The function of historical sciences is to learn from history by studying it. Different countries have different development courses, view history from different perspectives and judge history in different ways, which is normal. We should look at the history of China and the world from a higher position by institutionalizing and integrating our research efforts. We also need to boost international exchanges and dialogue in history research to jointly contribute the strength of historical sciences to human civilization.

The Chinese History Research Institute, which is under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, was established in January 2019. President Xi Jinping congratulated the institute on its inauguration, which demonstrates the great importance China attaches to historical sciences.

The Chinese History Research Institute is committed to producing masterpieces of Chinese history in the new era, and building the discipline, academic and discourse systems of history research with Chinese characteristics by gathering the strength of research institutes and historians nationwide, thus introducing China’s development to the world and contributing Chinese wisdom to world’s history research.

Chinese history is an integral part of world history, and makes it more colorful and diverse. Xi has said that modern China is the continuation of ancient China. As an old saying goes, “Reading history makes you wiser, and history provides a lesson for today.” The 5,000-year history of Chinese civilization, the 170-year modern history of struggle of Chinese people, the 70-year history of the New China and the 40-year history of reform and opening-upaltogether constitute the distinctive characteristics of Chinese history, and record the nation’s unique and continuous development course.

“History is a mirror”. History has proved again and again that the socialist path with Chinese characteristics is an inevitable choice for China and is the choice of its people. Our research can help politicians and theorists of other countries better learn Chinese history, understand that why China adopts the socialist system, identify the elements of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and conclude for themselves why only the Communist Party of China can lead the nation toward the goal of great rejuvenation.

Every country, large or small, has its own history. No matter how long their history is, they are writing down their own past, present and future. Every country has its own advantage in understanding and interpreting history and has their own academic paradigm and discourse system.

It is a tradition for Chinese historians to keep in contact with our counterparts in other countries. This exchange has become increasingly frequent and closer since the reform and opening-up policy was introduced four decades ago. In 2015, the 22nd International Congress of Historical Sciences was held in China. It was the first time that the event, which is known as the “Olympics of historians”, took place in Asia.

Many international scholars hold a deep interest in Chinese history, having made remarkable achievements in research on the philosophy, literature and history of China. Of course, sometimes there are different opinions about same historical materials and events due to differences in background and stance. It is normal in academic research, and is understandable as long as no malice is borne.

The Chinese History Research Institute has a series of plans to expand and deepen international exchanges and cooperation.

First, we will encourage researchers to carry out bilateral and multilateral academic exchanges and cooperation with more supportive policies.

Second, we will translate our finest works of historical research into foreign languages to let the world hear voices from Chinese historians, and introduce outstanding historical works of other countries to China.

Third, we will build closer relationship with more research institutes in more countries, and institutionalize the exchanges between Chinese historians and our foreign counterparts.

Fourth, we will keep exploring joint research programs and subjects of shared interests with foreign historians. We have already carried out research projects on the modern history of China, Japan and South Korea, and joint archeological research in South America with more than 20 countries. These programs will be further expanded and deepened after the establishment of the Chinese History Research Institute.

Last but not least, we will be prepared to host international forums of historical sciences and welcome historians of all countries to visit at any time.

History is a mirror that helps us understand the present and grasp the future. History is closely related to the present. As western historians say, all history research originates from a concern for the present. History research will be lifeless if it is detached from the current reality, the needs of the people and of the country’s development.

Researching China’s modern history is of vital significance as it is the story of key turning points in Chinese history, during which Chinese people experienced untold suffering, made enormous sacrifices and endured difficult struggles.

Rejuvenating the nation has been the aspiration of Chinese people in the modern history of more than one century. By studying this history, we draw lessons of state governance to seek historical opportunities for rejuvenating the nation and pave a solid ground for realizing the country’s two centenary goals.

Li Guoqiang is deputy director of the Chinese History Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of China Watch.

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