II. The Great Historical Course of Reform and Opening Up

We will soon be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the start of reform and opening up. In 1978, the Party held the historic Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee, which ushered in the new historical period of reform and opening up. Since then, the Chinese Communists and the Chinese people have, in an indomitable enterprising spirit and with their spectacular practice of innovation, composed a new epic recounting the Chinese nation's ceaseless efforts to make progress and become stronger, and historic changes have taken place in the visages of the Chinese people, socialist China and the CPC.

Reform and opening up represent a great new revolution carried on by the people under the Party's leadership in a new era to release and develop the productive forces, modernize the country, bring prosperity to the Chinese people and achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation; to promote the self-improvement and development of China's socialist system, inject new vitality into socialism, and build and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics; and to improve the building of the Party as it leads contemporary China in development and progress, preserve and enhance its vanguard nature, and ensure that it is always in the forefront of the times.

We must never forget that the great cause of reform and opening up was conducted on a foundation laid by the Party's first generation of central collective leadership with Comrade Mao Zedong at its core, which founded Mao Zedong Thought, led the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups in establishing the People's Republic and scoring great achievements in our socialist revolution and construction, and gained invaluable experience in its painstaking exploration for laws governing socialist construction. The victory in the new-democratic revolution and the establishment of the basic system of socialism provided the fundamental political prerequisite and institutional basis for every inch of development and progress in contemporary China.

We must never forget that the great cause of reform and opening up was initiated by the Party's second generation of central collective leadership with Comrade Deng Xiaoping at its core leading the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups in the endeavor. In a precarious situation left by the "cultural revolution" (1966-76), the second generation of central collective leadership, persisting in emancipating the mind and seeking truth from facts and displaying immense political and theoretical courage, made a scientific appraisal of Comrade Mao Zedong and Mao Zedong Thought, thoroughly repudiated the erroneous theory and practice of "taking class struggle as the key link," and made the historic policy decision to shift the focus of the work of the Party and the state onto economic development and introduce reform and opening up. It established the basic line for the primary stage of socialism, sounded the clarion call of the times for taking our own road and building socialism with Chinese characteristics, founded Deng Xiaoping Theory, and led the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups in striding forward on the great journey of reform and opening up.

We must never forget that the great cause of reform and opening up was carried on, developed and successfully carried into the 21st century by the Party's third generation of central collective leadership with Comrade Jiang Zemin at its core leading the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups on this mission. From the Fourth Plenary Session of the Thirteenth Central Committee through the Sixteenth Congress, the third generation of central collective leadership, which took over the helm at a critical historical juncture, held high the great banner of Deng Xiaoping Theory, pressed ahead with reform and opening up and kept up with the times. Relying on the Party and the people, it stood the severe tests of political turbulences and economic risks at home and abroad, safeguarded socialism with Chinese characteristics, initiated the new, socialist market economy and ushered in a new phase of all-round opening up; and it advanced the great new undertaking to build the Party, founded the important thought of Three Represents, and steered the ship of reform and opening up forward on the right course.

Since the Sixteenth Congress, we have followed the guidance of Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of Three Represents, kept up with new developments and changes in and outside China, grasped the strategic opportunities in this important period, promoted the truth-seeking, pragmatic and pioneering spirit and persisted in innovation in both theory and practice. We have worked hard to promote scientific development and social harmony, improved the socialist market economy, and resolutely carried forward the great cause of reform and opening up in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

Reform and opening up constitute the most salient feature of the new period. From the countryside to the cities and from the economic to other areas, the process of sweeping reform has unfolded with irresistible momentum. From the coastal areas to areas along the Yangtze River and the borders, and from the eastern to the central and western regions, the door has been resolutely opened to the outside world. This great undertaking of reform and opening up, never seen before in history, has greatly stimulated the enthusiasm of hundreds of millions of Chinese people and brought about China's historic transformation from a highly centralized planned economy to a robust socialist market economy, and from a closed or semi-closed state to all-round opening up. Today socialist China is standing rock-firm in the East, oriented toward modernization, the world and the future.

Rapid development represents the most remarkable achievement in the new period. The Party has been implementing the three-step strategy for modernization, leading the people in working hard to promote China's sustained rapid development at a rate rarely seen in the world. China's economy, once on the verge of collapse, has grown to rank as the fourth largest in the world, and its import and export volume, the third biggest. The Chinese people, once inadequately fed and clad, are leading a fairly comfortable life on the whole. The impoverished population in rural areas has dropped from more than 250 million to just over 20 million. The country's achievements in political, cultural and social development have captured world attention. China's development has not only enabled its people to move steadily toward prosperity and happiness, but also contributed substantially to the growth of the world economy and the progress of human civilization.

Keeping up with the times is the most prominent hallmark of the new period. Adhering to the Marxist ideological line, the Party has been constantly seeking answers to major theoretical and practical questions such as what socialism is and how to build it, what kind of party we must build and how to build it, and what kind of development China should achieve and how to achieve it. The Party has been constantly adapting Marxism to conditions in China, and adhering to and enriching its own basic theory, line, program and experience. Socialism and Marxism have shown great vitality on Chinese soil, brought more benefits to the people, and enabled the Chinese nation to catch up with the trend of the times in great strides and see the bright future of national rejuvenation.

Facts have incontrovertibly proved that the decision to begin reform and opening up is vital to the destiny of contemporary China, that reform and opening up are the only way of developing socialism with Chinese characteristics and rejuvenating the Chinese nation, that only socialism can save China and that only reform and opening up can develop China, socialism and Marxism.

As a great new revolution, reform and opening up are not to be plain sailing or be accomplished overnight. Essentially they accord with the aspirations of the Party membership and the people and keep up with the trend of the times. The orientation and path of reform and opening up are entirely correct, and their merits and achievements can never be negated. To stop or reverse reform and opening up would only lead to a blind alley.

In the historical course of reform and opening up, the Party has combined adhering to the basic tenets of Marxism with adapting it to Chinese conditions, upholding the Four Cardinal Principles with adhering to the reform and opening up policy, respecting the people's pioneering initiative with strengthening the Party's leadership, adhering to the basic system of socialism with developing the market economy, effecting changes in the economic base with promoting reform of the superstructure, developing the productive forces with improving the cultural and ethical quality of the whole nation, raising efficiency with promoting social equity, pursuing independent development with taking part in economic globalization, promoting reform and development with maintaining social stability, and advancing the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics with making progress in the great new undertaking to build the Party. In this course the Party has gained invaluable experience in eliminating poverty, accelerating modernization, and consolidating and developing socialism in a large developing country of over one billion people.

To sum up, the fundamental reason behind all our achievements and progress since the reform and opening up policy was introduced is that we have blazed a path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and established a system of theories of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Essentially, to hold high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics means to keep to this path and uphold this system.

Taking the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics means we will, under the leadership of the CPC and in light of China's basic conditions, take economic development as the central task, adhere to the Four Cardinal Principles and persevere in reform and opening up, release and develop the productive forces, consolidate and improve the socialist system, develop the socialist market economy, socialist democracy, an advanced socialist culture and a harmonious socialist society, and make China a prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious modern socialist country. The main reason this path is completely correct and can lead China to development and progress is that we have adhered to the basic tenets of scientific socialism and in the meantime added to them distinct Chinese characteristics in light of China's conditions and the features of the times. In contemporary China, to stay true to socialism means to keep to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Theories of socialism with Chinese characteristics constitute a system of scientific theories including Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development and other major strategic thoughts. This system represents the Party's adherence to and development of Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought and embodies the wisdom and hard work of several generations of Chinese Communists leading the people in carrying out tireless explorations and practices. It is the latest achievement in adapting Marxism to Chinese conditions, the Party's invaluable political and intellectual asset, and the common ideological foundation for the concerted endeavor of the people of all ethnic groups. It is an open system that keeps developing. Practices since the publication of the Communist Manifesto nearly 160 years ago have proved that only when Marxism is integrated with the conditions of a specific country, advances in step with the times and is tied to the destiny of the people can it demonstrate its strong vitality, creativity and appeal. In contemporary China, to stay true to Marxism means to adhere to the system of theories of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

There is no end to practice or innovation. All Party members must cherish the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the system of theories of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which the Party explored and created after going through all the hardships, keep to the path and uphold the system for a long time to come and constantly develop them. We must continue to emancipate our minds, seek truth from facts, keep up with the times, make bold changes and innovations, stay away from rigidity or stagnation, fear no risks, never be confused by any interference, broaden our path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and ensure that the truth of Marxism of contemporary China shines even more brightly.

二、改革开放的伟大历史进程

我们即将迎来改革开放三十周年。一九七八年，我们党召开具有重大历史意义的十一届三中全会，开启了改革开放历史新时期。从那时以来，中国共产党人和中国人民以一往无前的进取精神和波澜壮阔的创新实践，谱写了中华民族自强不息、顽强奋进新的壮丽史诗，中国人民的面貌、社会主义中国的面貌、中国共产党的面貌发生了历史性变化。

 改革开放是党在新的时代条件下带领人民进行的新的伟大革命，目的就是要解放和发展社会生产力，实现国家现代化，让中国人民富裕起来，振兴伟大的中华民族；就是要推动我国社会主义制度自我完善和发展，赋予社会主义新的生机活力，建设和发展中国特色社会主义；就是要在引领当代中国发展进步中加强和改进党的建设，保持和发展党的先进性，确保党始终走在时代前列。

我们要永远铭记，改革开放伟大事业，是在以毛泽东同志为核心的党的第一代中央领导集体创立毛泽东思想，带领全党全国各族人民建立新中国、取得社会主义革命和建设伟大成就以及艰辛探索社会主义建设规律取得宝贵经验的基础上进行的。新民主主义革命的胜利，社会主义基本制度的建立，为当代中国一切发展进步奠定了根本政治前提和制度基础。

我们要永远铭记，改革开放伟大事业，是以邓小平同志为核心的党的第二代中央领导集体带领全党全国各族人民开创的。面对十年“文化大革命”造成的危难局面，党的第二代中央领导集体坚持解放思想、实事求是，以巨大的政治勇气和理论勇气，科学评价毛泽东同志和毛泽东思想，彻底否定“以阶级斗争为纲”的错误理论和实践，作出把党和国家工作中心转移到经济建设上来、实行改革开放的历史性决策，确立社会主义初级阶段基本路线，吹响走自己的路、建设中国特色社会主义的时代号角，创立邓小平理论，指引全党全国各族人民在改革开放的伟大征程上阔步前进。

我们要永远铭记，改革开放伟大事业，是以江泽民同志为核心的党的第三代中央领导集体带领全党全国各族人民继承、发展并成功推向二十一世纪的。从十三届四中全会到十六大，受命于重大历史关头的党的第三代中央领导集体，高举邓小平理论伟大旗帜，坚持改革开放、与时俱进，在国内外政治风波、经济风险等严峻考验面前，依靠党和人民，捍卫中国特色社会主义，创建社会主义市场经济新体制，开创全面开放新局面，推进党的建设新的伟大工程，创立“三个代表”重要思想，继续引领改革开放的航船沿着正确方向破浪前进。

十六大以来，我们以邓小平理论和“三个代表”重要思想为指导，顺应国内外形势发展变化，抓住重要战略机遇期，发扬求真务实、开拓进取精神，坚持理论创新和实践创新，着力推动科学发展、促进社会和谐，完善社会主义市场经济体制，在全面建设小康社会实践中坚定不移地把改革开放伟大事业继续推向前进。

新时期最鲜明的特点是改革开放。从农村到城市、从经济领域到其他各个领域，全面改革的进程势不可当地展开了；从沿海到沿江沿边，从东部到中西部，对外开放的大门毅然决然地打开了。这场历史上从未有过的大改革大开放，极大地调动了亿万人民的积极性，使我国成功实现了从高度集中的计划经济体制到充满活力的社会主义市场经济体制、从封闭半封闭到全方位开放的伟大历史转折。今天，一个面向现代化、面向世界、面向未来的社会主义中国巍然屹立在世界东方。

 
新时期最显著的成就是快速发展。我们党实施现代化建设“三步走”战略，带领人民艰苦奋斗，推动我国以世界上少有的速度持续快速发展起来。我国经济从一度濒于崩溃的边缘发展到总量跃至世界第四、进出口总额位居世界第三，人民生活从温饱不足发展到总体小康，农村贫困人口从两亿五千多万减少到两千多万，政治建设、文化建设、社会建设取得举世瞩目的成就。中国的发展，不仅使中国人民稳定地走上了富裕安康的广阔道路，而且为世界经济发展和人类文明进步作出了重大贡献。

新时期最突出的标志是与时俱进。我们党坚持马克思主义的思想路线，不断探索和回答什么是社会主义、怎样建设社会主义，建设什么样的党、怎样建设党，实现什么样的发展、怎样发展等重大理论和实际问题，不断推进马克思主义中国化，坚持并丰富党的基本理论、基本路线、基本纲领、基本经验。社会主义和马克思主义在中国大地上焕发出勃勃生机，给人民带来更多福祉，使中华民族大踏步赶上时代前进潮流、迎来伟大复兴的光明前景。

事实雄辩地证明，改革开放是决定当代中国命运的关键抉择，是发展中国特色社会主义、实现中华民族伟大复兴的必由之路；只有社会主义才能救中国，只有改革开放才能发展中国、发展社会主义、发展马克思主义。

改革开放作为一场新的伟大革命，不可能一帆风顺，也不可能一蹴而就。最根本的是，改革开放符合党心民心、顺应时代潮流，方向和道路是完全正确的，成效和功绩不容否定，停顿和倒退没有出路。

在改革开放的历史进程中，我们党把坚持马克思主义基本原理同推进马克思主义中国化结合起来，把坚持四项基本原则同坚持改革开放结合起来，把尊重人民首创精神同加强和改善党的领导结合起来，把坚持社会主义基本制度同发展市场经济结合起来，把推动经济基础变革同推动上层建筑改革结合起来，把发展社会生产力同提高全民族文明素质结合起来，把提高效率同促进社会公平结合起来，把坚持独立自主同参与经济全球化结合起来，把促进改革发展同保持社会稳定结合起来，把推进中国特色社会主义伟大事业同推进党的建设新的伟大工程结合起来，取得了我们这样一个十几亿人口的发展中大国摆脱贫困、加快实现现代化、巩固和发展社会主义的宝贵经验。

改革开放以来我们取得一切成绩和进步的根本原因，归结起来就是：开辟了中国特色社会主义道路，形成了中国特色社会主义理论体系。高举中国特色社会主义伟大旗帜，最根本的就是要坚持这条道路和这个理论体系。

中国特色社会主义道路，就是在中国共产党领导下，立足基本国情，以经济建设为中心，坚持四项基本原则，坚持改革开放，解放和发展社会生产力，巩固和完善社会主义制度，建设社会主义市场经济、社会主义民主政治、社会主义先进文化、社会主义和谐社会，建设富强民主文明和谐的社会主义现代化国家。中国特色社会主义道路之所以完全正确、之所以能够引领中国发展进步，关键在于我们既坚持了科学社会主义的基本原则，又根据我国实际和时代特征赋予其鲜明的中国特色。在当代中国，坚持中国特色社会主义道路，就是真正坚持社会主义。

中国特色社会主义理论体系，就是包括邓小平理论、“三个代表”重要思想以及科学发展观等重大战略思想在内的科学理论体系。这个理论体系，坚持和发展了马克思列宁主义、毛泽东思想，凝结了几代中国共产党人带领人民不懈探索实践的智慧和心血，是马克思主义中国化最新成果，是党最可宝贵的政治和精神财富，是全国各族人民团结奋斗的共同思想基础。中国特色社会主义理论体系是不断发展的开放的理论体系。《共产党宣言》发表以来近一百六十年的实践证明，马克思主义只有与本国国情相结合、与时代发展同进步、与人民群众共命运，才能焕发出强大的生命力、创造力、感召力。在当代中国，坚持中国特色社会主义理论体系，就是真正坚持马克思主义。

实践永无止境，创新永无止境。全党同志要倍加珍惜、长期坚持和不断发展党历经艰辛开创的中国特色社会主义道路和中国特色社会主义理论体系，坚持解放思想、实事求是、与时俱进，勇于变革、勇于创新，永不僵化、永不停滞，不为任何风险所惧，不被任何干扰所惑，使中国特色社会主义道路越走越宽广，让当代中国马克思主义放射出更加灿烂的真理光芒。