Xi's discourses about history will be guides

Researchers urged to study them to help draw wisdom from nation's past

A senior Chinese official called on researchers on Monday to study President Xi Jinping's discourses on history so they can help guide the people to comprehend history, nation and culture in the proper perspective.

Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remark at a symposium hosted by the Chinese Academy of History affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing.

Huang said Xi, who is also the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, has produced many discourses on history studies.

He said Xi's discourses are important in guiding the people to understand the past, view the present and look to the future, particularly as this year the nation celebrates the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Xi has emphasized history studies and urged officials to know more about China's history and to draw wisdom from the past to improve their governance capabilities.

During a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee in October 2014, Xi stressed that good governance requires an in-depth understanding of the nation's history and traditional culture, and draws on experiences and wisdom from ancient governors.

In a message hailing the establishment of the Chinese Academy of History in January, Xi said, "History is like a mirror for people to draw wisdom for modern times."

Xi called on researchers to "better learn from history, uncover the law of history and grasp the historical trend".

Since he was elected general secretary of the CPC Central Committee in 2012, Xi has often made stops at historical and cultural heritage sites.

Li Jie, former president of Qiushi Journal, a flagship magazine of the CPC Central Committee, said at the seminar that Xi's discourses have revealed the intrinsic relationship between the DNA of Chinese history and culture and the development trend of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation as well as the CPC's pursuit of the socialist path with Chinese characteristics.