Historical wisdom can offer lessons in new era

The function of the historical sciences is to learn from history by studying it. Different countries adopt different paths of development, view history from different perspectives and judge history in different ways, which is normal.

As such, 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 researching history to jointly contribute the strength of these sciences to human civilization.

The Chinese History Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences was established in January. President Xi Jinping congratulated the institute on its inauguration, which demonstrates the huge importance that China attaches to the field.

The institute is committed to producing exemplary tracts of Chinese history in the new era, and building the academic and discourse systems of history research with Chinese characteristics by gathering the strength of research institutes and historians nationwide. These efforts will help introduce China's development to the world and contribute Chinese wisdom to global 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 the struggle of the Chinese people, the 70-year history of New China and the 40-year history of reform and opening-up altogether constitute the distinctive characteristics of Chinese history, and record the nation's unique and continuous development.

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 from other countries better learn Chinese history, understand 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, they are writing down their own past, present and future. Every country has its own advantage in understanding and interpreting history, and its own academic paradigm and system of discourse.

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 marked the first time that the event, which is known as the "Olympics of historians", took place in Asia.

Many international scholars have a deep interest in Chinese history, having made remarkable achievements in researching the country's philosophy, literature and history. Of course, there are sometimes different opinions about the same historical materials and events, due to differences in background and stance. This is normal in academic research and is understandable as long as no malice is intended.

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 policy support.

Second, we will translate our finest works of historical research into foreign languages for the voices of Chinese historians to be heard worldwide as well as introduce outstanding historical works of other countries to China.

Third, we will build closer ties 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 carried out research projects on the modern history of China, Japan and South Korea, and conducted joint archaeological research in South America with more than 20 countries. These programs will be further expanded and deepened with the establishment of our institute.

Last but not least, we are poised 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 current reality, the needs of the people and the country's development.

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

Rejuvenating the nation has been the aspiration of our people in modern times for more than one century. By studying history, we draw lessons from governance to seek historical opportunities for rejuvenating the nation and to pave a solid ground for realizing its centenary goals.

The author is deputy director of the Chinese History Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.