Academic Journals in the Construction of the System of Chinese Cultural Identity Symbols: Functional Roles and Enhancement Pathways

The construction of the defining symbol system of Chinese civilization is a strategic initiative put forward by the Party and the state for the 15th Five-Year Plan period. It is not only a major political task but also a significant academic endeavor. This initiative is driven by the inherent need to continuously strengthen the cohesion of the Chinese nation and enhance the influence of Chinese culture. Establishing such a system helps systematically organize and protect historical and cultural heritage, thereby consolidating the foundation for the continuous transmission of the Chinese cultural lineage. It also reinforces cultural subjectivity, strengthens national cohesion and enhances the country's cultural soft power while promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. Among academic institutions, journals occupy a pivotal role in this construction effort. First, they function as knowledge production platforms, playing an innovative and driving role by keenly identifying key issues in the field, promptly organizing and publishing cutting-edge research, and thus advancing knowledge supply and theoretical innovation. Second, they serve as a value-guiding medium for ideological interpretation. Through value embedding, agenda setting, and cultural dissemination, they drive academic research to contribute to the value refinement and consensus-building essential to the defining symbol system. Third, they act as channels for experience exchange and assume a practice-oriented role. By adhering to the integration of theory and practice and emphasizing the practical guidance of theoretical achievements, they help this task take root and bear fruit at the practical level. At this new historical starting point, research on the defining symbol system of Chinese civilization has gradually moved from conceptual analysis to systematic construction. The existing academic paradigms are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of the evolving situation. The specific provisions in the 15th Five-Year Plan of the Party and the state require the academic community to elevate current research to a more organized, systematic, and strategic level. The deep involvement of academic journals is key to achieving this enhancement. By fully exercising their role as drivers, guides, and organizers in the academic field, academic journals can effectively enhance the organization, planning, and sense of purpose of the construction of the defining symbol system of Chinese civilization. Conversely, academic journals should also seize this historic opportunity, take proactive and concrete action. Specifically, journals should uphold Marxist guiding principles; balance targeted breakthroughs with systematic construction; integrate single-discipline and interdisciplinary approaches; strengthen digital and international dissemination; and deepen the collaborative participation of scholars and editors in advancing this national academic initiative.