China ambitious to become culture power: CPC decision

China has vowed to deepen the cultural system reform and build itself into a socialist culture power in a document publicized by the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Friday.[special report]

To enhance the national soft power, China must adhere to the development path of a socialist culture with Chinese characteristics and consolidate the guiding role of Marxism in the ideological areas, according to the document, full text of a key decision approved at the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee that closed on Tuesday.

China will strive for combination of social returns and economic returns regarding the cultural cause while retaining the leading position of the former, the document said.

Cultural system reform will be continuously advanced centering on stimulating the nation's vitality in cultural creation, it said.

It also asked authorities to stick to a correct guidance of public opinion and improve management over the Internet.

China promises to be open in culture sectors in the document. "Expand cultural exchange with foreign countries, strengthen buildup of its international communication capabilities and discourse power and make Chinese culture go global," according to the decision. ( Major media organizations should be given more support to develop both at home and abroad, while culture-related enterprises should be encouraged to tap markets overseas, it said.

China also encourages non-government organizations and Chinese-funded institutions to participate in establishing Confucius Institutes or other cultural centers abroad.

State-owned cultural institutions should continue to make efforts to transform themselves from government-affiliated organs into market-oriented enterprises, according to the decision.

The development of the private cultural enterprises is also encouraged by relaxing restriction on market access and allowing them to jointly operate with state-owned cultural and art groups, it said.

The document also promised an equal access for all citizens to the nation's basic public cultural services.