On 14 October, the Third High-level Forum on Contemporary Chinese Marxism Research 2023, sponsored by the Open University of China (OUC) and organised by the OUC School of Marxism and the OUC Research Institute of Contemporary Chinese Marxism, convened in Beijing.

The forum's theme was "Two Integrations" and Socialism with Chinese Characteristics. Xu Qingsen, director of the Department of Social Sciences at the Ministry of Education (MOE), graced the event with his presence and gave a keynote speech. Other distinguished attendees included Professor Xu Weixin, former vice president of the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC); Professor Zhou Wenzhang, former vice dean of the National Academy of Governance; Professor Zhang Feng, former vice president of the Central Institute of Socialism; and Wang Huaichao, former education director of the Party School of the Central Committee of the CPC, who is also a distinguished visiting professor at the OUC. Additionally, around 30 experts and scholars from esteemed institutions like the Party School of the Central Committee of the CPC (National Academy of Governance) and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences enriched the forum with their participation.

Xu Qingsen, director of the Department of Social Sciences of the MOE

Professor Xu Weixin, former vice president of the Party Schoolof the Central Committee of the CPC

Professor Zhou Wenzhang, former vice dean of the National Academy of Governance

Professor Zhang Feng, former vice president of the Central Institute of Socialism

Wang Qiming, secretary of the Party Committee and president of the OUC

Cao Guoyong, executive deputy secretary of the OUC Party Committee and researcher

Wang Huaichao, former education director of the Party School Committee of the CPC and the OUC’s distinguished visiting professor

Wang Qiming, secretary of the Party Committee and president of OUC, gave a speech on behalf of the forum's sponsor. Cao Guoyong, executive deputy secretary of the OUC Party Committee and a researcher, chaired the opening ceremony.

Wang Qiming extended a hearty welcome to all the leaders, experts, and scholars at the forum. He underscored that the "Two Integrations" encapsulate the CPC's rich history of adapting Marxism to the unique Chinese context and evolving societal needs. This understanding embodies the deep-rooted development principles of Chinese civilization and is filled with rich and nuanced intellectual depth. He noted that the High-level Forum on Contemporary Chinese Marxism Research has now been successfully convened twice, garnering substantial attention both within society and the academic sphere. The establishment of this forum indicates its recurring nature, continuously invigorating the exploration of contemporary Chinese Marxism. Additionally, it bolsters the framework of Marxist Theory disciplines and fosters the growth of various initiatives at the OUC.

Professors Xu Weixin, Zhou Wenzhang, and Wang Huaichao delivered keynote addresses on "Upholding the 'Two Integrations' with an Innovative Spirit," "The Vitality of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in Upholding the 'Two Integrations'," and "Socialism with Chinese Characteristics: Integrating the Basic Tenets of Marxism with China’s Specific Realities of Socialist Construction," respectively. Following their presentations, esteemed experts and scholars in the realm of Marxist theory research provided their perspectives, diving deep into analyses and discussions on the theme of the "Two Integrations" and Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.

The experts at the forum noted that Marxism has profoundly transformed China, while China, in turn, has enriched and evolved Marxism. The key to the Communist Party of China's success in leading its people to overcome countless challenges and achieve repeated victories lies in its dedication to merging the fundamental principles of Marxism with China's unique realities and the finest elements of its traditional culture. By continuously adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the demands of each era, they've thrived. Contemporary Chinese Marxist scholars are urged to remain committed, diving deeper into study and research, so as to further enrich and refine the theory of socialism with Chinese characteristics. This is the profound historical responsibility that history places upon us as theorists.

Hosting this forum will significantly contribute to the in-depth exploration and research of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It will also advance the study of Marxist theory.

The forum was attended by the entire leadership of the OUC, department heads, and teacher representatives.

By Yuan Yiping, OUC