The conference, hosted by the branch of Theoretical Studies of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics of the Chinese Society of Marxist Philosophy History and the Chinese Marxist Research Foundation, organized by FNU’s College of Marxism, and co-organized by the editorial departments of Teaching and Research and Theory and Review, was held at FNU on October 15th. Over 130 experts and scholars from different institutions, including Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance), Peking University, Renmin University of China, Zhejiang University, and Beijing Normal University, attended the conference. The opening ceremony was presided over by Researcher Chen Xiaohong, Deputy Secretary of the FNU Party Committee.
In his address, Professor Pan Yuteng, Secretary of the FNU Party Committee, pointed out that to thoroughly implement the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress, deeply understand and grasp the scientific connotations, core principles, and practical requirements of Chinese modernization, and advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, it is essential for most scholars in the fields of philosophy and social sciences to lead the reform of the era, inspire others with their ideas, and articulate scientifically sound responses to the questions pertaining to China, the world, the people, and the times. The convening of this conference fully embodies in the new era the historical initiative and conscious responsibility of philosophical and social science workers in assuming new missions, forging ahead on new journeys, and writing new chapters, and will have a positive and far-reaching impact on the construction and enhancement of the theoretical and discursive frameworks for Chinese modernization.
Professor Hao Lixin, President of the China Society of Marxist Philosophy History and Dean of School of Marxism Studies at Renmin University of China, said in his speech that since its establishment over 40 years ago, the China Society of Marxist Philosophy History has consistently upheld fundamental principles and broken new ground, and has achieved significant progress and made important contributions in the research on Marxist theories, exerting a notable influence at home and abroad. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has put forward a series of new ideas, new viewpoints, and new judgments on the construction of culture in the new era, and they provide fundamental guidelines for promoting cultural prosperity, building a strong country in culture, and developing a modern Chinese civilization, Hao said. He encouraged the scholars present to thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Culture and contribute wisdom and strength to the in-depth research, dissemination and interpretation of the theoretical framework of Chinese modernization.
Researcher Xue Weijiang with the School of Marxism Studies at Party School of the Central Committee of C.P.C. (National Academy of Governance), Secretary-General of the Chinese Marxist Research Foundation, pointed out that since the 18th CPC National Congress, Chinese modernization the Communist Party of China has successful advanced is deeply rooted in the fine traditional Chinese culture and reflects the advanced nature of scientific socialism. Chinese modernization, as a new model for human advancement, offers a Chinese solution and contributes Chinese wisdom for humanity in exploring better social systems. The conference holds significant importance in advancing our research and interpretation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, helping theoretical workers and the Party members correctly understand Chinese modernization, comprehensively implementing the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, and striving to create a new phase of development in various undertakings on new journeys.
Professor Tang Zhouyan, President of the Society for Theoretical Studies of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and former Deputy Secretary of the Party Leadership Members Group of Shandong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, pointed out that during the first year to fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the conference, focusing on “Chinese Modernization and Socialism with Chinese Characteristics”, holds great significance. Chinese modernization is a multidimensional theoretical and practical issue, requiring multidimensional research and exposition till its laws are known. It is essential to profoundly comprehend that pursuing a Chinese path to modernization necessitates adherence to the direction of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Chinese modernization is the socialist modernization led by the Communist Party of China, and achieving Chinese modernization necessitates pursuing the path of high-quality development, Tang said. He hoped that the participating scholars will closely focus on the theme of the conference, engage in comprehensive exchanges and in-depth discussions, and contribute their wisdom and strength through high-quality research results to promote Chinese modernization.
During the keynote report session, Researcher Li Junru, former Vice President of Party School of the Central Committee of C.P.C., member of the Consultation Committee of the Central Marxist Theory Research and Development Project, and former President of the Society for Theoretical Studies of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, provided a profound interpretation of the theoretical framework of Chinese modernization from four aspects: national rejuvenation and modernization, the exploratory journey of Chinese modernization, its conceptual genesis, and the historical inevitability of choosing it from historical and current contexts, integrating theory with practice. Professor Li Jianping, former President of FNU, Chief Expert of the Central Marxist Theory Research and Development Project, and Director of the Academic Committee of Fujian Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, comprehensively interpreted the basic characteristics, essential requirements, and path selection of Chinese modernization in light of the 20th CPC National Congress report. He pointed out that Chinese modernization integrates Marxism with China’s specific realities and fine traditional Chinese culture, and it dispels the myth that “modernization is equal to westernization”. The keynote report session was presided over by Professor Xue Guangzhou with the School of Marxism Studies at Party School of the Central Committee of C.P.C (National Academy of Governance), executive President of the Society for Theoretical Studies of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.
After the keynote reports, 19 scholars from universities and research institutes across China addressed the conference, and elaborated on such topics as the inevitable requirements of Chinese modernization, its significance for the world, “Two Combinations” (integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and fine traditional culture) and Chinese modernization. During the period, the participating scholars also held three parallel sub-forums in groups to carry out in-depth discussions and exchanges centering around such topics as “Localization and Characteristics: Basic Theoretical Issues of Chinese Modernization”, “Comparison and Reflection: Chinese Modernization, Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and its Global Vision”, and “Reality and Solutions: Major Practical Issues of Chinese Modernization and Socialist Construction with Chinese Characteristics”.
The closing ceremony was chaired by Hou Yanshe, Secretary General of the Society for Theoretical Studies of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and professor of School of Marxism Studies at Renmin University of China. Summary reports in three parallel sub-forums were made, and Xia Wenbin, Vice President of the Society for Theoretical Studies of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and former President of University of International Business and Economics, made a summary of the conference.
(Translated by Xiao Zhiying/ Reviewed by Xie Xiujuan)