Xi Jinping pointed out in his report to the 19th CPC National Congress that “socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era.” It is not only a new idea based on the current condition but also a declaration to the world that China has been taking a right path and is going to uphold socialism with Chinese characteristics.

The new idea builds on Marxism, Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development.

It makes clear that the principal challenge facing Chinese society in the new era is the disparity between the unbalanced and inadequate development and the people’s ever-growing needs for a better life. "We must regard as our goal people's aspirations to live a better life," Xi Jinping said.

However, Socialism with Chinese Characteristics has been heard for a long time.

R.L. Kuhn, the host of Closer to China with R.L. Kuhn raised questions to Xie Chuntao, a member of the administration committee of Party School of the CPC Central Committee.

“What is the Xi Jinping Thought about that that's new? And then we have other elements for new era. So we have these different components being put together in the way that we have never seen before. What are the differences compared to the traditional Socialism with Chinese Characteristics," Kuhn asked.

“It’s been decades since the CPC held high the banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics. This time, the eye-catching part falls on the phrasing of 'new era' in the terminology, which goes, “socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era.” I think the reason General Secretary Xi Jinping makes such an important judgment is due to the transformative development made by China since reform and opening up. For instance, China’s comprehensive national strength has been remarkably enhanced, Chinese people’s living standards tremendously improved. Before reform and opening up, there were a lot of people who could not even feed and clothe themselves. The situation is totally different today. 

"Then, there is also prominent progress in China’s democratic legal system. I believe, it is just these very major, impressive changes, with continuously growing scale, particularly over the last five years, that has led Xi Jinping in stating that we are in a new era for development of socialism with Chinese characteristics.”

The “new era” theory also embarked on a journey to build a “great modern socialist country.” According to Xi's report, China will see that socialist modernization is basically realized from 2020 to 2035. From 2035 to the mid-21st century, China will develop into a “great modern socialist country” that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful.