CHINA / POLITICS
CPC’s spiritual legacy has been carried forward through a journey of 100 years: Reform and opening-up and socialist modernization period
Published: Nov 10, 2021 07:58 PM
Editor's Note: 

Through its century-long history, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has nurtured a series of spirits, which reflect the theme and essence of the centennial history of the Party and provide the strong spiritual motivation to the great rejuvenation of China.

The spirits of the communists in China are a gigantic system and entirety with the same roots and origins. These great spirits were born and developed during the CPC's journey in revolution, construction, and reform and opening-up through historic events, locations and figures.

The spirits are also a reflection of the long-standing and well-established spirits of the people of China - creativity, hardworking, solidarity and having dreams.

The sixth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the CPC kicked off on Monday, which is crucial as it's the Party's first major political event after celebrating its 100th founding anniversary. 

The Global Times has dedicated three issues to illustrate the precious spirits of the CPC that have been formed and inspired Chinese people in the Party's centennial history. 

This is the last issue which will portray the spirits that were nurtured since China's reform and opening-up launched in 1978. Since then, China has entered a period of rapid development. The Party has led people to the liberation of their thoughts and seeking for innovation. The reform of the economic system has also been promoted, the economic volume has consistently increased, and people's livelihoods have been improved greatly.

Photo: VCG

Photo: VCG



The Spirit of Reform and Opening-up 

It is formed during the practice of reform and opening-up that began in the late 1970s, as well as exploring and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics. It means blazing new trails in a pioneering spirit, innovation, having the courage to take on important tasks, opening-up, inclusiveness, the emancipation of the mind, seeking truth from facts and being united as one while forging ahead into future.

The Spirit of the Special Economic Zones

Setting up special economic zones was a major move by the central authorities to promote reform and opening-up, and socialist modernization. In August 1980, the State Council formally approved a plan to set up the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. This was the first of its kind in China, to be followed by Zhuhai, Shantou, Xiamen and Hainan. These places have served as China's "experimental fields" for institutional reform, and windows for the rest of the world to learn about China. Their people are known for their will to experiment, open new ground, and be hard working pioneers.

The Spirit Forged in Combating Floods 

When facing a crisis, a great number of CPC members have rushed to the forefront with no hesitation. It shows how the spirit forged in fighting floods has become a valuable asset for the Chinese people.

The Spirit of Persistence in Combating SARS 



Between November 2002 and the end of 2003, an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) spread in some areas of China. Confronted by this serious public health incident, the whole country united as one under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. There were many moving stories of people supporting each other in the fight against the viral infection. The whole nation demonstrated an unyielding spirit in winning the battle against SARS.

The Spirit of Disaster Relief

On May 12, 2008, an earthquake of a magnitude-8.0 hit Wenchuan, Sichuan Province. The CPC led the people and the army in an efficient rescue and relief operation, demonstrating a spirit that can be generalized as "the entire nation uniting as one, persevering in surmounting difficulties, putting people first, and acting in a planned and scientific way."

The Spirit of the Manned Space Program

China's Manned Space Program was initiated in the early 1990s with the outline of a three-step development strategy. In the program, Chinese scientists have created a tradition of relentless hard work under extreme and arduous conditions to solve critical problems and achieve many successes.

Shenzhou 5 spacecraft is launched into the space on October 15, 2003, carrying Yang Liwei, China's first taikonaut. Photo: VCG

Shenzhou 5 spacecraft is launched into the space on October 15, 2003, carrying Yang Liwei, China's first taikonaut. Photo: VCG

The Spirit of Model Workers

This spirit demonstrates a deep love for their professions and posts. They always strive to be the best, work diligently, and are eager to innovate and contribute.

The Spirit of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway Builders

The Qinghai-Xizang Railway completed in 2006 extends 1,956 km from Xining in Qinghai Province to Lhasa in Xizang Autonomous Region. It is the world's longest plateau railway at the highest altitude, and also the most challenging construction project in railroad history. The Qinghai-Xizang Railway builders were inspired by a courageous will to challenge their own physical and mental limits, and build a plateau railway of the best possible quality. 

The Fighting Spirit of the Chinese Women's Volleyball Team

Over the past few decades, a couple of generations of Chinese women's volleyball players have overcome hardships to compete in the Olympics. The spirit is the general summary of the indomitable and brave fighting spirit of Chinese women's volleyball team - training hard and continuing to fight the tenacious struggle as a group.

The Spirit of Winning Battle Against Poverty



The pragmatic, pioneering, and innovative spirit honed in the tough battle against poverty, is also a concentrated expression of patriotism, collectivism and socialism.

A woman from the cliff village in Sichuan Province shows off her rooster. Villagers now supplement their income by developing tourism. Photo: VCG

A woman from the cliff village in Sichuan Province shows off her rooster. Villagers now supplement their income by developing tourism. Photo: VCG