Page 128 - Journal of Library Science in China, Vol.47, 2021

ZHANG Bin & YIN Xin / Historical development and contemporary construction 127
of the basic theoretical system of archival science with Chinese characteristics

created the archival value theory, the whole file theory and the classification theory with Chinese
characteristics; established a sound discipline system; created unique disciplines of archival
preservation, archival history in China and the compilation of archival literature; and contributed
to digital humanities, computing archives and other frontier fields. The theory of modern archival
science shows a good development trend in humanities, information transformation, governance by
law and integrated development.
(3) International discourse
As important elements of the basic theoretical system, the distinctive oriental culture, long
history with archives, rich archival resources, infinite archival wisdom and groups of well-informed
archival scholars have all demonstrated the archival discourse with Chinese characteristics to
the international archival community. In 1996, as the first Asian country to host the International
Conference on Archives, China held the 13th conference in Beijing, which was also prominent
manifestation of the international discourse of China. The topics discussed during the conference,
including international cooperation model on archives themed “from Brussels to Beijing”,
“North-South and South-South cooperation to promote archival development”, and international
cooperation in rescuing particular national archives and preserving archives of international
organizations under special circumstances such as fire, flood and radioactive pollution, all reflect
the degree of display, participation and contribution of basic archival theories of China in the
international archival community. Additionally, as typical folk archives, the Qiao Pi archives are
important records of overseas Chinese sending letters to their family at home, about the migration,
entrepreneurship and development of emigrants from China, and the historical facts of overseas
Chinese of Fujian origins participating in the construction of the Maritime Silk Road [27] . They
provide discourse support for the exchange and integration of Chinese and foreign cultures, and
reflect the international discourse of archival science in China.

3 Contemporary construction of the basic theoretical system of archival
science with Chinese characteristics

China has entered the stage of high-quality development and the “14th Five-Year Plan” period.
Currently, the basic theoretical system of archival science with Chinese characteristics is at the
best time of development in history. General Secretary XI Jinping’s important instructions on
archival work, the formal implementation of the new Archives Law, the centenary of the founding
of the Communist Party of China, and the joint release of the National Archives Development Plan
during the 14th Five-Year Plan Period by the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and
the General Office of the State Council all provide guidance for the contemporary construction of
the basic theoretical system of archival science with Chinese characteristics. Archival science in
China should further develop and inherit the Chinese characteristics in the basic theories through
understanding the needs of the times, expanding the boundaries of the discipline, promoting