China's rapid development is a mystery to other parts of the world, and where China is heading is the world's biggest concern. This book provides answers to these questions and points out that the country's rapid development is due to the fact that China has set out on a path of independently building socialism with Chinese characteristics and achieving modernization. In pursuing this path, China seizes opportunities against a global background of peace and development, and aligns its own development with economic globalization. It is this peaceful rise that has determined China will not seek hegemony as some countries have done throughout history as they became stronger.

The book also emphasizes that the world is ushering in a new round of economic globalization. Under the new multi-polar setup, a group of developing countries will rise together peacefully, and developed countries will undergo a new round of growth. All countries will build a global community of shared future based on joint interests. Championing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, China will join hands with people from all over the globe to build a better world and break new ground for Chinese socialism.

Where have we come from, and where are we going? In this day and age for China, I am always reminding myself to maintain this sense of history.

—Xi Jinping

From Xi's speech when meeting with foreign attendees of the Second Understanding China Conference in Beijing, People's Daily,January 5, 2016