党的十六大对“三个代表”重要思想的时代背景、历史地位、精神实质和指导意义作了科学定位,指出:“三个代表” 重要思想是对马克思列宁主义、毛泽东思想和邓小平理论的继承和发展,反映了当代世界和中国的发展变化对党和国家工作的新要求,是加强和改进党的建设、推进我国社会主义自我完善和发展的强大理论武 The 16th National Congress of the CPC has made scientific positioning on the background of the times, historical status, spiritual essence and guiding significance of the important thinking of the ’Three Represents,’ and pointed out that the important thinking of the ’Three Represents’ is a guide to Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought and Deng Xiaoping Theory Reflects the new requirements of the development and changes in the contemporary world and China for the work of the party and the state and is a powerful theoretical weapon for strengthening and improving party building and for promoting the self-improvement and development of socialism in our country.