The First Scientific Socialism Forum of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences was held in Beijing on November 1, 2013
On November 1, 2013, the "First Scientific Socialism Forum of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences" (CASS) was held in Beijing. Hosted by the CASS Leading Group for Marxist Disciplinary Construction and Theoretical Research and organized by the Institute of Marxism Studies, the forum was presided over by Deng Chundong, Party Secretary and Director of the Institute of Marxism Studies, and Hou Huiqin, Director of the CASS Research Center for National Cultural Security and Ideological Construction. Li Chongfu, a member of the CASS Academic Divisions, delivered the concluding remarks. The theme of this forum was "Scientific Socialism and Socialism with Chinese Characteristics." Wang Weiguang, Forum Chairman and President and Party Group Secretary of CASS, submitted a written statement to the forum, while Li Jie, Vice President of CASS, attended and delivered a keynote report. Over 30 foreign experts and scholars from more than 10 countries, including the United States, Russia, and Italy, participated alongside over 100 experts and scholars from more than 10 domestic institutions, including CASS, the Central Party School, the Central Compilation and Translation Bureau [1], Renmin University of China, Peking University, Tsinghua University, Beijing Normal University, China Agricultural University, North China University of Technology, Wuhan University, Central China Normal University, Fujian Normal University, Hebei Normal University, the Party School of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee, and Sanming University in Fujian.
In his written statement titled "Three Fundamental Issues in Persisting in and Developing Scientific Socialism in Contemporary China," Forum Chairman Wang Weiguang elaborated on three major questions: why the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics must persist in scientific socialism; what the basic principles of scientific socialism are; and how to best persist in and develop scientific socialism. He pointed out that persisting in scientific socialism is the choice of history and the choice of the people; it is an inherent requirement of socialism with Chinese characteristics; an inevitable requirement for solving China's practical problems; and a requirement for responding to today's complex and volatile international situation. Constructing socialism with Chinese characteristics must uphold the two cornerstones of scientific socialism—namely, historical materialism and the theory of surplus value. It must uphold the dialectical unity of the "two inevitabilities" [2], the "two nevers" [3], and the "two ruptures" [4] of scientific socialism. It must uphold the stage theory of scientific socialism and the method of class analysis. To persist in and develop scientific socialism well, first, we must not forget our ancestors [5] and should read more of their books. Second, we must rely on ideals and convictions to strengthen the lofty ideal of communism. Third, we must persist in advancing reform and opening up, using new practical and theoretical innovations to enrich the intellectual treasury of scientific socialism. Fourth, we must rely on the practice of the masses, using their pioneering spirit and agency to write new chapters of scientific socialism. Fifth, we must rely on the correct leadership of the Party, handling China's affairs well under its leadership.
In his keynote report titled "Socialism with Chinese Characteristics as the Adherence to and Development of Scientific Socialism," Li Jie pointed out that scientific socialism is a living theory of action, characterized by the unity of scientific and revolutionary natures. Socialism with Chinese characteristics represents both the adherence to and development of scientific socialism. On one hand, it persists in the basic principles of scientific socialism, embodies its essential attributes and basic value concepts, and follows its basic direction, system, and path. On the other hand, it embodies Chinese characteristics—reflecting the practical, theoretical, national, and temporal features of China's socialist construction and reform and opening up. It neither copies the socialist models of other countries nor remains confined to a dogmatic understanding and application of Marxism. In socialism with Chinese characteristics, adherence and development are inherently unified: there is development within adherence, and adherence within development. By persisting in the basic principles of scientific socialism, we advance the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Adherence and development have allowed for a thorough resolution of the fundamental question regarding "what kind of socialism to build and how to build it," providing bright prospects for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
During the seminar, scholars engaged in heated discussions centered on the forum's theme. They conducted in-depth research and discussion on major theoretical and practical issues, such as the development and basic principles of scientific socialism theory, the relationship between scientific socialism and socialism with Chinese characteristics, the relationship between internationalism and patriotism, and the relationship between socialism and capitalism.