During a meeting on philosophy and social science on May 17, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the country needs its own theoretical structure to…

During a meeting on philosophy and social science on May 17, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the country needs its own theoretical structure to analyze and guide development, adding that Marxism will remain the guiding theory in the study of philosophy and social sciences in China, distinguishing them from such disciplines in other parts of the world, the Xinhua News Agency reported

Su Wei, a professor at the Party School of the Chongqing Committee, told the Global Times that despite the unprecedented speed and scale of China’s economic development, China’s economic advantage has not translated into a strong voice on international affairs

"The key to this issue is to rebuild discourse about the country. Theoretical innovation in philosophy and social sciences is the pillar of this cause," Zhang Weiwei, dean of the China Institute at Fudan University, was quoted as saying by Xinhua

Xi also said that the country’s study of philosophy and social sciences should focus on China and the contemporary era while taking foreign studies and history into account and keeping concern for mankind and the future in mind

"Chinese scholars’ studies in philosophy and social sciences do not match the country’s progress during reform and opening up. Efforts are therefore needed to examine China’s successful experiences," a Beijing-based research fellow who asked for anonymity told the Global Times

Xi stressed that the guiding ideology, discourse and scholastic systems of these fields should incorporate Chinese characteristics

"There are quite a few development modes for developing countries to use for reference, but some officials and scholars have mechanically applied Western theories and experiences to China’s development," Su said

"By establishing its own theoretical structure, China can turn its experiences into theories and offer other developing countries a reference for their own development," he continued, adding that such moves will also promote Chinese culture throughout the world

An important task for philosophy and social sciences in China is to continue pushing for the sinolization, modernization and popularization of Marxism, Xi said