Establish a Correct Outlook on History and the Overall Situation by Focusing on In-depth Study of Party History and the History of New China

In order to deeply study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s series of important expositions ^[1] on learning the history of the Party and the history of New China, and to thoroughly explore and summarize the glorious course, great achievements, and precious experiences of the 70 years since the founding of New China, a publishing symposium for The 70 Years of New China was held in Beijing on December 27. The event was hosted by the Institute of Contemporary China of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and the CASS Bureau of Scientific Research Management, and co-organized by the Contemporary China Publishing House.

Xie Fuzhan, President and Secretary of the Leading Party Members’ Group of CASS; Gao Xiang, Member of the Leading Party Members’ Group and Vice President of CASS; Li Minghua, Director of the National Archives Administration of China and Curator of the Central Archives; Wang Chunfa, Director of the National Museum of China; Zhang Baijia, former Deputy Director of the Institute of Party History of the CPC Central Committee; Guo Yiqiang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Publishing Bureau; Zhang Fughen, Director of the Cadre Education Bureau of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee; and Chai Fangguo, Member of the Committee of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee ^[2], along with other experts and scholars, delivered keynote speeches and exchanged learning insights. Their discussions centered on major events and important figures in the history of the Party and New China; the glorious journey of New China over 70 years; the historic achievements and transformations ^[3] led by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core in the New Era; and the primary mission, central themes, characteristics, and significance of the compilation of The 70 Years of New China. The meeting was presided over by Jiang Hui, Member of the Leading Party Members’ Group of CASS and Director of the Institute of Contemporary China.

Participating experts pointed out that General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized that history is the best textbook, stating: "We must continue to strengthen the study of the history of the Party and the history of the nation, effectively carry out contemporary work through deep reflection on history, move toward the future more effectively, and continuously submit qualified results in upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics." During this year’s "remaining true to our original aspiration and founding mission" thematic education campaign ^[4], the CPC Central Committee issued a special circular requiring all regions, departments, and units to incorporate the study of Party history and New China’s history as essential components of the thematic education. The 70 Years of New China situates the seven-decade history of New China within the context of the more than 5,000-year civilization history of the Chinese nation, the 170-plus-year history of struggle by the Chinese people in modern times ^[5], and the nearly 100-year history of struggle by the Communist Party of China. By tracing the glorious course of New China’s 70 years and striking an uplifting chord of praise for New China and striving for the New Era, the work allows us to clarify where we have come from and where we are going through deep historical reflection and mastery. This ensures we follow neither the old path of isolation and rigidity ^[6] nor the evil path of changing flags and banners ^[7], providing a powerful spiritual impetus for us to better uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era and to realize the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

The experts contended that to deeply implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s series of important speeches on learning Party and national history as well as the requirements of the CPC Central Committee, one must persist in the correct political direction, value orientation, and academic guidance. It is essential to unwaveringly uphold the guiding position of Marxism, deeply study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and approach the history of the Party and the nation with the correct stance, viewpoint, and method. We must clearly apply historical materialism to guide the study of national history, guiding the academic community, the ideological sphere, and the whole of society toward a correct understanding of and high identification with the Communist Party of China and the People’s Republic of China.

Participating experts expressed that New China’s historical research must firmly seize historical opportunities, focus on major theoretical and practical issues, and record the great practices of the people and the progressive requirements of the times from a historical perspective. Research must deeply summarize the precious experience of the Chinese people’s great revolution led by the CPC, and thoroughly propagate and explain the historical inevitability that only the CPC can lead the Chinese people to stand up, become prosperous, and grow strong ^[8]. It should carry forward the Chinese spirit, coalesce Chinese strength, and inspire people of all ethnic groups nationwide to unswervingly follow the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, marching vigorously toward the bright future of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Researchers of New China’s history should conscientiously summarize and analyze the historical experience of the past 70 years, enhance their sense of responsibility and mission, and accelerate the construction of a disciplinary system, academic system, and discourse system for national history with Chinese characteristics ^[9]. Through solid and rigorous academic research, they should produce authoritative historical accounts of New China's developmental course, brilliant achievements, and precious experiences. By launching a batch of high-quality, influential research results, they will provide authoritative references for Party and national history, offer robust theoretical support for upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era, and make significant contributions to the use of history for education and social service.