On April 13, Xie Fuzhan, president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and secretary of the leading Party members’ group of CASS, visited the six institutes under the Academic Division of History at CASS and talked with their leaders. Xie emphasized that it is necessary to adhere to the guidance of the materialist conception of history and guide the study of history with the latest achievement in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context—Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era—establishing the trend of the times, have a thorough understanding of the course of historical development and the changes involved therein, serving as a vanguard of ideas, and achieving new accomplishments in the new era.

Xie pointed out that the Academic Division of History, CASS’ traditional advantage, has many masters and strong research capability, contributing a large number of classic works of great significance to cultural accumulation and disciplinary construction, and extending great influence both at home and abroad. It has made a fundamental contribution to the basic theoretical research of China’s philosophy and social sciences, and has made many important achievements in the research on application of strategies.

Xie emphasized that when studying history, we must grasp the correct political direction, explore the practical significance of historical development, carry forward the fine cultural traditions of the Chinese nation and remain deeply rooted in socialist culture with Chinese characteristics to provide firm theoretical support for strengthening cultural confidence and offer strong theoretical and intellectual support for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. We must promote the spirit of pioneering academic innovation, discover new problems, propose new concepts, interpret new ideas, create new theories, and speed up the construction of disciplinary, academic and discourse systems with Chinese characteristics, so as to produce more masterpieces that reflect the characteristics, spirit and style of the times. It is necessary to carry forward the fine style of study that stresses responsibility and prioritizes social commitment, keeping consistent with the interests of the Party and the people as well as the requirements of the socialist cause with Chinese characteristics in the new era, and realizing our value in establishing virtue and expounding upon the ideas for the Party and the people.

Zhang Yingwei, member of the leading Party members’ group of CASS, presided over the seminar. Prior to the seminar, Xie and Zhang, among others, visited the Research Center of Cultural Heritage Protection, the Carbon-14 Dating Laboratory and the Textile Heritage Restoration Room at the Institute of Archaeology at CASS.

(Edited and translated by JIANG HONG)