Socialism with Chinese characteristics is a practice combing the basic principles of Marxism with the reality of contemporary China, according to a People's Daily Commentary on June 12. "Its unity of principle and flexibility gives it both rigidity and resilience, so that it can withstand many challenges and then move forward," Li Junru, vice president with the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, says in the commentary.

Since reform and opening up, China has undergone all kinds of challenges, from the collapse of the former Soviet Union and the tremendous change that has taken place in East Europe, through massive natural disasters and the international financial crisis, to deeper all-round reform and promoting the rule of law.

Li Junru, the author of the commentary, says although there are still tests to be faced in the future, the system has shown the ability of the Communist Party of China to govern and the resilience of the socialism with Chinese characteristics, which is an important base for China's confidence in its system.

But where does this resilience come from?

Its foundation is the national governance structure forged during the process of reform and opening up. It is a triangular structure, in which government, market and society are separate but interrelated. The structure features the stability of triangle, and also allows expansionary forces.

Throughout the process of reform and opening up, China always remained committed to the CPC's leadership, while exploring innovation in the style of that leadership. A new relationship developed between Party, government, market and society.

Thus, above the trianglar structure formed by government, market, and society is the Party's leadership, which forms a national governance structure with expansionary forces.

It is rigid enough to protect against threats, and resilient against internal problems and external shocks.

Resilience of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics also stems from China's history and culture, the commentary states.

However, the CPC is never a party to rest on its laurels. It is a party capable of self-innovation and self-cleaning; it is proactive in adapting practices to changing times, and it keeps evolving.

These are the qualities that allow the CPC to conscientiously clear any malignancies from the body politic, and always maintain vigor and vitality.

This article was edited and translated from 《中国特色社会主义制度具有强大韧性》, source: People's Daily