The year 2023 stands out as a milestone in China’s cultural evolution, marked by significant contributions from President Xi Jinping. His speeches and theories, focusing on traditional cultural enrichment and international civilization exchanges, have been instrumental in guiding China’s global communication strategies and fostering mutual understanding among diverse cultures worldwide.
One of the pivotal moments of 2023 was President Xi’s proposal of the Global Civilization Initiative. This proposal, outlined during a keynote speech at the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-level Meeting, reflects China’s commitment to fostering global cultural understanding and cooperation.
President Xi also emphasized the integration of Marxism’s basic tenets with China’s unique realities and rich traditional culture. This integration was highlighted at a meeting on cultural inheritance and development, showcasing China’s approach to harmonizing its cultural heritage with modern ideologies.
A significant development in 2023 was the formal introduction of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture at a national meeting on public communication and culture in Beijing. This thought represents a comprehensive and profound understanding of culture’s role in societal development and international relations.
Throughout the year, President Xi outlined clear tasks for public communication and culture. These include upholding socialism with Chinese characteristics, rallying public support, cultivating young people with sound values and ethics, developing Chinese culture, and presenting China’s narrative to the world more effectively.
Experts regard Xi’s new ideas and judgments about cultural development as a crystallization of cultural evolution under the Communist Party of China’s leadership. Wang Xuebin, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, described Xi Jinping Thought on Culture as broad, profound, and rich in connotation. It showcases the integration of original achievements, systematic deployment, and expansion of openness.
During the national meeting, President Xi stressed the importance of building stronger cultural confidence, embracing openness and inclusiveness, and upholding fundamental principles while innovating. These guidelines provide ideological support, spiritual strength, and favorable cultural conditions for China’s modern socialist development and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Rooted in over 5,000 years of civilization, Xi Jinping Thought on Culture emphasizes preserving and developing China’s fine cultural traditions. A notable example was the Hangzhou Asian Games, which incorporated elements of ancient Chinese culture, blending tradition with modernity.
Throughout 2023, President Xi inspected various cultural sites across China, including Pingjiang Road in Suzhou and Jingdezhen City, known as China’s “porcelain capital.” These visits underscored the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
Cultural confidence, a core concept of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, is seen as a fundamental, deep, and lasting source of strength for China’s progress. This confidence is rooted in China’s excellent traditional culture, encompassing its long history and civilization.
President Xi’s cultural initiatives have significantly boosted the cultural confidence of the Party and Chinese people, leading to a better global understanding of China and the CPC. These efforts aim to correct misunderstandings about China by providing deeper insights into its traditions and historical context.
International scholars and cultural figures have recognized the importance of these cultural exchanges. For instance, Stelios Virvidakis, a professor at the University of Athens, launched the Center of Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations to promote dialogue and mutual learning. In a reply letter, President Xi emphasized the need for a deep understanding of different civilizations to build a shared human future.
Cultural exchanges between China and the West have also been highlighted, with events such as the Golden Panda Awards and the Philadelphia Orchestra’s tour to China demonstrating the potential for mutual understanding and cooperation.
In summary, the year 2023 has been a defining period for China’s cultural development, with President Xi Jinping’s thoughts and initiatives paving the way for a richer cultural dialogue and cooperation on a global scale. This cultural renaissance in China is not just about preserving its own heritage but also about contributing to a shared human civilization.
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