Party Building Review: Understanding the True Essence of Struggle and Tempering Political Firmness

　　Recently, the 2019 autumn semester training class for young and middle-aged cadres of the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance) opened at the Central Party School. General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at the opening ceremony, in which the word "struggle" was mentioned most frequently, nearly 60 times. Why does the General Secretary emphasize struggle again at this moment? What is the far-sighted vision behind it?

　　Speaking of struggle, the history of the Chinese Communist Party's fight is a heroic and moving history of struggle. We have overcome many challenges once thought unimaginable. Seizing the Luding Bridge and completing the Long March of 25,000 li were incredibly arduous struggles; winning the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea under extremely harsh conditions was an invincible struggle; initiating the unprecedented era of "reform and opening up" was a struggle of reform and innovation. The report of the 19th National Congress of the Party pointed out: "To realize the great dream, we must carry out great struggles." Countless historical experiences and lessons tell us that backwardness leads to being beaten. Therefore, only through struggle can we "respond to ever-changing situations with unchanging principles" and achieve victory one after another.

　　Emphasizing struggle at this moment is a deep understanding of the tortuous nature of struggle. This struggle requires the courage and responsibility of "one man guarding the pass, ten thousand men cannot open it." Struggle is a battle of courage. We are at a historical crossroads, seeing that socialist modernization has entered a critical period. We must face difficulties head-on and fight bravely. This not only tests whether we have the determination to "remain calm amid turbulent clouds," but also tests whether we have the confidence to "not fear floating clouds that obscure the view," the ambition of "we are not mere weeds," and the boldness to "leave a loyal heart shining in history." Facing a complex and ever-changing situation, we must dare to strike hard; facing strong enemies, we must bravely bear heavy pressure, never be timid, never falter, and never compromise. On the contrary, avoiding problems and dodging difficulties is cowardly behavior, which is not the spirit of our Party members and cadres. Our iron will does not allow surrender.

　　Emphasizing struggle at this moment is a deep understanding of the long-term nature of struggle. This struggle is the vigorous effort of "sometimes the long wind and waves will break through, hoisting the cloud sails to cross the vast sea." Struggle is not a one-off battle or a sudden movement, but an incredibly long journey, like a new Long March under the background of socialist modernization. In the old Long March, we persevered to overthrow the "three mountains." In today's Long March, we are determined to advance and decisively build a moderately prosperous society in all respects, unswervingly achieve the two centenary goals, and realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation—the Chinese Dream—on the path of socialist modernization that allows the people to live a better life. Qu Yuan said: "The road ahead is long and has no ending; yet high and low I'll search with my will unbending." The road ahead is full of thorns; without the will to struggle and fight, one will be abandoned by the times halfway. In reality, some officials indulge excessively in pleasure, unwilling to contribute to the new Long March, content with mediocrity, decline, and corruption, willing to become the "incompetent, mediocre, corrupt, and lazy officials" severely criticized by the General Secretary. Such inaction and slow action are absolutely unacceptable.

　　Emphasizing struggle at this moment is a deep understanding of the revolutionary nature of struggle. This struggle is the reform and elimination of evils, like "changing the official wine law and gradually making clear water into fine cream." Comrade Deng Xiaoping pointed out: "If we do not carry out reform now, our modernization and socialist cause will be lost." Reform has always been the most profound theme of the times. Reform requires persistent transformation, optimizing relationships and mechanisms, and solving unbalanced development issues on the basis of ensuring the interests of all parties, making China renewed. In fact, the essence of reform is the harmony of "change" and "unchange," and only reform can make our reform cause go smoothly. However, in the eyes of some, reform is seen as a "house of cards" for power struggles. China is clearly approaching the world stage, with countless eyes watching us closely. At the forefront, we are eyed covetously. As the ancients said: "Who allows others to snore beside their bed?" We must continuously strengthen our sense of crisis and maintain strategic composure, unify strategic judgment and tactical decision-making, unify the process and effectiveness of struggle, and fully recognize that reform struggle is not smooth sailing. We must have a very high level of ideological awareness and always maintain the spirit of a fighter.

　　Emphasizing struggle at this moment is a deep understanding of the dialectical nature of struggle. This struggle is the unity of opposites, like "the cicadas' noise makes the forest quieter, the birds' singing makes the mountain more serene." "Fight" and "struggle" are like the yin and yang in the Bagua diagram, each with its own characteristics and attributes. "Fight" aims at the target, to defeat or even eliminate the opposition. When facing enemies, we never go easy, using an iron hand to sweep away all demons and monsters; never slack off, using iron will to break through all difficulties and obstacles; never show mercy, using a thunderstorm to sweep away all shadows and evils. "Fight" brings us joy, charm, and radiant vitality. "Struggle," on the other hand, is about trying to reverse an unfavorable situation when at a disadvantage, turning danger into safety. It does not aim to defeat or eliminate the opponent but to achieve a new, favorable delicate balance, pursuing win-win or multi-win outcomes.

　　The world today is undergoing unprecedented great changes unseen in a century. China now faces complex external challenges and internal adjustment pains during its transition period. Facing the increasingly difficult domestic and international situation, adhering to great struggle is undoubtedly our only way to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Only if the whole Party dares to struggle, is good at struggling, and enjoys struggling, can we move flexibly in observing the world situation externally and skillfully solve our country's development problems internally. Only in this way can we live up to the trust of our predecessors, the people, and the country.