“Art and literature are the spark that ignites the national spirit, as well as the guiding light that illuminates the path for that spirit’s future.”
In 1925, the eminent figure Lu Xun, often referred to as the “greatest and most valiant flag-bearer of the Cultural New Army,” made this powerful statement in his essay “On Opening One’s Eyes.” Lu Xun dedicated his life to enlightening the public through literature and fostering national consciousness. He consistently advocated that the primary means of transforming the spirit of the Chinese people lies in art and literature.
“Why should we place a high emphasis on art and literature?” This critical question was posed by General Secretary Xi Jinping during a significant speech at a literary work symposium on October 15, 2014. In a recent reissue of this address in the 20th issue of Qiushi magazine in 2024, he clearly articulated the importance of culture in the grand scheme of national development and global trends. From the strategic viewpoint of achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through the flourishing of Chinese culture, the General Secretary emphasized the profound impact and overarching importance of culture and literature for a nation and human civilization. He stated, “Culture is a crucial force for national survival and development,” and added, “Without the prosperity of Chinese culture, there can be no great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” He further elaborated that without the proactive guidance of advanced culture, the enrichment of the people’s spiritual world, and the continuous strengthening of national spirit, no country or nation can stand tall in the world. “Every endeavor to elevate our spirit, establish a foundation, and create a spiritual home relies on art and literature,” he remarked. As skyscrapers rise across the nation, the edifice of the Chinese national spirit must also stand tall. The General Secretary asserted that the role of art and literature is irreplaceable in achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and that there is significant potential for literary workers to contribute meaningfully to this goal. These important insights elevate the understanding of the Communist Party’s stance on literature and the arts to a new level.
The profound recognition of the role of literature and the arts took root early in Xi Jinping’s life. At the age of five or six, a story about the fierce loyalty of a commander’s mother—”the story of the mother tattooing her son”—deeply resonated with him after reading it in a set of illustrated books his mother bought for him, leaving a lasting impression. As he grew older, he developed a fondness for classical texts like “Records of the Three Kingdoms,” “Origins of Ancient Poetry,” “Historical Records,” and “War and Peace,” extracting rich spiritual nourishment from them. This deep understanding led him to remain concerned about culture and the arts throughout his life, whether during his time as an educated youth or while working at the grassroots level. During his time in Liangjiahe, he sought out books fervently, even walking thirty miles to borrow a long-desired copy of “Faust.” “I read all the literary classics I could find back then,” he recalled. While working in Zhengding, he often engaged in late-night discussions about literature and life with a friend, forging a deep friendship with writer Jia Dashan. After Jia’s passing, Xi poignantly penned “In Memory of Dashan” in 1998. He also organized and wrote the preface for “The Ancient and Modern of Zhengding,” and worked tirelessly to create a permanent structure for “Rongguo Mansion,” allowing the timeless classic “Dream of the Red Chamber” to be promoted and appreciated. While in Fujian, he guided the production of the television music piece “Symphony of Mountains and Seas” and expressed his admiration for the model county party secretary through the creation of “Nian Niu Jiao: In Remembrance of Jiao Yulu,” articulating his ideals of serving the people and benefiting society. In Zhejiang, he wrote the “Zhejiang New Words” column for the Zhejiang Daily under the pen name “Zhexin,” effortlessly referencing passages from “The Book of Rites,” “Zuo Zhuan,” “Strategies of the Warring States,” and “Historical Records.” During speeches to university students, he demonstrated an intimate familiarity with renowned literary works from both China and abroad. He showed great concern for local operas, promoting the development of Yueju, Kunqu, and Wuju theater, and presided over discussions focusing on the work of the China Academy of Art, strategizing for its development into a world-class art institution. As mayor of Shanghai, he committed to transforming the city into a cultural metropolis rich with masters of culture and renowned artists, emphasizing that artists should “attune themselves to the rhythm of the times,” merging their artistic pursuits with national development, and creating exemplary works worthy of the times and the people.
Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping has positioned literary work at the forefront of the Party and the nation’s agenda. With a profound historical consciousness and unwavering cultural confidence, he has guided the development of socialist literature and art into a new era. The report from the 19th National Congress specifically addressed the “prosperity and development of socialist literature and art,” laying out strategic deployments for advancing the literary arts in the new era. The 20th National Congress report emphatically called for producing more outstanding works that enhance the people’s spiritual well-being and for cultivating a large cohort of morally and artistically accomplished literary artists along with a robust talent pool in the cultural and artistic fields. Xi has hosted literary work symposiums, attended the opening ceremonies of the national congress of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the China Writers Association, and frequently communicated with literary workers to provide direction and set responsibilities, aiming to elevate morale for the development of the arts. He approved the establishment of a national version library, advocated for cultural initiatives like the “Revival Library,” “Confucian Collection,” and “Chinese Painting Series,” and supported the inheritance and development of folk cultural art, encouraging contemporary youth writers, poets, and artists to innovate and create while also championing bold advancements in domestic science fiction cinema. Even on significant diplomatic occasions, he actively references literary works, using the power of literature to foster connections and present a vibrant image of a culturally rich China. He has been instrumental in developing a series of policies and initiatives, including the “Central Committee Opinions on Promoting Socialist Literature and Art,” “Reform of National Literary Awards,” and “Guidelines for Strengthening Literary Criticism in the New Era,” providing a clear roadmap for the revival of the socialist literary arts and fostering a clean, upright environment for artistic endeavors.
Over the past decade, countless literary workers have embraced Xi Jinping’s earnest directives, immersing themselves in the lives of the people, and expressing the collective feelings of the populace through their works. They have achieved remarkable outcomes across various domains including literary creation, artistic activities, and cultural enrichment. Especially notable are their contributions to commemorate significant anniversaries such as the 70th victory of the Chinese People’s Anti-Japanese War, the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army, the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening-up policy, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Volunteers’ participation in the Korean War, and the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China. Addressing major themes such as poverty alleviation efforts, the realization of the dream of building a moderately prosperous society, combating the COVID-19 pandemic, and promoting international sports events like the Beijing Winter Olympics and the Hangzhou Asian Games, literary workers have wholeheartedly engaged with creative efforts, producing numerous outstanding works and conducting a series of artistic activities that strengthen people’s spirits and foster unity. Moreover, as they adapt to the evolution of society and the needs of the populace, mainstream art and literary works have increasingly sought depth in thought and innovation in form. Progress has been made across various fields including literature, theater, film, television, music, dance, fine arts, photography, calligraphy, folk art, and cultural commentary, with a vibrant and exciting new landscape for China’s artistic endeavors emerging.
