The "Four Matters of Confidence"
In his speech of July 1, 2016, at the celebration of the 95th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, Xi Jinping added "confidence in its culture" to the existing "three matters of confidence" (confidence in the socialist path, theory and system).
"Confidence in its path" is confidence in the direction of socialism with Chinese characteristics and confidence in its future; "confidence in its theory" is confidence in the scientific, true and authentic nature of the theory of socialism with Chinese characteristics; "confidence in its system" is confidence in the strengths and advanced nature of the system of Chinese socialism; "confidence in its culture" is a full affirmation of the value of China's own culture and a faith in its vitality.
These four matters constitute an integrated whole. Of the four, "confidence in its culture" is the most fundamental. China's outstanding traditional culture took shape over the course of 5,000 years. Its modern revolutionary culture and advanced socialist culture were formed through China's revolution, reconstruction and reform under the CPC's leadership.
The path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics are what the CPC and the Chinese people have achieved through their persistent efforts. The path leads to socialist modernization and a better life for the people, the theory guides the Party and the people to achieve national rejuvenation, the system is the institutional guarantee for progress, and the culture is the source of strength for the Chinese people. These four together are the most salient features of Chinese socialism and serve the great cause. Firm confidence in all four will support contemporary Communists in their mission to build socialism with Chinese characteristics.
“四个自信”
2016年7月1日，习近平在庆祝中国共产党成立95周年大会上的讲话中，在坚持中国特色社会主义“道路自信”“理论自信”“制度自信”基础上，增加了“文化自信”，从而形成了“四个自信”的表述。
道路自信是对中国特色社会主义道路发展方向和未来命运的自信；理论自信是对中国特色社会主义理论体系的科学性、真理性、正确性的自信；制度自信是对中国特色社会主义制度先进性和优越性的自信；文化自信是对中国自身文化价值的充分肯定，是对中国文化生命力的坚定信念。“四个自信”是一个有机统一体，是中国特色社会主义的完整信念体系，相辅相成、彼此互动。其中，文化自信是更基础、更广泛、更深厚的自信，是更基本、更深沉、更持久的力量。在5000多年文明发展中孕育的中华优秀传统文化，在中国共产党和中国人民伟大斗争中孕育的革命文化和社会主义先进文化，积淀着中华民族最深层的精神追求，代表着中华民族独特的精神标识。
中国特色社会主义道路、理论、制度、文化，是经过中国共产党和中国人民长期奋斗取得的，也是经过长期实践检验的产物。中国特色社会主义道路，是实现社会主义现代化、创造人民美好生活的必由之路。中国特色社会主义理论体系，是指导党和人民实现中华民族伟大复兴的正确理论。中国特色社会主义制度，是当代中国发展进步的根本制度保障。中国特色社会主义文化，是激励全党全国各族人民奋勇前进的强大精神力量。四者统一于中国特色社会主义伟大实践，是中国特色社会主义最鲜明的特色。坚定道路自信、理论自信、制度自信、文化自信，不断夺取中国特色社会主义新胜利，是当代中国共产党人的重要使命。