Abstract: In the formation of the leftist historiography of China, China studies by the international leftwing group has exerted considerable influence, as is evident in these great works including Historiography in China by Arif Dirlik, Studies of Chinese Rural Economy by Madjar, History of China’s Social Evolution by Safonov, History of China’s Social Economy by Sengu Keji, and Textbook of China’s History by Zuoye Jiasamei. China’s leftwing scholars have constructed localized leftist historiography by compiling, translating, imitating and appropriating the fruits of China studies by the international leftwing group as well as by adapting, and reorganizing these foreign theories in a critical manner. Despite the heritage, Chinese scholars also rivaled the international leftwing group, particularly when the Communist Party of China proposed “sinicization of Marxism”. scholars of the Party, at least in talks and assertions, criticized the China studies by the international leftwing group, thus highlighting the independence of the historians of the Party.

Key words:  leftist historiography, debate over the social history, China studies, sinicization