Ren Ping
The Chinese nation possesses a remarkable cultural creativity. By adhering to the “two integrations,” Chinese-style modernization imbues the outstanding traditional culture of China with new contemporary significance.
Recently, during a visit to Anhui, President Xi Jinping delved into the history of the Six-Foot Alley and its cultural legacy. He emphasized the need to “effectively leverage the traditional virtues of the Chinese nation, which values courtesy and harmony.”
At the recent 16th BRICS Summit, he further stated, “We must build a ‘Cultural BRICS’ and advocate for a civilization that thrives on coexistence.”
Throughout his inspections and diplomatic engagements, President Xi has consistently underscored the importance of inheriting and promoting China’s outstanding traditional culture. He encourages officials to “draw lessons from our excellent traditional culture in governance,” proclaiming allegiance to the banners of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit, and stressing the need to build our shared planet into a peaceful and harmonious global family. Today, the essence of “harmony,” deeply embedded in the DNA of the Chinese people, shapes their thoughts and behaviors.
The aim of the Communist Party of China in this new era is to pursue happiness for the people, rejuvenation for the nation, progress for humanity, and harmony for the world. This grand aspiration is profound and rich, rooted in history and deeply cherished.
Continuing the legacy of Chinese culture, Chinese-style modernization represents a new destiny for the Chinese nation. By insisting on creative transformation and innovative development, Chinese civilization is bound to shine anew.
“The path of harmony is the way of the world.”
Harmony shapes culture. The traditional virtues of China are the essence of its culture, rich in philosophical and moral resources. From the idea of “harmony brings forth life” in the “Book of History,” to “maintaining unity for greater harmony” in the “I Ching,” and the sentiment of “harmony is precious” in the “Analects,” to modern societal values that advocate for family harmony and amicable relations, the single character for “harmony” embodies the most profound meanings of Chinese culture.
“We must apply the ancient teachings to current contexts, discerningly embrace their values and moral standards, while innovatively inheriting them.”
Today’s Six-Foot Alley is a living testament to the spirit of harmony. The poignant melody of the Spring Festival song “Six-Foot Alley” resonates widely, and the touching strains of Huaguxi opera share its stories of kindness and courtesy—demonstrating that harmony occupies a timeless place in Chinese culture.
The wisdom and essence of Chinese culture continue to generate new waves amid the currents of time. In Taizhou, Zhejiang, the cultural productions surrounding “Hehe” (Harmony) thrive; and in Dongying, Shandong, “Civilized Families” initiatives highlight values of courtesy, harmony, and familial unity – all of which encapsulate both the essence of traditional culture and modern civility.
The simple but profound concept of “harmony” is etched into the hearts of the Chinese people, becoming a vital spiritual force that supports the ongoing existence and thriving legacy of the Chinese nation.
Outstanding traditional culture serves as the root and soul of the Chinese people, forming the foundation upon which we stand amid the global cultural exchange.
Harmony is also pivotal in governance. Principles such as benevolence, focus on the people, integrity, justice, and unity are the core characteristics of Chinese traditional culture. By deeply exploring and articulating its contemporary relevance, we cultivate a sense of national spirit, values, and strength.
In Tongcheng, the cultural significance of the Six-Foot Alley is intertwined with the concept of harmonious judicial practices, giving rise to the “New Era Six-Foot Alley Work Method” for mediating community disputes and enhancing social governance. In 2023, the “Six-Foot Alley Mediation Method” was highlighted in the Supreme People’s Court’s work report, and the “Six-Step Method” was recognized as part of the national “Fengqiao-style Work Method.”
“To resolve internal conflicts among the people, we must utilize mediation.” With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, our national context dictates that we cannot become a “litigation nation.”
Law guarantees stability, while virtue nurtures the heart.
The “Three Zero” work method in the Mudan community in Shenyang, the “Qiaoxiang Fengqiao” dispute resolution method in Mingxi, Fujian, and the “Winter Bula” mediation method in Fuhai, Xinjiang seamlessly turn the cultural tradition of valuing harmony into practical social governance measures. By adhering to and further developing the principles of the “Fengqiao Experience” in this new era, community mediation systems effectively address conflicts through diversified resolutions—serving as a vibrant testament to the ongoing writing of China’s remarkable narrative.
“The people’s congress system and the political consultative system pioneered by our Party are deeply intertwined with the benevolent thoughts of Chinese civilization and the principles of shared governance.” From concepts of “harmonious courtesy” to “working together in unity,” and from a peaceful China to a law-driven and beautiful China, the complete construction of a modern socialist nation places great value on harmony.
Harmony signifies a consideration for the world.
Chinese-style modernization is a path characterized by peaceful development.
Over 200 years ago, Napoleon compared backward China to a sleeping lion. In the spring of 2014 by the Seine, President Xi profoundly articulated, “This lion has awakened, but it is a peaceful, friendly, and civilized lion.”
The Chinese nation upholds peace, its very essence devoid of any inclination to invade or dominate others; building friendly relations has always been our guiding principle.
China stands as the only major nation to have enshrined the pursuit of peaceful development in its Constitution and Party charter, elevating it to a national will. This confidence in peace-loving development resonates with the deep-rooted traditions of Chinese civilization.
From the historical principles of peaceful coexistence to the current endeavor of building a shared human community, the spirit of harmony has evolved over time while maintaining its foundational essence.
In this new era, international events like the China International Import Expo, the China International Fair for Trade in Services, and the Canton Fair showcase our commitment to openness—continuously reducing the negative list for foreign investment and creating free trade zones. We invite people from around the globe to join in on China’s development. As we uphold the fundamental policy of opening up and pursue a win-win strategy, China’s doors continue to swing wide open, expanding its “circle of friends” and welcoming more partners on the path to modernization.
China achieving modernization signifies the growth of peace worldwide and the strengthening of international justice.
With concern for humanity’s future and the welfare of its people, cultural insights profoundly resonate at pivotal historical moments, capturing the tides of the age.
“Like-mindedness creates partnerships. Seeking common ground while respecting differences is also a form of partnership.”
Mutual respect and cooperative coexistence provide a guiding pathway for the advancement of human civilization.
As President Xi Jinping articulates the vision of advocating for a civilization that thrives on coexistence, it transcends BRICS and reaches toward the broader world—standing on the side of human progress.
“Coexistence” is both a cultural foundation and aspiration; it seeks harmony and unity. Building a community with a shared future for mankind becomes a brilliant banner leading the way forward, undoubtedly guiding humanity’s collective journey towards a bright prospect of peace, security, prosperity, and progress.
