Chen Zhigang, Vice President of the Institute of Marxism at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Leads Delegation on Academic Visit to Laos

From November 6 to 10, 2024, Chen Zhigang, Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission and Vice President of the Institute of Marxism at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), led a delegation on an academic exchange visit to Laos. The delegation members included Wang Zhongbao, Research Fellow and Director of the Editorial Office of *International Thought Review* at the Institute of Marxism; He Qin, Research Fellow and Director of the Contemporary World Socialism Research Office of the International Communist Movement Research Department; Xia Yipu, Associate Research Fellow of the Basic Theory Research Office of the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era Research Department; Chen Yongsheng, Associate Research Fellow of the Marxist Philosophy Research Office of the Marxist Principles Research Department; and Yang Binbin, Associate Research Fellow of the Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics Research Office of the Research Department on Adapting Marxism to the Chinese Context.

2024年11月6日-10日，中国社会科学院马克思主义研究院纪委书记、副院长陈志刚率代表团对老挝进行学术交流访问。代表团成员有马研院《国际思想评论》编辑部主任王中保研究员、国际共产主义运动研究部当代世界社会主义研究室主任贺钦研究员、习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想研究部基本理论研究室夏一璞副研究员、马克思主义原理研究部马克思主义哲学研究室陈永盛副研究员及马克思主义中国化研究部中国特色社会主义理论体系研究室杨彬彬副研究员。

On the morning of November 7, the delegation first visited the National University of Laos (NUOL), calling on Vice President Thongsou Chomany, and held a symposium with experts and scholars from the NUOL China Research Center, the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Faculty of Law, the Research Office, and the Graduate School. Sithixay Xayavong, Director of the NUOL China Research Center, introduced the center’s relevant circumstances and put forward initiatives and prospects for academic exchanges between China and Laos. The National University of Laos is the first comprehensive undergraduate university in Laos, established in 1995 through the merger of nine independent colleges. It is located in the capital, Vientiane, and comprises 13 faculties. The NUOL China Research Center, founded in 2015, actively studies topics in Chinese politics, economy, society, culture, science and technology, and in recent years has placed high importance on research into the Belt and Road Initiative, a community with a shared future for mankind, the China-Laos Railway, and other issues. It has carried out various forms of exchange and cooperation with China and publicized relevant research findings through multiple channels. Vice President Chen Zhigang introduced the relevant circumstances of the Institute of Marxism at CASS, put forward several proposals for future institutionalized cooperation between the two sides on topics such as the China-Laos community with a shared future, and reached a high degree of consensus with the Lao side. The two sides also engaged in in-depth discussions on the curriculum for ideological and political theory courses, joint graduate student training, and cooperation in journal publishing.

11月7日上午，代表团首先访问了老挝国立大学，拜访了老挝国立大学副校长通苏·乔玛尼，并与老挝国立大学中国研究中心、社会科学学院、法学院、科研办公室、研究生院等机构的专家学者进行了座谈。老挝国立大学中国研究中心主任西提赛·赛雅翁介绍了研究中心的相关情况，并就中老两国之间开展学术交流提出倡议、作出展望。老挝国立大学是老挝第一所综合性本科大学，1995年由9个独立学院合并而成，位于首都万象，设有13个学院。老挝国立大学中国研究中心于2015年成立，积极研究中国政治、经济、社会文化以及科学技术等领域课题，近年来高度重视“一带一路”倡议、人类命运共同体、中老铁路等议题的研究，并与中国开展多种形式的交流合作，以多种形式宣传相关研究成果。陈志刚副院长介绍了中国社会科学院马克思主义研究院的相关情况，就未来双方围绕中老命运共同体等课题开展机制化合作提出了若干建议，并与老方达成高度共识。双方还围绕思想政治课课程设置、联合培养研究生、期刊出版合作等进行了深入探讨。

On the afternoon of November 7, the delegation visited the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences (LASES), calling on Khamkheuane Sengesoukan, Member of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), Secretary of the Party Leadership Group, and President of LASES. Subsequently, the delegation held a symposium with the main leaders of seven research institutes of LASES and representatives of scholars. Vice President Chen Zhigang introduced the organizational structure, functional positioning, and other relevant circumstances of the Institute of Marxism at CASS. Delegation members and experts and scholars from LASES engaged in a warm and in-depth exchange on topics including Chinese-path modernization, the socialist market economy system, and the overseas dissemination of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Research Fellow Wang Zhongbao introduced the publication circumstances of the two English-language journals *International Thought Review* and *World Review of Political Economy*, and put forward initiatives for cooperation between the two sides.

11月7日下午，代表团赴老挝社会与经济科学院，拜访老挝人民革命党中央委员、老挝社会与经济科学院党组书记、院长孔桥·赛松坎。随后，代表团与老挝社会与经济科学院七个研究所主要领导及学者代表进行了座谈。陈志刚副院长介绍了中国社会科学院马克思主义研究院的组织架构、职能定位等情况。代表团成员与老挝社会与经济科学院的专家学者，就中国式现代化、社会主义市场经济体制、习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的海外传播等相关问题进行了热烈深入的交流。王中保研究员介绍了《国际思想评论》《世界政治经济学评论》两本英文期刊的办刊情况，并就双方开展合作提出倡议。

On November 8, the delegation participated in the 11th International Forum on Socialism, hosted by LASES. More than a hundred experts, scholars, government officials, and diplomatic envoys from China, Laos, Vietnam, Cuba, and the DPRK engaged in lively and fruitful discussions and exchanges centered on the theme “Marxism in the 21st Century.” Khamkheuane Sengesoukan, Member of the Central Committee of the LPRP, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group, and President of LASES; Ta Minh Tuan, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS); and Chen Zhigang, Vice President of the Institute of Marxism at CASS, each delivered addresses at the opening ceremony of the forum.

11月8日，代表团参加了由老挝社会与经济科学院主办的第十一届社会主义国际论坛。来自中国、老挝、越南、古巴及朝鲜的百余位专家学者、政府官员及外交使节，围绕“21世纪的马克思主义”的主题进行了热烈而富有成效的讨论与交流。老挝人民革命党中央委员、老挝社会与经济科学院党组书记、院长孔桥·赛松坎，越南社会科学翰林院副院长谢明俊，中国社会科学院马克思主义研究院副院长陈志刚，分别在论坛开幕式上致辞。

In his address, Khamkheuane Sengesoukan, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and President of LASES, pointed out that although the current world situation is turbulent and complex, the Marxist ruling parties of the five socialist countries—Laos, China, Vietnam, the DPRK, and Cuba—are still firmly exploring socialist paths with their own national characteristics. The socialist system is an ideal social system with superiority. The chosen theme of this seminar holds great theoretical and practical significance for determining the policies and strategies of the LPRP and for Laos’s economic and social development strategy. The Lao Party and government have always taken Marxism-Leninism as the guide to action for the national liberation movement, for promoting socioeconomic development, and for gradually realizing socialist goals.

老挝社会与经济科学院党组书记、院长孔桥·赛松坎在致辞中指出，尽管当前世界局势动荡复杂，但老挝、中国、越南、朝鲜和古巴社会主义五国的马克思主义执政党仍然坚定探索具有本国特色的社会主义道路。社会主义制度是具有优越性的理想社会制度，此次研讨会的选题对确定老挝人民革命党的方针政策和老挝经济社会发展战略具有重大的理论与实践意义。老挝党和政府始终把马克思列宁主义作为指导民族解放运动、推动社会经济发展、逐步实现社会主义目标的行动指南。

In his address, Ta Minh Tuan, Vice President of VASS, pointed out that in the face of international challenges and opportunities in the new era, this seminar has outstanding strategic significance. It is necessary to deeply understand the ideological value of Marxism and, based on the specific conditions of each country, creatively apply Marxism to the concrete actions of socialist modernization. In developing socialism in the new era, Laos, China, and Vietnam should strengthen learning and innovation, deepen exchanges and mutual learning, and combine Marxist theory with practice, thereby promoting the innovative development of adapting Marxism to local conditions and the needs of the times.

越南社会科学翰林院副院长谢明俊在致辞中指出，在面对新时代的国际挑战与机遇时，本次研讨会具有突出的战略意义。要深入理解马克思主义的思想价值，并依据各国国情，创新性地将马克思主义应用于社会主义现代化建设的实际行动中。老挝、中国和越南在新时代发展社会主义，应加强学习与创新，深化交流与互鉴，将马克思主义理论同实践相结合，从而推动马克思主义本土化时代化的创新发展。

In his address, Chen Zhigang, Vice President of the Institute of Marxism at CASS, pointed out that since its inception in 2013, the International Forum on Socialism has been successfully held ten times in China, Vietnam, and Laos. Keeping pace with the era of socialist construction and reform, the forum has engaged in sustained and in-depth theoretical discussions centered on the latest spirit of the party congresses of socialist countries, the thoughts of their leaders, and their theoretical innovations. It has produced a series of achievements reflecting the forefront of theoretical development in socialist countries, greatly enhancing the unity and consensus of Marxist theoretical circles and social science circles in socialist countries. At present, changes unseen in a century are accelerating, and humanity once again stands at a historical crossroads. Continuing to adapt Marxism to local conditions and the needs of the times, and using the light of truth to illuminate the path forward for humanity, is the common responsibility of the Marxist ruling parties of socialist countries. In his keynote speech titled “The Distinctive Features and Major Significance of Chinese-Path Modernization,” Chen Zhigang pointed out that the theory of Chinese-path modernization is an important component of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, a major development of the Marxist theory of modernization, and a major innovation in global modernization theory. The five distinctive features of Chinese-path modernization profoundly reflect the essential difference between Chinese-path modernization and Western modernization, embody the fundamental pursuit of the Communist Party of China to resolve contradictions between humanity and nature, between people, between people and society, and between nations, and to achieve harmonious development and sustainable development. They hold significant reference value for developing countries exploring paths to modernization.

中国社会科学院马克思主义研究院副院长陈志刚在致辞中指出，社会主义国际论坛自2013年创办以来，已在中国、越南、老挝三国成功举办了十届会议。论坛紧跟社会主义国家建设与改革的时代步伐，围绕各国党代会最新精神、各国领导人思想和各国理论创新成果，展开了持续深入的理论研讨，形成了一系列反映社会主义国家理论发展前沿的成果，极大地增进了社会主义国家马克思主义理论界及社科学界的团结共识。当前，世界百年未有之大变局加速演进，人类又一次站在历史的十字路口。继续推进马克思主义本土化时代化，用真理的光芒照亮人类前行之路，是社会主义国家马克思主义执政党的共同责任。陈志刚在《中国式现代化的鲜明特色和重大意义》的主题发言中指出，中国式现代化理论是习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的重要组成部分，是对马克思主义现代化理论的重大发展，也是对全球现代化理论的重大创新。中国式现代化的五个鲜明特色，深刻体现了中国式现代化和西方现代化的本质区别，体现了中国共产党破解人与自然、人与人、人与社会以及国家之间矛盾，并实现和谐发展、可持续发展的根本追求，对广大发展中国家探索现代化道路具有重要的借鉴意义。

The first session of the forum, with the theme “Theory of Socialist Modernization and Harmonious Sustainable Development,” was chaired by Ousavanh, Director of the Institute of Socio-Economic Policy Research at LASES, and Bui Quang Tuan, Acting Director of the Institute of World Politics and Economics at VASS. Thammaly Chanthamangkoun, Acting Director of the Institute of History and Archaeology at LASES, presented a report titled “The Application of Marxist Theory in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.” Tran Tuan Phong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Philosophy at VASS, presented a report titled “Some Reflections on Socialism and Sustainable Development in Vietnam.” Wang Zhongbao, Research Fellow at the Institute of Marxism at CASS, presented a report titled “On Marxism and Sustainable Development.” Daovone Simavong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Political Science at LASES, presented a report titled “Applying Marxist Theory to Develop the Political System of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in a Modern and Sustainable Direction.” Professor Liu Haolin, Deputy Dean of the School of Marxism at Guangxi Normal University, presented a report titled “The Concept of Common Prosperity in the Context of Chinese-Path Modernization.” Nguyen Thi Lan Huong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Religious Studies at VASS, presented a report titled “Harmonious and Sustainable Socialism—Viewed from the Vietnamese Model.” Yang Binbin, Associate Research Fellow at the Institute of Marxism at CASS, presented a report titled “Grasping the Original Contribution of Xi Jinping’s Cultural Thought from the Perspective of the Second Integration.”

论坛第一单元以“社会主义现代化与和谐可持续发展的理论”为主题展开讨论，由老挝社会与经济科学院社会经济政策研究所所长吴莎万和越南社会科学翰林院世界政治与经济研究所代理所长皮永祥主持。老挝社会与经济科学院历史考古研究所代所长塔马来·占塔孟坤以“马克思主义理论在老挝人民民主共和国的运用”为题作报告。越南社会科学翰林院哲学研究所副所长陈俊峰以“越南关于社会主义与可持续发展若干思考”为题作报告。中国社会科学院马克思主义研究院王中保研究员以“论马克思主义与可持续发展”为题作报告。老挝社会与经济科学院政治学研究所副所长道翁·戏码翁以“运用马克思主义理论按照现代和可持续方向发展老挝人民民主共和国的政治制度”为题作报告。广西师范大学马克思主义学院副院长刘浩林教授以“中国式现代化语境下的共同富裕观”为题作报告。越南社会科学翰林院宗教研究所副所长阮氏兰香以“和谐可持续的社会主义--从越南模式看”为题作报告。中国社会科学院马克思主义研究院杨彬彬副研究员以“从‘第二个结合’深刻把握习近平文化思想的原创性贡献”为题作报告。

The second unit of the forum, themed “Practices of Socialist Modernization and Harmonious Sustainable Development,” was chaired by Acting Director of the Institute of Sociology of the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, Bounxou Pouthavong, and Professor Xu Qinfa, Dean of the School of Marxism at Guangxi University. Future Man Phommasane, Deputy Director of the Institute of Socio-Economic Policy of the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, presented a report titled “The Application of Marxist Theory in the Formulation of Policies for Harmonious and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development in Laos.” Vu Thi Thu Ha, Deputy Director of the Institute of Religious Studies of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, presented a report titled “The Participation of Vietnam’s Religious Resources in Building a Harmonious and Sustainable Society.” Professor Tang Ming of the School of Political Science and International Relations at Central China Normal University presented a report titled “Characteristics and Advantages of Grassroots Democracy under Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.” Vansay Sayavong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Macroeconomics of the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, presented a report titled “Economic Development and Social Equity in Laos.” Professor Xue Xinguo of the School of Marxism at Xihua University presented a report titled “Historical Experience and Global Significance of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.” Nguyen Duc Trac, Deputy Director of the Institute of Social Sciences of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, presented a report titled “Mobilizing Resources to Implement Social Policies, Ensuring Comprehensive Development in the Context of Vietnam’s Transformation and International Integration.” Xia Yipu, Associate Researcher at the Academy of Marxism of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, presented a report titled “Whole-Process People’s Democracy: Institutional Innovation in Chinese-Path Modernization.”

论坛第二单元以“社会主义现代化与和谐可持续发展的实践”为主题展开讨论，由老挝社会与经济科学院社会学研究所代所长布恩习·普塔翁和广西大学马克思主义学院院长徐秦法教授主持。老挝社会与经济科学院社会经济政策研究所副所长未来文·蓬马占以“马克思主义理论在老挝社会经济和谐可持续发展方针政策制定的运用”为题作报告。越南社会科学翰林院宗教研究所副所长武氏秋夏以“越南宗教资源参与构建和谐可持续社会”为题作报告。华中师范大学政治与国际关系学院唐鸣教授以“中国特色社会主义基层民主的特点和优势”为题作报告。老挝社会与经济科学院宏观经济研究所副所长万赛·塞雅翁以“老挝经济发展与社会公平”为题作报告。西华大学马克思主义学院薛新国教授以“中国特色社会主义历史经验及世界意义”为题作报告。越南社会科学翰林院社会科学研究所副所长阮德雀以“调动资源实施社会政策，确保在越南转型和融入国际的背景下实现综合性发展”为题作报告。中国社会科学院马克思主义研究院夏一璞副研究员以“全过程人民民主--中国式现代化的制度创新”为题作报告。

The third unit of the forum, themed “Socialist Cooperation for Achieving Harmony and Sustainable Development,” was chaired by Kiaovijit Khaikhamphithoun of the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences and Tran Tuan Phong of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences. Dr. Keomani Inthavong, Deputy Director of the Institute of Sociology of the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, presented a report titled “Socialist Orientation for Sustainable Social Development.” Bui Xuan Phong, Acting Director of the Institute of World Politics and Economics of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, presented a report titled “Adhering to the Socialist Development Direction on the Basis of Strengthening International Cooperation.” Professor Xu Qinfa, Dean of the School of Marxism at Guangxi University, presented a report titled “The Logical Path of Promoting the Building of a China-Laos and China-Vietnam Community with a Shared Future through Inter-Party Exchanges.” Saysompheng Havanala, Deputy Director of the Institute of Culture of the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, presented a report titled “Cooperative Development of a Harmonious and Sustainable Culture.” He Qin, Researcher at the Academy of Marxism of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, presented a report titled “National Characteristics and Common Features of Socialist Modernization.” Chansamone Vongphachith, Deputy Director of the Institute of Enterprise Development of the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, presented a report titled “Economic Cooperation Based on Socialism for Sustainable Development: A Perspective from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.” Chen Yongsheng, Associate Researcher at the Academy of Marxism of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, presented a report titled “Vigorously Developing New Quality Productive Forces to Promote Harmonious and Sustainable Development of the Economy, Society, and People.”

论坛第三单元以“实现和谐与可持续发展的社会主义合作”为主题展开讨论，由老挝社会与经济科学院的桥微吉·凯康批团和越南社会科学翰林院的陈俊峰主持。老挝社会与经济科学院社会学研究所副所长给玛尼·银塔翁博士以“可持续社会发展社会主义方向”为题作报告。越南社会科学翰林院世界政治与经济研究所代所长皮永祥以“在加强国际合作的基础上坚持社会主义发展方向”为题作报告。广西大学马克思主义学院院长徐秦法教授以“以党际交往推动中老、中越命运共同体建设的逻辑理路”为题作报告。老挝社会与经济科学院文化研究所副所长赛松盆·哈万纳拉以“合作发展和谐可持续的文化”为题作报告。中国社会科学院马克思主义研究院贺钦研究员以“社会主义现代化的各国特色与共同特征”为题作报告。老挝社会与经济科学院企业发展研究所副所长展萨曼·翁拍戏以“基于社会主义的经济合作促进可持续发展：老挝人民民主共和国的视角”为题作报告。中国社会科学院马克思主义研究院陈永盛副研究员以“大力发展新质生产力促进经济·社会·人和谐与可持续发展”为题作报告。

On the afternoon of November 8, the forum also convened a roundtable meeting of the heads of the delegations from China, Laos, and Vietnam, where consultations were held on the theme, timing, and venue of the next Socialist International Forum. The three parties unanimously agreed that the 12th Socialist International Forum will be held in Vietnam from late October to early November 2025, with the theme “The Driving Forces of Socialist Development in the New Era.” Finally, the heads of the three delegations delivered the conference summary.

11月8日下午，论坛还召开了中老越三方代表团团长圆桌会议，就下届社会主义国际论坛的主题、会议时间、会议地点等进行了磋商。三方一致同意，第十二届社会主义国际论坛将以“新时代社会主义发展动力”为主题，于2025年10月底至11月初在越南举办。最后，三方代表团团长作大会总结。

On November 9, the delegation, accompanied by the team from the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, traveled by the China-Laos Railway to Luang Prabang, Laos, for investigation and research. The delegation focused on examining the operational status of the China-Laos Railway and conducted research on key areas of building a China-Laos community with a shared future, including China-Laos connectivity, economic and trade exchanges, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The delegation also engaged in in-depth exchanges with the Lao side on issues of mutual concern, such as grassroots governance and poverty alleviation, as well as the protection of historical and cultural heritage.

11月9日，代表团在老挝社会与经济科学院团队的陪同下，乘坐中老铁路赴老挝琅勃拉邦考察调研。代表团重点考察了中老铁路运营情况，并对中老互联互通、经贸往来及人文交流等中老命运共同体建设的重点领域进行了调研。代表团还就双方共同关切的基层治理与扶贫、历史文化遗产保护等问题，与老方进行了深入交流。

China and Laos share the same mountains and rivers, and are socialist friendly neighbors with a shared future and common destiny. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Laos comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and the China-Laos community with a shared future is also the first community-with-a-shared-future agreement signed between China and a socialist country. Over the long term, China and Laos have sought common development through mutual trust and cooperation, jointly faced challenges with sincere mutual assistance, and earnestly practiced the spirit of a community with a shared future. This delegation’s visit to Laos will further deepen friendly cooperation between the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and Lao academic institutions such as the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences and the National University of Laos. The two sides have reached multiple consensuses in areas such as academic research, journal development, and talent cultivation, jointly committed to promoting China-Laos people-to-people and cultural exchanges and contributing wisdom and strength to building a China-Laos community with a shared future in the New Era.

中国和老挝山同脉、水同源，是前途相关、命运与共的社会主义友好邻邦。今年是中老两国建立全面战略合作伙伴关系15周年，中老命运共同体也是中国与社会主义国家签订的第一个命运共同体协定。长期以来，中老双方以互信合作共谋发展，以真诚相助共迎挑战，切实践行了命运共同体精神。代表团此次访问老挝，将进一步深化中国社会科学院和老挝社会与经济科学院、老挝国立大学等老挝学术机构的友好合作。双方在学术研究、期刊建设、人才培养等方面达成多项共识，共同致力于推动中老人文交流，为新时代构建中老命运共同体贡献智慧与力量。

(Contributed by Yang Binbin)

（杨彬彬供稿）