On April 25, Renmin University of China hosted a symposium on theoretical innovation and the accelerated development of an independent Chinese knowledge system in philosophy and social sciences. At the event, RUC launched three new institutions: the International School of Finance (National Pilot Base for Cultivating Top Social Science Talent), the School of Foreign-Related Rule of Law, and the School of International Communication.

As one of the first pilot bases under the Ministry of Education’s national program for cultivating top social science talent, the International School of Finance is dedicated to advancing China’s strategy of building a strong financial sector. Focusing on the frontiers of international finance and technology, it will promote interdisciplinary and strategic talent training, theoretical and practical innovation in global finance, the development of international cooperation networks, and policy research. The school aims to become a globally influential hub for talent and academic innovation, providing intellectual and human resource support for China’s participation in international financial rule-making, global financial governance reform, and the safeguarding of national financial security.

The School of Foreign-Related Rule of Law is designed to meet national strategic needs by cultivating high-level, practice-oriented, and interdisciplinary legal professionals with global competence. It seeks to advance a distinctively Chinese academic, disciplinary, and discourse system in foreign-related legal studies, while serving as a leading platform for innovation in China’s independent knowledge system in this field and for sharing Chinese legal practices with the world.

The School of International Communication aims to serve the country’s broader international communication strategy by building a high-level talent training hub,     a group of high-level think tanks supporting major national strategies, and a platform for promoting Chinese civilization globally. It will contribute to strengthening China’s discourse and narrative systems, enhancing the reach and influence of Chinese culture worldwide.

In his remarks, Zhang Donggang, Party secretary of RUC, emphasized the university’s commitment to pioneering new academic paths, developing new fields of study, and generating new knowledge to advance the construction of an independent Chinese knowledge system. As an early advocate of this vision, RUC continues to provide a solid theoretical foundation. He highlighted key initiatives, including optimizing disciplinary and academic systems through AI-driven innovation, strengthening talent development through a series of “Hundred Talents Programs”, and promoting mutual learning among civilizations to enhance the global explanatory power of Chinese theory.

Ma Huaide, president of RUC, noted in his concluding remarks that building an independent Chinese knowledge system is essential for summarizing China’s development experience and addressing both domestic and global challenges. At the outset of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, RUC will continue to prioritize this mission, accelerating the development of a philosophy and social sciences system with Chinese characteristics and reinforcing cultural confidence through theoretical innovation.