At the Celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Founding of the Institute of Archaeology, CASS, and the Opening Ceremony of the “Chinese Archaeology and World Archaeology in the 21st Century” International Symposium, Mr. Li Tieying, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee, CPC, and President of CASS, emphasized that archaeology as a discipline studying ancient history in the light of material sources undoubtedly played a positive role in the propaganda of our great motherland's excellent historico-cultural tradition, the growth of Chinese nation's selfesteem, the stimulation of their patriotic zeal, and the rise of their ideological and moral quality as well as their scientific and cultural level. The Institute of Archaeology must further functionate as a state organization of special researches, elaborately study archaeological theories and methods characteristic of China, correctly handle the relationship between archaeological excavation and the preservation of cultural relics, and actively seek new approaches to the preservation of cultural relics through archaeological excavation. It should strengthen cooperation and exchange with its colleague both at home and abroad, and, alongside all Chinese and world archaeologists, strive for the new development and flourishing of the archaeological cause throughout China and the world and make still more brilliant contributions to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.