In honor of the 120th anniversary of the birth of Mao Zedong, CASS hosted the Symposium on the Inheritance and Development of Mao Zedong Thought in Beijing on December 18. CASS President Wang Weiguang delivered an important speech at the symposium. CASS Vice Presidents Zhao Shengxuan, Zhang Jiang and Li Peilin, Zhang Yingwei, head of the Discipline Inspection Group from the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection based in CASS and Gao Xiang, secretary-general of CASS, were also in attendance. Li Peilin chaired the symposium.

Photo by Zhu Gaolei

Wang Weiguang pointed out that under the spiritual guidance of Marxism, Leninism, the theoretical system of Socialism with Chinese characteristics, the 18th CPC National Congress, and the Second and Third Plenary Sessions of the 18th Central Committee of CPC, the whole Party, army and the people of all ethnic groups in China have implemented the Party's basic line, striving to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, make China a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious, and realize the Chinese Dream of the rejuvenation of the Chinese people. In the new situation, the commemoration of comrade Mao Zedong has important theoretical and political significance and profound historical and practical importance for adhering to and developing Mao Zedong Thought and the great cause pioneered by Mao, and for achieving new victories in Socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Wang Weiguang then elaborated on three aspects, including understanding correctly Mao Zedong’s achievements and historical status, deeply grasping the scientific system and guiding significance of Mao Zedong Thought and adhering to and developing Mao Zedong Thought and advancing Socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Wang iterated that Mao Zedong was another great historic figure after Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin, who belonged to both China and the world and who will always receive the love and admiration of people of all ethnic groups in China and respect from all the people of integrity in the world. Although it has been 37 years since his passing, Mao’s reputation, achievements and spirit will always encourage and inspire the people of China and the world. The best way to commemorate Mao is to advance the great cause initiated by the older generation of proletarian revolutionists, writing new grand epics of rejuvenating the Chinese people.

In addition to Wang Weiguang, another eight experts from CASS spoke at the symposium. CASS also organized the submission of more than 40 academic papers from its experts in commemoration of the 120th anniversary of Mao Zedong, six of which were selected by for the National Symposium.

Translated by Jiang Hong

　　Revised by Charles Horne