Abstract: The theory of the "Chinese nation" constitutes a foundational component of the Communist Party of China's (CPC) ethnic theoretical system.During the first half of the 20th century,the CPC's concept of the "Chinese nation" underwent a process of evolution from ambiguity to increasing clarity.Specifically,around 1920,the term "Chinese nation" was primarily juxtaposed against international imperialism,focusing on the notions of state and citizenry,with an emphasis on the independence and liberation of the entire nation under imperialist constraints.Following the outbreak of the September 18th Incident,the CPC's theoretical reflections and problem-oriented concerns shifted.Although the concept of the "Chinese nation" had not yet been explicitly defined,its meaning began to encompass all ethnic groups in China,including Han,Manchu,Mongolian,Hui,Tibetan,Miao,Li,Yao,Tibetan,Yi,and others,preliminarily reflecting the characteristics of an overarching conceptual framework.The Lugou Bridge Incident in 1937 further catalyzed the CPC's theoretical self-awareness regarding the concept of the Chinese nation.Through the ideological practice of Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression,the CPC explicitly articulated the origins,composition,ethnic characteristics,and historical mission of the "Chinese nation".This development marked a significant leap in the Party's understanding of the unity-in-diversity of the Chinese nation and reflected the adaption of Marxist ethnic theory to China's specific realities.It became the theoretical banner uniting all ethnic groups in China to resist Japanese aggression and achieve ultimate victory.

Key words: Communist Party of China (CPC), "Chinese nation", nation idea, ethnic theory, Mao Zedong, country