Innovation and tradition in the interpretation of democracy in the modern CCP ideology

The influence of the ancient Confucian concept of 'the people as the foundation' (minben) has increased markedly in contemporary Chinese political ideology. The focus of the debate on the relations between Chinese tradition and democracy has shifted from searches for vestiges of liberal democracy in ancient Chinese thought to a clear identification of the presence of traditional components in contemporary CCP ideology. Chinese tradition has turned from a target for criticism into a tool to strengthen identity and unify society. Official ideology aims to synthesize "Chinese Marxism" with Chinese tradition. China has embarked on a path of independent interpretation of the modern model of democracy and its historical roots beyond the dogmas and standards of the Western academic mainstream. The new concept of people's democracy aims to strengthen China's position in defining modern democracy. The Confucian tradition occupies an important place in this endeavor and will retain it for the foreseeable future.