Abstract: Constructing the autonomous knowledge system of Chinese economics is a contemporary imperative for guiding Chinese modernization. Wang Yanan was the first to systematically advocate and dedicate himself to the construction of “Chinese economics.” He established an autonomous academic stance of conducting research “in the capacity of a Chinese person,” expanding political economy to a generalized scope; by dissecting the productive forces and the relations of production and reconstructing localized economic categories, he applied the theoretical paradigm of Marxist economics to analyze the economic formation of old China. His academic explorations laid a solid foundation for the contemporary construction of the autonomous knowledge system of Chinese economics. In the new era, it is essential to carry forward his academic spirit, ground research in the core practice of Chinese modernization, and adhere to Xi Jinping Economic Thought as the fundamental guideline, thereby propelling Chinese economics from academic autonomy to academic confidence.

Key words: Wang Yanan, Chinese economics, autonomous knowledge system, Xi Jinping Economic Thought