Chinese academics are finding it more difficult to use Western theories to interpret Chinese practices in the economy, politics and society. They are also not being understood by their Western colleagues when explaining what China is doing now.
"As Chinese people have more engagement with the outside world, we have a deeper need for confidence," said Professor Wang Yiwei with Renmin University of China. "If we cannot build our own guiding ideology, discourses and academic systems of philosophy and social sciences, we will never gain confidence in our path and socialist system."
INNOVATION
At Wednesday's seminar, Liu stressed innovation is a key focus in developing China's philosophy and social sciences.
The study should focus on contemporary China. Chinese theories need to interpret China's progress while the later needs to enrich the theories, he said.
His remarks echoed a guideline issued Tuesday by the CPC Central Committee to promote the development of China's philosophy and social sciences.
Academics are encouraged to combine the achievements of the country's traditional culture with foreign theories and innovate in knowledge, theories and methods, according to the guideline.
As part of the innovation efforts, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) has set up 19 think tanks focusing primarily on Marxism, economics and finance, international relations, society and culture as well as border areas. By the end of 2016, the academy had completed almost 13,000 written studies, over 147,000 papers and more than 27,000 research reports.
NEW THOUGHT
Stressing Marxism is the "soul and advantage" of China's philosophy and social sciences, Liu urged increasing the sinicization of Marxism.
Studying new theories developed since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012 is a priority, he said.
Liu called on studies of Xi Jinping's speeches as well as new concepts, ideas and strategies of state governance, understand the Marxist stance, views and methods behind them, and apply the correct political directions and values in philosophy and social sciences.
Xi's speeches are rich in content and deep in thought, including the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the "two centenary goals", overall arrangement of economic, political, cultural, social and ecological development, the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation and the "four comprehensives."
They also include the "new normal" theory, supply-side structural reform, democratic politics with Chinese characteristics, people-oriented development, ideological building, poverty eradication, a community of shared future, Party building, comprehensive state security and military strengthening.
To better interpret Xi's speeches and thought, CASS has compiled 12 volumes of the studies answering major questions concerning the development of the Party and the country in the new era, said CASS President Wang Weiguang.
