In an unprecedented examination of Chinese political communication, recent research has charted the intricate evolution of political discourse from the mid-20th century to the present day, unveiling profound socio-ideological transformations shaping modern China. This analysis synthesizes discourse-historical methodologies with specialized insight into Chinese sociopolitical rhetoric, spotlighting emblematic narratives spanning from Mao Zedong’s revolutionary zeal to Xi Jinping’s contemporary nationalism. The study not only maps linguistic shifts but also unpacks the underlying ideological currents that have steered China through decades of radical reform and burgeoning global ambition.
Beginning with Mao Zedong’s epoch, political discourse was steeped in revolutionary idealism, revolving around visions of proletarian revolution, class struggle, and communist utopia. Mao’s rhetoric was marked by emotional mobilization and fervent theoretical constructs that sought to galvanize a population amidst both internal chaos and global ideological contestation. This discourse was deeply intertwined with the socio-political realities of the era—China as a nascent revolutionary state committed to dismantling imperialist and revisionist forces. However, Mao’s vision, while powerful, ultimately proved unsustainable as China’s socio-economic fabric evolved, with his communist utopia increasingly at odds with emerging practical needs.
Transitioning from Mao’s idealism, Deng Xiaoping’s era heralded a distinct discursive adaptation, reflecting China’s pivot toward pragmatic reform and opening. Deng’s rhetoric abandoned the utopian revolutionary fervor in favor of economic modernization and socialist market principles tailored to Chinese realities. Reform discourse emphasized “socialist modernization” and “building socialism with Chinese characteristics,” signaling a departure from rigid ideological purity to strategic pragmatism. This shift was mirrored in language that blended theoretical continuity with flexible adjustment, enabling China to pursue dramatic economic reforms while maintaining the Communist Party’s political hegemony.
The discourse evolution continued under Jiang Zemin, whose articulation of the “Three Represents” sought to reconcile party ideology with newfound social complexities and economic diversification. Jiang’s narrative aimed to broaden the Communist Party’s representative base, integrating entrepreneurs and other emerging social forces into the political fold—an ideological recalibration necessary for sustaining legitimacy amid rapid market developments. This discourse maintained the foundational socialist framework while accommodating the realities of a transforming society, thus facilitating a discursive continuation that preserved past political constructs while injecting new adaptive elements.
Hu Jintao’s tenure introduced the concept of a “harmonious society,” emphasizing social stability and balanced development amidst challenges wrought by economic inequality and social change. The discourse embodied a subtle yet significant shift toward social welfare and collective wellbeing, framed within the continuity of socialist ideology but infused with pragmatic concerns for mitigating social tensions. Hu’s narrative thus further demonstrated the dynamic adaptability of Chinese political discourse, blending ideological principles with practical governance imperatives in an increasingly complex social landscape.
In contemporary times, Xi Jinping’s “Chinese Dream” encapsulates the latest stage of political discourse evolution, harnessing nationalism and aspirations for national rejuvenation. This narrative strategically integrates historical memory of past humiliations, achievements of reform eras, and projected future strength into a cohesive, emotionally resonant national identity. The discourse adapts elements of earlier rhetoric—such as Mao’s declaration of a standing Chinese nation—while innovatively constructing a forward-looking vision centered on global power restoration. Xi’s discourse thus serves both as a unifying framework and a mobilizing mechanism in China’s political communication.
Methodologically, the research employs Discourse-Historical Analysis (DHA), a rigorous approach that situates political language within its multifaceted socio-historical contexts, revealing the layered meanings and strategic adaptations over time. DHA enables an understanding of how discourse not only reflects but actively shapes ideological shifts and political legitimacy. By integrating this with specialized Chinese discourse perspectives, the study robustly interprets complex political narratives in their indigenous cultural and political milieus, avoiding reductionist readings.
The investigation identifies three defining features in the evolution of Chinese political discourse: adaptation, popularization, and continuation. Discursive adaptation refers to the process by which political narratives are continually reshaped in response to socio-political transformations and ideological realignments. This dynamic process ensures discourse remains relevant and authoritative despite shifting contexts. For example, the ideological shift from revolutionary communism to pragmatic socialism with Chinese characteristics illustrates this adaptative capacity.
Discursive popularization characterizes the gradual move from highly theoretical, elite-driven rhetoric to more accessible and emotionally charged narratives. Mao’s discourse, while ideologically dense and revolutionary, gave way through successive leaderships to pragmatism and ultimately to Xi’s widely resonant nationalistic themes. This trend enhances the communicative reach and social mobilization potential of political discourse, allowing it to permeate broader strata of society beyond party intellectuals and cadres.
Discursive continuation highlights the strategic inheritance of previous authoritative discourses, which provide foundational legitimacy for new political narratives. The “Chinese Dream,” for instance, draws continuity from Mao’s initial proclamation of Chinese national awakening, bridging historical epochs through recontextualization. This continuity not only stabilizes political discourse but also reinforces the ruling party’s narrative legitimacy by embedding it within a long historical trajectory.
Historically, the shifts in political discourse mirror China’s broader structural transformations—from an authoritarian communist system emphasizing class struggle and utopian idealism to a hybrid market-socialist economy with technocratic governance and pragmatic nationalism. This ideological trajectory aligns with China’s socio-economic development, culminating in the quest for great power status under Xi’s leadership. Political discourse thus reflects and reinforces the socio-ideological architecture of the state.
The research also highlights the increasing role of emotional narratives and nationalistic sentiment in contemporary Chinese political discourse. Whereas Mao’s rhetoric combined theoretical abstraction with emotional mobilization focused on class struggle, Xi’s discourse harnesses a collective cultural identity, historical pride, and future aspirations that resonate deeply within Chinese society. This successful narrative popularization enhances social cohesion and political legitimacy amid complex domestic and international challenges.
Moreover, the “Chinese Dream” incorporates new discursive elements reflecting China’s evolving productive forces and socio-economic realities, including technological innovation and quality-oriented growth. By integrating such themes, political discourse remains attuned to developments in China’s material base, projecting a vision of national rejuvenation grounded in contemporary progress rather than mere ideological affirmation.
This discursive evolution has implications beyond China’s borders. As Xi’s narratives increasingly assert China’s rightful place as a global power, political discourse serves as both a domestic legitimizing force and an instrument of international persuasion. Understanding this evolution is thus critical for interpreting China’s foreign policy postures and the ideological underpinnings of its global interactions.
In sum, the study unveils the powerful interplay between language, ideology, and social change in the making of modern Chinese political identity. It demonstrates how discourse both shapes and is shaped by the country’s tumultuous historical journey—from revolutionary beginnings to reformist pragmatism to assertive nationalism. This conceptual framework provides scholars and policymakers with vital tools to analyze China’s political communication strategies and anticipate future ideological trajectories.
As China continues to negotiate its path amid internal transformations and external pressures, the evolution of its political discourse will remain a defining feature of its socio-political landscape. The ongoing discursive adaptation, popularization, and continuation offer insights into how the Communist Party crafts its narratives to maintain legitimacy, mobilize society, and project power. Observing these patterns enriches our understanding of one of the 21st century’s most consequential political phenomena.
By weaving historical context with rigorous discourse analysis, this research illuminates the nuanced strategies underpinning China’s political rhetoric. It underscores the central importance of language as a medium of statecraft and ideological contestation, revealing the intricate mechanisms through which political authority is constructed, contested, and sustained. For observers of Chinese politics and international affairs alike, these findings offer a critical lens through which to interpret the nation’s evolving narrative landscape and its global aspirations.
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Zhang, J. The historical evolution of Chinese political discourse and socio-ideological change: a discourse-historical analysis. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 12, 1443 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05796-7
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