XI JINPING: Marxism must be remade for the 21st century

Reuters

Communist Party chief Xi Jinping has again underscored Marxism as key to advancing communist orthodoxy and the development of the country.

In a seminar in Beijing yesterday with leading academics in philosophy and the social sciences, Xi said the mainland’s rapid development required innovation in theory and further advances in Marxism.

The seminar was also attended by party propaganda chiefs from across the country and focused on the development of philosophy and social sciences.

Xi called for the development of a system of philosophy and social sciences “with Chinese characteristics that incorporates the country’s socialist practices”, Xinhua reported.

Xi said the widespread and profound social changes under way would be fertile ground for advances in the two areas.

Xi, who is also the state president, called on academics and party ideologues to focus equally on absorbing Marxist classics and adapting the theory to contemporary conditions.

He urged them to develop what he described as “modern Chinese Marxism” and “21st century Marxism with Chinese ­characteristics”.

Social scientists and philosophers should make new contributions to enrich Marxist theory, Xi said, adding that scientific development is an open system that allows further development.

“Marxism ... does not end the truth, but opens the door and paves the way to reach the truth,” he said.

Analysts said Xi’s repeated effort to promote Marxist orthodoxy was more about his desire to develop his own political theory and shape his legacy than just a return to the orthodoxy.

Xi has shown greater enthusiasm for the communist orthodoxy than his four predecessors. Since coming to office, Xi has chaired several high-level meetings to promote Marxism, including three Politburo sessions.

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