国内英语新闻:Senior leader urges artists, writers to work for cultural prosperity

BEIJING, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Senior leader Li Changchun has called on Chinese artists and writers to help promote the prosperity of socialist culture and contribute to the Chinese nation's rejuvenation.

"The promotion of prosperity of a socialist culture is facing a very good opportunity," said Li, who is a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Sunday at a seminar with the country's well-known writers and artists.

The Chinese artists and writers should remain closely connected with the public so that their works reflect people's concerns and wishes, he said.

He also encouraged them to be innovative and to explore new areas of arts to meet the demand of the public and the market.

He hoped the artists and writers could introduce more works to foreign countries to enhance the international influence and competitiveness of the Chinese culture.

Li visited a new center built for the Chinese writers and artists Sunday and extended festival greetings to the representatives.

The Chinese are to celebrate their Spring Festival, or Lunar New Year, in mid February this year.