Exploring China’s National Governance Modernization from the Perspective of Ecological Ethics

Abstract

The essence of national governance modernization is to continuously uphold its intrinsic goodness. The goodness of national governance depends on its ethical rationality, which in turn relies on the value positioning of ecological ethics. Throughout the process of eco-civilization construction, the central objective of China’s national governance modernization is to steer China towards a path that aligns with ecological ethics. The modernization of China’s national governance is exemplified by the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) endeavor to lead the people to follow ecological rationality and govern the country in accordance with the fundamental principles and spirit of ecological ethics. As a result, the objective of achieving harmony between humanity and nature can be realized through effective governance, particularly by means of ecological good governance. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the CPC has continuously explored and practiced the ethical relationship between humanity and nature, adapting it to the Chinese context and the needs of our times. It has been steadfast in its commitment to advancing a course of ecological good governance as part of China’s endeavor to modernize its national governance. Mao Zedong emphasized initiatives such as afforestation, soil and water conservation, and resource management to enhance the human living environment. Deng Xiaoping underscored the importance of laws and systems in the effective implementation of ecological ethics. Jiang Zemin stressed the importance of coordination and harmony between humanity and nature. Hu Jintao introduced the Scientific Outlook on Development, aligning it with the needs of contemporary and future development. General Secretary Xi Jinping embraces the concepts of ecological ethics in the new era: respect for nature, ecological protection, and shared responsibilities and rights. Based on this, Xi Jinping views the natural world as a community of life that promotes harmony between humanity and nature. This perspective nurtures a world of life that upholds ecological ethics and aligns with the demands of the new era. The theoretical objective of ecological ethics with Chinese characteristics is to formulate a moral philosophy that applies to China’s contemporary endeavors in ecocivilization construction, and the practical objective is to establish normative ethics that correspond to the principles of China’s eco-civilization construction.

Keywords

Communist Party of China (CPC) / ecological ethics / modernization of national governance / ecological good governance / humanity and nature

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2023 Higher Education Press