As China advances its economy and national strength, its role in shaping a new world order is increasingly being recognized. Thus its strategies for the future have attracted attention from the international community and may also affect strategic adjustments in other major countries.

However, there are also doubts about its development, and concepts such as the “China threat” and “China collapse” have damaged the nation’s image. Thus, it is vital to ensure the discourse on China’s path remains positive.

From the theoretical perspective, China’s path has evolved from the inheritance and promotion of Chinese historical tradition, a new development of Marxism, as well as a response to negative world opinions. It conforms to the idea of peaceful development characterized by mutual benefit, the path that China has pursued since ancient times, and enriches Chinese theories on diplomacy and international relations.
 

From the practical perspective, China’s path has presented a strategic approach for future development, offering guidelines on internal and foreign affairs. It helps enhance national strength, laying the foundation for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation; elevate China’s international influence, injecting vigor into the innovation of global development models; improve the environment for international trade and investment, building a fairer political and economic order around the world; and promote global peace and common development, thus fulfilling China’s responsibilities as a great power.
 

China’s path has been the most successful modernization path in non-Western countries so far and is acclaimed as the most remarkable fruit of world socialism. Its aim is to independently build socialism with Chinese characteristics on the background of economic globalization (rather than being divorced from the process) and allow more than 1.3 billion Chinese people to realize modernization on a socialist basis.
 

China’s path is also an unprecedented and brand new road in the history of emerging powers in modern times. It is important to deepen the study of China’s path by connecting it closely with Chinese approaches to reform, opening-up and modernization. China’s path must also be linked with history, the current global situation and prospects for world economic, political and cultural development.
 

At present, China has entered a “new normal” in terms of economic growth and a critical stage for overall reform. It is now faced with the urgent problem of developing its strategic layout. With expectations of Chinese development from both the global economy and public opinion, China should also make innovation a top priority both in theory and practice.
 

Studies of China’s path require reviewing the history, observing the current situation and looking into the future at the same time. Thus, it is important to learn from Chinese traditions, conduct scientific theoretical analysis, and optimize strategic design when identifying the cultural basis of China’s path and planning realistic routes for it. From historical, theoretical and strategic perspectives, further innovation can be achieved in this area.
 

As China is making increasing contributions to the international community, it is exactly the right time to elevate discourse on China’s path. Studies in this respect have been conducted extensively around the world, and there is fierce competition over this discourse. In view of the spread of the “China threat” and “China collapse,” it is vital for China to uphold the right to interpret China’s path. Thus, a major task facing Chinese academia is to tell the stories of China with confidence and passion, which requires in-depth thinking by the best minds.
 

In scientific research institutions in China, there are experienced scholars of philosophy and social sciences as well as other disciplines. These institutions should take greater responsibility for the studies of China’s path and the promotion of positive discourse. Also, it is important to leverage the advantages of colleges and universities and encourage teachers and researchers to study China’s path. Moreover, they should enhance cultural exchanges with other countries and the international competitiveness of higher education.
 

At the same time, China should construct its own discourse system in philosophy and social sciences, carry forward excellent traditional culture and unleash innovation in order to lay a solid theoretical basis for the development of China’s path.

 

Jiang Bo is vice-president of and Men Honghua is a professor from Tongji University.