Socialism with Chinese characteristics is a scientific theoretical system formulated by the Communist Party of China (CPC) that comprises Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development, and is a continuation and development of Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought. On the Origin of the Theory of Building Socialism with Chinese Characteristics explores the origins of this theoretical system and expounds its basic content, logical structure, historical position, and major contribution, with a focus on the source and development of Marxism in contemporary China. This book argues that Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought constitute the theoretical and historical origin of the systematic theory of building socialism with Chinese characteristics, and Deng Xiaoping Theory serves as its natural and practical origin, while the important thought of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development, being a continuation and development of Deng Xiaoping Theory, represent the innovative achievements and theoretical accomplishments of adapting Marxism to China's conditions in the new period of Reform and Opening up and reflect the dynamic relationship between the source and the derived theories of Marxism in China. It also contends that the theory of building socialism with Chinese characteristics is an open, inclusive, and advanced scientific system that is poised to nurture, integrate, and develop new theories and open up new ground for theoretical exploration and practice.

This book covers the whole system of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, dealing with Deng Xiaoping’s theory, the socialist market economy, a moderately well-off (Xiaokang) society, China’s practice and theory of socialist democracy, human rights, and Xi Jinping’s Marxism. In short, the resolute focus is the Reform and Opening-Up. Socialism with Chinese Characteristics is one of the most important global realities today. However, the concept and its practice remain largely misunderstood outside China. This book sets to redress such a lack of knowledge, by making available to non-Chinese speakers the sophisticated debates and conclusions in China concerning socialism with Chinese Characteristics. It presents this material in a way that is both accessible and thorough.