Mutual Reinforcement between Chinese Modernisation and Chinese Civilization

Abstract

Historical and cultural traditions constitute the foundation for building China into a great modern socialist country and rejuvenating the Chinese nation. As President Xi Jinping stated, “Chinese modernisation is a new mission for the Chinese nation, and it will allow Chinese civilization to shine with renewed radiance”. This indicates that, during the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Chinese civilization and Chinese modernisation are by no means in opposition. On the one hand, what makes Chinese modernisation distinctly Chinese is its roots in Chinese civilization. On the other hand, the sustained vitality of Chinese civilization comes from the modern dynamism infused into it by Chinese modernisation. In this significant, all-encompassing process, the advancement of Chinese modernisation and the self-renewal of Chinese civilization are two inseparable dimensions that mutually reinforce each other. From the perspective of modernisation, the development of Chinese civilization is the harvest of modernisation, whereas Chinese civilization in turn nurtures and innovates upon modernisation itself.

Keywords: Chinese Modernisation; Chinese Civilization; the Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation.