China Media Group:

Last December, General Secretary Xi Jinping gave important instructions on the ICH protection. He urged solid efforts to advance systematic ICH protection. What achievements have been made so far in this regard? What considerations do you have for the next step to promote systematic ICH protection? Thank you.

Lu Yingchuan:

Thank you for your questions and your care regarding China's ICH protection and inheritance. The CPC Central Committee has attached great importance to this work, making a series of decisions and plans, and introducing a series of major policies and measures. First of all, I would like to introduce the ICH status in China. Currently, China has more than 100,000 ICH items at all levels, including 1,557 national-level ones, and has more than 90,000 ICH inheritors at all levels, including 3,056 national-level ones. So far, 43 items of the country have been added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, making unique contributions to global cultural diversity. 

The CPC Central Committee has attached great importance to ICH protection and inheritance, and we have implemented a series of policies and measures and accomplished several important achievements in this regard.

First, a comprehensive system of ICH protection and inheritance has been established. An ICH listing system, an accreditation system, and an evaluation system have been built for both ICH items and ICH inheritors, effectively advancing ICH protection and inheritance.

Second, we have continued to find new channels and means to protect and inherit ICH. Apart from ICH items and ICH inheritors, there are ICH centers, ICH workshops, national (pilot) cultural reserves, and ICH protection through production pilots, etc. For instance, China has built more than 6,700 ICH workshops, some of which are located in counties lifted out of poverty and key counties receiving assistance for rural revitalization. This approach plays a very significant role in pursuing rural revitalization. Also, China has built 23 national (pilot) cultural reserves and 100 production pilots under state-level protection. These have vigorously promoted ICH protection and inheritance. 

Third, ICH innovative development has been robust. We all have a strong impression that there is a vibrant, rich, and varied market for ICH-inspired cultural and creative products. A market-based approach is the most effective way to inherit ICH. The development of new products has not only promoted the inheritance of fine craftsmanship but also given consumers better access to ICH.

Fourth, extensive activities have been launched to promote ICH. For example, we have held a variety of exhibitions and festivals to increase public awareness of ICH and arouse people's enthusiasm for ICH protection and inheritance. "Intangible Cultural Heritage in China," a program jointly produced by the MCT and China Media Group, has produced extensive social impact and effectively advanced ICH protection and inheritance.

Next, we will continue to implement these important measures. Following the requirement of systematic ICH protection, we will step up efforts to improve the policy and regulation system, ICH listing system, theoretical research system, talent pool system, and publicity and promotion system. More efforts will also be made to construct facilities for ICH inheritance and experience and conduct ICH protection through digitalization. By doing so, we will better protect and inherit ICH and make greater contributions to China's cultural prosperity and cultural strength. Thank you.