Abstract：Based on a brief review of the trajectory of the development of the Chinese language, particularly a review of previous efforts in defining and standardizing the national language by linguists and writers, this article discusses a number of issues concerning the standardization of modern Chinese. I argue that Beijing speech is the base for Putonghua, but it is not equal to Putonghua. I also argue that there is still room for Putonghua to improve. An ideal Putonghua should represent the characteristics of modern Chinese and be acceptable to speakers of Chinese from all regions across the country. It should be a beautiful language that has rich means in expression. For Putonghua to develop like this, it should base on Beijing speech for its both refined and popular tastes and should also absorb elements from Chinese dialects, classical Chinese, and foreign languages. To achieve this, it requires common endeavours from all those concerned.
