This book offers a concise and authoritative interpretation of China’s strategic direction in the new era. Led by Cai Fang, Chief Expert of the National High-End Think Tank of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, it explains the theoretical foundations and policy logic behind China’s uniquely defined path to modernization.

Grounded in high-quality development, the book examines key dimensions of China’s future trajectory, including the modern economic system, innovation-driven governance, industrial upgrading, rural revitalization, education equity, income distribution, and the pursuit of common prosperity. It identifies critical bottlenecks and provides practical recommendations for advancing long-term development.

Accessible and forward-looking, this volume helps readers understand China’s top-level design, its modernization goals, and emerging opportunities. It is essential reading for policymakers, scholars, business leaders, and anyone seeking to understand China’s evolving global role.

Cai Fang, Chief Expert of the National High-End Think Tank, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Former Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

Li Daokui, Professor of Economics at the School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University

Yao Yang, Director of the National Development Institute, Peking University

Huang Qunhui, Researcher and Director of the Institute of Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

Jiang Xiaojuan, President of the Chinese Academy of Public Administration and Management, former Deputy Secretary General of the State Council