Excerpts of Arguments from the 10th International Forum on Socialism
On November 4, 2023, the 10th International Forum on Socialism was held in Guilin, China. The forum was hosted by the Institute of Marxism Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS), the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences (LASES), and Guangxi Normal University. It was organized by the Department of International Communist Movement Studies of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, the School of Marxism at Guangxi Normal University, and the Center for Research on Marxist Theory and Regional Practice, a key humanities and social sciences research base for higher education institutions in Guangxi. The theme of this year's forum was "Socialist Modernization: Theory and Practice." Over one hundred experts and scholars from China, Vietnam, and Laos engaged in extensive and in-depth exchanges centered on three topics: "Marxism and Modernization Theory," "Chinese-path Modernization and the World Socialist Movement," and "The General Laws of Modernization and the Universal Laws of Socialist Modernization."
The 10th International Forum on Socialism Held in Guilin
Professor Xin Xiangyang, Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, presided over the opening ceremony. In his presentation, titled "Three Reflections on Chinese-path Modernization Creating a New Form of Human Advancement," he pointed out that Chinese-path modernization is capable of creating a new form of human advancement because, first, it is a "people-centered" modernization, and second, it is a modernization capable of continuously creating new quality productive forces. He noted that Chinese-path modernization creates a new form of human advancement by advancing the "two combinations" [1] and the construction of a modern Chinese civilization. Furthermore, Chinese-path modernization creates a peace-oriented form of civilization and a truly democratic civilization.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Professor Xin Xiangyang, Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, who also delivered a keynote report.
Dr. Ta Minh Tuan, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, noted in his opening remarks that the socialist modernization efforts of China, Vietnam, and Laos have achieved significant results across various sectors, including politics, economy, society, culture, security, national defense, and foreign relations, making important contributions to the world socialist movement. He observed that while each country’s understanding of socialist modernization may differ, they have all formed consistent insights into issues such as the socialist market economy, the role of science and technology in driving the development of productive forces, and the strategy of strengthening the nation through human resources.
Dr. Ta Minh Tuan, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, delivering remarks at the opening ceremony.
Dr. Khomeala Panyasane, Vice President of the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, stated in her opening remarks that socialist construction is a great and urgent revolutionary cause that requires comprehensive, in-depth, and long-term commitment. In this process, many difficulties and fierce struggles will be encountered, which must be resolved and perfected through both theory and practice to achieve socialist modernization.
Dr. Khomeala Panyasane, Vice President of the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, delivering remarks at the opening ceremony.
Jin Hualun, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Party Committee, noted in his remarks that the report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China provided a profound exposition of Chinese-path modernization. These important conclusions profoundly clarify the Chinese characteristics of Chinese-path modernization, reveal its essential requirements, and raise the Party's understanding of modernization to a new height. They provide a new blueprint for advancing modernization and will, he believes, serve as an inspiration for the socialist modernization of other countries. He emphasized that this forum’s focus on the theory and practice of modernization is both an urgent need of our times and a vivid embodiment of the principle of advancing with the times.
Jin Hualun, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Party Committee, delivering remarks at the opening ceremony.
He Zubin, Secretary of the Party Committee of Guangxi Normal University, stated in his remarks that comprehensively building a socialist modern country is a great and arduous undertaking with a bright future but a long and difficult road ahead. He noted the privilege of inviting experts and scholars from China, Vietnam, and Laos to discuss Chinese-path modernization and socialist modernization. He expressed confidence that the forum’s research and exchanges on major theoretical and practical issues would further deepen the understanding of the laws governing socialist modern states and yield high-quality research results.
He Zubin, Secretary of the Party Committee of Guangxi Normal University, delivering remarks at the opening ceremony.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the founding of the International Forum on Socialism. The hosts and participants spoke highly of the forum's significance and its fruitful achievements over the past decade. The parties agreed that since its inception, the forum has kept pace with the construction and reform of socialist countries. By focusing on the latest spirit of various Party congresses, the thought of national leaders, and theoretical innovations, the forum has sustained in-depth theoretical discussions. It has produced a series of results reflecting the frontiers of theoretical development in socialist countries, greatly enhancing solidarity and consensus among the Marxist theoretical and social science communities of these nations. Dr. Ta Minh Tuan of VASS noted that the forum has made active contributions to enhancing the policy advisory capabilities, academic exchanges, and cooperation among the academic institutions of Vietnam, China, and Laos. Dr. Khomeala Panyasane of LASES highly affirmed the forum’s important contributions and historical significance. A short documentary reviewing the ten-year history of the forum was screened. Video congratulatory messages were delivered by forum co-founder Professor Pham Van Duc (Member of the Theoretical Council of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Professor at VASS), Professor Cheng Enfu (Deputy Director of the Academic Committee and Chief Professor at the University of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences), and forum co-founder Professor Hou Huiqin (former Secretary of the Party Committee of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies).
Professor Wang Tingda, Dean of the School of Marxism at the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, pointed out in his keynote report, "The Leadership of the CPC and Chinese-path Modernization," that upholding the leadership of the Communist Party of China is the most distinctive feature and unique advantage of Chinese-path modernization. It is the essential requirement, supreme principle, and fundamental guarantee for advancing Chinese-path modernization.
Professor Wang Tingda, former head of the Discipline Inspection Group of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection stationed at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Dean of the School of Marxism at the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivering a keynote report.
Dr. Nguyen Xuan Cuong, Director of the Institute of Chinese Studies at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, noted in his keynote report, "World Socialism and the Process of Modernization," that socialist countries are currently holding high the banner of socialism and advancing industrialization and modernization to achieve the goals of human liberation and well-rounded personal development. He emphasized that Vietnam and China have much to exchange and cooperate on regarding socialist modernization.
Dr. Nguyen Xuan Cuong, Director of the Institute of Chinese Studies at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, delivering a keynote report.
Osvanh Thiengthepvongsa, Director of the Institute of Social and Economic Policy Research at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, proposed in his keynote report, "Applying Marxist-Leninist Theory to Continuously Develop Laos's Socialist Modern Market Economic System," that the Lao socialist market economy persists in using Marxism-Leninism and Kaysone Phomvihane Thought [2] to create the foundation of a modern national economy, driving the country’s economic base toward industrialization and modernization.
Osvanh Thiengthepvongsa, Director of the Institute of Social and Economic Policy Research and Member of the Party Committee at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, delivering a keynote report.
Professor Chen Lisheng, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the Guangxi Academy of Social Sciences, proposed in his speech, "Leading Socialist Modernization with a New Form of Human Advancement," that socialist modernization and capitalist modernization are essentially two modernizations under different forms of civilization. Socialism absorbs the advanced civilizational components of capitalism while discarding its backward and decadent elements, creating a civilization more advanced than capitalism. This new form of human advancement provides a guide for world socialist modernization.
Professor Chen Lisheng, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the Guangxi Academy of Social Sciences, delivering a speech.
Dr. Tran Tuan Phong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Philosophy at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, suggested in his speech, "The History of Modernization and Certain Characteristics of Socialist Modernization," that socialist modernization is a process led by a Communist Party, with its basic pillars being the socialist market economy, the socialist state under the rule of law, and socialist democracy.
Dr. Tran Tuan Phong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Philosophy at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, delivering a speech.
Phayvontha Khambanya, Director of the Institute of Political Science at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, proposed in his speech, "Carrying Out Party Building within International Integration and Challenges Facing Lao Socialist Modernization," that the Lao People's Revolutionary Party attaches great importance to meeting the practical demands of the domestic masses at every stage. It gives full play to the spirit of ownership in Party building based on innovation and continuously absorbs the experiences of friendly countries in promoting scientific and technological progress and national modernization.
Phayvontha Khambanya, Director of the Institute of Political Science at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, delivering a speech.
Professor Lin Jianhua, Vice President of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, proposed in his speech, "The Unique Concept of Democracy Contained in Chinese-path Modernization," that Chinese-path modernization contains a unique concept of democracy. It is developed on the basis of fully realizing the people's rights to equal participation and equal development. Democracy is not only an important component of the socialist system but its essential attribute. It is both a vital task and the political guarantee for socialist modernization.
Professor Lin Jianhua, Vice President of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, delivering a speech.
Somsene Sayavong, Director of the Institute of Culture at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, summarized the cultural characteristics and developmental experiences of Lao socialist modernization in his speech, "The Role of Cultural Development in Lao Socialist Modernization," particularly the practical experience of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party in protecting cultural development according to the law.
Somsene Sayavong, Director of the Institute of Culture at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, delivering a speech.
Professor Meng Xianping of the School of Marxism at Guangxi Normal University proposed in his speech, "Several Issues Concerning the Modernization of Traditional Culture," that the combination of Marxism with China’s fine traditional culture has provided the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics with a more expansive and profound historical depth and a cultural form adapted to Chinese-path modernization.
Professor Meng Xianping of the School of Marxism at Guangxi Normal University delivering a speech.
Researcher Vu Thi Thu Hang of the Political and Social Philosophy Department of the Institute of Philosophy at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences argued in her speech, "Social Development from the Perspective of Marxism and Modernization Theory," that the value and vitality of the localization of Marxism lie in persisting with economic and political development in a socialist direction, thereby ensuring the realization of development goals such as human happiness, national prosperity, and peaceful progress.
Researcher Vu Thi Thu Hang of the Institute of Philosophy at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences delivering a speech.
Dr. Hoang The Anh, Deputy Director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, noted in his speech, "The Path of Chinese-path Modernization and the Development of World Socialism," that Chinese-path modernization has achieved many remarkable successes, enriching the theory and practice of world socialism, boosting confidence in the world socialist movement, and providing lessons and references for other socialist countries.
Dr. Hoang The Anh, Deputy Director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences delivering a speech.
Professor Xiao Guiqing, Executive Vice Dean of the Institute for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era at Tsinghua University, pointed out in his speech, "The Contribution of Chinese-path Modernization to World Socialism," that Chinese-path modernization has innovated the institutional system of socialist civilization, enriched the value implications of socialist civilization, and signaled the broad development prospects of socialist civilization.
Professor Xiao Guiqing, Executive Vice Dean of the Institute for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era at Tsinghua University, delivering a speech.
Professor Yan Xiaofeng, Dean of the School of Marxism at Tianjin University, pointed out in his speech, "The 'Six Perspectives' of Chinese-path Modernization Demonstrate Cultural Confidence," that these "Six Perspectives" [3] form the philosophical basis of Chinese-path modernization. They demonstrate a high degree of cultural confidence in creating a new form of human advancement and provide conceptual guidance for advancing Chinese-path modernization and building a modern Chinese civilization.
Professor Yan Xiaofeng, Dean of the School of Marxism at Tianjin University, delivering a speech.
Professor Xuan Chuanshu, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Graduate School of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, pointed out in his speech, "From Socialism with Chinese Characteristics to Chinese-path Modernization: A New Chinese Narrative," that the narrative of Chinese-path modernization emphasizes the "second combination" [4] methodologically. Theoretically, it aims to tap into Chinese cultural wisdom to solve specific problems in China's modernization and universal problems in world modernization, thereby truly solving the problem of China "becoming strong" in practice.
Professor Xuan Chuanshu, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Graduate School of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, delivering a speech.
In his speech titled "The Unique Worldview Contained within Chinese-path Modernization and its Global Significance," Professor Hong Xiaonan of the School of Marxism at Dalian University of Technology pointed out that correctly understanding the relationship between fine traditional Chinese culture and Chinese-path modernization is of extremely vital significance for our profound understanding of the unique worldview of Chinese-path modernization.
Professor Chen Mingfan of the School of Marxism at Tsinghua University, in her speech titled "Chinese-path Modernization Provides Path Options for the National Rejuvenation of Late-Developing Countries," noted that Chinese-path modernization has shattered the myth that modernization can only be realized by following the Western model of modernization. It has overcome the congenital defects inherent in Western modernization and provided a brand-new choice for modernization.
In his speech titled "The Vigorous Development of Scientific Socialism and the Transformation of World Civilizations," Professor Kang Xiaoqiang of the Department of Scientific Socialism at the Party School of the Central Committee of the CPC (National Academy of Governance) indicated that exploring the potential space and feasible paths for the transformation of world civilizations from the perspective of the vigorous development of scientific socialism helps to deepen the understanding and grasp of Chinese-path modernization as a brand-new form of human civilization.
Dr. Phu Van Han, Vice President of the Southern Institute of Social Sciences under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, noted in his speech titled "The Communist Manifesto and the Resolution of the National Question in Vietnam" that the Communist Party of Vietnam remains firm in its Marxist ideological stance. It has creatively applied Marxist national theory [5] to the concrete practice of Vietnam, formulating and implementing a series of ethnic policies, and promoting Vietnamese socialism to contribute to the development of world socialism and modernization.
Researcher Zhang Jiangang, Deputy Director of the Editorial Department of Marxist Studies at the Institute of Marxism Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, pointed out in his presentation "Development Strategies of Chinese-path Industrial Modernization from the Perspective of the Technological Revolution" that as the wave of the Fourth Industrial Revolution gathers momentum today, the true realization of Chinese-path industrial modernization requires intensifying scientific and technological innovation. It is necessary to vigorously develop strategic emerging industries, establish personalized, networked, and intelligent modes of production, and construct a complete, efficient, and scientific intelligent manufacturing industrial system.
In her speech titled "Leadership by the Communist Party of China is the Most Essential Feature of Chinese-path Modernization," Professor Fang Yumei of the School of Marxism at Dalian University of Technology pointed out that the CPC's original aspiration and founding mission, its ideals and convictions, and its value pursuits constitute the logical starting point of Chinese-path modernization.
Associate Professor Jiang Hongqun of the School of Marxism at Guangxi Normal University, in her speech "Making the Economy Strong: The Economic Logic of Building a Great Modern Socialist Country," noted that "making the economy strong" is the primary goal of building a great modern country. Achieving the effective improvement of economic "quality" and the reasonable growth of "quantity" serves as the long-term path to making the economy strong.
Dr. Khamphone Thimthalivong, Director of the Institute of Sociology and Member of the Party Committee at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, pointed out in his speech "Building a United, Democratic, Fair, and Civilized Society in Laos Along the Socialist Road" that socialist modernization is the sublime goal and ideal of the entire Party and all Lao people. Building a united, harmonious, democratic, just, and civilized society is both the objective and a basic feature of the Lao-style people's democratic system.
Professor Xu Qinfa, Dean of the School of Marxism at Guangxi University, noted in his speech "Historical Evolution, Distinctive Features, and Basic Experience of National Governance in Vietnam" that the Party's leadership over national governance is the decisive factor ensuring Vietnam's development in a socialist direction. The Communist Party of Vietnam constantly adjusts its methods of leadership over the state based on the revolutionary tasks of different periods, providing ideological resources for the Party building and national governance of socialist states.
Le Thi Lan, Associate Professor at the Department of History of Vietnamese Philosophy, Institute of Philosophy, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, pointed out in her speech "The Necessity of Modernizing the National Value System during Vietnam's Socialist Transition Period" that the dialectical principles of Marxist philosophy, Vietnamese practice, and the current new understandings of the Communist Party of Vietnam provide theoretical guidance and practical direction for the task, principles, and content of establishing a new national value system in Vietnam.
Vongdean Ratsavong, Deputy Director of the Institute of History and Archaeology at the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, noted in his speech "Theoretical and Practical Explorations of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party in Applying Kaysone Phomvihane Thought to Political-Ideological Work during the Modernization Process" that the Lao People's Revolutionary Party applies Kaysone Phomvihane Thought [6] to the field of political-ideological work, promoting Lao socialist modernization through the development of modern science and technology.
Researcher Pan Jin'e, Director of the Department of International Communist Movement Studies at the Institute of Marxism Studies, CASS, pointed out in her speech "Socialist Modernization: A Comparison between China and Vietnam and its Great Significance" that as the two most important socialist countries in the world, the modernization of China and Vietnam represents a model of socialist modernization and embodies characteristics distinct from Western modernization.
Professor Fang Wen of the School of Marxism at Soochow University, in his speech "Domestic Characteristics of Lao Socialist Modernization," noted that Lao socialist modernization possesses distinct national characteristics: first, unswervingly following the socialist-oriented Doi Moi [7] (renovation) line; second, deeply advancing the modernization of industry, agriculture, science, and technology; third, committing to poverty reduction and eradication; fourth, promoting the modernization of national governance; and fifth, deepening theoretical innovation.
Researcher He Qin, Director of the Contemporary World Socialism Research Office of the Department of International Communist Movement Studies at the Institute of Marxism Studies, CASS, pointed out in the presentation "Experience and Enlightenment from Cuba’s Exploration of Socialist Modernization" that since the victory of the Cuban Revolution, the Cuban people, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba, have continuously explored and summarized experiences to create a localized and viable path for Cuban socialist modernization. Adherence to theoretical innovation, putting the people first, scientific development, advancing through struggle, and international solidarity are the important experiences and lessons of Cuban socialist modernization.
Xie Furong, a researcher at the Institute of China Studies under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, pointed out in the speech "Reflections on the Process of Industrialization and Modernization in Vietnam" that Vietnam must proactively innovate, seize opportunities, and leverage its own advantages to deeply advance the process of industrialization and modernization, tackling key problems, resisting risks, and promoting economic growth and sustainable development.
Zhu Meixu, a doctoral student at the School of Marxism of Guangxi Normal University, noted in the speech "The Four-Dimensional Dimensions of Common Prosperity in Spiritual Life within the Process of Chinese-path Modernization" that common prosperity in spiritual life reflects the political height of the Party's innovative theories regarding Chinese-path modernization; demonstrates the value-driven warmth of Chinese-path modernization’s people-centered approach; enriches the depth of the prosperity of socialist culture; and highlights the breadth of Chinese-path modernization in leading the development of human civilization.
The participating scholars spoke highly of the fruitful results achieved by this forum and reached a consensus that strengthening exchanges and mutual learning among the theoretical circles of socialist countries holds important theoretical and practical significance for advancing the new journey of socialist modernization in various countries and for joining hands to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
After the meeting, the heads of the three delegations consulted and reached a preliminary consensus on the theme, time, and location of the 11th International Forum on Socialism to be held in Laos in 2024.
(Contributed by He Qin, Liu Xiangyang, and Gai Linlin, Department of International Communist Movement Studies, Institute of Marxism Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences)