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The 14th National Forum for Deans of Marxist Schools

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To deeply study and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the CPC and fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the "14th National Forum for Deans of Marxism" was successfully held online on December 3, 2022. The forum was jointly hosted by the Institute of Marxism Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and Jilin University; co-organized by the School of Marxism at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the School of Marxism at Jilin University; and supported by the editorial departments of the journals Marxist Studies (Makesizhuyi yanjiu) and World Socialism Studies (Shijie shehuizhuyi yanjiu). The theme of this forum was "Studying and Implementing the Spirit of the 20th National Congress of the CPC, Opening Up New Realms in the Sinicization and Modernization of Marxism." Nearly 80 authoritative experts and deans in the field of Marxist theory from institutions such as Tsinghua University, Peking University, CASS, and the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance) delivered keynote reports. Nearly 300 participants attended the online meeting, and the live broadcast viewership exceeded 1,000. The forum was conducted in two parts: keynote reports and sub-forum thematic reports.

Opening Remarks by Experts and Scholars

The opening ceremony featured speeches by Han Xiping, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Jilin University; Xin Xiangyang, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Institute of Marxism Studies at CASS; Liu Lixin, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the Jilin Provincial Party Committee; Zhang Hongbin, Deputy Secretary of the Education Working Committee of the Jilin Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Department of Education; and Wang Ying, President of the Jilin Provincial Academy of Social Sciences. The opening ceremony was chaired by Wu Hongzheng, Dean of the School of Marxism at Jilin University.

Speech by Professor Han Xiping Professor Han Xiping, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Jilin University, stated in his address that the 20th National Congress of the CPC was a momentous meeting. He noted that possessing the guidance of the scientific theory of Marxism is the fundamental basis for our Party to strengthen its faith and conviction and to maintain historical initiative [1]. The report to the 20th National Congress gives us confidence and requires us to maintain self-confidence and self-reliance. Simultaneously, the report places higher demands on us as Marxist theorists, requiring us to continue promoting theoretical innovation based on practice, to implement the Project to Study and Build Marxist Theory [2] in depth, and to accelerate the construction of the disciplinary, academic, and discourse systems of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. Finally, Professor Han introduced Jilin University, expressed gratitude to all sectors of society for their support of the university and its School of Marxism, and offered his sincere wishes for a successful forum.

Speech by Researcher Xin Xiangyang Xin Xiangyang, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Institute of Marxism Studies at CASS, stated in his address that the 20th National Congress of the CPC was an extremely important meeting held at a time when our country has embarked on a new journey to build a socialist country in all respects and is marching toward the Second Centenary Goal [3]. The report clarified major questions regarding what flag the CPC will hold, what path it will take, what mental state it will maintain, and toward what goals it will advance on this new journey, thereby pointing out the direction and establishing a guide for action. He noted that the thoughts proposed in the report are profound and rich in connotation; many of its important assertions and issues require further longitudinal research and academic deepening. Therefore, the theme of this forum—"Studying the Spirit of the 20th National Congress of the CPC, Opening Up New Realms in the Sinicization and Modernization of Marxism"—is highly significant and timely.

Speech by Professor Liu Lixin Liu Lixin, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the Jilin Provincial Party Committee, stated in his address that Schools of Marxism are the main force in opening up new realms in the Sinicization and Modernization of Marxism in the New Era, and they serve as guides for Chinese youth. To effectively study, publicize, and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress, Schools of Marxism in various universities must be at the forefront of research and interpretation. They must lead students in grasping these concepts early, strengthen the training of teachers of ideological and political theory, and utilize "Ideological and Political Courses" [4] (Sizhengke) to enlighten the minds of young students. Finally, Liu Lixin expressed gratitude to the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies for its trust in Jilin and thanked the National Key Schools of Marxism at Jilin University and Northeast Normal University for their contributions to the Project to Study and Build Marxist Theory in Jilin Province.

Speech by Professor Zhang Hongbin Zhang Hongbin, Deputy Secretary of the Education Working Committee of the Jilin Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Department of Education, stated that in studying the spirit of the 20th National Congress, one must: first, fully recognize its major significance and appreciate its theoretical contributions and spiritual energy; second, deeply reflect on the theoretical and practical significance of realizing Chinese-path modernization in education, accurately grasping the new positioning of the strategy to strengthen the country through science and education within the overall construction of a modern socialist country; and third, integrate the latest theoretical achievements of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism into "Ideological and Political Course" teaching. This forum provides an opportunity to explore the spiritual essence and theoretical system of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, while elucidating the "Dao" (principles), academic logic, and philosophy of the Party’s innovative theories, which will further consolidate ideological consensus and promote theoretical innovation.

Speech by Professor Wang Ying Wang Ying, President of the Jilin Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, stated that holding this forum on the occasion of studying the 20th National Congress reflects the political, academic, and active consciousness of the national Marxist theoretical community. President Wang issued three proposals to those in the philosophy and social sciences: First, focus on "building consensus" by conducting in-depth research and interpretation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Second, provide "intellectual support" by adhering to a problem-oriented approach and rooting social science work in the vivid practice of Chinese-path modernization. Third, focus on "academic innovation." Just as scientific and technological innovation must solve "chokepoint" (kǎ bōzi) problems [5], social science theory must solve the "muted voice" (yǎ sǎngzi) problem [6]. Finally, President Wang invited experts to submit manuscripts to the Jilin Provincial Academy of Social Sciences and wished the forum success.

Keynote Reports

The keynote reports of the forum were divided into two sessions, featuring 16 authoritative experts in Marxist theory. The first session was chaired by Lin Jianhua, Vice President of the Institute of Marxism Studies at CASS.

Keynote Report by Researcher Xin Xiangyang Xin Xiangyang, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Institute of Marxism Studies at CASS, delivered a report titled "The Path by Which the Party Ensures the Correct Direction of Chinese-path Modernization in the New Era." He pointed out that the Party ensures this direction through several paths: first, by ensuring the correct direction of comprehensively deepening reform; second, by remaining committed to the path of socialist political development with Chinese characteristics; third, by ensuring the correct direction of the comprehensive law-based governance, which must adhere to the Party's leadership; and fourth, by ensuring that the Party "does not change its nature, its conviction, or its character" [7]. He emphasized that corruption is a "malignant tumor" on modernization; clearing it not only prevents modernization from stalling but also significantly reduces social inequality.

Keynote Report by Professor Wu Qiantao Professor Wu Qiantao of the School of Marxism at Tsinghua University delivered a report titled "Correctly Understanding the Moral Concept of 'Kindness and Goodness of Heart' (Renxin Hexian) in the Chinese Nation." He noted that the Chinese moral outlook comprises the concepts of "kindness and goodness of heart," the international outlook of "harmony among all nations" (xiehe wanbang), and the world outlook of "harmony without uniformity" (he er butong), as mentioned by General Secretary Xi Jinping. "Kindness and goodness of heart" manifests as inner peace and encompasses the pursuit of "Hehe" (harmony and convergence) [8] values. Specifically: 1) It is a moral requirement following the value of harmony; 2) it is a moral requirement integrated with human existence; 3) it is centered on "Ren'ai" (benevolence). We must adhere to Marxist and socialist moralities, continue the moral genetic lineage of the Chinese nation, and give play to the irreplaceable role of the Chinese people's innate disposition.

Keynote Report by Professor Yan Xiaofeng Professor Yan Xiaofeng, Dean of the School of Marxism at Tianjin University, delivered a report titled "Theoretical Innovation of Chinese-path Modernization." He noted that Chinese-path modernization is a vital component of the 20th National Congress report: 1) It clarifies the basis of its existence, possessing both the common characteristics of modernization in all countries and Chinese characteristics based on our own national conditions; 2) it specifies the fundamental nature—that the leadership of the CPC is the most essential feature of Chinese-path modernization; 3) it elaborates the basic framework and essential requirements; 4) it establishes the strategic layout and its role; and 5) it addresses the relationship between Chinese-path modernization and human progress.

Keynote Report by Professor Han Qingxiang Professor Han Qingxiang of the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance) delivered a report titled "The Underlying Logic of Chinese-path Modernization." He argued that the key to understanding its essential characteristics lies in revealing five layers of logic: 1) Political logic—socialist modernization led by the CPC; 2) Reality logic—achieving common prosperity for all and following the path of peaceful development; 3) Philosophical logic—expressed as "subject-subject equality" rather than the Western "subject-object dichotomy"; 4) Theoretical logic—the New Development Philosophy [9]; and 5) Epochal logic—formulated in the context of building a modern socialist powerhouse in the New Era.

Keynote Report by Professor Luo Yuting Professor Luo Yuting, Dean of the Institute of Ideological and Political Education at Wuhan University, delivered a report titled "Independent Innovation in the Path of Chinese-path Modernization." He specified four areas of innovation: 1) The combination of national independence and autonomous exploration; 2) the combination of universal truths (of Marxism) with concrete realities; 3) the combination of socialism and the market economy, with the development of modern productive forces as the fundamental task; and 4) in science and technology, a combination of innovation-led development and the selective borrowing of external experience.

Keynote Report by Professor Feng Gang Professor Feng Gang, Dean of the Institute of Ideological and Political Education at Beijing Normal University, delivered a report titled "Deeply Grasping General Secretary Xi Jinping's Strategic Thinking on Ideological Work in the New Era." He noted that this strategic thinking is reflected in a logical system of strategic goals, judgments, decisions, and implementation: 1) Strategic goals guide the entire process; 2) strategic decision-making focuses on resolving principal contradictions—"going where the people are"; and 3) strategic measures are embodied in "holding high the flag, gathering the people’s hearts, nurturing new generations, flourishing culture, and presenting a positive image" [10].

Keynote Report by Professor Wang Binglin Professor Wang Binglin, Dean of the Institute of CPC History and Party Building at Beijing Normal University, delivered a report titled "Deeply Comprehending the Essence of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era." He noted that the essence of this thought lies in its worldview and methodology: 1) Comprehending its significance for theoretical sublimation; 2) grasping its scientific connotation; 3) upholding the fundamentals and breaking new ground while remaining self-confident and self-reliant; 4) adhering to a problem-oriented approach—noting that the primary difficulty is identifying the "problem" rather than the "answer"; 5) adhering to a systems-oriented approach; and 6) maintaining a global vision (xionghuai tianxia)—a genetic trait of Communists and Marxists.

Professor Sun Xiguo, Dean of the School of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era at Peking University, delivered a report titled "How to Understand the Original Contributions of the Worldview and Methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era." He pointed out that reflecting on the original contributions of the "Six Must-Upholds" [11] should begin from three aspects. First, regarding the three masters mentioned by Marx and Engels—nature, society, and man himself—General Secretary Xi Jinping follows a similar line of thinking: proceeding from nature, society, and the human being. Second, the "Six Must-Upholds" constitute original contributions at the level of worldview and methodology. An original contribution means answering questions others have not answered, solving problems others have not solved, completing tasks others have not completed, and discovering laws others have not discovered. Third, the original contributions are embodied in the specific meanings represented by putting the people first, maintaining self-confidence and self-reliance, upholding the fundamentals and breaking new ground, staying problem-oriented, applying systems thinking, and maintaining a global perspective.

The keynote reports of the second session were chaired by Chen Zhigang, Director of the Department of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era at the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies.

Professor Yang Xiaohui, Party Secretary of Northeast Normal University, delivered a report titled "Grasping the Action Guide for Building a Leading Country in Education within the Process of Chinese-path Modernization." He noted that to grasp the action guide for building a leading country in education, one must first firmly grasp the strategic position of education. In terms of goal planning, the 20th National Congress placed education in a primary position; from a strategic structural perspective, the 20th National Congress report's emphasis on the strategy for invigorating the country through science and education was unprecedented. At the same time, the report for the first time grouped together the three major strategies—invigorating the country through science and education, strengthening the country through talent, and innovation-driven development—integrating education, technology, and talent for systemic planning. Second, one must firmly grasp systems thinking in education. The 20th National Congress report deployed education, technology, and talent work as a whole, highlighting General Secretary Xi Jinping's systems thinking in terms of methodology. Third, one must firmly grasp the fundamental task of education. The 20th National Congress report emphasized unswervingly implementing the fundamental task of fostering virtue through education [12], further deepening and developing requirements in this area.

Professor Wang Shuyin of the School of Marxism at Beijing Normal University delivered a report titled "Comprehensively and Accurately Grasping the Scientific Content of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era." He pointed out that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has achieved a new leap in the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism. Professor Wang Shuyin argued that to understand the issue of the "new leap," one must grasp the relationship between continuity and stages, as well as between inheritance and innovation, in the Sinicization of Marxism. We must examine it within the hundred-year historical process while also conducting in-depth investigations by stage; only by combining continuity and stages with inheritance and innovation when reflecting on the new leap in the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism can the correct answer be found.

Professor Ai Silin, Dean of the Institute of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era at Tsinghua University, delivered a report titled "Maintaining a Global Perspective and Continuously Advancing the Party's Theoretical Innovation in the New Era." He pointed out that achieving a global perspective and advancing the innovation of Marxism in the New Era can be approached from three aspects. First, "maintaining a global perspective" embodies the original aspiration and founding mission of Marxism. Humanistic concern is a distinct quality of Marxism; without discussing humanistic concern, it is impossible to truly understand Marxism. Second, "maintaining a global perspective" is a valuable experience gained through our Party's hundred-year struggle and historical achievements. Our Party has always proceeded from the major affairs of human development, realizing its own theoretical and practical innovations through interaction and engagement with the world. Third, "maintaining a global perspective" is an important path for the Party's theoretical innovation on the new journey of the New Era. Only by maintaining a global perspective can we transcend regional significance and enter the realm of universal global significance.

Professor Liu Jianjun of the School of Marxism at Renmin University of China delivered a report titled "Differentiated Development: A Phenomenon of Regularity in Theoretical Innovation in the New Era." He pointed out that the "Two Combinations" [13] represent a differentiated development of "two" out of the "one" combination. This does not mean moving from one combination to two, or from being one-sided to being comprehensive; rather, it means moving from an abstract whole to a concrete whole, signifying that the content of the "second combination" was originally inherent within the "first" combination. Furthermore, the move from "one-ization" to "two-izations"—specifically in the report of the 20th National Congress, where what was originally "the Sinicization of Marxism" is now "the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism"—is also such a process. The connotation of the "second -ization" (modernization) was already contained within the Sinicization of Marxism. Whether it be Mao Zedong Thought or the system of theories of socialism with Chinese characteristics, both are leaps of the "two-izations" of Sinicization and modernization.

Professor Zhong Minghua of the School of Marxism at Sun Yat-sen University delivered a report titled "The Value Significance of Combining the Basic Tenets of Marxism with Fine Traditional Chinese Culture." He pointed out that the first discourse on the "Two Combinations" was raised in the speech for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Party last year, and General Secretary Xi Jinping further elaborated on it at the 20th National Congress. It can be said that this is the first time in our Party's history that the proposition of adhering to the combination of the basic tenets of Marxism with fine traditional Chinese culture has been put forward from the height of the Party's guiding ideology and from the perspective of the Sinicization of Marxism. We can call it a "new combination" or the "second combination." The value significance of this new combination includes three aspects: First, the new combination is the inevitable path for theoretical innovation and ideological development in the New Era. Second, its value is also reflected in the inevitable path of cultural resurgence and development. Third, from the perspective of the construction and development of civilization, it embodies the deep value of constructing a new form of human civilization.

Professor She Shuanghao of the School of Marxism at Wuhan University delivered a report titled "The Spiritual Factors of Chinese-path Modernization." He pointed out that the report of the 20th National Congress stated, "Chinese-path modernization is the modernization of material and cultural-ethical advancement in coordination." [14] Professor She Shuanghao discussed four viewpoints: First, advanced institutions, superior culture, and sufficient spirit are essential requirements of socialism. Second, the construction of cultural-ethical advancement has also been a century-long pursuit of the Chinese Communist Party. After the 18th National Congress, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core elevated cultural construction to the strategic height of the overall situation of the modernization of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Third, spiritual factors play an important role in modernization. A word frequency analysis of "spirit" (jingshen) in the 20th National Congress report shows it appears mainly in the section on advancing socialist cultural construction but also transcends that section. Fourth, cultural-ethical advancement provides spiritual impetus and a powerful spiritual pillar for the road of Chinese-path modernization.

Professor Wang Yonggui of the School of Marxism at Nanjing Normal University delivered a report titled "Deeply Understanding the Internal Logic and Great Significance of the 'Six Must-Upholds'." He pointed out that three angles regarding General Secretary Xi Jinping's discussion of the "Six Must-Upholds" deserve our attention: First, the premise of discussing the "Six Must-Upholds" is theoretical innovation based on practice, requiring a grasp of scale and principle. Second, grasping the internal mutual positioning of the "Six Must-Upholds" is of vital significance for understanding the "Six Must-Upholds" themselves. Third, in understanding the "Six Must-Upholds," one must grasp each "must-uphold" as part of a whole while also recognizing the specific emphasis of each aspect. The "Six Must-Upholds" are a closely linked, internally unified organic whole that illuminates the essence of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era; while we emphasize their individual characteristics, we must also focus on their integrity and connect them through.

Gong Yun, Vice President of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, delivered a report titled "The Milestone Significance of the New Era in Party History." He pointed out that why the New Era holds milestone significance in Party history can be revealed through three aspects: First, the practice of the ten years of the New Era found the "second answer" to the question of how the Chinese Communist Party can escape the historical cycle [15]—namely, self-revolution. Over these ten years, the Communist Party effectively responded to the "four major challenges" [16] during its exploration, and it was precisely in facing these four challenges that it found the answer to escaping the historical cycle. Second, through its own practice in the New Era, the Chinese Communist Party has revealed the essential connection between the leadership of the Communist Party and socialism. Third, in the New Era, the Chinese Communist Party found the weapon of self-revolution. The practice of the CPC in the New Era allows us to rewrite global political party discourse and re-examine the importance of political parties amidst great global changes and in the pursuit of human progress.

In the afternoon, four sub-forums were held, where more than 60 deans and vice-deans of Schools of Marxism from institutions such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, Renmin University of China, Wuhan University, Jilin University, Nankai University, Shandong University, Sun Yat-sen University, and Lanzhou University delivered keynote reports. Each of the four sub-forums was conducted in two sessions.

The theme of Sub-forum I was "Essential Characteristics and Contemporary Advancement of Chinese-path Modernization." The two sessions were chaired respectively by Yu Haiqing, Director of the Editorial Department and Research Fellow of Studies on World Socialism, and Tian Mingxiao, Editor-in-Chief of Zhejiang Academic Journal. In the first session, Professor Yang Haifeng, Dean of the School of Marxism at Peking University, delivered a report titled "The Framework of Western Modernity"; Professor Hu Daping, Dean of the School of Marxism at Nanjing University, delivered a report titled "Viewing the New Civilizational Nature of Chinese-path Modernization from Leadership and Institutions"; Professor Liu Zhiming, Director of the Sinicization Department at the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, delivered a report titled "The Marxist Foundations of the 'Two Upholds'"; Professor Tian Pengying, Dean of the School of Marxism at Northeastern University, delivered a report titled "Chinese-path Modernization is the Way to Realize the Essence of Socialism—Studying the Spirit of the 20th National Congress Report"; Professor Zhang Zhanbin, Dean of the School of Marxism at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance), delivered a report titled "How China's Modernization Moved from Passive to Active: A Macro-Historical Perspective"; Professor Liu Fengyi, Dean of the School of Marxism at Nankai University, delivered a report titled "Advancing Chinese-path Modernization through High-quality Development"; and Professor Zhao Yiliang, Dean of the School of Marxism at Beihang University, delivered a report titled "Chinese-path Modernization and Human Modernization." In the second session, Professor Liu Tongfang, Dean of the School of Marxism at Zhejiang University, delivered a report titled "Advancing Common Prosperity within the Process of Chinese-path Modernization"; Professor Yang Renzhong, Dean of the School of Marxism at Tianjin Normal University, delivered a report titled "Advancing Chinese-path Modernization while Persisting in the Harmonious Coexistence between Man and Nature"; Professor Wan Meirong, Dean of the School of Marxism at Central China Normal University, delivered a report titled "The Cultural Requirements of Chinese-path Modernization"; Professor Fu Huifang, Dean of the School of Marxism at Fujian Normal University, delivered a report titled "Chinese-path Modernization with 'The Person' at the Center"; Professor Liu Libo, Dean of the School of Marxism at Shaanxi Normal University, delivered a report titled "The Value and Advancement Strategy of Chinese-path Modernization from a Cultural Perspective"; Professor Yue Kui, Dean of the School of Marxism at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, delivered a report titled "The Chinese Characteristics of Chinese-path Modernization"; Professor Liu Xingang, Dean of the School of Marxism at Beijing Institute of Technology, delivered a report titled "A Political Economy Analysis of Chinese-path Modernization"; and Professor Feng Xiujun, Dean of the School of Marxism at the Central University of Finance and Economics, delivered a report titled "On the Convergence of Traditional Chinese Values and Scientific Socialist Values."

Sub-forum II was themed...

The sessions titled "The World-Historical Significance of Chinese-path Modernization and the Historic Achievements of the New Era" were presided over respectively by Zheng Duan, Associate Editor-in-Chief of Studies on Marxist Theory, and Zhao Tao, President and Editor-in-Chief of the Jianghai Academic Journal. In the first segment, Professor Zhu Andong, Dean of the School of Marxism at Tsinghua University, delivered a report titled "The World-Historical Significance of Chinese-path Modernization." Professor Zhang Yunge, Dean of the School of Marxism at Hainan University, reported on "The World Significance of Chinese-path Modernization." Professor Wu Manyi, Dean of the School of Marxism at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, presented "The World Significance of the Achievements of the Ten Years of the New Era." Professor Wang Yong, Dean of the School of Marxism at Guizhou Normal University, discussed "The International Recognition of Sinicized Marxism in the New Era." Professor Xu Qinfa, Dean of the School of Marxism at Guangxi University, reported on "Correctly Understanding the World-Historical Contribution of Chinese-path Modernization." Professor Chai Yanping, Dean of the School of Marxism at Hebei University of Economics and Business, delivered a report on "The World Significance of Chinese-path Modernization Characterized by Harmony Between Humanity and Nature." Professor Luo Kequan, Vice Dean of the School of Marxism at Jilin University, presented on "The 'Human Liberation' Dimension of the New Form of Human Civilization."

In the second segment, Professor Pang Lisheng, Director of the Faculty of Marxism at Northeast Normal University, delivered a report titled "The Milestone Significance of the Ten Years of the New Era for the Development of Socialism." Professor Luo Yongkuan, Party Committee Secretary of the School of Marxism at Wuhan University, reported on "The Significance of the Transformations of the Ten Years of the New Era for the History of the CPC." Professor Wang Qiang, Dean of the School of Marxism at Northwest University, presented "The Milestone Significance of the Great Transformations of the Ten Years of the New Era from the Perspective of the Big View of History [17]." Professor Zhang Guangxing, Executive Dean of the School of Marxism at Hebei Normal University, reported on "Deeply Understanding the Three Methodological Principles of the Great Historic Transformations of the New Era." Professor Tang Zhihua, Dean of the School of Marxism at Guangxi Normal University, discussed "The Major Significance of the Great Transformations of the Ten Years of the New Era for the History of Socialist Development." Professor Duan Yan, Vice Director of the Faculty of Marxism at Northeast Normal University, presented "The World Significance of the Path of Chinese-path Modernization in a Comparative Perspective." Professor He Xinyuan, Deputy Director of the Department of Sinicization Studies at the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, delivered a report on "Seven Manifestations of the Two 'Works' [18]." Professor Wei Hongfa, Vice Dean of the School of Marxism at Jilin University, reported on "China's Modernization and Chinese-path Modernization: Theoretical Construction and Practical Significance of Modernization."

The theme of Sub-Forum Three was "Worldview, Methodology, and the New Realm of the Sinicization and Modernization of Marxism," presided over respectively by Zhang Jiangang, Deputy Director of the Editorial Department and Researcher at Marxism Studies, and Fang Honglin, Associate Editor-in-Chief and Research Librarian of Study and Exploration. In the first segment, Professor Wang Yi, Party Committee Secretary of the School of Marxism at Renmin University of China, delivered a report titled "Based on High Compatibility, Promoting Deep Integration." Professor Sun Xiuling, Vice President of Xinjiang Normal University and Dean of its School of Marxism, reported on "Deeply Grasping the Worldview and Methodology Contained within the 'Six Persistences' [19]." Professor Duan Hong, Dean of the School of Marxism at Harbin Normal University, presented "Writing a New Chapter in the Sinicization and Modernization of Marxism." Professor Yan Lianfu, Dean of the School of Marxism at Xi'an Jiaotong University, offered "Reflections on General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Discourses on the ‘Four Perspectives’ [20] of Fine Traditional Chinese Culture." Professor Hong Xiaonan, Dean of the School of Marxism at Dalian University of Technology, reported on "The Dual Dimensions of Combining the Basic Principles of Marxism with Fine Traditional Chinese Culture." Professor Zhang Shihai, Dean of the School of Marxism at Shandong University, discussed "The Basic Logic of Why Sinicized and Modernized Marxism Works." Professor Li Shanjiu, Party Committee Secretary of the School of Marxism at Sichuan University, delivered a report on "Deeply Understanding the Internal Logic of the Worldview and Methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era."

In the second segment, Professor Gu Hongliang, Deputy Party Committee Secretary of East China Normal University and Dean of its School of Marxism, delivered a report titled "Consolidating the Foundation of the Sinicization and Modernization of Marxism." Professor Wang Gang, Dean of the School of Marxism at Nanjing Normal University, reported on "The Fundamental Objective of Combining the Basic Principles of Marxism with Fine Traditional Chinese Culture." Professor Bai Xianliang, Dean of the School of Marxism at Southwest University, presented "How Does Marxism Work?" Professor Tian Zhijian, Dean of the School of Marxism at Soochow University, reported on "The Methodology of the Sinicization and Modernization of Marxism." Professor Liu Lühong, Dean of the School of Marxism at Zhengzhou University, discussed "Demonstrating the Proactive Spirit of Sinicized and Modernized Marxism in Prospering Philosophy and Social Sciences." Professor Li Nan, Executive Dean of the School of Marxism at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, delivered a report on "The Interpretative Rationale of Chinese-path Modernization." Professor Shen Yongfu, Dean of the School of Marxism at Capital Normal University, reported on "The Light of Theory Illuminates Our Path Forward: Reflections on the Path of Studying New Thought." Professor Shi Jialiang, Vice Dean of the School of Marxism at Shandong Normal University, presented "Upholding the Fundamentals and Breaking New Ground as the Scientific Methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era."

The theme of Sub-Forum Four was "National Rejuvenation and the CPC in the New Era," presided over respectively by Liu Di, Associate Editor-in-Chief of Research on Ideological and Political Education, and Zhu Xiaomei, Editor of Core Socialist Values Studies. In the first segment, Professor Chen Jinlong, Dean of the School of Marxism at South China Normal University, delivered a report titled "Defining the Relationship between Chinese-path Modernization and the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation." Professor Lin Jinping, Dean of the School of Marxism at Sun Yat-sen University, reported on "How Chinese-path Modernization Can Ensure Common Prosperity." Professor Xu Rong, Dean of the School of Marxism at Tongji University, presented "Modernization of National Security and the Comprehensive Building of a Modern Socialist Country." Professor Cai Wancheng, Dean of the School of Marxism at Lanzhou University, reported on "Deeply Grasping the Basic Characteristics of Whole-Process People's Democracy." Professor Zhang Hui, Dean of the School of Marxism at China Agricultural University, discussed "Promoting Common Prosperity through High-quality Development." Professor Yao Hongzhi, Dean of the School of Marxism at Anhui Normal University, reported on "Are We Still in a Period of Important Strategic Opportunity?" Professor Song Chaolong, Vice Dean of the School of Marxism at Peking University, presented "The Party and Whole-Process People's Democracy: A New Proposition for Socialist Democratic Politics in the New Era."

In the second segment, Professor Zhang Runzhi, Dean of the School of Marxism at Beijing Normal University, delivered a report titled "Solving the Unique Challenges of a Large Party with the Unique Advantages of a Large Party [21]." Professor Xie Xiaojuan, Dean of the School of Marxism at Liaoning University, reported on "The Ideological and Cultural Construction Dimensions of Common Prosperity for All People." Professor Wu Huaiyou, Dean of the School of Marxism at Jiangxi Normal University, presented "Deeply Understanding the Great Founding Spirit of the Party in the Theme of the 20th CPC National Congress." Professor Li Jianguo, Director of the Editorial Department of Marxism Studies, reported on "Maintaining the People's Position in Theoretical Innovation." Professor Dai Yuqi, Vice Dean of the School of Marxism at Zhejiang University, discussed "A Historical Materialist Interpretation of the CPC's Self-Revolution." Professor Long Bing, Vice Dean of the School of Marxism at Hunan University, presented "The Institutional Guarantee for Advancing the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation via Chinese-path Modernization." Professor Dai Lixing, Deputy Director of the Department of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era at the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, reported on "Innovation in Xi Jinping’s Thought on Party Building in the New Era." Professor Dong Shubin, Vice Dean of the School of Marxism at Jilin University, delivered a report on "Whole-Process People's Democracy in the Process of Chinese-path Modernization."

The conference’s closing ceremony was presided over by Professor Shi Ying, Vice Dean of the School of Marxism at Jilin University, and Professor Lin Jianhua, Vice Dean of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, delivered the summary. In his summary, Professor Lin Jianhua pointed out that the 20th National Congress of the CPC was a most important conference held at a critical moment when the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups are embarking on a new journey to comprehensively build a modern socialist country and advance toward the Second Centenary Goal; it holds great historical significance in the development process of the Party and the country. This forum focused on eight topics from the report of the 20th National Congress, such as "The Historic Achievements of the Ten Years of the New Era," "The Essential Characteristics of Chinese-path Modernization," and "The Worldview and Methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era," yielding prolific research results. The forum provided an essential platform for strengthening exchanges among Deans of Marxism Schools nationwide and formed an academic community.

This Deans’ Forum saw full exchange and discussion on a series of major theoretical issues within the spirit of the 20th National Congress. Faculty and students from schools of Marxism in numerous domestic research institutions and universities attended. This provided a high-end academic exchange platform for the Marxist theoretical community to further deeply study and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress, to understand and apply Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, to open new chapters in the Sinicization and Modernization of Marxism, to create an independent knowledge system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, to prosper the philosophy and social sciences of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and to promote mutual learning among Deans of Marxism. The forum played a leading and exemplary role and produced a wealth of exchange and research outcomes.

(Contributors: Professor Luo Kequan, School of Marxism, Jilin University; Researcher Yang Jing, CASS Institute of Marxism Studies)