国内英语新闻:Senior Chinese official stresses cultural development

BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese official Li Changchun on Tuesday called for stepped-up efforts to push forward China's cultural development and prosperity here in Beijing.

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks while visiting an exhibition held in honor of deceased Chinese painter Wu Guanzhong.

Wu is widely recognized as the father of modern Chinese painting. He died on June 25 at age 91.

Li Changchun (R, front), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, visits a special exhibition to commemorate late Chinese artist Wu Guanzhong at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, July 20, 2010. Wu, a master of Chinese painting, passed away in Beijing at the age of 91 on June 25.

Commending Wu for his great contributions to China's cultural, artistic and educational development, Li Changchun called on artists across the country to bear in mind their social responsibilities, hone their artistic skills, and create excellence in art.

He also urged CPC and government departments at all levels to assure preferential policies are in place to support artists while nurturing high-quality talents in order to fully mobilize artistic workers and create a favorable environment for the country's artistic development.