From May 17 to 19, 2024, Shenzhen University hosted the "Symposium on Chinese-Style Modernization and the Innovative Development of Marxist Philosophy," co-sponsored by the School of Marxism at Shenzhen University, the Guangdong Regional Collaborative Innovation Center for Ideological and Political Courses in Universities, the Institute for Ecological Civilization and Green Development at Shenzhen University, the research team of the National Social Science Fund major project "Study of Xi Jinping's Thought on Ecological Civilization," and the Institute of Contemporary Chinese Thought and Culture.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Professor Zhang Shoukui, Vice Dean of the School of Marxism at Shenzhen University. Professor Tian Qibo, Dean of the Institute for Ecological Civilization and Green Development and professor at the School of Marxism, delivered a welcome speech, noting that "Chinese-style modernization" is an original achievement of the Chinese Communist Party. As an ongoing practical endeavor, Chinese-style modernization brings new opportunities and challenges to the innovative development of Marxist philosophy. Advancing the study and development of Marxist philosophy in this context presents a major theoretical and practical question. In response, the School of Marxism at Shenzhen University organized the symposium, inviting distinguished experts and scholars in Marxism to gather and discuss these topics in depth. As one of the first key schools of Marxism in Guangdong Province, the School of Marxism at Shenzhen University has developed research strengths in areas such as the practice of Chinese-style modernization in Shenzhen, the history of Shenzhen’s reform and opening-up, and the regional dissemination of Marxism. This symposium serves both to consolidate and enhance the School's research focus and as an opportunity to invite valuable input from the academic community on the School's future development.

On the first day of the symposium, Professor Ma Tianjun from the Department of Philosophy at Sun Yat-sen University discussed "Marx on German Modernization" based on Marx's texts. He noted that Marx emphasized commonality, using Britain as a model for examining German modernization while ultimately focusing on humanity's historical development. Germany, he argued, should learn from Britain in actively building modern institutions, yet the intensity of practical actions should be based on a prioritized understanding of necessary actions rather than relying on "laws" to replace responsibility for destiny.

Professor Hu Liu from the School of Marxism at Southwest University discussed Marx's comparative studies of Eastern and Western societies after the 1850s and his theoretical contributions. According to Hu, Marx centered on "critique of capital" as the overarching theme and methodological foundation, achieving a concrete deepening and expansion of historical materialism.

Professor Song Chaolong from Peking University's School of Marxism explained "The Path of Chinese-Style Modernization and the New Frontier of Marxism." He argued that the Chinese-style modernization path is a public-ownership-dominated market economy, a novel socialist modernization path. It crystallizes the Communist movement's explorations and has the ability to avoid Western financial capitalist pitfalls, bridging the “Caudine Forks” of financial capital.

Professor Huang Zhijun from Renmin University's School of Philosophy examined Marx's exploration and reflection on modernization in Grundrisse. He noted that Marx, based on a historical materialist perspective and the realities of capitalism, rationally analyzed the mechanisms of capitalist society. He revealed the dual directions of progress and vulgarity in modern society, identifying the creation of exchange value as central to modernization. Marx outlined general modernization laws across production, exchange, consumption, and human capacities.

Professor Tu Liangchuan from South China Normal University’s School of Marxism discussed the philosophical narrative of Chinese-style modernization as creating a new form of human civilization. He argued that Chinese-style modernization represents the path initiated by the Communist Party in China's journey of national rejuvenation. This path embodies the practical wisdom of resolving modernity’s challenges and building a socialist modern nation. Creating a new form of civilization signifies that this modernization not only advances China but fundamentally transforms contemporary views of civilization.

Researcher Yang Hongyuan from the Institute of Philosophy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences addressed the methodological issues of Chinese-style modernization. He stated that advancing Chinese-style modernization for national rejuvenation is a central task of the Communist Party in the new era. Systematic thinking is a core worldview and methodology in Xi Jinping's thought, crucial for driving modernization forward. Faced with complex changes and strategic opportunities in a challenging environment, advancing Chinese-style modernization requires adherence to systematic thinking for forward planning, strategic design, and holistic advancement, ensuring correct handling of major relationships.

Professor Fu Heming, Dean of the School of Marxism at Shenzhen University, explored "The Shenzhen Practice of Chinese-Style Modernization." He argued that Shenzhen has added practical depth to the concept of Chinese-style modernization. Shenzhen’s distinctive approach lies in its balanced, dialectical handling of proactive and non-interventionist government roles, as well as government-market relations over four decades of reform. This balance is the fundamental key to Shenzhen’s "miracle."

Associate Professor Guo Xiaoshuo from the School of Marxism at Shenzhen University examined "Marxist Humanism and Chinese-Style Modernization." He noted that since the first National Congress in 1921, the Party has guided the Chinese people toward genuine modernization and national rejuvenation through Marxist theory. Marxist humanist values have had a profound impact on Chinese society over the past century.

In addition to eight symposium sessions, a special session for graduate students was also held. During the two-day event, experts presented in-depth and insightful academic reports.

Over 50 experts and scholars from institutions including the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Peking University, Renmin University of China, Wuhan University, Fudan University, Sun Yat-sen University, Jilin University, East China Normal University, Central China Normal University, South China Normal University, Southwest University, Northwest University, the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance), Wuhan University of Technology, Jinan University, and Southern University of Science and Technology discussed topics such as "Intellectual Resources and Theoretical Expressions of Chinese-Style Modernization," "Specific Developments and Practical Issues of Chinese-Style Modernization," "Chinese-Style Modernization and a New Form of Human Civilization," "Expansion and Innovation of Marxist Philosophy in the Context of Chinese-Style Modernization," and "Sinicization of Marxist Philosophy through Chinese-Style Modernization."

At the closing ceremony, Professor Fu Heming, Dean of the School of Marxism at Shenzhen University, summarized the symposium. He noted that the participants' intensive discussions provided both academically rigorous and intellectually profound insights into Chinese-style modernization and the innovative development of Marxist philosophy. The symposium not only deepened understanding of these subjects but also provided constructive feedback for the development of Marxist studies at Shenzhen University.