Pupils attend a ceremony to mark their joining of the Chinese Young Pioneers team in front of the Museum of the Communist Party of China in Beijing on Oct. 12, 2024. Photo: IC PHOTO

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The Communist Party of China (CPC), with its ability to maintain vitality and dynamism for over a century, has been a subject of keen interest among foreign scholars. To explore this interest further, CSST recently interviewed Roland Boer, an Australian Sinologist and a professor at the School of Philosophy at Renmin University of China, who shared his insights into the CPC’s distinctive features, its commitment to self-reform, and the concept of the “Two Integrations” (integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and fine traditional culture).

Uniqueness of CPC

In the interview, Boer attributed the CPC’s uniqueness to its capacity for self-reform, leadership in economic development, the establishment of the world’s most mature and robust form of socialist democratic governance, and its successful transition from historical (revolutionary) legitimacy to practical (governing) legitimacy, among other factors. He highlighted the Party’s experience in integrating Marxism with China’s specific context—its concrete realities and cultural traditions. This context encompasses the historical, economic, social, cultural, and political dimensions that have evolved over thousands of years.

This integration has both practical and theoretical aspects, which are dialectically inter-related, Boer asserted. “Many are the historical examples, at times learned from difficult and bitter setbacks, and these practical experiences have given rise to theoretical formulations that have guided further practice. Each of these theoretical expressions arises out of practical experience. Each is distinct in its own way, and yet each develops further the theoretical formulations from earlier periods.”

“One may ask: what is the reason for new bodies of theory, each identified with a distinct title? The answer should be obvious: as China develops, new situations emerge and new challenges arise,” Boer remarked. 

From an international perspective, Boer noted that the achievements of the CPC over the last century or more have become increasingly apparent. “Communist and Workers’ Parties in other countries have already learned, or are learning, a crucial historical lesson from the CPC—the need to integrate Marxism with their specific domestic conditions. This is not a case of copying a template from China, but learning a crucial methodological principle of Party work from the ‘China model,’ or in this case the ‘CPC model.’”

Self-reform holds key

In his analysis of self-reform within the CPC, Boer explored the phrase’s deep semantic implications. For those familiar with communist traditions, the term “self” often evokes the practice of “criticism and self-criticism.” He further noted that while this practice can sometimes risk becoming formulaic or hollow, when executed effectively, it signifies trust and honesty among comrades. In the Western liberal tradition, the “self” would typically be understood as an individual, but in this context, it also refers to the Party as a whole—a collective entity with a shared vision and commitment to communism.

Addressing the term “reform,” Boer explained that the original Chinese word for “reform” is often interpreted as “revolution.” He acknowledged that “self-revolution” may seem odd in English, so “self-reform” is the more appropriate translation. However, he maintained that “revolution” carries a broader and more profound meaning than reform, and it serves as the framework within which reform must be understood.

Boer also reflected on the CPC’s extensive rectification and reform efforts over the past decade, highlighting that while Party discipline has been significantly strengthened, the focus has also been on correcting weak and corrupt elements. Additionally, the CPC continues to emphasize the positive values required of its members, such as honesty, hard work, putting the people first (not oneself), a strong understanding of Marxism and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and leading by example.

Dialectics of  ‘Two  Integrations’

Discussing the “Two Integrations,” Boer underscored its thoroughly dialectical formulation. He explained that this methodological principle could be expressed in various ways, such as “developing the new from the old,” “making informed choices through dialectical reasoning,” and “upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground.”

“‘Developing the new from the old’ literally means to push out what is old or stale or outdated and no longer of use, and to put forth or produce the new,” Boer elaborated. “But the meaning has come to indicate a process of seeking new possibilities through cultural tradition while discarding what is no longer of use. Note carefully: it is not simply a case of drawing directly on past cultural values; they must be transformed through being drawn into the present.”

With respect to “making informed choices through dialectical reasoning,” Boer said that this phrase more directly addresses the dialectical relationship between new possibilities and cultural tradition. He emphasized that tradition and culture are shaped by their history, and this process involves ongoing dialectical evaluation—deciding what from the past should be retained and developed further and what should be rejected. The answer to this question will vary across different eras and generations.

Lastly, Boer shed light on “upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground,” which he believes is central to Marxist philosophy. This involves both defending and abiding by the fundamental principles of Marxism and introducing new ideas. In his opinion, “The key here is that Marxism is able to be truly innovative only by upholding the fundamental principles, and we can uphold the fundamental principles only through creative innovation.” 

Regarding the “Two Integrations” as a major step forward in Marxism, Boer expressed his hope that Marxist scholars, Communist Parties, and indeed others around the world may learn from this theory.

Edited by CHEN MIRONG