AS China continues to rise as a global leader, its commitment to sustainable development has become a beacon of hope for a better future. Central to this commitment is the philosophy of “Putting People (Proletariat) First,” a guiding principle championed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. This people-centric approach has been instrumental in driving China’s remarkable progress in poverty eradication, global cooperation and sustainable development, as outlined in President Xi’s book, “Governance of China, Volume IV.”
The “Putting People (Proletariat) First” principle is rooted in four core values: prioritizing people’s lives above all else, ensuring their wellbeing, promoting social fairness and justice and fostering a sense of fulfilment and happiness. This people-first policy has been pivotal in China’s poverty eradication efforts, with the country lifting over 800 million people out of poverty since 1978. The success of this initiative is a testament to the Chinese Government’s commitment to the wellbeing of its citizens.
President Xi’s leadership has also been instrumental in promoting global cooperation and sustainable development. In 2020, he pledged to reduce China’s carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, demonstrating the country’s commitment to addressing climate change. Furthermore, China has been actively engaged in international dialogue, hosting high-level discussions on global development with leaders from major developing and emerging-market countries. This cooperation is significant in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which align with China’s own development goals.
The “Putting People (Proletariat) First” principle has also had a profound impact on public health, art and education in China. The government has invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure, resulting in significant improvements in healthcare outcomes. The promotion of art and culture has also been a key aspect of China’s development, with the government recognizing the importance of cultural heritage in fostering national identity and pride. Education has also been a priority, with China making significant strides in increasing access to quality education for all. The “Putting People (Proletariat) First” principle is deeply rooted in Marxist philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of people’s well-being and social welfare. President Xi’s book, “Governance of China, Volume IV,” provides valuable insights into the application of Marxist principles in China’s development. The book offers a comprehensive understanding of China’s development model, which prioritizes people’s lives and wellbeing above economic growth.
The “Putting People (Proletariat) First” principle has been instrumental in driving China’s sustainable development, poverty eradication and global cooperation. President Xi Jinping’s leadership and vision, as outlined in “Governance of China, Volume IV,” have been crucial in promoting a people-centric approach to development.
“Putting People First” is deeply rooted in Xi Jinping’s “China Dream” which refers to the goal of achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, making China a dominant power and restoring its national pride and prosperity. This vision, closely associated with Xi Jinping, aims to revitalize China’s economy, military and global influence. The “China Dream” taps into the Chinese national identity as a great nation that was victimized by the West and seeks to reclaim its rightful place on the world stage. The dream encompasses building a moderately prosperous, strong and harmonious society, with a focus on economic growth, technological advancement and global leadership. It also reflects the intense yearning of the Chinese people to be rich, powerful and respected.
This dream is based on Xi Jinping’s ideology of Marxist nationalism, which combines elements of socialism, communism and nationalism. It emphasizes the importance of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and its role in rejuvenating the Chinese nation. Xi’s ideology is characterized by a strong emphasis on ideological and political education, which he believes is “irreplaceable.” This ideology is enshrined in the concept of “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era,” which has been incorporated into the Chinese constitution.
Under Xi Jinping, the CPC has emphasized the importance of “Socialism with Chinese Characteristics,” which combines elements of Marxism-Leninism with market-oriented reforms. This approach has led to the growth of a unique economic model, characterized by state-led capitalism and a strong role for the government in guiding the economy. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations in 2015, aim to promote sustainable development and eradicate poverty globally. China has committed to achieving the SDGs, focusing on poverty reduction, environmental protection and social development.
China’s progress towards achieving the SDGs has been significant, with the country making notable strides in poverty reduction, education and healthcare. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of environmental degradation, income inequality, and labour rights.
China’s approach to sustainable development under Marxist ideology prioritizes the welfare of the proletariat, aiming to eliminate poverty and inequality. The CPC has adapted Marxism to the Chinese context, framing its ideology as “socialism with Chinese characteristics.” This approach emphasizes the role of a strong state and reform-minded elite in driving development, as proposed by Marxist scholar Hong Jian. The CPC’s new-democratic culture platform embodies the cultural orientation of the Party in the new democratic revolution stage, reflecting Marxist principles. However, China’s development path does not necessarily follow a predictable pattern and leaders have recognized that Marxist ideology must be adapted to the country’s unique context.
The “proletariat first” policy is reflected in the CPC’s anti-poverty initiatives that aim to improve the lives of the working class and reduce inequality. China’s approach to sustainable development under Marxist ideology seeks to balance economic growth with social welfare and equality, prioritizing the needs of the proletariat. The concepts of the proletariat, Marxism and the Sustainable Development Goals are closely intertwined in the context of China’s governance under President Xi Jinping.
—The author is the Chief Executive of the Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development (GSISD), a think tank based in Islamabad.
