ZHANG Donggang: Firmly Grasp the Major Principle of "Upholding Fundamental Principles and Breaking New Ground"

Zhang Donggang, Party Secretary of Renmin University of China and Chairman of National Academy of Development and Strategy, published an article titled “Firmly Grasp the Major Principle of ‘Upholding Fundamental Principles and Breaking New Ground’” in Guangming Daily. The core points of the article are as follows:

In the second issue of Qiu Shi magazine in 2025, President Xi Jinping’s important article titled “Several Major Theoretical and Practical Issues in Further Deepening Reform” was published. In this article, President Xi emphasizes that “Upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground is a major principle that must be firmly grasped and consistently adhered to in the further deepening of reform”. This important statement by President Xi provides scientific guidance and an important basis for strengthening confidence in reform and better uniting people to focus on reform.

Zhang Donggang pointed out that we must thoroughly study and understand President Xi’s series of important discussions on upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, deeply recognize its significant importance, accurately understand its rich connotations, and firmly grasp its practical requirements. This will provide stronger ideological, theoretical, and methodological guidance for ensuring the steady and long-term progress of further deepening reform. The article first emphasizes the core role of “upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground” in advancing the comprehensive deepening of reform. Upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground is a fundamental principle of reform, which requires adhering to the correct direction and principles while also adapting to the development of the times through innovative changes. Next, it points out that upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground has a profound philosophical foundation. Socialist society requires reform and continuous change. This means not only maintaining the essence of the socialist system but also addressing the contradictions that constantly evolve with social development, avoiding rigidity and closure, and promoting the continuous development and improvement of the system. Moreover, upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground also reflects the cultural characteristics of Chinese civilization. Throughout history, the Chinese nation has advanced social progress through the process of inheritance and transformation, and modern China will continue to promote reform through the combination of integrity and innovation.

Faced with the challenges of the new era, upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground has become key to responding to complex situations. It is essential to start from China’s reality, summarize historical experiences, innovate reform methods, and use the scientific approach of upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground to guide the deepening of reform.

The article then explores the principle of upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground in reform, emphasizing how to both adhere to fundamental principles and drive innovation and progress during the comprehensive deepening of reform. First, it clarifies the core meaning of “upholding fundamental principles” which involves adhering to the fundamental principles of reform to ensure that the direction of reform remains on track. This includes: upholding CPC’s overall leadership, the guiding ideology of Marxism, the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the system of people’s democratic dictatorship, and reform goals centered on the well-being of the people. Next, the article discusses the importance of “innovation”, pointing out that innovation is the driving force behind the continuous development of reform. Innovation is not only reflected in updates to theories, practices, and systems, but also in cultural and ideological advancements.

The article stresses that maintaining confidence in upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground is crucial. From both historical and theoretical perspectives, reform and innovation are the main themes of socialist development and important tools for the Chinese Communist Party to lead modernization. Only by firmly grounding reform in the historical inevitability and theoretical necessity can confidence in reform be maintained, ensuring its success. The article then highlights the responsibilities of leadership cadres, who must fulfill their duties in driving reform. Based on a firm commitment to upholding integrity, they must also dare to innovate, overcome difficulties, take risks, and push reform forward without hesitation.

Finally, the article stresses the importance of uniting the collective force of upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, mobilizing all factors that are conducive to reform. This involves guiding public opinion, strengthening education, and widely consolidating social consensus to create an atmosphere of support for reform throughout society. Additionally, it is essential to enhance awareness of thinking in big-picture terms, consider the fundamental interests of the people, and ensure that reform delivers tangible results at every level.

(Translated by ZHANG Yuqing; Proofread by YANG Fanxin)