In order to further study and implement the thought of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New era and the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, on the morning of October 12, 2024, Professor Han Qingxiang, a First-Level professor and doctoral supervisor of the CPC Central Party School, visited our university and gave a wonderful academic lecture for the teachers and students of the School of Marxism in the multi-function hall on the second floor of the Dongrong Conference Center on the Central Campus. The theme of the lecture is "From Chinese Modernization to Chinese Cultural Subjectivity". Professor Luo Kequan, deputy dean of the School of Marxism of Jilin University and Director of the Chinese Northeastern Nationality Study Center of Jilin University, presided over the lecture, and a total of more than 80 teachers and students from the School of Marxism participated in the lecture.
Professor Han Qingxiang began his lecture with the concept of“civilization center shifts,”systematically summarizing the ten core concepts underpinning the theoretical framework of“Western centrism”: linear progress, singular civilization, racial superiority, self-centered human nature, social evolution, rational standard, civilizing mission, universal values, beautiful myths, and metaphysics. He provided a detailed explanation of each concept and conducted an in-depth analysis of the theoretical characteristics and essence of Western centrism. He further explored the broad influence of Western centrism on the world and its impact on the development of disciplines and theoretical frameworks in Western historiography, economics, and philosophy.
Subsequently, Professor Han examined the influence of Western centrism on China’s modernization from the perspective of modern Chinese history. In the first phase, from 1840 to 1921, China learned from the West through the Self-Strengthening Movement, the Hundred Days’Reform, the Xinhai Revolution, and the May Fourth Movement—progressing from adopting Western tools to institutions and cultural systems. However, these efforts did not fundamentally change China’s plight. After the founding of the Communist Party of China in 1921, China’s modernization underwent a historical transformation from passivity to initiative, embodying a spirit of historical proactivity.
Professor Han elaborated on key historical periods: large-scale industrial construction during the New Democratic Revolution, the“Four Modernizations”during the socialist revolution and construction, advancements in reform and opening up, and the building of a strong socialist modernized country in the new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics. China’s modernization theory and practice have adhered to its cultural roots, absorbed external influences, and envisioned the future, breaking free from the theoretical framework that subordinates the East to the West and dispelling the misconception that“modernization equals Westernization.”
In conclusion, Professor Han encouraged students to cherish their time, study diligently, and continue striving toward the realization of the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.
Professor Han’s lecture was both profound and accessible, offering attendees a deeper understanding of cultural confidence and cultural subjectivity, national cultural self-awareness, and Chinese-style modernization. At the end of the lecture, Professor Luo Kequan, Deputy Dean of the School of Marxism at Jilin University and Director of Chinese Northeastern Nationality Study Center of Jilin University , expressed heartfelt gratitude to Professor Han for his insightful presentation. Summing up the lecture, Professor Luo remarked:“It was a feast of political acuity, academic depth, comprehensive information, sharp real-world relevance, and inspiring spirit.”
