Strengthen Research on Chinese Borderland History, Construct an Independent Chinese Knowledge System of Borderland Studies

China is an ancient civilization with a long history. In the course of its historical development, it has not only formed a vast central hinterland but also extensive borderland regions. General Secretary Xi Jinping, when presiding over the 18th collective study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, pointed out that “we must strengthen multidisciplinary research related to borderland history and borderland governance, and accelerate the construction of an independent Chinese knowledge system of borderland studies.” In constructing an independent Chinese knowledge system of borderland studies, research on Chinese borderland history should play a foundational role.

中国是历史悠久的文明古国，在历史长河中，不仅形成了辽阔的中原腹地，也形成了广袤的边疆区域。习近平总书记在主持中共中央政治局第十八次集体学习时指出，“要加强边疆史和边疆治理相关的多学科研究，加快建构中国自主的边疆学知识体系”。建构中国自主的边疆学知识体系，中国边疆史研究应发挥基础性作用。

The Formation and Evolution of Research on Chinese Borderland History

中国边疆史研究的形成与演进

The borderland historian Mr. Ma Dazheng has summarized the rise of modern Chinese borderland research into three phases. In the late Qing period, imperialist aggression triggered a comprehensive crisis in China’s borderlands, making borderland issues a key question concerning the nation’s survival. Against this backdrop, the rise of the “Northwest Historical Geography School” [1]1 The Northwest Historical Geography School was a late-Qing scholarly group that focused on the study of China’s northwestern borderlands, driven by concerns over imperialist encroachment. sparked the first high tide of Chinese borderland research.

边疆历史学家马大正先生将近代以来中国边疆研究高潮的兴起总结为三个阶段。晚清时期，帝国主义的侵略使中国的边疆危机全面爆发，边疆问题成为关乎民族存亡的关键问题。在这一背景下，以“西北史地学派”的兴起为契机，掀起了中国边疆研究的第一次高潮。

The founding of the Chinese Geographical Society in 1909 marked a turning point in the development of Chinese borderland research from tradition to modernity. Various borderland academic societies, academic journals, and works on borderland studies emerged in large numbers, and specialized departments of borderland administration were established in universities, driving the rapid development of Chinese borderland research. By the 1930s and 1940s, under the influence of the nationwide movement for resistance against Japan and national salvation, marked by the advocacy of “borderland administration studies,” [2]2 “Borderland administration studies” (边政学) was a proposed academic field in the 1930s–40s that aimed to professionalize the study and governance of China’s border regions. the second high tide of Chinese borderland research arrived, directly promoting its professionalization and disciplinary development.

1909年中国地学会的成立，成为中国边疆研究从传统向近代发展的转折点。各类边疆学术社团、边疆研究学术期刊与著作大量涌现，高校专业化边政学系纷纷设立，推动了中国边疆研究的快速发展。至20世纪三四十年代，在全民族抗日救亡运动影响下，以“边政学”倡议为标志，迎来了中国边疆研究的第二次高潮，并直接推动了中国边疆研究的专业化与学科化发展。

In 1983, the Research Center for Chinese Borderland History and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences was established, and subsequently designated the history of China’s ancient territorial expanse, the history of China’s modern boundary evolution, and the history of Chinese borderland research as its three major research series, marking a new stage in Chinese borderland research and ushering in its third high tide. The launch of professional journals on Chinese borderland history, the publication of the “Borderland History and Geography Series,” the conduct of academic exchanges on borderland research at home and abroad, and the independent establishment of “Chinese Borderland Studies” as a secondary discipline at some universities have propelled Chinese borderland history research into a flourishing state. The rise and growth of Chinese borderland research have played an important role in serving the state’s borderland governance.

1983年，中国社会科学院中国边疆史地研究中心成立，并在此后将中国古代疆域史、中国近代边界沿革史、中国边疆研究史确立为三大研究系列，标志着中国边疆研究步入新阶段并迎来第三次高潮。中国边疆史研究专业期刊的创刊、“边疆史地丛书”的出版、国内外边疆研究学术交流的开展以及部分高校自主设立“中国边疆学”二级学科，推动中国边疆史研究呈现百花齐放态势。中国边疆研究的兴起和壮大，在服务国家边疆治理中发挥了重要作用。

Advancing the Theoretical Construction and Disciplinary Development of Chinese Borderland History Research

推进中国边疆史研究的理论建构与学科建设

In recent years, the broad community of researchers in Chinese borderland history has taken as its main objects of study the process of the formation of China’s territory, territorial theories such as “great unity,” [3]3 “Great unity” (大一统) is a classical Chinese concept referring to the ideal of political and territorial unification under a single sovereign. borderland governance in Chinese history, and borderland troubles and boundary affairs in modern China, conducting in-depth theoretical construction and historical verification. Looking to the future, building on existing achievements, we should adhere to the guidance of Marxism, continuously innovate the theories and methods of Chinese borderland history research, and advance theoretical construction and disciplinary development with high quality.

近年来，广大中国边疆史研究者以中国疆域的形成历程、“大一统”等疆域理论、中国历史上的边疆治理、近代中国边患与界务问题等为主要研究对象，深入开展理论建构和史学考证。面向未来，立足已有成果，应坚持以马克思主义为指导，不断创新中国边疆史研究的理论与方法，高质量推进理论建构与学科建设。

Uphold the historical view of the Chinese nation based on the “five commonalities.” [4]4 The “five commonalities” (五个共同) is a formulation by Xi Jinping summarizing how all ethnic groups in China jointly created the nation’s territory, state, history, culture, and spirit. Interaction, exchange, and integration among all ethnic groups constitute a main thread running through the development of Chinese history, ultimately shaping the pattern of pluralistic unity of the Chinese nation. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, “All ethnic groups in our country jointly opened up the vast territory of the motherland, jointly created the unified multi-ethnic state, jointly wrote the brilliant history of China, jointly created the splendid Chinese culture, and jointly cultivated the great national spirit.” These “five commonalities” fully expound the evolutionary logic of the Chinese national community and are a highly condensed expression of the historical view of the Chinese nation.

坚持“五个共同”的中华民族历史观。各民族交往交流交融，是贯穿中国历史发展的一条主线，最终形塑了中华民族的多元一体格局。习近平总书记指出，“我国各民族共同开拓了祖国的辽阔疆域，共同缔造了统一的多民族国家，共同书写了辉煌的中国历史，共同创造了灿烂的中华文化，共同培育了伟大的民族精神”。这“五个共同”，充分阐述了中华民族共同体的演进逻辑，是中华民族历史观的高度凝练。

Draw research resources from fine traditional Chinese culture. Ideas and concepts such as “great unity” and “world outlook” [5]5 “World outlook” (天下观) is a traditional Chinese worldview that envisions the realm under heaven as a unified, hierarchical order centered on the Chinese emperor. are important components of ancient Chinese political philosophy, laying the conceptual foundation for the formation of the unified multi-ethnic state and the pattern of pluralistic unity of the Chinese nation. These ideological theories were formed in the practice of borderland governance across successive dynasties, provided the intellectual source for scholars such as Liang Qichao, Gu Jiegang, and Fei Xiaotong in their discussions and interpretations of the concept of the “Chinese nation,” and are also valuable intellectual resources for further research on Chinese borderland history.

从中华优秀传统文化中汲取研究资源。“大一统”“天下观”等思想理念，是中国古代政治哲学的重要组成部分，为统一多民族国家和中华民族多元一体格局的形成奠定了观念基础。这些思想理论是在历朝历代的治边实践中形成的，为梁启超、顾颉刚、费孝通等学者对“中华民族”概念的论述与阐释提供了思想源泉，也是进一步开展中国边疆史研究的宝贵思想资源。

Explore reliable historical materials from multiple dimensions. Historical materials are the foundation of historical research. The historical classics, inscriptions, myths, and legends of various ethnic groups can provide insights for a more comprehensive revelation of the trajectory of Chinese borderland historical development. Borderlands are windows for foreign exchanges. To advance research on Chinese borderland history, we should make good use of overseas archival documents and various materials left by missionaries who came to China since the Ming dynasty. The rapid development and iterative upgrading of artificial intelligence technology have provided great convenience for Chinese borderland history research, and the combination of traditional historical materials with modern technology has enriched the sources of historical materials for borderland history research.

多维度发掘可靠史料。史料是历史学研究的基础，各民族的历史典籍、碑刻、神话、传说等，能为更全面地揭示中国边疆历史发展轨迹提供启示。边疆是对外交往的窗口，推进中国边疆史研究，要利用好海外档案文献以及明代以来来华传教士等留下的各类资料。人工智能技术的迅速发展和迭代升级，为中国边疆史研究提供了极大便利，传统史料与现代科技的结合丰富了边疆史研究的史料来源。

Integrate multidisciplinary theories and methods. As an emerging interdisciplinary field, Chinese borderland studies is both an academic response to new problems arising in the New Era and a natural result of multidisciplinary integration and development. Conducting research on Chinese borderland history requires not only empirical research based on historical studies but also the integration of theories and methods from disciplines such as archaeology, anthropology, sociology, economics, political science, linguistics, and geography, drawing on diverse strengths to enrich the perspectives, theories, and methods of borderland history research through multidisciplinary cross-study.

融通多学科理论与方法。中国边疆学作为一门正在形成中的交叉学科，其兴起既是对新时代产生的新问题的学术回应，也是多学科融通发展的自然结果。开展中国边疆史研究，不仅需要以历史学的实证研究为基础，也需要融通考古学、人类学、社会学、经济学、政治学、语言学、地理学等学科的理论与方法，博采众长，在多学科交叉研究中丰富边疆史研究的视野、理论与方法。

Build a specialized and disciplinary research team. Expand research platforms, establish a national-level Chinese Borderland Studies Association, and consolidate the nationwide strength of borderland research. Set up special funds for borderland research, and strengthen support for professional journals and works on Chinese borderland history. Encourage universities to offer courses on Chinese borderland history, establish master’s and doctoral programs in Chinese borderland studies, and improve the talent cultivation mechanism for Chinese borderland studies.

打造专业化、学科化的研究队伍。拓展研究阵地，建立国家层面的中国边疆学会，统合全国边疆研究力量。设立边疆研究专项基金，加强对中国边疆史研究专业期刊、著作等的支持力度。鼓励高校开设中国边疆史课程，设立中国边疆学研究硕士、博士点，完善中国边疆学人才培育机制。

Play the Foundational Role of Borderland History Research in Constructing an Independent Knowledge System

发挥边疆史研究在建构自主知识体系中的基础性作用

On January 2, 2019, in his congratulatory letter on the establishment of the Chinese Academy of History of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, “Historical research is the foundation of all social sciences.” On September 27, 2019, at the National Conference on Commending Model Units and Individuals for Ethnic Unity and Progress, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, “The history of China is a history of all ethnic groups blending and converging into a pluralistic and unified Chinese nation, a history of all ethnic groups jointly creating, developing, and consolidating the unified great motherland.” These important expositions clarify the foundational role of historical research in constructing an independent knowledge system of Chinese philosophy and social sciences. To play the foundational role of borderland history research in constructing an independent Chinese knowledge system of borderland studies, we should focus on the following aspects.

2019年1月2日，习近平总书记在致中国社会科学院中国历史研究院成立的贺信中指出，“历史研究是一切社会科学的基础”。2019年9月27日，习近平总书记在全国民族团结进步表彰大会上指出，“一部中国史，就是一部各民族交融汇聚成多元一体中华民族的历史，就是各民族共同缔造、发展、巩固统一的伟大祖国的历史”。这些重要论述，阐明了历史学研究在构建中国哲学社会科学自主知识体系中的基础性作用。而发挥边疆史研究在建构中国自主的边疆学知识体系中的基础性作用，应重点关注以下几个方面。

Elucidate the basic laws and development trends of the formation of China’s territory. Historical interpretation is a basic function of historical studies. Constructing an independent Chinese knowledge system of borderland studies requires holistic, comprehensive, and systematic research on Chinese borderland history, summarizing the historical evolution of borderland social forms, exploring the historical laws of the formation and development of China’s borderlands, and on this basis, deepening research on major theoretical issues in borderland history, and comprehensively elucidating the historical and practical inevitability of forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.

阐释中国疆域形成的基本规律与发展趋势。历史阐释是历史学的基本功能。建构中国自主的边疆学知识体系，需要对中国边疆史进行整体、全面、系统研究，总结边疆社会形态的历史演进，探究中国边疆形成与发展的历史规律，在此基础上，深化边疆历史重大理论问题研究，全面阐释铸牢中华民族共同体意识的历史与现实必然性。

Summarize the culture and experience of borderland governance in Chinese history. In the long-term practice of borderland governance, successive Chinese dynasties gradually formed borderland governance ideas such as “guarding the center and governing the borderlands,” [6]6 “Guarding the center and governing the borderlands” (守中治边) is a traditional strategy of prioritizing stability in the core regions while managing peripheral areas. “holding to the two ends and using the middle,” [7]7 “Holding to the two ends and using the middle” (执两用中) is a Confucian principle of moderation and balance in governance. “tempering leniency with severity,” “governing according to customs,” and “aligning governance and cultivating education.” [8]8 “Aligning governance and cultivating education” (齐政修教) refers to a policy of standardizing administration and promoting Confucian教化 (moral transformation) in borderlands. The shift from “governing according to customs” to “aligning governance and cultivating education” is the overall trend in China’s borderland governance practice. We should further explore the historical roots and contemporary characteristics of Chinese borderland governance from aspects such as borderland governance thought, institutional design, and economic development, summarize the experiences and lessons of order and chaos, rise and decline, and expand the theoretical sources for constructing an independent Chinese knowledge system of borderland studies.

总结中国历史上边疆治理文化与经验。中国历代王朝在长期边疆治理实践中逐渐形成了“守中治边”“执两用中”“宽严相济”“因俗而治”“齐政修教”等治边思想，从“因俗而治”向“齐政修教”的转变是中国边疆治理实践的总体趋势。应从治边思想、制度设计、经济开发等方面进一步探析中国边疆治理的历史根源与时代特征，总结治乱兴衰的经验教训，拓展建构中国自主的边疆学知识体系的理论来源。

Integrate and comprehend ancient Chinese traditions and contemporary practice. The broad community of researchers should inherit and carry forward the fine tradition of Chinese borderland history research of “applying knowledge to practical affairs,” [9]9 “Applying knowledge to practical affairs” (经世致用) is a Confucian scholarly tradition emphasizing the practical application of knowledge to statecraft and social improvement. and on the basis of fully grasping the historical continuity of Chinese borderland governance, actively seek the internal logic and general laws of Chinese borderland historical development. Only by achieving a thorough understanding linking past and present can we continuously promote the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture, continuously provide theoretical support for the modernization of the borderland governance system and governance capacity, and thereby promote high-quality development in borderland regions.

融会贯通中国古代传统与现实实践。广大研究者应继承和发扬中国边疆史研究经世致用的优良传统，在充分把握中国边疆治理历史连续性的基础上，积极探寻中国边疆历史发展的内在逻辑与一般规律。只有做到贯通古今，才能不断推动中华优秀传统文化创造性转化、创新性发展，才能持续为边疆治理体系和治理能力现代化提供理论支持，进而推动边疆地区高质量发展。

Refine iconic concepts and advance disciplinary system construction. Create easily understandable and acceptable iconic concepts, promote the theoretical elevation and social popularization of Chinese borderland history research, make the forging of a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation deeply rooted in people’s hearts, and achieve resonance between academic research on Chinese borderland history and its social application. At the same time, further promote the construction of the disciplinary system and disciplinary establishment of Chinese borderland studies, and consolidate the disciplinary foundation for constructing an independent Chinese knowledge system of borderland studies.

提炼标识性概念，推进学科体系建设。打造易于理解和接受的标识性概念，推动中国边疆史研究的理论提升和社会普及，使铸牢中华民族共同体意识深入人心，实现中国边疆史学术研究与社会应用层面的同频共振。同时，进一步推动中国边疆学学科体系建设与学科设置，夯实建构中国自主的边疆学知识体系的学科基础。

(Authors: Lü Wenli and Huang Fengfu are, respectively, a Distinguished Research Fellow of the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and a Research Fellow of the Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies; and a Postdoctoral Fellow of the Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies.)

（作者：吕文利、黄丰富，分别系中国社会科学院习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想研究中心特约研究员、中国边疆研究所研究员；中国边疆研究所博士后）

Online editor: Huihui

网络编辑：慧慧