A two-pronged approach

A two-pronged approach

A two-pronged approach was advocated by Deng Xiaoping as part of a basic strategy for developing socialism with Chinese characteristics. It summarizes in straightforward language the essential philosophical teachings of dialectical materialism, and provides guidance for reform initiatives.

The two prongs in Deng’s approach are economic development and promotion of ethical values. Implemented since the start of the reform process, this approach calls for a concerted effort to pursue economic reform, open up to the outside world, and step up economic development on the one hand, and a continued commitment to the Four Cardinal Principles (socialism, the people’s democratic dictatorship, leadership by the CPC, and Mao Zedong Thought and Marxism-Leninism) and to the rule of law on the other. It ensures progress in our push for reform and greater openness, and for socialist modernization. No matter how the world we find ourselves in may evolve, this approach will remain relevant. Today it still guides the Party’s activities on a theoretical level. Xi Jinping thus emphasized that further reform is a balancing act. We must free our mind while seeking truth from facts, and pursue overall progress while implementing targeted measures. Top-level planning should go in tandem with localized pilot programs that allow us to “feel for stones when crossing a river.” Bold moves should be taken with steady steps. The right balance should be struck between reform, development and stability.   

“两手抓、两手都要硬”

“两手抓、两手都要硬”是邓小平建设中国特色社会主义的基本战略思想，是对唯物辩证法十分通俗和高度概括的表述，也是全面深化改革必须牢牢把握的科学方法论。

改革开放以来，邓小平提出了一手抓物质文明建设、一手抓精神文明建设，一手抓坚持四项基本原则、一手抓改革开放，一手抓建设、一手抓法制等“两手抓、两手都要硬”的思想，保证了改革开放和社会主义现代化建设顺利推进。无论客观形势如何发展变化，“两手抓、两手都要硬”的基本思想方法都不会过时。现阶段，这种科学方法论仍是中国共产党遵循的思想方法。比如，习近平强调，全面深化改革要处理好解放思想和实事求是的关系、整体推进和重点突破的关系、顶层设计和摸着石头过河的关系、胆子要大和步子要稳的关系、改革发展稳定的关系。