A forum held in Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province, earlier this week brought together scholars from across China and internationally to discuss the evolving relevance of “Xi Jinping Thought on Culture” and its connection to the enduring strength of Chinese civilization. The third Wuyi Forum, specifically its sub-forum on “Xi Jinping Thought on Culture and the Vitality of Chinese Civilization,” convened on March 22nd, exploring the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of the ideology, as well as the importance of cultural exchange.
The forum, hosted by the Renmin University of China’s Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, Wuyi College, and the Wuyi Mountain municipal government, aimed to foster a deeper understanding of how cultural principles can inform contemporary development and international relations. Discussions centered on how to both preserve and revitalize traditional Chinese culture in a modern context.
Core Principles of ‘Xi Jinping Thought on Culture’
Wang Xuebin, Director of the Department of History at the Central Party School (National Academy of Administration), delivered a keynote address outlining what he described as the core principles of “Xi Jinping Thought on Culture.” He characterized the ideology as possessing a distinct “clarity of understanding and practical application,” arguing that it provides a scientific response to the cultural missions and theoretical foundations of the recent era. According to Wang, the thought’s central tenets include cultural leadership, cultural subjectivity, and shared values – principles he said are mutually reinforcing.
Preserving Tradition Through Innovation
Yang Shenping, a professor of philosophy at Capital Normal University, focused his presentation on the methods for preserving and innovating traditional Chinese culture. He emphasized that culture is a holistic system, with spiritual culture at its core, guiding the development of material, behavioral, and institutional aspects. Yang argued that creative transformation and innovative development require identifying core values and integrating them into contemporary life through festivals, rituals, and public spaces, making tradition accessible and engaging.
The ‘Second Combination’ and National Unity
Kong Xinfeng, Party Secretary and President of the School of Marxism at Central Minzu University, explored the concept of the “second combination” – a reference to integrating Marxism with Chinese realities – and its relationship to a sense of national unity. He drew on historical examples of Chinese governance and the Chinese Communist Party’s ethnic policies to highlight the principles underpinning a shared national identity, emphasizing the roles of both cultural affinity and political structures in fostering cohesion.
Global Perspectives on Development and Trade
The forum too included international perspectives. Wilhelm Dress, a professor at the University of Freiburg in Germany, presented on the potential for sustainable rural development through responsible forest management. He advocated for locally-tailored approaches, emphasizing the importance of secure land rights, collaborative governance, diversified livelihoods, and knowledge sharing to balance ecological protection with economic progress. The University of Freiburg has a long-standing reputation for environmental research.
From Brazil, Celio Tuka, a professor at the State University of Campinas, analyzed the current state and future opportunities in Sino-Brazilian trade and investment. He identified potential for collaboration in agriculture, energy transition, infrastructure, and the digital economy, suggesting that deepened cooperation could drive industrial upgrades and mutual benefits. The State University of Campinas is a leading Brazilian public university.
Marxist Thought and Contemporary Civilization
Chen Guangsi, an associate professor and deputy director at the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Culture at Renmin University of China, traced the evolution of Marx’s concept of civilization. He argued that Marx consistently understood civilization through the lens of productive forces and social practice, maintaining a critical perspective. Chen suggested this approach offers valuable insights for navigating the relationship between civilization and capital, and for promoting balanced material and spiritual development.
Chen Suzhen, an associate professor of Marxism at Fujian Normal University, explored the mechanisms underlying intercultural dialogue. She posited that such dialogue relies on cultural memory, intersubjectivity, and diverse media, fostering cross-cultural understanding and innovation through translation, interpretation, and exchange, ultimately building consensus and advancing human society.
The forum drew participation from scholars representing institutions including the East China Normal University, the Fujian Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, and the journal Fujian Wen Shi, alongside students from Renmin University and Wuyi College. Participants generally agreed that the forum provided a valuable platform for deepening the understanding of “Xi Jinping Thought on Culture” and expanding the theoretical horizons for revitalizing Chinese civilization, with implications for cultural construction and international exchange in the new era.
Organizers have not yet announced a date for the next Wuyi Forum, but anticipate continuing the dialogue on these critical themes. Further information on the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Culture at Renmin University of China can be found on their website. Renmin University of China continues to be a leading institution for research on Chinese culture and ideology.
If you are interested in learning more about Chinese culture and thought, consider exploring resources from academic institutions and cultural organizations.
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