Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No. 8, 2024

 

The Ecological Civilization Implications of the Chinese Path to Modernization

(Abstract)

 

Yuan Zushe

 

The theoretical narrative of historical materialism does not exclude the organic connection between humanity and nature from the idea of historical progress. One of the serious negative consequences of Western modernity during its transition to global history is the loss of balance caused by the threefold alienation of humans from nature, community, and self. In the process of shaping a new form of civilization, the Chinese path to modernization has established an ecological approach, pioneering a new path to modernization in which humanity coexists harmoniously with nature. Xi Jinping’s thought on ecological civilization creatively advances the theory of historical materialism, and in leading the ecological practices of Chinese modernization, he demonstrates his commitment to constructing a life community of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. This ecological and green approach endows the Chinese path to modernization with its distinctive features and elucidates its essential requirements.