Sinicization of Marxism in the Political and Philosophical Doctrine of the PRC in the 21st Century

The subject of the study encompasses the process of the Sinicization of Marxism in the political-philosophical doctrine of the PRC in the twenty-first century, examined through the framework of “socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era.” The analysis focuses on the transformation of categories of historical materialism, including productive forces, production relations, and the people as a subject of development. These categories are treated as applied instruments of modernization, innovative growth, and social equalization. A significant element is the cultural synthesis of Marxism and traditional Chinese thought, which provides a value-based foundation for reform. The study also addresses the relationship between ideology, socio-economic policy, and the narratives of the “Chinese Dream” and the “Great Rejuvenation,” which shape the strategic direction of the course. This understanding makes it possible to interpret the doctrine as a dynamic system integrating philosophical and practical components within contemporary development. The methodological core of the research is the reconstruction of semantic links between historical-materialist categories and their applied function in modern political and administrative orientations. The analytical framework draws on Enfu Cheng’s interpretation of the interrelation between productive forces and production relations, as well as the discursive approach to the study of official political language reflected in the works of Meng Yuifeng, as well as in the research of Meng Yufeng and other international authors. The scientific novelty of the study lies in understanding the Sinicization of Marxism as a coherent applied system in which classical categories are transformed into tools for strategic governance of development. Historical materialism is interpreted as a dynamic method for aligning production relations and institutions with modernization goals. The cultural component – including Confucian ideas of harmony and continuity – forms the value framework of reforms and reinforces their legitimacy. The analysis demonstrates that the “new era” concept integrates economic, social, cultural, and foreign policy elements into a practical model for aligning long-term priorities. The doctrine exhibits integrative potential that ensures the governability of modernization processes. Its structure allows institutional reforms, innovation priorities, and mechanisms of social stability to be connected within a unified conceptual space for sustainable future development.

socialism, new era, historical materialism, Sinicization, common prosperity, Xi Jinping, Marxism, social justice, social contract, Chinese Dream