This paper examines the fundamental principle of balancing integrity with innovation in China’s ongoing comprehensive reform efforts. As China enters a new era and embarks on a new journey, deepening reform requires unwavering commitment to core ideologies while embracing necessary changes. The study emphasizes the importance of maintaining the correct reform direction, adhering to basic Marxist principles, upholding the Party’s overall leadership, and preserving the essential features of Socialism with Chinese characteristics. Within this framework, the research explores how theoretical and institutional innovations can address emerging challenges in reform and development. The paper argues that the dialectical unity of integrity and innovation enables a deeper understanding of contemporary trends, reinforces the people-centric approach, and leverages historical wisdom. This synthesis is presented as crucial for advancing Chinese modernization and building a comprehensive socialist modern nation. The analysis draws insights from the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee, contextualizing the discussion within China’s unique path to modernization.