Guangming Daily:

We can see that while reviewing the achievements and experience of the new era, the communique dedicated one part specifically to the development of culture, emphasizing that since the 18th CPC National Congress, there has been a sweeping and fundamental shift in the ideological domain, a notable boost in confidence in our culture among all Party members and the Chinese people. Could you please elaborate on that?

Wang Xiaohui:

As we know, culture is the soul of a country and a nation. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has placed much importance on the development of culture. It has juxtaposed confidence in culture with confidence in the path, theory, and system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, characterizing them as "confidence in four aspects." With a view to developing a great socialist culture in China, it has focused on upholding the banner, rallying the people, fostering the new generation, developing Chinese culture, and shaping China's national image. As a result, great historical achievements have been made in cultural development. In reviewing the achievements of cultural development in the new era, I would say that they mainly include the following aspects:

First, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has been deeply rooted in people's minds. We always stick to the guiding position of Marxism as the fundamental system in both the ideological and cultural domain. We have launched the learning and education campaign about Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. We have edited and published authoritative and reference books such as "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," "The Outline for Learning Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era," and "Questions and Answers: Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era." We have constructed and made good use of the centers for advancing cultural and ethical work in the new era, county-level media convergence centers, as well as the Xuexi Qiangguo platform, to arm the whole Party and educate the people with scientific theories so that our officials and the public will have a deeper understanding of the thought, and be more proactive in their practice. 

Second, the mainstream ideology continues to consolidate and public opinion continues to converge. Upholding the principles of solidarity, stability, encouragement, and positive publicity, we have organized a series of celebrative and commemorative activities amid the major historical junctures such as the centenary of the founding of the CPC, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and the 40th anniversary of the country's reform and opening-up. Focusing on major decisions and plans such as securing a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, winning a battle against poverty, and fighting COVID-19, we have elaborately arranged a series of major themed publicity activities, fostering in the whole Party and society a solid atmosphere for loving the Party, the nation, and socialism. 

Third, the core socialist values have been carried forward. We have insisted that the core socialist values guide cultural construction, and extensively popularized socialism with Chinese characteristics and the Chinese Dream. We continue to deepen the cultural civilization campaign for the public, foster a new generation and promote a unique atmosphere in the new era. Particular importance has been attached to the leading role played by role models. We have awarded medals and honorary titles to heroes and role models and selected and commended a large number of ethical role models, role models of the times, and "the most beautiful minds." The whole society has formed a prevailing custom to emulate the virtuous, value ethics and pursue kindness, and strive to be pioneers. 

Fourth, people's cultural needs have been better satisfied. We continue to follow the people-centered working principle, and the creation and production of art works have flourished. A series of excellent artworks have been released, such as "My People, My Country" and "The Battle at Lake Changjin," and the TV shows "Awakening Age" and "Minning Town." We have actively promoted the integrated development of the urban and rural public cultural service systems, and further implemented cultural projects that benefit the people. We have advanced the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture and constructed national cultural parks based around themes including the Great Wall, the Great Canal, the Long March, and the Yellow River, providing our people with richer and higher-quality cultural content. 

Fifth, China's reliable, lovable and respectable image is more impressive. We have intensified international cultural exchange and multi-level civilization dialogues, and held activities such as the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations, Chinese Culture Year, Chinese Tourism Year, Experience China, Happy Chinese New Year, and Mutual Translation of Classic Books. We have been actively building a multi-party and all-dimensional layout for international communication, in a bid to promote cultural exchange, mutual learning, and people-to-people connectivity. We have taken the initiative to tell China's stories well and make our voice well heard. Hence, China's international discourse power and influence have been significantly improved. 

This plenary session has fully affirmed the achievements made in our cultural and ideology work. It pointed out that since the Party's 18th National Congress we have seen a sweeping and fundamental shift in the ideological domain, a notable boost in confidence in our culture among all Party members and all Chinese people, and a major increase in cohesiveness throughout society. All of this has provided solid ideological guarantees and powerful inspiration for opening up new horizons for the cause of the Party and the country in the new era. Thank you.