Q1: Historical orientation is a fundamental issue in determining the direction of development and choosing the correct strategy, as well as the general basis for identifying, analyzing and solving problems, and ultimately realizing theoretical development and creation. Socialism with Chinese characteristics entering a new era is a major theoretical innovation of Xi Jinping’s thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era. How can we pull back the horizons in the long river of history to accurately recognize and grasp the new historical orientation of China’s social development?

Shi Jianxun: To have a profound understanding of the current historical position of our country, a comprehensive analysis from the following three dimensions is essential.

From the perspective of the historical process of human social development, the fourth industrial revolution represented by artificial intelligence, new energy and biotechnology is now in full swing in the world, and the world’s modernization is shifting from “Western domination” to “diversified development”. The modernization process of countries with emerging economies is accelerating, and they are becoming important players and leaders in global modernization.

From the perspective of the historical development of China’s modernization, China is currently at a crucial historical stage of transitioning from “becoming prosperous” to “becoming powerful”, and from “catching up” to “running neck and neck” or even “taking the lead”. While grasping the important strategic opportunities for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, it is even more important to cope with the global changes and various risks and challenges.

From the perspective of the long-term, comprehensive and complex nature of the primary stage of socialism, despite China’s great achievements in development and changes in the main contradictions in society, China’s fundamental national condition of remaining in the primary stage of socialism for a long time has not changed. China is still the world’s largest developing country, and still has a long and arduous journey ahead to achieve the goal of building a great modern socialist country.

Q2: The report of the 20th CPC National Congress emphasizes that, with the accelerated evolution of the unprecedented changes in the world, the in-depth development of a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial change, and the profound adjustment of the international power balance, China’s development is facing new strategic opportunities. How can we scientifically grasp the strategic opportunities and risks and challenges facing our country?

Shi Jianxun: First of all, we should maintain strategic focus, do our own affairs firmly, and firmly grasp the strategic initiative. Looking back at history, the most important reason why China has been able to achieve world-recognized development achievements lies in that we have always held high the banner of reform and opening up unswervingly, always focused on domestic development, always adhered to the “one center, two basic points” unswervingly, and always given priority to doing our own affairs well. Only when we have done our own affairs well, developed and strengthened ourselves, can we have the confidence to compete in the global modernization competition and firmly grasp the strategic initiative.

Second, comprehensively deepen reform and opening up, and accelerate the realization of high-quality economic development. The current and future period is a critical period for comprehensively promoting the construction of a great country and national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernization. We must continue to advance reform and opening up, highlight problem orientation, and focus on solving the problems that hinder the establishment of a new development pattern and the promotion of high-quality development, as well as the pains and difficulties in the fields of the development environment and people’s livelihoods, and the hotspots that run counter to social fairness and justice, and effectively prevent and resolve major risks.

Thirdly, we will accelerate the construction of the innovation system and vigorously develop new forms of productive forces. We will comprehensively promote high-level scientific and technological self-reliance, deepen the reform of the science and technology system, education system, and talent system, and improve the basic system supporting comprehensive innovation. Accelerate the establishment of an industrial demand-led innovation system and continuously strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights. We will deeply implement major technological transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry and large-scale equipment renewal projects, accelerate the upgrading of industrial digitalization, intelligence, and greening, speed up the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, and actively cultivate strategic and emerging industries with international advanced standards and competitiveness.

Fourth, China’s modernization cannot be separated from the world, and the world’s modernization needs China. To promote Chinese-style modernization in the new era, it is necessary to create an external environment conducive to China’s development: on the one hand, it is necessary to adhere to multilateralism, actively develop global partnerships, actively participate in the reform and construction of the global governance system, and promote the building of a community of shared destiny for mankind; on the other hand, it is necessary to make efforts to improve relations with developed countries such as Europe and the United States, in particular, China-US relations. Efforts should be made to resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, deepen practical cooperation and civil society exchanges, continuously enhance mutual understanding and trust, and promote the construction of a generally stable framework for relations among major countries.

Q3: The complex and severe situation highlights the strategic significance of accelerating and deepening the construction of the “five centers”. How can Shanghai seize the opportunity, give full play to its advantages, and give full play to its leading role in promoting Chinese-style modernization?

Shi Jianxun: As the front-runner of Chinese-style modernization, Shanghai should bear in mind the wishes of General Secretary Xi Jinping, adhere to the “Four Places”, be brave enough to take on the heaviest burdens and gnaw the most difficult bones, and accelerate the construction of the “Five Centers”.

First, the construction of the international economic center should focus on improving the ability to allocate global resources. Deepen the reform of the Free Trade Zone, strengthen the construction of the headquarters economy, promote the deep integration of the regional industrial chain, innovation chain, supply chain, strengthen the synergistic development with Suzhou, Zhejiang and Anhui, to form a regional economic linkage effect, to attract more multinational corporations to set up their regional headquarters and functional institutions, to create a global resource allocation hub, and to make positive contributions to the construction of a new development pattern.

Secondly, the construction of international financial center should focus on enhancing the ability of financial services to the real economy. It is necessary to deepen financial reform and opening up, develop offshore financial markets, and accelerate the construction of a global RMB center. Expedite the improvement of the system and capabilities for financial services to support scientific and technological innovation. Expand financial opening up in an orderly manner, attract foreign capital to participate in China’s financial market, and promote the internationalization of the RMB. Vigorously develop green finance, support green bonds, carbon finance and other innovative products, and help realize the goal of “double carbon”.

Thirdly, the construction of the international trade center should focus on improving the service capacity of trade facilitation. Build a high-level open economy. Further optimize Shanghai’s trade structure, promote the development of new business forms such as service trade and digital trade, and enhance the added value of trade. Accelerate the construction of an international consumption center city, create the first place for global new products, and attract the concentration of international high-end consumption brands. Continuously upgrade the functions of ports and optimize customs clearance facilitation measures.

Fourth, the construction of an international shipping center should accelerate the development of shipping finance, shipping insurance and other high-value-added service industries, and enhance the level of shipping services. Utilize technologies like 5G and blockchain to promote the construction of smart ports and improve port operation efficiency. Strengthen cooperation with ports along the Belt and Road Initiative, enhance the connectivity of the global shipping network, and strive to expand the international route network.

Fifth, the construction of an international science and technology innovation center should focus on improving the level and capacity of science and technology innovation. Support the construction of Zhangjiang Comprehensive National Science Center, promote the landing of large scientific devices, and accelerate the construction of high-level innovation platforms. Strengthen cooperation between enterprises and universities and research institutes, accelerate the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, and promote the deep integration of industry, academia and research. Improve the mechanism of talent development and intellectual property protection, attract top global talents, stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship, and cultivate an innovation ecosystem.