Beijing witnessed a significant gathering on February 3 as the Research Center on Xi Jinping Thought on Culture hosted its 2026 annual academic conference. Over 100 experts and scholars from leading Chinese social science research institutes and universities convened in the capital to delve into the profound implications of this ideological framework.
Experts at the conference emphasized that Xi Jinping’s cultural thought represents a rich evolution of Marxist cultural theory and a theoretical encapsulation of contemporary Chinese cultural practices. They hailed it as a powerful intellectual weapon and scientific guide for advancing ideological and cultural work, promoting cultural prosperity, and building a culturally strong nation in this new era.
The discussions aligned closely with directives from the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which called for nationwide promotion of cultural innovation and creativity to foster the prosperity and development of socialist culture. Participants underscored the need to draw innovative elements from Chinese civilization, ground efforts in the vibrant practices of cultural development in the new era, follow trends in information technology, learn from all achievements of human civilization, and accelerate momentum for cultural advancement.
Scholars also stressed the importance of deepening research and interpretation of Xi Jinping’s cultural thought by adhering to academic principles, leveraging multidisciplinary resources, fostering a positive scholarly environment, and strengthening international academic exchanges and cooperation. The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to these principles, setting the stage for future cultural endeavors in China.