China's environmental progress under the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership has been remarkable, marked by significant improvements in air and water quality, forest coverage, and the establishment of national parks. This progress is closely tied to the articulation of "Chinese modernization," a political concept emphasizing harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. This concept is integral to the "Chinese modernization theory," which integrates two major green discourses: "eco-civilizational progress" and "green modernization." This paper examines these two discourses, exploring their convergence, inherent tensions, and potential for mutual learning to enhance China's green transformation. The study will address the political and policy implications of these discourses, particularly as official party discourse, and analyze the opportunities and challenges of their convergence for broader green transformation in China from a critical environmental social science perspective. The importance lies in understanding how these interwoven narratives shape China's environmental policies and their potential impact on global green initiatives. The significance also lies in exploring the interplay between political ideology, environmental policy, and economic development within a rapidly changing global context.

The paper draws upon existing literature on Marxist ecological theory, environmental humanities and social sciences, and traditional Chinese ecological culture to understand the theoretical underpinnings of eco-civilizational progress. It references works by Burkett, Foster, and others on Marxist ecological economics and eco-Marxism. The authors also acknowledge the contributions of environmental humanities and social sciences in providing theoretical materials and disciplinary orientation for green discourse. Traditional Chinese ecological culture is highlighted as a valuable resource, emphasizing the historical Chinese emphasis on harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. This review sets the stage for analyzing the specific development and features of "eco-civilizational progress" and "green modernization" within this broader intellectual framework. The inclusion of both Western and Eastern perspectives on ecological thought and modernization underscores the global relevance of the study and its contribution to the field of environmental social sciences.

The authors employ a discourse analysis approach, examining the evolution and interplay of "eco-civilizational progress" and "green modernization" through a review of key policy documents, speeches, and scholarly publications. They trace the historical development of each discourse, identifying key figures, milestones, and conceptual shifts. The analysis focuses on the core concepts, visions of the future society, and strategic implications of each discourse, highlighting their similarities and differences. The study utilizes existing literature on both discourses, including official party documents and academic research, to construct a comparative framework. Key policy documents such as the 18th, 19th, and 20th CPC National Congress reports, Xi Jinping's speeches, and relevant academic works are meticulously examined to unveil the evolution of these discourses. The authors' methodology emphasizes a critical analysis of the political and policy implications of these discourses, offering a nuanced understanding of their strengths, limitations, and potential for constructive engagement. The framework involves a careful examination of the core principles, visions, and strategies associated with each discourse to identify areas of convergence and divergence. The study also acknowledges the limitations of relying primarily on official documents and suggests the need for further research to incorporate diverse perspectives and empirical data.

The study finds a significant convergence between "eco-civilizational progress" and "green modernization." Both share the central idea of "harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature." "Eco-civilizational progress" emphasizes a more radical societal transformation, critiquing existing modernization models and advocating for a fundamentally different future society. "Green modernization," on the other hand, focuses on integrating environmental considerations into existing modernization strategies. Despite their convergence, the authors identify tensions arising from differing priorities and approaches. "Eco-civilizational progress" is portrayed as more forward-looking and transformative, while "green modernization" is considered more pragmatic and focused on incremental changes. The study emphasizes the importance of mutual learning between the two discourses. The authors suggest that "green modernization" can provide a more practical approach for implementing the ideals of "eco-civilizational progress," while "eco-civilizational progress" offers a long-term vision that can guide and refine green modernization initiatives. The authors analyze the specific conceptual components of each discourse, including their ontological foundations, visions for the future, and strategic frameworks. They systematically compare and contrast these aspects, revealing both points of agreement and areas of tension. The 20th CPC National Congress report is particularly important, as it integrates both discourses within the broader framework of "Chinese modernization theory." The report's emphasis on "a beautiful China" serves as a unifying vision, encapsulating both ecological sustainability and modernization goals.

The findings address the research question by demonstrating the complex relationship between two seemingly compatible green discourses within the context of China's modernization. The significance of the results lies in its contribution to understanding the dynamic interplay between political ideology, environmental policy, and economic development in a major global power. The analysis helps illuminate the complexities of implementing large-scale green initiatives, revealing the potential for both cooperation and conflict between different theoretical frameworks. The integration of both discourses within the "Chinese modernization theory" framework underscores the importance of acknowledging and addressing the challenges associated with large-scale societal transformations. The discussion further emphasizes the necessity of fostering mutual learning and collaboration between seemingly contrasting theoretical perspectives to enhance the effectiveness of green initiatives. This suggests that a nuanced understanding of the interplay between different green discourses is crucial for developing effective environmental policies and achieving sustainable development goals.

This study highlights the convergence and tension between two key green discourses in contemporary China: "eco-civilizational progress" and "green modernization." The authors advocate for a framework that enables mutual learning and promotion between these discourses, fostering a more holistic and effective approach to China's green transformation. Further research should explore the practical implementation of these discourses, including the role of various stakeholders and the challenges of balancing economic development with environmental protection. Future work could also investigate the international implications of China's green initiatives and their potential influence on global environmental governance.

The study primarily relies on official policy documents and academic publications, potentially limiting the inclusion of diverse perspectives, particularly those from civil society organizations or individuals critical of the government's environmental policies. Future research should incorporate a broader range of data sources, including empirical evidence of environmental outcomes and diverse opinions, to ensure a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex issue. The analysis focuses primarily on the conceptual and theoretical aspects of the two discourses; future research could incorporate an in-depth examination of the practical implementation of the policies and their actual impact on the environment.