“After more than 170 years, Marxism is still highly relevant today and remains the peak of the development of human thought and knowledge,” said Jiang Hui of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). He said that socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era has become the leading banner of socialism in the 21st century and the mainstay of socialist development. 

Over the past century, the scientific nature and truth of Marxism have been fully tested in China. China’s achievements have attracted the attention of the world, and its rich theoretical attainments and practical experience in adapting Marxism to China’s conditions have become the focus of participating scholars.

“Marxism can still play a very important role in contemporary international, economic and political affairs,” said Huan Qingzhi, professor of the School of Marxism Studies at Peking University.

In particular, the response to such global crises as COVID-19 and climate change cannot depend entirely on international cooperation on environmental governance or public policies, but must also define a new international economic and political landscape, he said. “In this sense, Marxist theory can provide important points of reference and guidance.”
He Guangcai, Chair of the Peking University Council, highlighted President Xi Jinping’s point that Marxism has had an unparalleled impact on human thought and history. He emphasized that Peking University, as a key site for the early spread of Marxism in China, will continue to drive theoretical innovation, cultivate young scholars, and enhance global collaboration, solidifying Marxism’s influence in the modern world.

President Xi Jinping is eager to reinvigorate Marxism in China, making it important that the collection outshine the university’s Confucius Collection, Mr. Sun said in an interview. ‘‘The Marx Collection must be bigger than the Confucian Collection,’’ he said. ‘‘That cost 152 million renminbi,” or $24 million. “So the Marx Collection will cost more than 152 million.’’

‘‘The Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist collections are purely of scholarly and cultural interest,’’ Mr. Sun Daiyao, deputy dean of Peking University’s School of Marxism, said. ‘‘But the Marx Collection will have social and political meaning.’’

Baoshang Bank is donating 100 million renminbi to construct the Marx Building, the state-run Global Times reported.

What that might be will be discussed at another of the Six Marx Projects, a ‘‘Global Marxism Conference’’ every two years. Organizers have invited a wide range of foreign scholars, eager to present China as a center of contemporary Marxist research.

Some among the scholars believe there is real value to Marxism. ‘‘Marxism isn’t a strait-jacket, it’s a space for debate, and you can do almost anything with it that you want,’’ said Terrell Carver, a professor of political theory at the University of Bristol and author of ‘‘The Postmodern Marx.’’ Mr. Carver said he was invited but could not attend.

Also among the earlier  invitees, the university said, were Roderick MacFarquhar, professor of history and political science at Harvard University; John E. Roemer, professor of political science and economics at Yale University; the eco-socialist Saral Sarkar; the Arabic-French Marxist Samir Amin (who died in 2018) ; and the philosopher Sean Sayers.

Carlos Martinez Author, Independent Researcher and Political Activist said: “Chinese-style modernization is going to be the first type of modernization which isn’t based on imperialism, colonialism, hegemonism and war, it’s based on common prosperity, ecological preservation.”

Professor Radhika Desai Department of Political Studies, University of Manitoba said: “A lot of people think that China’s modernization is disconnected from Marxism because Marxism expects revolution to take place. I believe this is a misunderstanding. China’s modernization is very deeply connected with Marxism. Indeed, China’s modernization demonstrates the truth of Marxism.”

The congress has set up ten panels and three high-profile dialogues on topics ranging from Marxism and Chinese civilization, to global governance and transformation of human civilization in the digital age and more.

The first congress was held on October 10–11, 2015. More than 400 Chinese and foreign scholars attended.  The second congress was held on May 5–6, 2018. It coincided with the 200th anniversary of the birth of Karl Marx. The theme of the second congress was “Marxism and a Human Community with Shared Destiny”

At the school of Marxism in 2018, Xi watched an exhibition and learned about the research and teaching of Marxism and the thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era.

  He said a university’s school of Marxism should follow a clear-cut political orientation and teaching principles — summarized as “taking Marxism as its surname and talking about Marxism.”

  Xi said Marxism should be consolidated as the guiding ideology and promoted in campuses, classrooms, and among students.

  He later joined a group of Chinese and foreign students discussing topics related to interpreting the “new era.”

  “You are a firm Marxist. Are there some good methods you use to study Marxism?” the students asked. Xi shared his experience. He also told the foreign students that to understand China, they must understand Chinese history, culture, thought and development stages. In particular, they must understand Marxism in contemporary China.

Xi said PKU was the first in China to disseminate Marxism and do its research, playing a key role in the spread of Marxism in China and the CPC’s founding.

  He said the year 2018 marked the 200th anniversary of Karl Marx’s birth and the 170th anniversary of the publication of the Communist Manifesto.

  “Our best commemoration is to do a good job in studying, promoting and implementing the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress and the thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era which embodies Marxism in contemporary China,” Xi said.

  He encouraged serious studies on socialism with Chinese characteristics in connection with changes in the Party, the country and the world to produce more influential and convincing research results.

  At the end of his inspection, Xi outlined work in fundamental areas as priority to build world-class universities with Chinese characteristics.

  The right political direction should be upheld, Xi said, urging persistent efforts to foster and promote core socialist values, and encourage university staff and students to have faith in, actively promote and practise these values.

 The confidence in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics should help us build the confidence in developing world-class universities with Chinese characteristics, Xi said. Xi also stressed efforts to train competent teachers and establish a system for cultivating talent.

A number of world leading science and technology professionals, young scientists and engineers, and innovating teams should be trained. Major breakthroughs in pioneering basic research and original innovations are aimed for, Xi said.

  Xi encouraged young people to be loyal to the country and the people, learn the history of the nation, inherit Chinese culture, have national pride and cultural confidence, and closely link their ideals to the future of the motherland.