We stand for the sharing of dignity by all countries and peoples in the world. All countries, irrespective of size, strength and wealth, are equal. The right of the people to independently choose their development paths should be respected, interference in the internal affairs of other countries opposed, and international fairness and justice maintained. Only the wearer of the shoes knows if they fit or not. Only the people can best tell if the development path they have chosen for their country is suitable or not.

—Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, March 23, 2013

Only the Wearer of the Shoes Knows If They Fit or Not

—Maintaining full confidence in the path, theory, and system of Chinese socialism

The saying "only the wearer of the shoes knows if they fit or not" is a home-spun maxim of real-life experience that deals with finding the fight shoes. If you wear shoes that are too big, it will be difficult to walk as the shoes will wobble. If the shoes are too small, they will pinch your feet and can even cause painful blisters, which may keep you off your feet for several days. That being said, it is important to wear shoes that fit, and only the person wearing them can determine whether they fit or not.

Xi Jinping shared this maxim at an international event to let the world know that China has chosen its own path of development, and the Chinese people are full of wisdom. The Chinese people are the only ones in a position to evaluate the path they have chosen. The saying "only the wearer of the shoes knows if they fit or not" is simple yet profound, as it communicates the truth that only the people can best tell whether the development path they have chosen for their country is suitable or not.

This saying vividly reflects Xi Jinping's rhetorical style and word choice. It expresses a simple confidence and has a personal and credible ring to it, even as it conveys to the world that we are staunch believers in the path of Chinese socialism. The new central leadership is calm and resolute in its commitment to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which sends a strong message to the rest of the world that the CPC is confident in the path, theory, and system of Chinese socialism.

After the Opium Wars reduced China to a semi-colonial and semi-feudal society, many people with lofty ideals sought to make China a prosperous nation in a variety of ways. In the end, we found our way to the broad path of Chinese socialism under the leadership of the CPC. Since the Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee, China has ushered in remarkable economic achievements as it has driven its policy of reform and opening up. In the 35 years from 1979 to 2014, China's economy grew by an average of 9.8% each year, which elevated the people's standard of living. Such development is a powerful reminder that Chinese socialism is the only road that will lead to the prosperity of the Chinese nation and the rejuvenation of the Chinese people. The path of socialism with Chinese characteristics is both a reflection of China's historical practice as well as a charter for China's future development Chinese socialism is able to stand the test of history, as it is well suited to the prevailing national conditions, in step with the times and supported by the people. Indeed, it represents the choice of both the CPC and the people as a whole.

Practice is the sole criterion for testing truth. As Mao Zedong said in "On New Democracy": "There is but one truth, and the question of whether or not one has arrived at it depends not on subjective boasting but on objective practice. The only yardstick of truth is the revolutionary practice of millions of people."

Each nation has its own history and culture. A nation's path must be tailored to its particular history and culture. "Only the wearer of the shoes knows if they fit or not." A person can comment on how a pair of shoes fits someone else, of course, but that is merely the musings of a bystander. We do not comment whether some other country is wearing the fight "shoes," just as we do not wish for others to pontificate on whether our "shoes" fit. The 18th CPC National Congress has clearly articulated our commitment to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and this path requires us to open up our minds, deepen reform, marshal our strength, and overcome difficulties. Indeed, many challenges await in the course of China's development, and that is why we must draw upon the collective wisdom of the Party and people in formulating a clear policy framework, timeline, and roadmap for future reform and development. In other words, we must continue to follow our own path in the shoes that fit us best.

(An excerpt from XI JINPING: WIT AND VISION -- SELECTED QUOTATIONS AND COMMENTARY, published by FOREIGN LANGUAGES PRESS in 2015)