liǎng ge quèlì: 两个确立 - The Two Establishments, The Two Affirmations

• Keywords: 两个确立, liǎng ge quèlì, Two Establishments, Two Affirmations, Chinese politics, Xi Jinping Thought, CCP, Communist Party of China, Chinese political slogan, what does liangge queli mean, modern China governance
• Summary: “两个确立” (liǎng ge quèlì), translated as “The Two Establishments” or “The Two Affirmations,” is a cornerstone political term of modern China under Xi Jinping. It is not everyday vocabulary but a crucial slogan that codifies the supreme authority of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) by establishing Xi Jinping as its “core” leader and his political philosophy as the nation's guiding ideology. Understanding “The Two Establishments” is essential for anyone following Chinese politics, state media, or official government policy.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): liǎng ge quèlì
• Part of Speech: Noun phrase (political slogan)
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: A key Chinese Communist Party (CCP) political principle that establishes Xi Jinping's status as the “core” of the Party and establishes his political thought as the guiding ideology for China's “new era.”
• In a Nutshell: Imagine a company making two foundational statements to ensure everyone is on the same page. “两个确立” is the political equivalent for the entire country of China. It means two things are officially set in stone: 1) Comrade Xi Jinping is the absolute core leader of the Party and the nation. 2) “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” is the official rulebook for the country's future. You won't use this phrase to order food, but you will see it everywhere in official news, government documents, and political speeches.

• 两 (liǎng): Two, a pair.
• 个 (ge): The most common measure word in Chinese. Here it links the number “two” with the concept that follows.
• 确 (què): To confirm, make certain, establish. It carries a sense of definiteness and firmness.
• 立 (lì): To stand, to set up, to found. It often refers to establishing something significant, like a principle or a monument.

When combined, 确立 (quèlì) becomes a formal verb meaning “to firmly establish” or “to affirm.” Therefore, 两个确立 (liǎng ge quèlì) literally means “the two establishments”—referring to the two foundational principles of leadership and ideology that have been formally confirmed.

“两个确立” is a product of China's contemporary political system and has deep roots in its political culture. It was formalized in a 2021 historical resolution by the CCP, marking a significant moment in the consolidation of power under Xi Jinping. Its significance lies in centralizing authority and unifying thought across the 98-million-member Party and the nation at large. In Chinese political history, both imperial and modern, periods of perceived strength and stability are often associated with a strong, central leader. This slogan codifies that principle for the current era, positioning Xi Jinping as a historically significant leader on par with Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. A useful comparison for a Western learner is to contrast it with the concept of “separation of powers.” In many Western democracies, power is intentionally divided among different branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial) to create checks and balances. The political philosophy behind “两个确立” is fundamentally different. It champions the idea that unity, efficiency, and national strength are best achieved by concentrating power in a single, “core” leader and aligning the entire nation behind a unified ideology. It prioritizes political consensus and top-down guidance over institutional checks and balances.

This term is used almost exclusively in highly formal, political, and official contexts. It is a form of political jargon, and its use signals allegiance to and understanding of the current Party line.

• State Media: You will constantly see, hear, and read “两个确立” in state-run media outlets like the People's Daily (人民日报), Xinhua News Agency (新华社), and the nightly CCTV news broadcast, Xinwen Lianbo (新闻联播).
• Government and Party Meetings: It is a standard phrase in official reports, speeches by leaders, and study sessions for Party members (cadres).
• Academic Political Discourse: Scholars of Chinese politics and Marxism will use it frequently in their papers and lectures.

The connotation is always positive and reverent within these official contexts. It is presented as a “historical necessity” and the “will of the people” that guarantees China's continued success and national rejuvenation. Using it outside of these contexts would be very unusual and sound out of place.

• Example 1:
  • 全党必须深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义。
  • Pinyin: Quán dǎng bìxū shēnkè lǐngwù “liǎng ge quèlì” de juédìngxìng yìyì.
  • English: The entire Party must deeply comprehend the decisive significance of “The Two Establishments.”
  • Analysis: This is a typical top-down directive found in Party documents. It frames “两个确立” not as an opinion but as a fundamental truth with “decisive significance” that all members must understand and accept.
• Example 2:
  • 拥有坚强的领导核心和科学的理论指导，是关乎党和国家前途命运的重大问题，而“两个确立”正是对这一问题的明确回答。
  • Pinyin: Yōngyǒu jiānqiáng de lǐngdǎo héxīn hé kēxué de lǐlùn zhǐdǎo, shì guānhū dǎng hé guójiā qiántú mìngyùn de zhòngdà wèntí, ér “liǎng ge quèlì” zhèngshì duì zhè yī wèntí de míngquè huídá.
  • English: Having a strong leadership core and scientific theoretical guidance is a major issue concerning the future and destiny of the Party and the country, and “The Two Establishments” is precisely the clear answer to this issue.
  • Analysis: This sentence provides the official justification for the slogan. It presents a problem (securing the nation's future) and offers “两个确立” as the definitive solution.
• Example 3:
  • 我们要将“两个确立”转化为做到“两个维护”的政治自觉。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen yào jiāng “liǎng ge quèlì” zhuǎnhuà wéi zuòdào “liǎng ge wéihù” de zhèngzhì zìjué.
  • English: We must transform “The Two Establishments” into the political consciousness to achieve “The Two Safeguards.”
  • Analysis: This sentence links “两个确立” to its companion slogan, “两个维护” (The Two Safeguards). It shows that understanding the principle (“The Two Establishments”) must lead to concrete action (“The Two Safeguards”).
• Example 4:
  • 学习“两个确立”是当前最重要的政治任务。
  • Pinyin: Xuéxí “liǎng ge quèlì” shì dāngqián zuì zhòngyào de zhèngzhì rènwù.
  • English: Studying “The Two Establishments” is the most important political task at present.
  • Analysis: This highlights the term's role in political education. For Party members and government officials, “studying” these slogans is a mandatory part of their job.
• Example 5:
  • “两个确立”是党的十八大以来最重要的政治成果。
  • Pinyin: “Liǎng ge quèlì” shì dǎng de shí bā dà yǐlái zuì zhòngyào de zhèngzhì chéngguǒ.
  • English: “The Two Establishments” is the most important political achievement since the 18th Party Congress.
  • Analysis: This sentence situates the slogan within a specific historical timeframe (since Xi Jinping came to power in 2012) and frames it as a major success.
• Example 6:
  • 深刻认识“两个确立”的历史必然性。
  • Pinyin: Shēnkè rènshi “liǎng ge quèlì” de lìshǐ bìránxìng.
  • English: Deeply recognize the historical inevitability of “The Two Establishments.”
  • Analysis: The term “historical inevitability” (历史必然性) is powerful language drawn from Marxist theory. It suggests that this development was not a choice but a necessary outcome of history's progression.
• Example 7:
  • 全体党员干部要把“两个确立”的要求内化于心，外化于行。
  • Pinyin: Quántǐ dǎngyuán gànbù yào bǎ “liǎng ge quèlì” de yāoqiú nèihuà yú xīn, wàihuà yú xíng.
  • English: All Party members and cadres must internalize the requirements of “The Two Establishments” in their hearts and externalize them in their actions.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses a classic Chinese idiom, 内化于心，外化于行 (nèihuà yú xīn, wàihuà yú xíng), to demand that belief in the slogan must translate into observable behavior.
• Example 8:
  • 坚决拥护“两个确立”，坚决做到“两个维护”。
  • Pinyin: Jiānjué yōnghù “liǎng ge quèlì”, jiānjué zuòdào “liǎng ge wéihù”.
  • English: Firmly support “The Two Establishments” and resolutely practice “The Two Safeguards.”
  • Analysis: This is a very common pairing, often used as a political chant or a concluding statement of loyalty in speeches. It demonstrates the direct link between belief and action.
• Example 9:
  • 新闻宣传工作必须始终围绕“两个确立”展开。
  • Pinyin: Xīnwén xuānchuán gōngzuò bìxū shǐzhōng wéirào “liǎng ge quèlì” zhǎnkāi.
  • English: News and propaganda work must always be centered around “The Two Establishments.”
  • Analysis: This sentence shows the practical application of the slogan in a specific field. It dictates the ideological boundary for all state media.
• Example 10:
  • “两个确立”为实现中华民族伟大复兴提供了最根本的保证。
  • Pinyin: “Liǎng ge quèlì” wèi shíxiàn Zhōnghuá Mínzú wěidà fùxīng tígōng le zuì gēnběn de bǎozhèng.
  • English: “The Two Establishments” provides the most fundamental guarantee for achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
  • Analysis: This links the political slogan to the ultimate national goal of “The China Dream.” It frames political unity under Xi Jinping as the essential prerequisite for national success.

• Mistake 1: Using it in daily life.
  • This is the biggest mistake a learner could make. Never use “两个确立” in casual conversation. It is not equivalent to saying “we've established two rules for our study group.” Using it outside of a formal political context would sound bizarre and possibly sarcastic. It is strictly high-level political jargon.
• Mistake 2: Underestimating its political weight.
  • Do not dismiss this as “just a slogan.” In the Chinese political system, such slogans are incredibly important. They define eras, signal policy directions, and serve as a loyalty test for officials. “两个确立” is a foundational statement of the current political order in China.
• “False Friend” vs. “The Establishment”:
  • In English, the term “The Establishment” often carries a neutral or even negative connotation, referring to a powerful, entrenched elite that resists change. In contrast, “两个确立” (“The Two Establishments”) is presented by the Chinese state as a profoundly positive and necessary action that establishes a stable foundation for the future. The feeling is one of proactive, decisive leadership, not of a stagnant old guard.

• 两个维护 (liǎng ge wéihù) - The Two Safeguards. The direct companion to this term; it refers to the actions of safeguarding Xi Jinping's core status and the Party's centralized authority. “The Two Establishments” are the what, “The Two Safeguards” are the how.
• 四个意识 (sì ge yìshí) - The Four Consciousnesses. An earlier (2016) political slogan that paved the way for “两个确立” by urging Party members to be conscious of the core leader.
• 四个自信 (sì ge zìxìn) - The Four Confidences. A set of principles expressing confidence in China's chosen socialist path, theories, system, and culture.
• 核心 (héxīn) - Core. This refers specifically to Xi Jinping as the “core” leader, the first part of “The Two Establishments.”
• 习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想 (Xí Jìnpíng xīn shídài Zhōngguó tèsè shèhuìzhǔyì sīxiǎng) - Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The long name for the guiding ideology, the second part of “The Two Establishments.”
• 新时代 (xīn shídài) - The New Era. The official term for the current period of Chinese history under Xi Jinping's leadership.
• 中国梦 (Zhōngguó mèng) - The China Dream. The overarching national goal of “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” which these political slogans are meant to help achieve.
• 政治口号 (zhèngzhì kǒuhào) - Political slogan. The general category to which “两个确立” belongs.
• 统一思想 (tǒngyī sīxiǎng) - To unify thought. A key goal of political slogans in the CCP system, aiming to ensure ideological conformity and unity of purpose.