PREFACE TO THE “UNDERSTANDING CHINA” SERIES PART II

While the people of China are busy celebrating the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), we are busy publishing this second batch of the “Understanding China” series.

The Chinese and English books in Part I of this series were launched at the Third Understanding China Conference in 2018. Since then, we have received a warm response and many commendations from our readers, including the leaders of relevant departments, experts, academics, the media and the overseas audience. I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all our readers for your attention and positive feedback, which has reinforced the value and importance of these books.

Why are we publishing this series? I previously addressed this question in Preface I. Here I want to emphasize that when President Xi Jinping talked to foreign leaders, experts and academics at the Second Understanding China Conference in 2015, organized by the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, and the 21st Century Council, he observed that the conference was a good window to introduce China to the outside world. He also said, “Where have we come from, and where are we going? In this day and age for China, I am always reminding myself to maintain this sense of history.”

In fact, “Where has China come from and where is it going?” is a long-standing question and concern raised by many about the world's second largest economy. This gave rise to an idea in my heart – to organize experts from different fields to write and edit a series of books.

So, what is this series all about? Today, Chinese socialism has entered a new era. To understand China in this new era it is essential to study China, and to study Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era even more so. Therefore, with the approval of relevant leaders of the central authorities, guided by the relevant departments, and supported by China International Publishing Group and Foreign Languages Press, the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy has invited a number of experts and academics, who have abundant experience, profound insight, and well-researched views, to write a series of books on issues related to the new situation and the challenges facing China. These include Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, China's 40 years of reform and opening up, and in particular, the major decisions and policies of the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at the core in the governance of the Party, the country and the military.

What are the characteristics of the new series? I would say two points are worthy of special attention: First, real stories; second, vivid narration. All our authors try to describe a real and comprehensive China, and use interesting stories to explain their academic ideas.

Good stories about China, the CPC and the relationship between China and the rest of the world are the best channel to help those with a positive view of China to learn more, and to help those who have doubts to gain a better appreciation of the country. This is what we believe and what we intend to do.

Books in Part I of this series have attracted widespread attention. This has convinced us that we have chosen the right theme and are doing the right thing. Today we are in the period in which the timeframes of the two Centenary Goals overlap. In the face of great global transformation and challenges, China wants to be understood, so as to achieve greater cooperation with and friendship between other countries and the CPC and China.

This is not an easy task, but it merits all our efforts. We count on more friends joining us and giving us guidance. Let us take on this task together.

June 2021