In a groundbreaking scholarly contribution set to redefine the intellectual landscape of contemporary Chinese cultural theory, Qiao Q.’s recent article, “Two Integrations: Theoretical Evolution and Its Contemporary Significance to Xi Jinping Thought on Culture,” published in the International Journal of Anthropology and Ethnology, offers a profound exploration of the majestic theoretical underpinnings shaping modern cultural policies in China. This comprehensive study unpacks the layered complexity embedded within the evolving framework of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, providing a nuanced dissection that resonates far beyond the borders of China’s political discourse.
At the heart of Qiao’s treatise lies the concept of “Two Integrations,” a theoretical construct that elucidates the symbiotic relationship between traditional Chinese cultural ethos and the pragmatic demands of modern socialist governance. This integration is not merely ideological but functions as a dynamic process through which culture is both preserved and innovated upon under the aegis of state-led initiatives. By tracking the historical lineage of cultural theory from Maoist principles through to the current ideological formulations, Qiao reveals how cultural policies have evolved to serve the dual purpose of maintaining social cohesion and advancing China’s strategic global positioning.
Qiao’s article systematically examines how Xi Jinping’s cultural thought articulates a dialogical approach, wherein continuity and innovation are not antithetical but complementary. This approach recognizes the vitality of cultural confidence as a pillar of national rejuvenation, emphasizing that a profound understanding of China’s rich cultural history is indispensable for envisioning its modern future. The theoretical evolution outlined in the study showcases how cultural development intertwines with governance and ideology, presenting culture not merely as an artifact of history but as a living, breathing entity instrumental in shaping public consciousness and statecraft.
A significant portion of the article is devoted to disentangling the methodological apparatus that undergirds Xi Jinping’s cultural ideology. Qiao highlights the dialectical synthesis of Marxist cultural theory with indigenous Chinese philosophical traditions, such as Confucianism, Taoism, and socialist realism. This synthesis positions cultural thought as a tool for ideological resilience, capable of adapting to rapid socio-economic transformations while reinforcing core socialist values. The author notes that this theoretical evolution has catalyzed the emergence of a uniquely Chinese cultural modernity that rejects Western cultural imperialism and promotes a distinctive path tailored to China’s historical and societal specificities.
This discourse is framed within contemporary debates about cultural globalization and sovereignty, where Qiao critically assesses China’s strategy of cultural assertion on the international stage. The article elucidates how the “Two Integrations” serve as a strategic cultural apparatus that bolsters not only national identity but also soft power projection. Through the meticulous alignment of cultural policy with state ideology, China aims to construct a resilient cultural narrative that challenges Western hegemonic frameworks and offers an alternative model for cultural development in the 21st century.
Moreover, the study offers an incisive critique of earlier cultural theories that prioritized either preservation or modernization in isolation, arguing that the dialectical interplay of these seemingly contradictory elements is essential for sustainable cultural development. This reframing compels scholars and policy-makers alike to reconsider the rigid dichotomies between tradition and modernity, suggesting a more fluid and integrative interpretive lens that better captures the complexities of cultural evolution in contemporary China.
Qiao’s exploration further extends to the practical effects of these cultural theories on policy formulation and implementation. The article details how cultural institutions, educational frameworks, and media discourses have been mobilized to propagate the core tenets of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture. By embedding these ideological imperatives into everyday cultural practices, the state fosters an environment where national pride and cultural confidence can flourish organically, contributing to the overarching goal of societal harmony and political stability.
The article also sheds light on the pivotal role of cultural innovation in addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and technological advancement. Qiao underscores the necessity of marrying cultural heritage with digital modernization, highlighting initiatives that integrate traditional Chinese arts and narratives within new media platforms. This fusion exemplifies the operationalization of the “Two Integrations” theory, demonstrating how culture can remain vibrant and relevant amidst unprecedented social change.
Another profound aspect of Qiao’s work is its reflection on the ethical dimensions implicit in Xi Jinping’s cultural thought. The synthesis of cultural evolution and political ideology is infused with a moral vision that seeks to cultivate citizens’ virtues and collective responsibility. This ethical underpinning reinforces the notion that culture is instrumental in fostering not only national identity but also individual moral development, positioning cultural policy as a key vector for holistic social progress.
The theoretical rigor of the article is matched by its empirical grounding, drawing on a diverse array of case studies ranging from cultural heritage preservation projects to contemporary art movements. These examples illustrate the tangible manifestations of Xi Jinping’s cultural policies and provide empirical evidence supporting the theoretical claims made throughout the study. By bridging abstract theory with concrete practice, Qiao offers a compelling narrative of how culture operates as an active arena for ideological negotiation and social transformation.
In engaging with international scholarly discourse, Qiao positions the “Two Integrations” within broader debates on postcolonial theory, globalization, and cultural sovereignty. The article deftly critiques Western paradigms that tend to universalize cultural modernity, arguing instead for a pluralistic understanding that acknowledges the distinctive trajectories and epistemologies of non-Western cultures. This contribution is particularly salient in a geopolitical climate marked by increasing cultural contestation and the reassertion of national identities.
The implications of Qiao’s analysis are far-reaching, extending to fields as diverse as anthropology, cultural studies, political science, and international relations. By explicating the theoretical evolution underpinning Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, the article equips scholars and practitioners with a nuanced framework to interpret China’s cultural strategies. This understanding is crucial for comprehending not only domestic developments but also China’s expanding role as a cultural actor on the global stage.
Looking to the future, Qiao envisages the continued evolution of the “Two Integrations” as a dynamic process responsive to shifting socio-political landscapes. The article suggests that ongoing refinement of cultural policies will be necessary to navigate emerging challenges, including cultural hybridity, generational shifts, and technological disruptions. This forward-looking perspective highlights the adaptability inherent in Xi Jinping’s cultural thought and signals its enduring relevance amidst uncertain futures.
Ultimately, Qiao’s article contributes a seminal perspective to the study of culture in contemporary China, framing Xi Jinping Thought on Culture as both a continuation and transformation of China’s rich intellectual heritage. The sophisticated synthesis of tradition and innovation articulated through the “Two Integrations” presents a robust theoretical lens that enriches our understanding of cultural dynamics in an increasingly complex world.
As this research gains traction within academic and policy-making circles, it has the potential to influence global perceptions of cultural identity, sovereignty, and development. By rigorously analyzing the interplay of culture, ideology, and governance, Qiao offers a vital roadmap for navigating the cultural politics of the 21st century, reinforcing the centrality of culture in shaping both national destiny and global discourse.
In sum, “Two Integrations: Theoretical Evolution and Its Contemporary Significance to Xi Jinping Thought on Culture” stands as a landmark contribution merging theoretical depth with practical insight. It challenges readers worldwide to reconsider the ontological status of culture and its pivotal role in political and social life, making Qiao’s work an essential reference for anyone seeking to understand contemporary China and its cultural vision.
Subject of Research:
Theoretical evolution and contemporary significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, focusing on the concept of “Two Integrations.”
Article Title:
Two Integrations: Theoretical Evolution and Its Contemporary Significance to Xi Jinping Thought on Culture
Article References:
Qiao, Q. Two Integrations: Theoretical evolution and its contemporary significance to Xi Jinping Thought on Culture. Int. j. anthropol. ethnol. 10, 1 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41257-026-00149-x
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1186/s41257-026-00149-x (22 January 2026)
