The contemporary significance of classical Marxism for Chinese Marxism

The transformation of classical Marxist concepts in national philosophical systems is increasingly relevant in the search for effective models of social development amid the global challenges of the twenty-first century. This study examined the reception and adaptation of classical Marxism in modern Chinese philosophical thought to understand the factors behind China’s socio-economic success. The methodology employed historical, comparative, and systematic analyses of theoretical texts, official Communist Party documents, and socio-economic data from 2000 to 2020. Findings reveal that the transformation of classical Marxism within Chinese philosophy involved reinterpreting the role of the peasantry in revolution and adapting class struggle theory to the complex structure of a semi-colonial society. Methodological innovations emerged through dialectical approaches such as the principle of “seeking truth from facts” and the pragmatic method of “crossing the river by feeling for stones,” which integrated planned economic principles with market mechanisms. The interaction of Marxism and traditional Chinese philosophy provided a theoretical foundation for far-reaching socio-economic changes. These are reflected in China’s reduction of poverty from 30.7% to 0.6% between 2000 and 2019 and sustained GDP growth averaging 8–10% annually over two decades. The study concludes that the mechanisms of conceptual transformation and practical application of Marxist theory illustrate how philosophical systems adapt to distinct cultural contexts. Such insights are valuable for developing socio-economic strategies that align with national conditions while addressing global development challenges.