Strengthen Systematic and Theoretical Research and Interpretation, Continuously Open Up New Horizons for Adapting Marxism to the Chinese Context and the Needs of the Times

Strengthening the systematic and theoretical research and interpretation of the Party’s innovative theories, especially Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and continuously opening up new horizons for adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, is an important political task facing China’s Marxist theoretical circles and even the entire philosophical and social sciences community. To better accomplish this important task, work should be advanced mainly from three aspects: first, accelerating the construction of a disciplinary system, academic system, and discourse system for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, laying a solid theoretical foundation for the research and interpretation of the Party’s innovative theories; second, promoting innovation in the research paradigm of Marxist theory and strengthening the systematic theoretical interpretation of the Party’s innovative theories; third, relying on theoretical and academic innovation to construct an independent knowledge system of the Party’s innovative theories for China.

加强党的创新理论，特别是习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的系统性和学理性研究阐释，不断开辟马克思主义中国化时代化的新境界，是摆在我国马克思主义理论界乃至哲学社会科学界面前的一项重要政治任务。为更好完成这一重要任务，应主要从三个方面推进工作：一是加快构建中国特色哲学社会科学学科体系、学术体系和话语体系，为研究阐释党的创新理论奠定坚实的学理基础；二是推进马克思主义理论研究范式创新，加强党的创新理论的系统化理论阐释；三是以理论学术创新为支撑，建构党的创新理论的中国自主的知识体系。

The history of the struggle of the Communist Party of China is the history of creating the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. In the great process of continuously advancing the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, Chinese Communists have successively created Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, formed the important thought of the “Three Represents,” the Scientific Outlook on Development, and created Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and other innovative theories of the Party, that is, Marxism adapted to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. Strengthening the systematic and theoretical research and interpretation of the Party’s innovative theories, especially Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and continuously opening up new horizons for adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, is an important political task facing China’s Marxist theoretical circles and even the entire philosophical and social sciences community.

中国共产党的奋斗历史就是马克思主义中国化时代化的创造历史。在不断推进马克思主义中国化时代化的伟大进程中，中国共产党人先后创立了毛泽东思想、邓小平理论，形成了“三个代表”重要思想、科学发展观，创立了习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想等党的创新理论，即中国化时代化的马克思主义。加强党的创新理论，特别是习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的系统性和学理性研究阐释，不断开辟马克思主义中国化时代化的新境界，是摆在我国马克思主义理论界乃至哲学社会科学界面前的一项重要的政治任务。

I. Accelerate the Construction of a Disciplinary System, Academic System, and Discourse System for Philosophy and Social Sciences with Chinese Characteristics, Laying a Solid Theoretical Foundation for the Research and Interpretation of the Party’s Innovative Theories

一、加快构建中国特色哲学社会科学学科体系、学术体系和话语体系，为研究阐释党的创新理论奠定坚实的学理基础

The report of the 20th National Congress of the CPC emphasized the major task of “accelerating the construction of a disciplinary system, academic system, and discourse system for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics” (hereinafter referred to as the “Three Systems”), making new arrangements for the development of philosophy and social sciences in the New Era. Accelerating the construction of an innovative system of disciplines, academics, and discourse for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, and laying a solid academic and theoretical foundation for the Party’s innovative theories, especially Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, is very important and necessary.

党的二十大报告强调了“加快构建中国特色哲学社会科学学科体系、学术体系、话语体系”（以下简称“三大体系”）这一重大任务，对新时代哲学社会科学发展作出新的部署。加快构建中国特色哲学社会科学学科、学术、话语创新体系，为党的创新理论，特别是习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想奠定雄厚的学术学理基础，是十分重要且必要的。

To accelerate the construction of the “Three Systems” for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, it is necessary to adhere to the guiding position of Marxism and achieve a high degree of unity between guiding ideology and academic knowledge; it is necessary to adhere to the dialectical unity of theoretical guidance and practical exploration, achieving a positive interaction between theoretical innovation and practical innovation; it is necessary to deeply understand and grasp the laws of development of philosophy and social sciences, constructing a disciplinary, academic, and discourse system with distinct theoretical characteristics and academic advantages.

加快构建中国特色哲学社会科学“三大体系”，就要坚持马克思主义的指导地位，实现指导思想与学术知识的高度统一；就要坚持理论指导和实践探索辩证统一，实现理论创新和实践创新良性互动；就要深刻认识和把握哲学社会科学的发展规律，构建具有鲜明学理特色和学术优势的学科、学术和话语体系。

Clearly and resolutely adhere to the guiding position of Marxism, achieving a high degree of unity between guiding ideology and academic knowledge. Adhering to the guidance of Marxism is the fundamental sign that distinguishes contemporary Chinese philosophy and social sciences from other philosophies and social sciences. In accelerating the construction of the “Three Systems” for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics and promoting the Party’s theoretical innovation, Marxism plays an irreplaceable guiding role. Adhering to the guidance of Marxism to construct the “Three Systems” for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics means using Marxist positions, viewpoints, and methods to study, interpret, and solve the major theoretical and practical problems faced by various disciplines of China’s philosophy and social sciences, and in the process of studying, interpreting, and answering major theoretical and practical problems, constructing the “Three Systems” for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics.

旗帜鲜明地坚持马克思主义指导地位，实现指导思想与学术知识的高度统一。坚持以马克思主义为指导，是当代中国特色哲学社会科学区别于其他哲学社会科学的根本标志。加快构建中国特色哲学社会科学“三大体系”，推进党的理论创新，马克思主义发挥着不可替代的指导作用。坚持以马克思主义为指导，构建中国特色哲学社会科学“三大体系”，就是要运用马克思主义立场、观点、方法，研究阐释和解决我国哲学社会科学各学科所面对的重大的理论和实践问题，在研究阐释回答重大理论与现实问题过程中构建具有中国特色的哲学社会科学“三大体系”。

To construct the “Three Systems” for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, it is necessary to be adept at integrating various resources, both ancient and modern, Chinese and foreign, especially grasping three aspects of resources. Among them, the resource of Marxism ranks first. To construct the “Three Systems” for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, it is necessary to comprehensively and accurately understand and handle the relationship between Marxism as a guiding ideology and as an academic resource. For contemporary Chinese philosophy and social sciences, Marxism is both a guiding ideology and an important source. Marxism is not only a thorough, complete, and scientific theoretical system but also a profound, systematic, and complete knowledge system, covering various fields of nature, human society, and human thought. It is a high-level generalization of the dialectical unity of the general and special laws of nature, human society, and human thought. The research and writings of the classical Marxist writers cover various aspects such as history, economy, politics, culture, society, ecology, science and technology, military affairs, and Party building. In the process of researching, interpreting, and answering major theoretical and practical problems of history and reality, they created a peak of human theoretical thinking and knowledge systems. This is not only an important tool for people to understand and transform the world but also provides extremely rich academic resources, knowledge resources, and theoretical resources for the development of various disciplines of contemporary Chinese philosophy and social sciences. Marxism is a guide for human theoretical thinking and, at the same time, an encyclopedia of philosophy and social sciences, possessing the most academic, theoretical, and knowledge-based qualities. It is the guide, foundation, and source for constructing the “Three Systems” for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. Under the guidance of the Marxist worldview and methodology, by absorbing Marxism as an important academic and knowledge resource, actively drawing on the ideological achievements, knowledge summaries, specific conclusions, and specific methods formed by the classical Marxist writers in studying various specific things and typical problems, and achieving a deep integration of Marxism with the content and methods of philosophical and social science research, can we truly construct the “Three Systems” for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics that embody the peak of human theory and academia.

构建中国特色哲学社会科学“三大体系”，要善于融通古今中外各种资源，特别是要把握好三方面资源。其中，排在首位的就是马克思主义的资源。构建中国特色哲学社会科学“三大体系”，必须全面、准确地认识和处理马克思主义作为指导思想与作为学术资源的关系。马克思主义对于当代中国哲学社会科学，既是指导思想，也是重要源泉。马克思主义不仅是彻底、完整、科学的理论体系，同时也是博大精深、系统完备的知识体系，涉及自然界、人类社会、人类思维各个领域，是对自然界、人类社会与人类思维的一般规律与特殊规律辩证统一的高度概括。马克思主义经典作家的研究和著述涉及历史、经济、政治、文化、社会、生态、科技、军事、党建等各个方面，在对历史和现实的重大理论和实践问题的研究、阐释、解答中，创造了人类理论思维和知识体系的高峰。这既是人们认识世界、改造世界的重要工具，同时又为当代中国哲学社会科学各学科的发展提供了极其丰富的学术资源、知识资源和学理资源。马克思主义是人类理论思维的指南，同时又是一部哲学社会科学的大百科全书，最具学术性、学理性和知识性，是构筑中国特色哲学社会科学“三大体系”的指南、基础和源泉。在马克思主义世界观方法论指导下，将马克思主义作为重要的学术资源和知识资源加以汲取，主动吸收借鉴马克思主义经典作家研究各种具体事物、典型问题而形成的思想成果、知识概括、具体结论和具体方法，实现马克思主义与哲学社会科学研究在内容与方法上的深度结合，才能真正构建体现人类理论和学术高峰的中国特色哲学社会科学“三大体系”。

To construct the “Three Systems” for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, it is necessary to unswervingly adhere to the academic direction guided by Marxism, and integrate the adherence to Marxist positions, viewpoints, and methods into the orientation of all scientific research activities. Combine theoretical arming, theoretical guidance, and theoretical innovation, consciously unify the correct political direction, value orientation, and academic orientation, embed politics within academia, and embed Marxist principles within theoretical reasoning. Achieve a high degree of unity between the discourse of academic research and the political discourse of the Party’s innovative theories, a high degree of unity between Marxism as a guiding ideology and as scientific knowledge, and a high degree of unity between the Marxist theoretical discipline and various disciplines of philosophy and social sciences, continuously enhancing the explanatory power, influence, guiding power, and effectiveness of Marxism.

构建中国特色哲学社会科学“三大体系”，必须坚定不移地坚持以马克思主义为指导的学术方向，把坚持马克思主义的立场、观点和方法贯穿于一切科研活动的导向之中。把理论武装、理论指导和理论创新结合起来，自觉把正确的政治方向、价值取向和学术导向统一起来，寓政治于学术之中，寓马克思主义道理于学理之中。实现学术研究话语与党的创新理论政治话语两者高度统一，实现马克思主义作为指导思想与作为科学知识的高度统一，实现马克思主义理论学科与哲学社会科学各学科的高度统一，不断增强马克思主义的解释力、影响力、指导力和作用力。

Adhere to the dialectical unity of theoretical guidance and practical exploration, achieving a positive interaction between theoretical innovation and practical innovation. In his important speech at the Symposium on Work in Philosophy and Social Sciences, Xi Jinping comprehensively and systematically elaborated on a series of major issues concerning the research and construction of contemporary Chinese philosophy and social sciences, pointing out the prominent problems and directions for effort in the disciplinary system, academic system, and discourse system.

坚持理论指导和实践探索辩证统一，实现理论创新和实践创新良性互动。在哲学社会科学工作座谈会上的重要讲话中，习近平全面系统阐述了当代中国哲学社会科学研究和建设的一系列重大问题，指出了学科体系、学术体系和话语体系中存在的突出问题和努力方向。

From the current situation of China’s philosophy and social sciences, there are two problems worthy of our attention and needing resolution: first, insufficient integration with the practical reality of socialism with Chinese characteristics, focusing on answering and solving major difficulties, hot spots, and focal points in China’s theory and practice; second, insufficient use of Marxist positions, viewpoints, and methods in answering and solving China’s practical reality and major theoretical problems, achieving theoretical and academic innovation in the interaction between practical innovation and theoretical innovation. Innovation in China’s philosophical and social science research, and innovation in the study of Marxism adapted to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, should focus on overcoming these “two insufficiencies,” carry forward the fine style of study of integrating theory with practice, revolve around what we are doing, continuously promote theoretical innovation based on practical innovation, and achieve innovative theory guiding innovative practice.

从我国哲学社会科学的现状来看，存在着两个值得我们关注并需加以解决的问题：一是紧密结合中国特色社会主义的现实实践，聚焦我国理论和实践中的重大难点、热点和焦点问题加以回答和解决不够；二是运用马克思主义的立场、观点、方法在回答和解决我国现实实践和重大理论问题上，在实践创新与理论创新的互动中，实现理论学术创新不够。我国哲学社会科学研究创新，中国化时代化的马克思主义研究创新，应当着重克服这“两个不够”，发扬理论联系实际的优良学风，围绕我们正在做的事情，不断推进实践创新基础上的理论创新，实现创新理论指导创新实践。

The times are the mother of thought, and practice is the source of theory. “Practice has no end, and theoretical innovation has no end either.” The practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics is undergoing profound changes every moment. We must keep up with the times in theory, constantly “deepen understanding, constantly sum up experience, and constantly carry out theoretical innovation based on the changes of the times and the development of practice, adhere to the dialectical unity of theoretical guidance and practical exploration, achieve a positive interaction between theoretical innovation and practical innovation, and develop Marxism for 21st-century China in this unity and interaction.”

时代是思想之母，实践是理论之源。“实践没有止境，理论创新也没有止境。”中国特色社会主义实践每时每刻都在发生深刻的变化，我们必须在理论上跟上时代，不断“根据时代变化和实践发展，不断深化认识，不断总结经验，不断进行理论创新，坚持理论指导和实践探索辩证统一，实现理论创新和实践创新良性互动，在这种统一和互动中发展21世纪中国的马克思主义”。

Deeply understand and grasp the developmental laws of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, and construct an innovation system of disciplines, academics, and discourse with distinctive features and prominent advantages. To accelerate the construction of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, it is necessary to deeply understand and grasp the developmental laws of philosophy and social sciences and the essential characteristics and inherent requirements of the construction of the disciplinary system, academic system, and discourse system, fully embodying their own traits such as inheritance, nationality, originality, contemporaneity, systematicity, and professionalism, thereby forming one’s own characteristics and advantages. “We must follow the approach of basing ourselves on China, drawing on foreign experience, excavating history, grasping the present, caring for humanity, and facing the future, to strive to construct philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, fully embodying Chinese characteristics, Chinese style, and Chinese manner in terms of guiding ideology, disciplinary system, academic system, and discourse system.” [4]4 Quotation from Xi Jinping’s speech at the symposium on philosophy and social sciences, May 17, 2016.

深刻认识和把握中国特色哲学社会科学的发展规律，构建具有鲜明特色和突出优势的学科、学术、话语创新体系。加快构建中国特色哲学社会科学，就要深刻认识和把握哲学社会科学的发展规律和学科体系、学术体系、话语体系建设的本质特点和内在要求，充分体现继承性、民族性、原创性、时代性、系统性、专业性等自身特质，形成自己的特色和优势。“要按照立足中国、借鉴国外，挖掘历史、把握当代，关怀人类、面向未来的思路，着力构建中国特色哲学社会科学，在指导思想、学科体系、学术体系、话语体系等方面充分体现中国特色、中国风格、中国气派。”

In terms of disciplinary system construction. First, strengthen the construction of Marxist theoretical disciplines, formulate a development plan for Marxist theoretical disciplines, strive to build Marxist theoretical disciplines into advantageous disciplines within philosophy and social sciences, and give full play to the supporting and leading role of Marxist theoretical disciplines. Second, accelerate the improvement of disciplines that play a supporting role in philosophy and social sciences, creating a disciplinary system with Chinese characteristics and universal significance. Third, focus on developing advantageous key disciplines. Fourth, accelerate the development of emerging and interdisciplinary disciplines with important practical significance. Fifth, attach importance to the development of “lost disciplines” [5]5 “Lost disciplines” (绝学) refers to specialized fields of study that are at risk of extinction due to a lack of practitioners, such as ancient philology or paleography. and niche disciplines with important cultural value and heritage significance. Through disciplinary system construction, strive to make basic disciplines sound and solid, key disciplines prominent in their advantages, emerging and interdisciplinary disciplines innovative in development, niche disciplines passed down through generations, basic research and applied research complement each other, and academic research and the application of results mutually promote each other.

在学科体系建设方面。一是要加强马克思主义理论学科建设，制定马克思主义理论学科发展规划，努力把马克思主义理论学科建设成为哲学社会科学的优势学科，发挥好马克思主义理论学科的支撑引领作用。二是要加快完善对哲学社会科学具有支撑作用的学科，打造具有中国特色和普遍意义的学科体系。三是注重发展优势重点学科。四是加快发展具有重要现实意义的新兴学科和交叉学科。五是重视发展具有重要文化价值和传承意义的“绝学”、冷门学科。通过学科体系建设，努力使基础学科健全扎实、重点学科优势突出、新兴学科和交叉学科创新发展、冷门学科代有传承、基础研究和应用研究相辅相成、学术研究和成果应用相互促进。

In terms of academic system construction. Adhere to not forgetting the past, absorbing from the outside, and facing the future, and make great efforts to enhance the capacity and level of original academic creation, realize the Sinicization and modernization of academic theory, establish institutional mechanisms that stimulate research vitality, and construct an academic evaluation system with distinct Chinese characteristics. Improve the ability to use Marxism to guide academic system construction and academic research, and be adept at integrating the resources of Marxism, the excellent traditional Chinese culture, and foreign philosophy and social sciences. Take China’s actual conditions as the starting point for research, excavate new materials, discover new problems, propose new viewpoints, and construct new theories from the practice of China’s reform and development, putting forward theoretical viewpoints with subjectivity and originality, and constructing an academic system with its own characteristics. Draw nourishment from the rich academic thoughts of ancient and modern times, both Chinese and foreign, innovate by discarding the old and bringing forth the new, inherit Chinese civilization, strive to realize the creative transformation and innovative development of excellent traditional Chinese culture, promote revolutionary culture, develop advanced socialist culture, and improve and perfect the academic system of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics and the spirit of the times.

在学术体系建设方面。要坚持不忘本来、吸收外来、面向未来，在提升学术原创能力和水平、实现学术学理中国化时代化、建立激发科研活力的体制机制、构建具有鲜明中国特色的学术评价体系上下大功夫。要提高运用马克思主义指导学术体系建设和学术研究的能力，善于融通马克思主义的资源、中华优秀传统文化的资源、国外哲学社会科学的资源。以我国实际为研究起点，从我国改革发展的实践中挖掘新材料、发现新问题、提出新观点、构建新理论，提出具有主体性、原创性的理论观点，构建具有自身特质的学术体系。在古今中外丰富的学术思想中汲取营养、推陈出新，传承中华文明，努力实现中华优秀传统文化的创造性转化、创新性发展，弘扬革命文化，发展社会主义先进文化，健全完善具有中国特色、体现时代精神的哲学社会科学学术体系。

In terms of discourse system construction. Firmly grasp the discourse power of Marxism in the field of philosophy and social sciences in China, and strive to strengthen the construction of the discourse power of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. It is necessary to inherit the discourse of Marxism that has been tested by history and practice; at the same time, combine it with contemporary reality, continuously create fresh discourse for philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, and enrich, develop, and innovate the discourse system of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. Strive to promote the nationalization, popularization, and internationalization of the discourse system of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. Base ourselves on Chinese practice, deeply interpret the Chinese path, effectively enhance Chinese experience, be brave in innovation, continuously summarize new concepts, new categories, and new terms, and create an academic discourse system with Chinese characteristics, Chinese style, and Chinese manner. Always adhere to the direction of popularization, using language that the masses can understand to present theoretical and academic viewpoints that the masses can absorb. Implement the strategy of “going global” for Chinese academia, focusing on major issues facing China and the world’s development, strive to propose concepts, propositions, and solutions that embody Chinese positions, Chinese wisdom, and Chinese values, and continuously enhance the international influence of China’s philosophy and social sciences.

在话语体系建设方面。要牢牢掌握马克思主义在我国哲学社会科学领域的话语权，努力加强中国特色哲学社会科学话语权建设。既要继承马克思主义的已被历史和实践检验的话语；又要结合当代实际，不断创造中国特色哲学社会科学的新鲜话语，丰富发展创新中国特色哲学社会科学话语体系。要着力推动中国特色哲学社会科学话语体系民族化、大众化、国际化。要立足中国实践、深入解读中国道路、切实提升中国经验，要勇于创新，不断概括出新概念、新范畴、新术语，打造具有中国特色、中国风格、中国气派的学术话语体系。要始终坚持大众化方向，用群众听得懂的语言讲群众听得进去的理论学术观点。要实施中国学术“走出去”战略，围绕我国和世界发展面临的重大问题，着力提出能够体现中国立场、中国智慧、中国价值的理念、主张、方案，不断增强我国哲学社会科学国际影响力。

II. Promote Innovation in the Research Paradigm of Marxist Theory, Strengthen the Systematic Theoretical Interpretation of the Party’s Innovative Theory

二、推进马克思主义理论研究范式创新，加强党的创新理论的系统化理论阐释

The research paradigm of theoretical academia refers to the positions, viewpoints, and methods, perspectives, paths, and approaches used to grasp, study, and answer questions formed and relied upon in the process of theoretical academic research, as well as the ways of thinking and research methods for evaluating and testing theoretical academic achievements. In the course of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, Marxist theoretical research has achieved fruitful results and accumulated experience through exploration, and has also established a Marxist theoretical research paradigm with Chinese characteristics, Chinese style, and Chinese manner. The core issue of focusing on, analyzing, and solving problems based on actual reality, and innovating and perfecting China’s own Marxist theoretical research paradigm in the process of analyzing and solving problems, is to combine the basic principles of Marxism with China’s specific realities and the characteristics of the times, and with the excellent traditional Chinese culture, realizing systematic theoretical innovation of Marxist theory through the “Two Integrations.” [6]6 The “Two Integrations” (两个结合) refers to the combination of the basic principles of Marxism with China’s specific realities and the characteristics of the times, and with the excellent traditional Chinese culture.

理论学术的研究范式是指在理论学术研究过程中所形成并依据的抓住问题、研究问题、回答问题的立场、观点和方法，视角、路径和方法，以及理论学术成果的评价和检验标准的思维方式和研究方式。在马克思主义中国化时代化发展历程中，马克思主义理论研究在探索中取得了丰硕的成就和经验，也确立了中国特色、中国风格、中国气派的马克思主义的理论研究范式。针对现实实际聚焦问题、分析问题、解决问题，在分析解决问题进程中创新和完善中国自己的马克思主义的理论研究范式的核心问题，就是把马克思主义基本原理与中国的具体实际和时代特征相结合，与中华优秀传统文化相结合，在“两个结合”中实现马克思主义理论的系统性理论创新。

In the New Era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, Xi Jinping attaches great importance to the innovative development of Marxism, further promoting the content innovation, paradigm shift, and knowledge system construction of Sinicized and modernized Marxism, creatively proposing a series of new categories, new discourses, new theses, new problems, new methods, and new standards, advancing the innovation of the theoretical research paradigm, and opening up a new realm of the Party’s theoretical innovation.

在中国特色社会主义新时代，习近平高度重视马克思主义的创新发展，进一步推进了中国化时代化马克思主义的内容创新、范式转变和知识体系建设，创造性地提出了一系列新范畴、新话语、新论断、新问题、新方法、新标准，推进了理论研究范式的创新，开辟了党的理论创新的新境界。

Adhere to a strong problem orientation in systematic theoretical innovation. Philosophy is the era grasped in thought, and problems are the voice of the times. Adhering to a problem orientation is a distinctive feature of Marxism and a method of thinking, working, and researching that Party cadres and theoretical workers must master proficiently. Theoretical innovation can only begin with problems. In a sense, the process of theoretical innovation is a process of discovering problems, screening problems, studying problems, and solving problems. Only by listening to the voice of the times, responding to the calls of the times, and earnestly studying and solving major and urgent problems of the era can we truly grasp the historical context, find the laws of development, and promote theoretical innovation. Xi Jinping emphasizes: “Facing a rapidly changing world and China, if we stick to old ways, become rigid in thinking, lack the courage for theoretical innovation, and cannot scientifically answer the questions of China, the world, the people, and the era, not only will the cause of the Party and the state be unable to move forward, but Marxism will also lose its vitality and persuasiveness.” [7]7 Quotation from Xi Jinping’s speech at the conference celebrating the centenary of the Communist Party of China, July 1, 2021. For theoretical innovation to truly face problems, discover problems, and answer problems, it must raise and respond to new problems, major problems, and real problems. The problem orientation is the growth point and source of innovation for Marxism. Marxist research should continuously discover and explore various problems emerging from contemporary practice, science, and philosophical development, use Marxist positions, viewpoints, and methods to conduct scientific interpretation, thereby realizing the advancement of Marxism with the times, and achieving the integration of Marxist theoretical interpretation through the resolution of problems.

在系统性理论创新中坚持强烈的问题导向。哲学是思想中所握的时代，而问题就是时代的声音。坚持问题导向是马克思主义的鲜明特点，是党的领导干部和理论工作者必须熟练掌握的思想方法、工作方法和研究方法。理论创新只能从问题开始。从某种意义上说，理论创新的过程就是发现问题、筛选问题、研究问题、解决问题的过程。只有聆听时代的声音，回应时代的呼唤，认真研究解决重大而紧迫的时代问题，才能真正把握住历史脉络、找到发展规律，推动理论创新。习近平强调：“面对快速变化的世界和中国，如果墨守成规、思想僵化，没有理论创新的勇气，不能科学回答中国之问、世界之问、人民之问、时代之问，不仅党和国家事业无法继续前进，马克思主义也会失去生命力、说服力。”理论创新要真正面对问题、发现问题、回答问题，就必须提出并回应新问题、大问题、真问题，问题导向就是马克思主义的生长点、创新源。马克思主义研究应该不断地发现和探索当代实践、科学和哲学发展中涌现出来的各种问题，运用马克思主义的立场观点方法进行科学阐释，由此实现马克思主义的与时俱进，从问题的解决中实现马克思主义理论阐释的整体化。

Grasp the strict internal logic in systematic theoretical research. “The true content of all epoch-making systems is always formed by the needs of the period that produced those systems.” [8]8 Quotation from Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, *The German Ideology* (1845–1846). Mao Zedong Thought, the system of theories of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and especially Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, use Marxist positions, viewpoints, and methods to focus on new propositions of the era, condense new ideological essences, summarize pioneering and original practical experiences, enrich and develop Marxism with new ideological content, embody the internal logical unity of the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and reflect the organic unity of the theoretical logic, historical logic, and practical logic of socialism with Chinese characteristics, forming a scientific theoretical system that is systematic, comprehensive, logically rigorous, rich in content, and internally unified. The research and interpretation of the Party’s innovative theory should adhere to the unity of history and logic, and present rigor in internal logic.

在系统性理论研究中把握严密的内在逻辑。“一切划时代的体系的真正的内容都是由于产生这些体系的那个时期的需要而形成起来的。”毛泽东思想、中国特色社会主义理论体系，特别是习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，运用马克思主义立场观点方法，聚焦新的时代命题，凝结新的思想精华，总结开创性独创性的实践经验，以崭新的思想内容丰富和发展了马克思主义，体现了中国特色社会主义道路、理论、制度、文化的内在的逻辑统一，反映了中国特色社会主义理论逻辑、历史逻辑、实践逻辑的有机统一，形成了一个系统全面、逻辑严密、内涵丰富、内在统一的科学理论体系。党的创新理论的研究阐释，要坚持历史与逻辑相统一，要在内在逻辑上呈现出严整性。

Grasp the firm people-centered stance in systematic theoretical research. “Marxism is a theory that speaks for the people and on behalf of the people, a theory founded to change the people’s fate and enriched and developed in the practice of the people’s liberation; the people’s creative practice is the inexhaustible source of Marxist theoretical innovation.” “The people-centered stance is the fundamental political stance of the Communist Party of China and a distinctive mark distinguishing a Marxist political party from other political parties.” In Marxist theoretical innovation, the primary issue is to properly resolve the question of for whom it is intended. Only by consistently adhering to a people-centered stance in theoretical research can we establish the correct research orientation of Marxism and truly interpret the Party’s innovative theory well. The people-centered stance runs through the latest achievement of the Party’s innovative theory—Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era—and through all aspects of the governance practice of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. In major decisions and deployments such as targeted poverty alleviation, pollution prevention and control, ecological protection, national governance, comprehensive moderate prosperity, common prosperity, and national rejuvenation, a strong people-centered sentiment is fully demonstrated. In carrying out research and interpretation of the Party’s innovative theory, we must firmly stand on the people-centered political stance, consistently adhere to the academic stance and value principle of speaking for the people and on behalf of the people. Adhering to a people-centered academic stance requires us to seek theoretical and academic issues around the people’s needs for a better life, to take the realization of the people’s interests, their common prosperity, and comprehensive development as major theoretical research issues to be addressed, to provide scientific theoretical answers and practical policy recommendations, and to achieve the theoretical consistency of Marxism by solving development difficulties and providing development pathways.

在系统性理论研究中把握坚定的人民立场。“马克思主义是为人民立言、为人民代言的理论，是为改变人民命运而创立、在人民求解放的实践中丰富和发展的，人民的创造性实践是马克思主义理论创新的不竭源泉。”“人民立场是中国共产党的根本政治立场，是马克思主义政党区别于其他政党的显著标志。”马克思主义理论创新，首要的问题是解决好为什么人的问题。只有始终坚持以人民为中心的理论研究立场，才能够确立马克思主义的正确研究导向，才能够真正阐释好党的创新理论。人民立场贯穿于党的创新理论的最新成果——习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想始终，贯穿于以习近平同志为核心的党中央治国理政实践的各个方面。在精准脱贫、污染防治、生态保护、国家治理、全面小康、共同富裕、民族复兴等重大决策部署中，充分彰显了浓厚的人民情怀。开展党的创新理论研究和阐释工作，必须站稳以人民为中心的政治立场，始终坚守为人民立言、为人民代言的学术立场和价值遵循。坚持以人民为中心的学术立场，就要围绕人民对美好生活的需要寻找理论学术问题，把人民利益的实现、人民的共同富裕和全面发展作为着力解决的重大理论研究问题，给予理论上的科学回答、实践上的对策建议，通过破解发展难题、提供发展路径，从而实现马克思主义的理论一贯性。

Grasp objective evaluation criteria in systematic theoretical research. Practice is the sole criterion for testing truth, and it is also the evaluation criterion that Marxist theoretical research should uphold. Xi Jinping clearly stated: “Whether it promotes economic and social development and whether it brings the people a tangible sense of gain should be taken as the evaluation criteria for the effectiveness of reform.” [9]9 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Symposium on Deepening Reform and Opening Up,” November 2018. Marxist theoretical innovation and academic research should take China’s actual conditions as the starting point for research, take the vivid practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics currently underway in contemporary China as the research object, promote theoretical innovation on the basis of practical innovation, use practice to test truth and develop truth, and thereby establish a systematic academic evaluation system with practice as the measurement standard.

在系统性理论研究中把握客观的评价标准。实践是检验真理的唯一标准，也是马克思主义理论研究应该坚持的评价标准。习近平明确指出：“把是否促进经济社会发展、是否给人民群众带来实实在在的获得感，作为改革成效的评价标准。”马克思主义理论创新和学术研究要以我国实际为研究起点，以当代中国正在进行的中国特色社会主义生动实践为研究对象，在实践创新基础上推动理论创新，用实践来检验真理、发展真理，从而确立以实践为衡量标准的系统化的学术评价体系。

III. Construct a Chinese independent knowledge system of the Party’s innovative theory, supported by theoretical and academic innovation

三、以理论学术创新为支撑，建构党的创新理论的中国自主的知识体系

“Accelerating the construction of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics is, in the final analysis, constructing a Chinese independent knowledge system.” [10]10 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Symposium on Philosophy and Social Sciences,” May 2016. The Party’s innovative theory is both based on philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics as its academic and theoretical foundation, and is the core soul, guiding ideology, and theoretical foundation of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics. To construct a Chinese independent knowledge system of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics, the most fundamental task is to construct a Chinese independent knowledge system of the Party’s innovative theory.

“加快构建中国特色哲学社会科学，归根结底是建构中国自主的知识体系。”党的创新理论既是以中国特色哲学社会科学为学术学理基础，又是中国特色哲学社会科学的核心灵魂、指导思想和理论基础。构建中国特色哲学社会科学的中国自主的知识体系，最根本的是构建党的创新理论的中国自主的知识体系。

Constructing a Chinese independent knowledge system of the Party’s innovative theory must be based on theoretical and academic innovation. It must both critically inherit all positive achievements of existing human philosophy, natural sciences, and social sciences, and actively respond to new issues raised by contemporary practice, proposing new concepts, new viewpoints, and new terms on the basis of predecessors; it must both draw on and absorb new experiences and achievements from foreign theoretical and academic innovation, and uphold national character, local character, and autonomy, highlighting Chinese characteristics, Chinese style, and Chinese manner; it must both dare to break through original research paradigms and academic principles, and be adept at deeply understanding the reasoning, theoretical principles, and philosophical principles of the Party’s innovative theory, scientifically interpreting China’s development practice, promoting innovation in categories, theory, and methods within systematic theoretical research and interpretation, and accelerating the construction of a Chinese independent knowledge system of the Party’s innovative theory.

构建党的创新理论的中国自主的知识体系要立足于理论学术创新，既要批判继承人类现有哲学、自然科学和社会科学的一切积极成果，又要主动回应当代实践提出的新问题，在前人基础上提出新概念、新观点和新术语；既要借鉴吸收国外理论学术创新的新经验、新成果，又要坚守民族性、本土性和自主性，彰显中国特色、中国风格、中国气派；既要勇于突破原有的研究范式和学术原理，又要善于深刻理解党的创新理论的道理、学理和哲理，对中国发展实践进行科学阐释，在系统性理论研究阐释中推动范畴创新、理论创新和方法创新，加快构建党的创新理论的中国的自主知识体系。

First, emphasize local character and autonomy. “Taking our own path is the foothold of all the Party’s theories and practice, and it is also the historical conclusion drawn from the Party’s century-long struggle.” [11]11 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Ceremony Marking the Centenary of the Communist Party of China,” July 2021. The process of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times is the process of integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with the fine traditional Chinese culture, realizing the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. The great transformation of contemporary Chinese society and the successful formation of the path of Chinese-path modernization are also based on the Chinese people as the main creative subject, on Chinese practice as the basic foundation, and on China’s development as the fundamental goal. Theoretical innovation must adhere to national character, local character, and autonomy. It must firmly grasp the guidance of Marxism and the discourse power in the ideological field, avoid falling into the misunderstanding of using Western theories to guide Chinese practice, and avoid falling into the wrong path of rigidly applying Western knowledge systems to explain Chinese issues. The Party’s theoretical innovation should take China’s actual conditions as the starting point for research, take Chinese practice and Chinese issues as the research object, conduct theoretical refinement of Chinese solutions, Chinese propositions, and Chinese experience, contribute more subjective, original, and principled theoretical viewpoints and working methods, and form a Chinese independent knowledge system of the Party’s innovative theory.

第一，强调本土性和自主性。“走自己的路，是党的全部理论和实践立足点，更是党百年奋斗得出的历史结论。”马克思主义中国化时代化的进程，是马克思主义基本原理与中国具体实际相结合，与中华优秀传统文化相结合，实现马克思主义中国化时代化的过程。当代中国社会的伟大变革，中国式现代化道路的成功形成，也是以中国人民为创造主体、以中国实践为基本依据、以中国发展为根本目标的。理论创新要坚持民族性、本土性和自主性，必须牢牢把握马克思主义的指导和意识形态领域的话语权，避免陷入用西方理论指导中国实践的误区，避免陷入生硬搬用西方知识体系来解释中国问题的歧途。党的理论创新，要以我国实际为研究起点,以中国实践和中国问题为研究对象，对中国方案、中国主张、中国经验进行理论提炼，贡献出更多的主体性、原创性、原理性理论观点和工作方法，形成党的创新理论的中国自主的知识体系。

Second, emphasize systematicity and holism. Marxist theory is a single block of steel, with a complete theoretical system and a comprehensive knowledge structure. The three components of Marxist philosophy, Marxist political economy, and the theory of scientific socialism are internally unified. Precisely because of its rigorous system and profound theoretical principles, Marxism has repeatedly defeated anti-Marxist tactics such as fragmentation, vulgarization, dogmatization, dismemberment, distortion, and revision, continuously demonstrating the power of truth. Systematization and theorization are inherent requirements for constructing a Chinese independent knowledge system of the Party’s theoretical innovation. Establishing a Chinese independent knowledge system of the Party’s theoretical innovation should take systematization and theorization as the main direction of effort, clarify the main themes and main lines running through it, and uphold the interconnection, consistency, and internal logic of theoretical viewpoints.

第二，强调系统性和整体性。马克思主义理论是一块整钢，有完备的理论体系和完善的知识结构，马克思主义哲学、马克思主义政治经济学和科学社会主义理论三个组成部分是内在统一的。正是因为有严密的体系和深刻的学理，马克思主义一次又一次挫败了被碎片化、庸俗化、教条化，被肢解、歪曲、修正等反马克思主义的伎俩，不断彰显着真理的力量。体系化、学理化是构建党的理论创新的中国的自主知识体系内在要求。创立党的创新理论的中国的自主知识体系要以系统化、学理化为主要努力方向，明确贯穿始终的主题主线，坚守理论观点的相互联系、一以贯之和内在逻辑。

Third, emphasize scientificity and truth. “Theory, once it grasps the masses, also becomes material force. Theory is capable of grasping the masses as soon as it demonstrates ad hominem, and it demonstrates ad hominem as soon as it becomes radical. To be radical is to grasp things by the root.” [12]12 Karl Marx, “Introduction to a Contribution to the Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right,” 1843-1844. The original German phrase “ad hominem” is retained in the Chinese translation and here in English. Marxism is the most radical and most scientific theory in the history of human thought to date. It reveals the laws of the historical development of human society through profound theoretical principles and possesses eternal truth power. The Chinese independent knowledge system of the Party’s innovative theory must inherit the theoretical characteristics of Marxism’s scientificity and truth, continuously demonstrating the radicality, scientificity, and truth of the theory under the conditions of the new era.

第三，强调科学性和真理性。“理论一经掌握群众，也会变成物质力量。理论只要说服人［ad hominem］，就能掌握群众；而理论只要彻底，就能说服人［ad hominem］。所谓彻底，就是抓住事物的根本。”马克思主义是人类思想史上迄今为止最彻底、最科学的理论，以深刻的学理揭示人类社会历史发展的规律，拥有永恒的真理力量。党的创新理论的中国的自主知识体系一定要传承马克思主义科学性和真理性的理论特质，在新的时代条件下不断彰显理论的彻底性、科学性和真理性。

The Party’s theoretical innovation and development is a process of continuous systematization and theorization. “Contemporary China is undergoing the most extensive and profound social transformation in its history, and is also carrying out the most magnificent and unique practical innovation in human history.” [13]13 Xi Jinping, “Speech at the Symposium on Philosophy and Social Sciences,” May 2016. With the development of the times and the deepening of practice, the achievements of the Party’s theoretical innovation will become increasingly rich, and the tasks of theoretical research and interpretation will become increasingly arduous. Theoretical workers must adhere to and develop Marxism, continuously deepen the understanding of the regularities of the Party’s theoretical innovation, conduct holistic, systematic, and theoretical research and interpretation of the Party’s innovative theory, and provide strong academic and theoretical support for continuing to write a new chapter of contemporary Chinese Marxism.

党的理论创新发展是一个不断系统化、学理化的过程。“当代中国正经历着我国历史上最为广泛而深刻的社会变革，也正在进行着人类历史上最为宏大而独特的实践创新。”随着时代的发展和实践的深化，党的理论创新成果会越来越丰富，理论研究阐释任务会越来越艰巨。理论工作者一定要坚持和发展马克思主义，不断深化对党的理论创新的规律性认识,对党的创新理论进行整体性、系统性、学理性的研究阐释，为续写当代中国马克思主义新篇章提供有力的学术学理支撑。

(Author: Professor at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Tenured Professor at Nankai University)

（作者：中国社会科学院大学教授、南开大学终身教授）

Online Editor: You Heng

网络编辑：有恒