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J OF CHIN POLIT SCI (2014) 19:113
DOI 10.1007/s11366-013-9272-0
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Zheng Wang
Published online: 13 December 2013# Journal of Chinese Political Science/Association of Chinese Political Studies 2013
Abstract With the Chinese Dream as a new, signature ideology of the CCP comes the important and challenging task of understanding its concept. This article examines the concept and context of the Chinese Dream, especially its core concept of national rejuvenation. It focuses on tracing the background of the concept and analyzes the context of this new narrative from three closely connected aspects: historical perspectives, domestic legitimacy, and the comprehension of the concept in an international context.
Keywords The Chinese Dream . Xi Jinping . Chinese Communist Party (CCP) .
Legitimacy. Ideology
Since Xi Jinping took office in November 2012, he has promoted the concept, the Chinese Dream. [1] From the National Peoples Congress annual meeting to his international trips, Xi has stressed it as a main theme in the majority of his public speeches [2]. In addition, the Chinese Communist Partys propaganda machine has used its various resources to promote the narrative. In a recent article from the Peoples Daily, Liu Qibao, the head of the CCPs Publicity Department, defines the importance of the Chinese Dream for the Party and the country. Liu refers to the Chinese Dream as the new leaderships mission statement and political manifesto for the Party and the countrys future; and it is a major strategic thought for developing socialism with Chinese characteristics [3]. Judging from the CCPs propaganda efforts, the Chinese Dream has become the signature ideology for Xis term. Without a doubt, understanding the concept of the Chinese Dream is essential to understanding Xi Jinpings administration and Chinas future policy orientation.
What is the Chinese Dream? Xi believes that to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is the greatest dream for the Chinese nation in modern history. [4] But how can people comprehend the concept of rejuvenation (fuxing) as a national goal? Even though Xi is the first Chinese leader to promote the Chinese Dream, the concept of national rejuvenation has been used by many Chinese leaders. Actually, almost every
Z. Wang (*)
School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Seton Hall University, 400 South Orange Avenue, South Orange,...