Socialist core values

Socialist core values. They are a set of twelve moral and ideological principles officially promoted by the Communist Party of China and the Government of the People's Republic of China. Formally articulated in the early 21st century, these values are intended to guide national development and social conduct. They integrate elements of Marxism-Leninism, traditional Chinese culture, and contemporary governance goals.

Definition and origin

The formal conceptualization of Socialist core values emerged during the tenure of Hu Jintao, with further development under Xi Jinping. They were systematically presented at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and later incorporated into the Constitution of the People's Republic of China. Their philosophical roots are traced to Marxist theory as adapted by Chinese leaders, including Mao Zedong Thought and Deng Xiaoping Theory. The formulation also draws upon historical campaigns like the Socialist Education Movement and aims to provide a cohesive ideological framework for the period of Chinese economic reform.

Core components

The twelve values are organized into three hierarchical levels: national, societal, and individual. At the national level, they advocate for prosperity, democracy, civility, and harmony. The societal values call for freedom, equality, justice, and the rule of law. For citizens, the prescribed values are patriotism, dedication, integrity, and friendship. These concepts are frequently promoted through state media outlets like China Central Television and in the works of institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Public figures like Lei Feng are upheld as archetypes of these virtues.

Role in Chinese society

Socialist core values are deeply integrated into the legal and governance structures of China. They influence the drafting of legislation by the National People's Congress and judicial interpretations by the Supreme People's Court of the People's Republic of China. Campaigns to instill these values are visible across public spaces, from Tiananmen Square to community centers in Shanghai and Xinjiang. They form a key part of the ideological curriculum within the People's Liberation Army and are referenced in major state projects like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

Education and promotion

The propagation of these values is a central task for the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China. They are a mandatory component of the national education system, embedded in textbooks from primary schools through universities like Peking University and Tsinghua University. Mass media organizations, including the People's Daily and Xinhua News Agency, regularly feature content aligned with these principles. Cultural products, such as films produced by the China Film Group Corporation and performances at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, are encouraged to reflect these themes.

International perspectives

The promotion of Socialist core values is often discussed by foreign analysts in the context of China's broader soft power strategy and ideological competition with the West. Observers from institutions like the Brookings Institution and Council on Foreign Relations analyze their role in China's engagements with forums such as the United Nations and the World Economic Forum. The values are sometimes contrasted with concepts like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in diplomatic discourses involving the United States Department of State or the European Parliament. Their presentation at global events, such as Expo 2010 Shanghai China, is seen as part of efforts to shape international perceptions of the Chinese model.

Category:Political terminology of China Category:Communist Party of China Category:Political philosophy in China