a strong sense of national identity and Chinese logic. Moreover, when delivering remarks on the path of socialist political advancement with Chinese characteristics in the Report of the 19th National Congress of the CPC, the report reads, “China’s socialist democracy is the broadest, most genuine, and most effective democracy to safeguard the fundamental interests of the people,” and “the essence of the people’s democracy is that the people get to discuss their own affairs.”
Second, we need to safeguard national interests and reflect theoretical pursuits. Marx believed that everything that human beings struggle for has something to do with their interests. Both a person and a nation have their pursuit for interests. National interests refer to the legitimate and respectable interests in accordance with national laws, regulations and policies. In view of the historical mission of national rejuvenation, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics has demonstrated the theoretical pursuit for safeguarding national interests. Xi said, “The Communist Party of China, who was born and grew up in the context of domestic turmoil and foreign aggression, has shouldered the mission of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation ever since its founding to firmly struggle for national independence, resolutely safeguard national interests and bravely resist foreign invasion. In a world we face complex situations and growing regional conflicts, it is imperative to safeguard national interests. The Report of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China said, “We need to stay on the path of peaceful development and never give up our legitimate rights and interests,” The report underlined keeping our nation’s destiny firmly in our own hands and never allowing the historical tragedy of national division to repeat itself. All of these has proved clear values and major principles of the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
Third, we need to take root in national culture and highlight our identity. Culture is the carrier of spirit while spirit is the soul of a nation. Throughout the world history, national culture heralds the destiny of a nation. In the context of globalization, Chinese culture, when facing challenges posed by diversified cultures especially cultural hegemonism, has represented a unique mark among other nations. Xi said, “The Chinese nation, with a long history of more than 5,000 years, has created a profound Chinese culture and contributed tremendously to the progress of human civilization,” Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has carried forward fine traditional Chinese culture and highlighted its vision, concepts, values and moral norms. There are many people-centred convictions and governing thoughts of fine traditional culture demonstrated in the Report of the 19th National Congress of the CPC, such as “encouraging people to strive for excellence and develop stronger virtues, respect the elderly, love families, and be loyal to the country and the people” “supporting both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, and ensuring the preservation and development of traditional Chinese medicine”. Meanwhile, to develop a socialist culture with Chinese characteristics, we must base our efforts on Chinese culture to cherish our cultural roots, draw on other cultures, and be forward-thinking. In essence, we should do more to foster a Chinese spirit and Chinese values to see that Chinese culture maintains its appeal and evolves with the times. This will help maintain the initiative and ensure we have say in the realm of ideology.
Fourth, we need to carry forward national spirits and pool Chinese strengths. It is an eternal pursuit in our mind to carry forward national spirit in that its deep ideological impetus is extremely essential to us. “The Chinese civilization, with a long history, embodies the deepest aspirations of the Chinese people and represented a unique symbol of our nation. It has provided a rich source of strength for the lasting development of the Chinese nation,” As Lu Xun once said, “The soul of nation is of great value. China will see solid progress only by carrying forward it.” Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics attaches great importance to fostering national spirit, noting that our Party should focus on fostering a new generation of young people capable of shouldering the mission national rejuvenation in order to remain the vanguard of the times and the backbone of the nation. Secretary General Xi Jinping also noted, “It is the extraordinary struggle we have been through, the beautiful homeland we have created and the national spirit we have fostered that untie more than 1.3 billion people of 56 ethnic group, more importantly, ideals and convictions we shared.” To this end, the Report of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) underlined a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, which is an explanation of national spirit in the New Era. Meanwhile, the report ties firming up ideals and convictions, supplementing calcium to mind to improving cultural identity of Chinese closely to develop am accurate understanding of history, country, ethnicity and culture among the public. It also stressed seeing that all areas of social development are imbued with socialist core values and that they become part of people’s thinking and behavior. It is urged to implement these requirements intently so as to offer abundant resources and internal impetus to pool the strength for the New Era and pursue and fulfill the dream.
Above all, when facing nation’s splendid history and realistic requirements, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era proactively shoulders the mission of Chinese nation’s great rejuvenation with a strong sense of national consciousness. We need to have a profound understanding of common emotion and ideological foundation in the mission so as to contribute to developing Marxism in the 21st century and contemporary Chinese Marxism.