The guiding ideology of the Party is a theoretical system. The Constitution of the Communist Party of China adopted at the 16th National Congress of the CPC stipulated clearly: "The Communist Party of China takes Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of the Three Represents as its guide to action."

Adding the important thought of the "Three Represents" to the constitution of the Party following Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought and Deng Xiaoping Theory, and defining it as the guiding ideology of the Party that should be adhered to for a long time to come made clear to people of the world that the important thought of the "Three Represents" is a new theoretical system.

The important thought of the" Three Represents" should not be regarded only as one thesis among a series of important theses by Comrade Jiang Zemin, but the essential summary of a series of important theses by Comrade Jiang Zemin.

To judge whether a theory is a scientific theoretical system or not, we have to look at three basic elements: whether it is permeated with scientific world outlook and methodology, whether it focus on central issues for research and solution, and whether it has a series of inter-connected basic viewpoints centering on the central issues.

"Emancipating the mind, seeking truth from facts and keeping pace with the times" is not only the core of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought and Deng Xiaoping Theory, but also the core of the"Three Represents".

Centering on the progressiveness of the Party, Comrade Jiang Zemin formed a series of new theories from the perspective of the combination of the Party building and the development of socialist cause as follows: Keeping pace with the times; the historical position of the Party; the top priority; the objective and program of the Party; reform and innovation; exercising the state power in the interest of the people; and be strict with Party members.

The theoretical system of the important thought of the" Three Represents" embodied the unity between the Party building and the accomplishment of the Party's mission, unity between the progressiveness of the Party and the superiority of the socialist system, and unity between Party's the lowest program and the highest program, answered a series of key questions on how to maintain the progressiveness of the Party, and provided a powerful theoretical weapon for strengthening and improving the Party building and promoting the self-perfection and development of our socialist cause.

"Three Represents" is an open system, which itself is in the process of constant development. Thus, all the Party members should emancipate their minds to seek innovation in theory as well in practice.　

By Xu Zhigong

(July 8, PLA Daily)

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