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The Communist  Party Of China

The “Three Represent's” Theory

General Secretary Jiang Zemin delivered an important speech during his inspection tour in Guangdong Province in early 2000. He pointed out: “The key to handling China's matters well lies within our Party. As long as our Party unswervingly represents the development trend of advanced productive forces, the orientation of advanced culture and the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the people in China, it can remain invincible, win wholehearted support of the people of all ethnic groups and lead the people to make progress steadily.”

Jiang Zemin's “Three-Represent's” theory is of great practical and long-term guiding significance. It is a brilliant exposition made by the CPC Central Committee with Jiang Zemin at the core at the turn of the century in light of the overall situation of China's reform and opening up and socialist modernization drive, with a historical view and based on reality and future perspective. It is a scientific conclusion drawn on the basis of summing up the CPC's experience in its 80 years of history and considering the historical experience of the world socialist movement, and in light of the tasks and present situation facing the Party. It is also a new summary of the nature, purpose and historical tasks of the Party, a new development in the Marxist party-building theory and a new demand on Party organizations at all levels and on Party members. The theory provides an answer to the questions of what kind of a party the CPC should be and how to build it further in the 21st century, one full of hopes as well as challenges. It is a great program for all-round enhancement of Party building in the new historical circumstances and a guide to action for long-term maintenance of the Party's advanced nature, combat effectiveness and creative ability.

While making inspections in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai, Jiang once again pointed out that the “Three Represent's” is the principle for building the Party, the base of ruling and the source of strength. This important remark profoundly reveals the rich content and great practical role of the “Three Represent's” theory. The fundamental reason for the birth, growth and development of the CPC and its ability to surmount difficulties, defeat powerful enemies and win victory in extremely hard circumstances lies in the fact that the CPC had represented advanced productive forces, advanced culture and the fundamental interests of the people in China. In the new historical period, the CPC has successfully resisted various risks in the complicated international environment, withstood all tests, steadily pushed forward the socialist cause with Chinese characteristics, made continuous progress in reform and opening up and modernization drive, and, all along the process, enjoyed the support of the masses of people. The fundamental reason for these achievements also lies in its adherence to the “Three Represent's”. In the new century, in order to properly handle the numerous complicated contradictions, withstand new tests and continue to push forward the great cause of China, the CPC should further improve its standard of ruling and the ruling foundation in accordance with the requirements of the “Three Represent's”. Only by doing so, can the CPC remain in an invincible position and lead the people forward steadily.

The “Three Represent's” embodies, in a concentrated way, the fundamental nature of the Party and the essence of socialism. The three aspects in it form a closely interrelated integral whole. Productive forces are the decisive force for social development and advancement; culture plays tremendous role in economic and political development; and people, the creators of history, have been promoting the development of history. In today's China, these three aspects have been organically embodied in the great practice of the Party in leading the people to build the socialism with Chinese characteristics.

The “Three Represent's” theory bears distinct feature of the times. It touches on the important theoretical issue of Party building as well as the practical issue concerning strengthening the Party's building in ideology, organization and style of work.

Under the new historical circumstances, strengthening the Party building in line with the requirements of the “Three Represent's” is both an urgent practical task and a long-term historical task.

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