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2026 National Academy of Social Sciences Forum on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era Held in Nanchang

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CSSN.cn, Nanchang News (Reporter: Wang Chunyan) On April 25, the National Social Science Academy System Forum on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era (2026) was convened in Nanchang. The forum is included in the series of academic activities organized by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) to implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech at the Symposium on Philosophy and Social Sciences [1], under the theme "Accelerating the Construction of Philosophy and Social Sciences with Chinese Characteristics." Jin Minqing—Member of the CASS Party Leadership Group, Director of the Institute of Contemporary China, and Deputy Director of the CASS Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era—and Gong Jianfei, Deputy Head of the Propaganda Department of the Jiangxi Provincial Party Committee, attended and delivered speeches.

The Venue of the Meeting Photo by CSSN Reporter Wei Jianming

Jin Minqing pointed out that contemporary China is undergoing the most extensive and profound social transformation and is engaged in the most ambitious and unique practical creation [2]. This great era urgently requires philosophy and social sciences to achieve new and greater development. Accelerating the construction of an autonomous knowledge system [3] for Chinese philosophy and social sciences is an inevitable requirement for achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the prosperity of Chinese culture; it is an inherent element of accelerating the construction of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics; and it is the academic pursuit and mission of philosophy and social science workers in the New Era. Constructing an autonomous Chinese knowledge system is not about "starting a new stove" [4] to create a closed system, nor is it a simple patching up of existing disciplinary systems. Rather, under the guidance of Marxism, it involves using systemic thinking to properly handle the relationships between the "soul-vein" and the "root-vein" [5], between inheritance and innovation, and between China and the world. This ensures that philosophy and social sciences are truly rooted in Chinese history and practice, while simultaneously engaging in equal dialogue with all the excellent academic achievements of humanity. Broadly speaking, the construction of an autonomous Chinese knowledge system can be promoted by effectively implementing five major projects: soul-casting, root-planting, foundation-strengthening, gravitas-building, and innovation. We must create a discourse system that integrates Chinese and foreign elements, build a multi-layered international communication framework, and strengthen the talent pool to enhance the communicative power and influence of China’s autonomous knowledge system. This will effectively showcase "China in academics," "China in theory," and "China in philosophy and social sciences" on the world academic stage, allowing the Chinese voice to win more understanding and recognition.

Gong Jianfei stated that in recent years, the philosophy and social science circles in Jiangxi have deeply studied and implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important expositions on philosophy and social science work. They have vigorously promoted research in these fields, continuously strengthening the "soul-casting" leadership of theory, deepening the cultivation of characteristic disciplinary advantages, innovating the dissemination of academic discourse, and strengthening the construction of new types of think tanks. Looking forward, it is essential to persist with Marxism as the soul to firmly establish the theoretical foundation; utilize disciplinary construction as support to continuously optimize the academic layout; use discourse innovation as a lever to steadily enhance academic communicative power; and utilize think tank construction as a support to better serve the overall interests of development. This will further flourish and develop the cause of philosophy and social sciences in Jiangxi, making a greater contribution to the accelerated construction of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. He expressed hope that the participating experts and scholars would use this forum as an opportunity for in-depth exchange and discussion, create a "clash of ideas," and actively contribute wisdom and strength to accelerating the construction of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics.

During the keynote speech segment, Cui Weihang (Director and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Institute of Marxism Studies at CASS, and Executive Director of the CASS Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era), Chen Yunping (Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Jiangxi Academy of Social Sciences), He Yalan (Deputy Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and President of the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences), Zhao Hui (Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences), Yu Sanyuan (Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and President of the Anhui Academy of Social Sciences), Song Jianxiao (Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Fujian Academy of Social Sciences), Guo Yuewen (Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Guangdong Academy of Social Sciences), Liu Li (Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and President of the Chongqing Academy of Social Sciences), and Yang Ying (Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the Sichuan Academy of Social Sciences) shared their perspectives. Their remarks closely integrated the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee [6], focusing on the significance of and methods for constructing an autonomous knowledge system for Chinese philosophy and social sciences.

Participating scholars agreed that constructing an autonomous knowledge system for Chinese philosophy and social sciences is a major mission bestowed upon philosophy and social science workers by the New Era. In building this system, one must take a clear-cut stand in adhering to the guiding position of Marxism, and consciously integrate the worldview and methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era throughout all fields and processes of philosophy and social science research. This should be transformed into lucid theoretical consciousness, firm political conviction, and scientific methods of thinking. It is necessary to break down disciplinary barriers and promote the cross-disciplinary integrated development of subjects to provide a solid disciplinary foundation for the autonomous knowledge system. Furthermore, a fine academic style must be cultivated to create a strong atmosphere of revering science and pursuing truth throughout society.

Xiao Hongbo, Deputy Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and President of the Jiangxi Academy of Social Sciences, presided over the opening ceremony and the keynote speech segment. The forum also featured three parallel sub-forums: "Research on General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Important Expositions on the Construction of Philosophy and Social Sciences with Chinese Characteristics," "Research on the Construction of China’s Autonomous Knowledge System," and "Research on the Construction of New Types of Think Tanks with Chinese Characteristics."

The forum was jointly hosted by the CASS Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the Jiangxi Academy of Social Sciences. Approximately 150 leaders, guests, and experts from CASS and the social science academies of various provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities attended the forum.