President Xi Jinping called on the country's scholars and researchers on Wednesday to make more contributions to improving the global influence of China's philosophy and social sciences.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remark in a congratulatory message on the 40th anniversary of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, which was founded in May, 1977.

In the message, Xi extended good wishes to the people who work on philosophy and social sciences nationwide.

In the past four decades, CASS has played the role of a think tank to provide services for the decision-making process of the Party and the government, Xi said.

Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, CASS has been dedicated to the establishment of a bastion for Marxist theory, Xi said, adding that CASS has kept up with the times.

The president spoke highly of the contribution CASS has made to push forward the Sinicization of Marxism and the development of the country's philosophy and social sciences.

The philosophy and social sciences workers should focus on the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics, uphold the guidance of Marxism, and do research for the benefit of the people, Xi said.

Studies on the country's reforms, development and stability should be the main direction for the researchers, Xi said, encouraging them to develop China's theory on philosophy and social sciences.

Liu Qibao, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, said at a ceremony marking the anniversary that the country's scholars and researchers must follow the spirit of Xi's message to develop philosophy and social sciences.

Social sciences research should stick to the guidance of Marxism and focus on the studies of important theories and practical problems, Liu said.

On Tuesday, the CPC Central Committee issued a guidance document in which the committee pledged to enhance its leadership in developing philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics.

Noting that Marxism will remain the guiding theory in philosophy and social sciences in China, it called for more efforts in pushing for the Sinicization, modernization and popularization of Marxism, and developing a Marxism that works in the 21st century and contemporary China.

anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn