Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, underlined the importance of turning China into a cultural powerhouse by 2035, as he presided over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Monday.

This strategic goal serves as the bedrock of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advancing national rejuvenation, he said, calling upon the entire Party and society to actively pool strength for achieving this shared mission.

China has made it a priority in national governance, since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, to advance cultural progress.

In the resolution adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC in July, "developing a strong socialist culture in China" was outlined as one of the objectives to further deepen reform, reflecting its important role in advancing Chinese modernization.

Speaking at the group study session on Monday, Xi called for efforts to ignite the cultural creativity of the entire nation, which is a central task of deepening reform in the cultural sector.

Writers, artists and scholars should be supported in immersing themselves in real life and dedicating themselves to their craft, in order to drive continuous bursts of cultural innovation and creativity, he said.

Xi emphasized seeking an effective mechanism to integrate culture with technology to enable cultural progress through digital empowerment, thus turning cultural resource advantages into strengths for cultural development.

Noting that cultural progress is aimed at meeting the people's diversified intellectual and cultural needs, Xi said the country's capabilities to provide cultural services and products must be improved to enhance people's sense of fulfillment and happiness.

He called for efforts to refine the country's mechanisms for selecting, training and utilizing talented people in the field of culture, as well as for the formulation of policies that can better identify, value and respect talented people.

Xi also highlighted the significance of the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional Chinese culture, saying that the treasures of Chinese civilization that have endured through history must be carefully preserved and carried forward.

The systematic protection and unified regulation of cultural heritage should be conducted with respect for history and a deep love of culture, and by upholding principles such as prioritizing preservation and minimum intervention, he said.

Xi also said efforts are needed to enhance China's cultural soft power and the appeal of Chinese culture, and to promote Chinese culture and carry out various forms of cultural exchange and cooperation with other countries.

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