Forum on Integrating the Spirit of the 20th National Congress of the CPC into University Ideological and Political Courses Successfully Held
On November 20, 2022, the forum "Integrating the Spirit of the 20th National Congress of the CPC into University Ideological and Political Theory Courses" was successfully held at the Institute of Marxism Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and Fuzhou University. This academic forum was jointly hosted by the Institute of Marxism Studies of CASS, Fuzhou University, and the Fuzhou University Base of the Fujian Provincial Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It was co-organized by the Department of Sinicization of Marxism at the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, the School of Marxism at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and the School of Marxism at Fuzhou University, with assistance from the editorial department of Marxism Studies, the Beijing Municipal Party Committee’s magazine Frontline (Qiànxiàn), the Fuzhou University cluster of the "1+N" Pilot Plan for the Construction of Schools of Marxism, and the Fujian Provincial Department of Finance special project group "Research on Integrating Fujian’s Excellent Regional Culture into University Ideological and Political Education." Focusing on the integration of the spirit of the 20th National Congress into university ideological and political (思政, sīzhèng) courses, the forum was held in Beijing and Fuzhou through a combination of online and offline sessions. Experts, scholars, and ideological and political course teachers from across the country specializing in Marxist theory and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era gathered to discuss relevant hot topics and focal points.
At the opening ceremony, researcher Xin Xiangyang—Secretary of the Party Committee and Deputy Director of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies and Dean of the School of Marxism at the University of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences—and Professor Chen Guolong, Secretary of the Party Committee of Fuzhou University, delivered speeches on behalf of the host institutions. Secretary Xin Xiangyang pointed out that ideological and political courses are critical courses for fulfilling the fundamental task of "fostering virtue through education" (立德树人, lìdé shùrén) [1]. He stated that studying and implementing the spirit of the 20th National Congress must be closely combined with the teaching of these courses. We must focus on the major theoretical and practical issues proposed by the 20th National Congress, continuously expanding the breadth, depth, and vigor of our research to promote the comprehensive integration of the Party’s theoretical innovations into teaching. Secretary Xin emphasized that we must "read the original works, learn the original texts, grasp the principles, and understand the original meanings" [2]; deeply study new concepts, new ideas, and new strategies; and deeply integrate the spirit of the 20th National Congress into university classrooms, teaching and research, and management and service. We should arm the youth with the Party's scientific theories and inspire them with the Party's original aspiration and founding mission, acting as confidants to our young friends, enthusiasts for youth work, and guides for the young masses. In his speech, Secretary Chen Guolong emphasized that ideological and political instructors should focus on comprehensive mastery, working hard on deepening and elevating understanding; focus on "soul-casting and person-building" (铸魂育人, zhùhún yùrén) [3], working hard on thematic specialization and precision; focus on ensuring things "enter the brain and heart," working hard on vividness and imagery; and focus on practical implementation, working hard on upholding the fundamentals and breaking new ground. Researcher Gong Yun, Deputy Director of the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies, presided over the opening ceremony.
During the keynote report session, Secretary Xin Xiangyang delivered a report titled "The Leadership of the Communist Party of China and Chinese-path Modernization." He emphasized that Chinese-path modernization is socialist modernization led by the CPC; it possesses both the common characteristics of modernization in all countries and Chinese characteristics based on its own national conditions. The fundamental driver of Chinese-path modernization lies in the Party's strong leadership. The CPC has clearly depicted the grand blueprint of Chinese-path modernization through "grand brushstrokes" (大写意, dàxiěyì) and "fine brushwork" (工笔画, gōngbǐhuà) [4], characterized by its popular nature, adherence to objective laws, and creativity, showcasing bright prospects for the future of China and the world. Comrade Huang Shenyong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Fuzhou University, presided over the keynote session.
In the first segment of thematic presentations, several scholars delivered speeches: Professor Han Qingxiang of the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance); Professor Luo Yuting of the School of Marxism at Wuhan University; Professor Liu Jianjun of the School of Marxism at Renmin University of China; researcher Liu Zhiming, Director of the Department of Sinicization of Marxism at the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies; Professor Chen Jinlong, Dean of the School of Marxism at South China Normal University; and Professor Wang Chuanli of the School of Marxism at Tsinghua University. Their respective topics were: "Deeply Understanding and Grasping the Significance of ‘Opening a New Realm of the Sinicization and Modernization of Marxism’"; "The International Horizon of the Sinicization and Modernization of Marxism"; "The Theoretical Basis for the ‘Sinicization and Modernization’ of Marxism"; "Several Reflections on the ‘Two Establishments’"; "The Internal Connection Between Chinese-path Modernization and the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation"; and "Deeply Understanding the Integration of Marxism with China’s Excellent Traditional Culture." Professor Zhan Zhihua, Executive Dean of the School of Marxism at Fuzhou University, presided over this segment.
Han Qingxiang emphasized that General Secretary Xi Jinping’s report to the 20th National Congress proposed the major proposition of "opening a New Realm of the Sinicization and Modernization of Marxism." Deeply understanding the series of new thoughts, viewpoints, and requirements therein is an inherent requirement for continuing to write new chapters in this field. He provided a systematic exposition based on five aspects: the transition from "opening a new realm of the Sinicization of Marxism" to "the Sinicization and Modernization of Marxism"; the transition from "one 'is capable'" to "two 'are capable'" [5]; the transition from the proposition of the "two combinations" (两个结合, liǎnggè jiéhé) to their detailed elaboration [6]; the transition from the "Ten Clarifications" to the "Ten Clarifications," "Fourteen Persistences," and "Thirteen Achievements" [7]; and the transition from prioritizing philosophy to the systematic exposition of the worldview and methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
Luo Yuting argued that the 20th National Congress report’s call to "open a New Realm of the Sinicization and Modernization of Marxism" is a major task for promoting the development of 21st-century Marxism and 21st-century socialism. To promote 21st-century socialism, one must expand the international horizon of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism. This requires combining the basic principles of Marxism not only with China's specific realities and China's excellent traditional culture, but also with the actual development of the contemporary world. It requires raising the "three heights" (三大站位, sāndà zhànwèi): standing in the great tide of human society, the grand pattern of world changes, and the great history of China’s development to grasp global trends and handle China’s relationship with the world. This process must answer the "Questions of China, the World, the People, and the Times" [8], deepening the Chinese exploration of 21st-century socialism to contribute to the global development of Marxism.
Liu Jianjun observed that General Secretary Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter to the "CPC and World Marxist Political Parties" Forum pointed out that Marxism is a constantly developing, open theory; it can only take root through indigenization (本土化, běntǔhuà) and only remains full of vitality through modernization (时代化, shídàihuà). This discourse reveals the general law of Marxist innovative development. Indigenization reflects the spatial dimension of its dissemination, while modernization reflects the temporal dimension. Together, they constitute the spatio-temporal conditions of Marxist development. Only by organically unifying the two can we fully grasp the theoretical basis for the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism.
Liu Zhiming argued that a strong leadership core and scientific theoretical guidance are fundamental issues concerning the future and destiny of the Party and state. The "Two Establishments"—establishing Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and establishing the guiding position of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era—reflect the common aspirations of the entire Party, the military, and all Chinese people. The "Two Establishments" have a profound Marxist theoretical basis: historical materialism is their fundamental basis, the Marxist theory of party building is their direct basis, and the practical viewpoint of Marxist philosophy is their important foundational support.
Chen Jinlong argued that since the 20th National Congress report focused on Chinese-path modernization to advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, the relationship between the two requires clarification. Chinese-path modernization is both a process and a result. As a process, it accompanies the rejuvenation of the nation. As a result, building a great modern socialist country and achieving national rejuvenation are two successive outcomes. Advancing rejuvenation via Chinese-path modernization includes using its path, creations, and contained worldview and methodology. This advancement expands the goals and strengths of modernization, imbuing it with distinct national characteristics and manifesting practical wisdom.
Wang Chuanli noted that the "combination of Marxism with China’s excellent traditional culture" has become a popular topic in the academic interpretation of the 20th National Congress report. Realizing this "Second Combination" requires learning from Mao Zedong—being proficient in both Marxism and traditional culture. It also requires learning from Marx and Engels to understand the combination from the perspective of "ideological material" (思想材料, sīxiǎng cáiliào). The internal structure of culture dictates that we must pay attention to the epochal and class nature of traditional culture and avoid contradictions with the history of modern Chinese cultural development. We must adhere to the scientific principle of "creative transformation and innovative development" [9].
In the second segment of thematic presentations, several scholars spoke: Professor Li Youxin of the School of Marxism at Xiangtan University; Professor Sun Laibin of the School of Marxism at Peking University; researcher He Xinyuan, Deputy Director of the Department of Sinicization of Marxism at the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies; Professor Dong Hui of the School of Marxism at Huazhong University of Science and Technology; and Professor Gao Zhengli, Dean of the School of Marxism at Beijing Jiaotong University. Their topics included: "Xi Jinping’s Major Contributions to Inheriting and Developing China’s Excellent Traditional Culture"; "How to Implement the ‘Six Persistences’ in University Ideological and Political Courses"; "Ultimately, It Is Because the Two ‘Are Capable’"; "Deeply Understanding the Missions and Tasks of the CPC on the New Journey in the New Era"; and "On the Spirit of Unity and Struggle Manifested in the 20th National Congress." Li Nan, Executive Dean of the School of Marxism at the University of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, presided over this segment.
Li Youxin argued that General Secretary Xi Jinping’s contributions to traditional culture are concentrated in five areas: first, clarifying attitudes and principles toward tradition while advancing with the times; second, highly evaluating excellent traditional culture and proposing the issue of cultural confidence (文化自信, wénhuà zìxìn); third, revealing the important ideological content within tradition that holds modern value; fourth, clearly proposing the "Second Combination"; and fifth, proposing the task of "creative transformation and innovative development" and realizing it in various fields.
Sun Laibin argued that the "Six Persistences"—persisting in putting the people first, persisting in self-confidence and self-reliance, persisting in upholding the fundamentals and breaking new ground, persisting in problem-orientation, persisting in a systems concept, and persisting in maintaining a global vision—vividly embody the "Two Combinations." They possess both Marxist theoretical depth and traditional cultural roots, embodying the standpoint, viewpoint, and method of Xi Jinping Thought. These "Six Persistences" should be the focus when revising textbooks and conducting classroom teaching.
He Xinyuan argued that the CPC is capable and socialism with Chinese characteristics is good, but "ultimately, it is because Marxism is capable, and specifically, the Sinicized and modernized Marxism is capable." This is the latest judgment in the 20th National Congress report. The great achievements and transformations of the first ten years of the New Era have once again proven this judgment with irrefutable facts.
That Marxism works is fundamentally due to its scientific nature and its status as truth; that Marxism works in China is crucially due to its continuous Sinicization and modernization. The scientific nature and truth of Marxism have been fully tested in China; its people-centered nature and practical character have been fully implemented in China; and its openness and contemporaneity have been fully demonstrated in China. Through Sinicization and modernization, the destiny of Marxism has been tightly bound to the destiny of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people, and the Chinese nation.
Dong Hui argued that Chinese-path modernization is a modernization of a socialist nature that adheres to the leadership of the Communist Party of China based on contemporary Chinese national conditions. Chinese-path modernization is the powerful engine and driving force for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The 20th National Congress achieved a series of major results in political, theoretical, and practical terms, formulating major policies and strategic deployments for the development of the Party and state undertakings on the new journey of the New Era. It serves as the political declaration and program of action for our Party to unite and lead the people in build a modern socialist country in all respects and comprehensively advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The 18th National Congress clearly proposed: to finish building a moderately prosperous society in all respects [10] by the centenary of the Communist Party of China, and to build a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, and harmonious by the centenary of the People's Republic of China. The 19th National Congress proposed building China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful. Adding the word "beautiful" to the definition of a "great modern socialist country" reflects the requirements for enriched development. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized in the report to the 20th National Congress: "From this day forward, the central task of the Communist Party of China will be to lead the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in a concerted effort to realize the Second Centenary Goal [11] of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and to advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through Chinese-path modernization."
Gao Zhengli argued that Party congresses convened by the CPC in different historical periods and contexts often display different mental states and outlooks to the whole Party, the whole country, and even the whole world, exerting a major influence on the development of the cause of the Party and the people. The 20th National Congress fully demonstrated the mental outlook of the whole Party, characterized by striving forward with enterprise and fortitude, advancing courageously, maintaining self-confidence and self-reliance, and engaging in united struggle [12] and the courage to struggle. Among these, "united struggle" is the mental state that the congress report consistently and specifically emphasized, from the opening title and theme to the final call to action. "United struggle" is the mental state solemnly declared in the title and theme of the congress; it is the spiritual driving force for the historic achievements made in the cause of the Party and the people in the New Era; it is an inherent requirement for the Party as the leadership core and "backbone" [13]; and it is the inevitable path for the Party and the people to win new victories in the development of their undertakings on the new journey of the New Era.
Li Nan, Executive Dean of the School of Marxism at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, presided over the second segment of keynote speeches.
In the first session of expert speeches, Professor Wang Shuyin of the School of Marxism at Beijing Normal University; Shen Yang, Director of the Research Office for the Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics at the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies; Professor Zhan Zhihua, Executive Dean of the School of Marxism at Fuzhou University; Professor Zheng Jie, Vice Dean of the School of Marxism at Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications; Professor Liu Yousheng, President of the Fujian Youth Research Association and Vice Dean of the School of Marxism at Fuzhou University; and Professor Lyu Yanhong, Vice Director of the Department of Philosophy at the Party School of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the CPC, delivered speeches titled, respectively: "Comprehensively, Systematically, and Accurately Implementing the Spirit of the 20th National Congress," "Work Methods within the Worldview and Methodology of Xi Jinping New Era Socialism with Chinese Characteristics," "The Internal Logic and Practical Orientation of Why Sinicized and Modernized Marxism Works," "The Value Significance, Basic Principles, and Practical Paths of Integrating Red Culture Resources into University Ideological and Political Courses," "Telling the General Secretary's Stories in Fujian Well to Deepen the 'Root-Planting and Soul-Building' [14] of Ideological and Political Courses," and "The Theoretical Standpoint Contained in Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era." Professor Huang Fayou, Party Committee Secretary of the School of Marxism at Fuzhou University, presided over this session.
In the second session of expert speeches, Professor Luo Xiaoping of the School of Marxism at North China Electric Power University; Associate Professor Yang Xiaobin, Assistant to the Dean of the School of Marxism at Ocean University of China; Associate Professor Zhang Xiao, Director of the Discipline Construction Office of the School of Marxism at Soochow University; Yang Binbin, Assistant Researcher at the CASS Institute of Marxism Studies; and Dr. Lu Bingzhen of the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, delivered speeches titled, respectively: "Innovation and Deepening of Integrating the Spirit of the 20th National Congress into Thematic Teaching of Ideological and Political Courses," "Injecting Ocean Power into the Spiritual World of University Students," "Principles and Paths for Integrating the Spirit of the 20th National Congress into Ideological and Political Teaching in Universities," "The Great Significance of Adhering to the 'Three Musts' [15] on the New Journey of the New Era," and "A Brief Discussion on Exploring Paths to Accelerate the Construction of a New Development Paradigm." Professor Liu Yousheng, President of the Fujian Youth Research Association and Vice Dean of the School of Marxism at Fuzhou University, presided over this session.
The afternoon session featured three sub-forums for group discussions. Professor Zeng Zhengzi, Dean of the School of Marxism at Fujian Jiangxia University; Professor Yuan Xiaoyun, Dean of the School of Marxism at Fujian University of Technology; and Dr. Li Kun of the School of Marxism at Fujian Medical University presided over the discussions of Sub-forums I, II, and III, respectively.
In Sub-forum I, speeches were delivered by Professor Yang Lijuan of Yangzhou University, Professor He Wenhua of Xi'an University, Associate Professor Luo Jia of Guizhou University, Dr. Chen Jianhua of the Central University of Finance and Economics, Dr. Zhangli Yixiang of South China Normal University, Dr. Xue Minxia of Shanghai University, and Dr. Xie Jing of Heilongjiang University.
In Sub-forum II, speeches were delivered by Associate Professor Liu Yibo of Nankai University, Dr. Zhang Guo of Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Dr. Long Yan of Xinjiang Normal University, Dr. Ju Zhichao of Liaoning Normal University, Dr. Gong Yingying of Hefei University of Technology, and Researcher Xie Fuhua of the Social Systems Research Center at Jiujiang University.
In Sub-forum III, speeches were delivered by Professor Chai Sufang of Hebei University, Professor Zeng Ying of Huizhou University, Associate Professor Wen Jing of Hebei Agricultural University, Associate Professor Zhang Yongqi of Northwest University, Dr. Li Kun of Fujian Medical University, Dr. Zhou Xiange of Northwestern Polytechnical University, and Dr. Zeng Xianhui of Fujian Normal University.
Professor Zhan Zhihua, Executive Dean of the School of Marxism at Fuzhou University, presided over the closing ceremony and provided a summary.
In addition, the forum was attended by experts and scholars from various institutions, including Nankai University, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Ocean University of China, the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Central University of Finance and Economics, South China Normal University, Soochow University, Guizhou University, Shanghai University, Northwest University, North China Electric Power University, Hefei University of Technology, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Yangzhou University, Heilongjiang University, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Hebei University, Hebei Agricultural University, the Party School of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the CPC, Xinjiang Normal University, Liaoning Normal University, Xi'an University, Liaoning University of Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Jiangxia University, Fujian University of Technology, Jiujiang University, and Huizhou University. The forum attracted high attention from experts, scholars, and academic colleagues across the country in the fields of the Sinicization of Marxism and the study of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
This forum was characterized by its high specifications, broad scope, diverse perspectives, novel viewpoints, and strong theoretical depth. The holding of this forum helps us deeply study, publicize, and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress. Taking the thorough study, promotion, research, and interpretation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the main thread, we aim to scientifically grasp the laws of theoretical publicity and education, the laws of the construction of Schools of Marxism, and the laws of teaching university ideological and political courses. We seek to promptly transform the new viewpoints, new judgments, new thoughts, and new requirements proposed at the 20th National Congress into the most vivid teaching resources for ideological and political education. This will play a positive role in leading ideological and political course teachers to organically integrate the spirit of the 20th National Congress into their teaching, implementing the fundamental task of "fostering virtue through education" (立德树人), promoting the practice of upholding the fundamentals and breaking new ground in ideological and political courses, accelerating the modernization of education, and providing education that satisfies the people.