2008
On the afternoon of January 9, Wang Weiguang, Deputy Secretary of the Leading Party Group and Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), visited the Institute of Marxism Studies (IMS) for investigation and research. Wang Weiguang pointed out that regarding the work of the IMS, first, it must firmly establish "position awareness" [1] and persist in the guiding role of Marxism on the philosophy and social sciences front and in the realm of ideology. Second, it must leverage the academic advantages of the IMS to strengthen the construction of the disciplinary system of Marxist theory. Third, it must establish a Marxist style of study [2] and strengthen research on major theoretical and practical issues arising from reform and opening up. Fourth, it must focus on discovering and cultivating a backbone of young and middle-aged theorists to strengthen the ranks of Marxist theoretical workers. Fifth, it must both adhere to the correct political and academic orientation and implement the "Double Hundred" policy [3], boldly liberating the mind, daring to innovate, and producing more results and talent. Cheng Enfu delivered the IMS work report, Wu Enyuan reported on the work of the Party Committee, Hou Huiqin reported on discipline inspection, supervision, and postgraduate training, and Zhang Zuying reported on administrative work.
In January, the first issue of the Newsletter for Research on the History of the International Communist Movement (Guoji Gongyunshi Yanjiu Tongxun), sponsored by the Department of the History of the International Communist Movement, was published. Liu Shuchun served as Editor-in-Chief, with Pang Xiaoming and Zhu Yiyi as the responsible editors for this issue.
On March 4, the Guangming Daily published the 2007 rankings for full-text reprints by the Information Center for Social Sciences at Renmin University of China. Marxist Studies (Makesizhuyi Yanjiu) ranked first in the Marxism category.
From March 11 to 14, Wu Enyuan, Secretary of the Party Committee, and Luo Wendong, Director of the Second Department of Chinese Marxism Studies, traveled to Chongqing. They participated in a seminar on the conditions of Western China held by the Western National Conditions Research Base (jointly established by the IMS and the Chongqing Institute of Technology) and attended the inauguration ceremony of the Marxist Theory Research and Innovation Base (jointly established by the IMS and Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications). Wu Enyuan spoke at the inauguration ceremony, and Luo Wendong delivered an academic report titled "Several Theoretical Issues Regarding the Socialist Core Value System."
In March, the IMS was named a "2007 Civilized Unit of Central State Organs." The Coordination Group for the Promotion of Spiritual Civilization in Central State Organs held a summary and commendation conference; a total of five units from CASS were awarded this title for 2007.
On April 8, the CASS Executive Meeting decided that the Center for Deng Xiaoping Theory Research (Dengyan Zhongxin) would be merged into the IMS. Cheng Enfu was appointed Director of the Center concurrent with his other duties, and Xia Chuntao was appointed Deputy Director.
On April 30, the IMS and the Division of Marxist Studies held a symposium commemorating the 30th anniversary of the "Discussion on the Criterion of Truth" [4]. Before the meeting, Wang Weiguang, Executive Vice President of CASS, held a discussion with participating experts and scholars. Wu Yin, Vice President of CASS, attended and spoke, while Li Hongfeng, head of the Discipline Inspection Group dispatched by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) to the Ministry of Culture, gave a keynote speech. Cheng Enfu, Director of the Division of Marxist Studies and Director of the IMS, presided over the meeting. Han Shuying, former Vice President of the Central Party School; Xu Chongwen, Honorary Member of CASS; Hou Huiqin, Vice Director of the IMS; Yu Quanyu, former Director of the CASS Institute of Journalism; and scholars from Tsinghua University, the Capital University of Economics and Business, and Capital Normal University delivered speeches. More than 150 experts, scholars, and graduate students from various CASS institutes and Beijing-based universities attended. Media outlets including the People's Daily, Guangming Daily, China Education Daily, China Reform Daily, CASS Journal, and Frontline (Qianxian) magazine provided special coverage. Social Sciences Weekly (Shehui Kexue Bao) published a special edition titled "The Legacy of the 'Criterion of Truth' Discussion: The Liberation of Thought," featuring speeches from the event. The sixth issue of Marxist Studies in 2008 featured a "Written Symposium" column commemorating the 30th anniversary of the discussion.
On May 29, the CASS President’s Office decided to establish the CASS Office for the Marxism Theoretical Research and Construction Project [5]. The Center for the Research of Deng Xiaoping Theory and the "Three Represents" [6] would perform the functions of this office on its behalf, and the leadership of the Center would serve as the leadership of the Project Office. The Bureau of Scientific Research Management would be responsible for comprehensive coordination.
After the "5.12" Wenchuan earthquake occurred, the cadres and staff of the IMS were deeply concerned for the disaster areas. As soon as the central government’s call for donations was relayed, everyone responded immediately. Led by Cheng Enfu, Wu Enyuan, Hou Huiqin, and Zhang Zuying, the staff donated enthusiastically. Zhou Muyuan, a young staff member then in the UK, contacted the Party Office Personnel Department to arrange a donation. In just a few days, nearly 30,000 yuan was raised. After the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee issued a call for all Party members to pay "special Party fees" [7] to support the disaster areas, the IMS Party Committee organized the effort, with leaders taking the lead and members participating actively. Retired cadre Zhang Ling paid 4,000 yuan, and Feng Xiuhei paid 2,000 yuan. Some non-Party members also actively participated in branch-organized activities and donated again. A total of 33,322 yuan in special Party fees was collected. Simultaneously, staff donated over 300 books to "Red Army Primary Schools" in the disaster areas.
In early June, CASS and the Ningbo Municipal Government decided to launch a strategic cooperation. Following consultations, the first phase of cooperative projects was determined: the "CASS Ningbo Base for National Conditions Research" and the "Social Policy Research Center." The Strategic Cooperation Committee of both parties agreed to hold a signing ceremony in Ningbo in October. Representing CASS, Wang Weiguang served as Director of the CASS-Ningbo Strategic Cooperation Committee, with Li Shenming as Deputy Director. Members included Cheng Enfu, Shi He'an, Liu Yingqiu, Wang Zheng, and Zhang Zuying. Cheng Enfu concurrently served as Office Director, with Zhang Zuying and Xu Wenhua as Deputy Directors; Xu Wenhua served as the specific liaison for CASS.
On June 18, the CASS Bureau of Personnel approved the following appointments: Li Wei as Deputy Director of the First Department of Chinese Marxism Studies (division chief level); Xin Xiangyang and Mao Liyan as Deputy Directors of the Second Department of Chinese Marxism Studies (division chief level); and Feng Yanli and Zheng Yiming as Deputy Directors of the Department of Contemporary World Socialism Research (division chief level).
In June, the editorial department of Marxist Studies initiated the expansion of the journal for 2008. Starting that year, the journal increased from 128 to 160 pages.
On September 1, the IMS Women’s Work Committee was formally established. Vice Director Zhang Zuying presided over the first meeting to discuss regulations and related tasks.
On the afternoon of September 3, CASS leaders—including Executive Vice President Wang Weiguang, Vice Presidents Li Shenming, Gao Quanli, and Wu Yin, and Secretary-General Huang Haotiao—visited the IMS to research the Academy's reform work. Huang Haotiao presided over the meeting. Wu Enyuan introduced the IMS reform mobilization, Cheng Enfu gave the primary report, and Zhang Zuying provided supplementary remarks. Wang Weiguang fully affirmed the IMS's implementation of the spirits of the Academy-wide reform conference. He pointed out that CASS shoulders the "Three Positions" [8] defined by the Central Committee; the first of these is to be a "strong fortress of Marxism." The IMS is the "fortress within the fortress" and the bridgehead of this position, bearing heavy responsibilities and missions. He stated that the focal point of all IMS reforms must be the construction of this important fortress. Whether this position can be held and developed is reflected in "Three Outputs": producing talent, producing results, and producing influence—especially by leveraging the role of the Center for Deng Xiaoping Theory Research. Wang Weiguang emphasized that the IMS must strengthen the cultivation of Marxist theoretical talent, particularly the youth contingent and those with an international outlook. It should concentrate efforts on pilot programs for personnel recruitment and reform, hoping to truly apply Marxist theory to personnel development and create replicable experiences. He noted that the key to personnel issues is establishing a mechanism for competition, elimination, and exit, where the IMS could innovate. Regarding the innovation of the scientific research system, he suggested the IMS might serve as a model or pilot for the Bureau of Scientific Research Management in organizing task forces. He also called for high-standard management of the Division’s international English journal and Marxist Studies, and for successful meetings of the Marxism Project and the IMS Advisory Board. Li Shenming noted that since its founding, the IMS had lived up to expectations and achieved significant results; he suggested focusing on young researchers' study of original Marxist classics. Gao Quanli mentioned that the IMS had operated very well since its preparation stage, receiving special policy support from the Leading Party Group. Wu Yin noted that CASS reform includes both management systems and academic research; she observed that the IMS had clear ideas and innovative measures in both, which could serve as a path-breaking example for the entire Academy.
From September 20 to 22, the Third National Youth Forum on Marxism was held in Nanchang, Jiangxi. The event was co-sponsored by the IMS and Jiangxi Normal University. Li Qiufang, head of the CCDI Discipline Inspection Group at CASS, and Liu Shangyang, Minister of Propaganda of the Jiangxi Provincial Party Committee, attended the opening. Li Qiufang delivered a keynote report titled "Correctly Understanding the Anti-Corruption Situation Since Reform and Opening Up." Jin Huiming, Li Chongfu, Zhang Zuying, and Xia Chuntao delivered thematic reports. Over 130 young Marxist theorists from across the country engaged in discussions on the theme "Thirty Years of Reform and Opening Up and Socialism with Chinese Characteristics."
On October 15, the "Theoretical Innovation in the 30 Years of Reform and Opening Up: Symposium for Advisors and Specially Invited Researchers of the Institute of Marxism Studies" was held at the CASS Boyuan Hotel. Chen Kuiyuan, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee and President of CASS, and Wang Weiguang attended and spoke. Attendees included former high-ranking officials and renowned scholars such as Pang Xianzhi, Jin Chongji, Lu Zhichao, Sha Jiansun, Liu Haifan, Yang Chungui, Teng Teng, and Liu Guoguang, along with numerous CASS Members and Honorary Members. Cheng Enfu reported on the development of the IMS, and Wu Enyuan presided over the meeting.
On October 16, the Division of Marxist Studies held an academic lecture as part of the CASS series commemorating the 30th anniversary of reform and opening up. Division Director Cheng Enfu gave a report titled "Reform and Opening Up and the Innovation of Marxist Economics." CASS Member Jin Huiming presided.
On October 17, the signing ceremony for the strategic cooperation between CASS and the Ningbo Municipal Government was held in Ningbo, led by Wang Weiguang and Li Shenming.
On the morning of November 4, the IMS held a general staff meeting. Vice President Gao Quanli and Personnel Bureau Director Wang Suyue announced the Leading Party Group’s decisions: Comrade Hou Huiqin was appointed Acting Secretary of the IMS Temporary Party Committee, and Comrade Wu Enyuan was transferred to serve as Director of the Institute of World History.
From November 12 to 19, at the invitation of the Gabriel Péri Foundation (France), the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland, and the Renner Institute of the Social Democratic Party of Austria, a delegation led by Cheng Enfu, Jin Huiming, and Li Chongfu conducted a week-long academic visit to France, Switzerland, and Austria.
On the afternoon of December 15, Wang Weiguang and Huang Haotiao visited the IMS to conduct research on activities for "Deeply Studying and Implementing the Scientific Outlook on Development" [9] and IMS reform measures. IMS leaders Cheng Enfu...
Hou Huiqin and Zhang Zuying respectively delivered work reports. Wang Weiguang pointed out that the reform work of the Institute of Marxism Studies (CASS) is at the forefront of the entire Academy and has achieved a favorable start. It is necessary to further refine new ideas and methods for institutional and mechanistic innovation, open up new horizons for the Institute’s work, and expand the influence of both CASS and the Institute of Marxism Studies. Wang Weiguang emphasized that the Institute must form a strategic development plan—reminiscent of the "three-step" strategy [10] once proposed by Comrade Xiaoping—and that work in four areas must be strengthened: First, strengthening research on the basic theory of Marxism. Facts have repeatedly proven that the basic theory of Marxism possesses powerful vitality; for example, understanding the current Western financial crisis must involve proceeding from the analysis of the commodity economy found in Capital. Second, strengthening research on the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics. This issue involves our nation’s historical trajectory and its future. Third, strengthening the research and analysis of major practical issues. For example, China’s current issues regarding distribution and ideology are both major problems that require earnest research and analysis from a Marxist standpoint. Fourth, strengthening the construction of the ranks of Marxist theorists. We must cultivate a large cohort of young and middle-aged Marxist theoretical backbones and leading figures; young scholars must strengthen their research and study of the Marxist classical works. Jin Baoping (Deputy Secretary-General of CASS), Shi He’an (Director of the General Office), Li Hanlin (Director of the Research Bureau), Yang Yang (Director of the Bureau of International Cooperation), Zhang Guobao (Director of the Bureau of Finance and Planning), Zhang Changdong (Executive Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Directly Affiliated Organs), Wang Yanzhong (Director of the Inspection Bureau), Zhang Xinying (Director of the Documentation and Information Center), Wang Junjun (Director of the Service Bureau), Jiang Hui (Deputy Director of the General Office), and Pan Chenguang (Deputy Director of the Personnel Bureau) participated in the investigation and research.
On the afternoon of December 15, the Provisional Party Committee of the Institute of Marxism Studies held a democratic life meeting [11] for its leadership team. Hou Huiqin, Acting Secretary of the Party Committee, presided over the meeting. Cheng Enfu and Zhang Zuying attended, and members of the leadership team respectively delivered remarks. Wang Weiguang, Deputy Secretary of the CASS Party Leadership Group and Executive Vice President, attended and delivered a speech.
From December 20 to 21, the "Second National Forum for Deans of Marxist Studies," jointly sponsored by the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies and Guangxi University, was held in Nanning, Guangxi. Leaders and experts from over 60 universities and research units, including Cheng Enfu, Jin Baoping, Zhang Zuying, Hu Leming, Yang Guoliang, Gu Yumin, and Xiao Guiqing, attended the forum. Participants earnestly studied Comrade Hu Jintao’s important speech at the Commemorative Meeting for the 30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening-up [12]. They engaged in exchanges and discussions centered on themes such as Marxism and Reform and Opening-up, the theoretical system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and the construction of Marxism as a discipline [13].