Chinese Journal of Literary Criticism

No.4, 2024

 

The Original Contribution of Xi Jinping’s Speech at the Forum on Literature and Art

(Abstract)

 

Ding Guoqi

 

Since President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, presided over the Forum on Literature and Art and delivered a significant speech in 2014, China’s literary and artistic endeavors have seen remarkable progress. This success can be attributed to the introduction of several innovative concepts, judgments, and perspectives in the speech, all of which align with contemporary development needs. Through the specific analysis of the general principle of “peoplecentered orientation in creating art works” and its key components—such as “creative transformation and innovative development,” “appreciation,” “the relationship between literature, art and the market,” and “literature and art evaluation standards”—we can deeply explore the original contributions of Xi’s speech. These contributions illuminate the new tasks, pursuits, and missions of China’s literary and artistic work in the new era. Moreover, they have effectively guided the creative practices of contemporary Chinese literature and art, providing a theoretical foundation for their ongoing innovation and development.