The Communist Party of China (CPC) has made great theoretical progress since the late Chinese leader, Deng Xiaoping, called for bold measures to accelerate reform and opening-up during an investigation tour in south China's Guangdong Province in January 1992.

The remarks made by Deng, the architect of China's reform and opening-up, have had a far-reaching influence across the country and have boosted China's economic growth to a new stage.

Definition

In February 2000, Chinese President Jiang Zemin put forward a new Party-building theory widely known as the "Three Represents" theory, i.e., that the CPC represents the development trend of advanced productive forces, the orientation of advanced culture, and the fundamental interests of the majority of the people in China.

This new theory has developed Deng Xiaoping Theory, and has become the theoretical guideline for the CPC in the new century.

Background

During the decade separating Deng's remarks and Jiang's "Three Represents" theory, China has basically established a socialist market economy with greatly improved economic and legal frameworks, has resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and Macao, and has become a member of the World Trade Organization.

On July 1, 2001, Jiang Zemin, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the CPC, elaborated the "Three Represents" theory in a speech at a grand gathering marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the CPC.

Significance

Jiang's theory is in line with Marxism－Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought and Deng Xiaoping Theory, firmly adhering to the ideological line of emancipating the mind and seeking truth from facts.

The third-generation CPC collective leadership with Jiang Zemin at the core has integrated the basic principle of Deng Xiaoping Theory with the realities of China's development and reform, and worked out a series of creative policies to handle various new situations.

Centering on the "Three Represents" theory, the CPC's current instructive theories have made a great leap forward, symbolized by the 15th CPC National Congress and Jiang's July 1 speech last year.

From February 2000, when the theory was first put forward, to Jiang's July 1 speech, the third-generation CPC collective leadership acquired a deeper understanding of the "Three Represents" theory. For instance, the CPC has come up with a new standard for accepting people from diversified economic strata as its members.

Armed with the "Three Represents" theory, that ceaselessly increases the creativity of the Party, the CPC will lead the Chinese people to make more achievements in the new century. (CCTV.com)