Senior Chinese leader Hu Jintao urged Party officials on January 11 to strengthen publicity and ideological work in a bid to rally the people around the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Hu, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said at the high-profile national conference for chiefs of CPC publicity departments that the nation should exploit the advantages of publicity and ideological work to the maximum in order to allow the strengths of various ethnic groups to come together, and to realize the country's goals.

The conference was also attended by other important Party officials, including Wei Jianxing, Li Lanqing, Zhang Wannian, and Zeng Qinghong. Ding Guangen, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.

Hu said that in 1999 publicity departments in the country successfully implemented the Party's policies and maintained a good political orientation in uniting and teaching the masses of the people and furthering reform, opening up and the modernization drive.

He praised them for their publicity work during the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic and the return of Macao, adding that they have been in agreement with the Party central committee with Jiang Zemin at its core by holding high the great banner of Deng Xiaoping Theory.

Hu noted that the next 20 years, especially the next 10 years, will be a very critical period for China, and the Party will face the challenges brought about by the times. Therefore, an arduous effort must be made to consolidate the ideological foundation that will enable the nation to work hard in solidarity.

The main task is to hold high the banners of Marxism, Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, and Deng Xiaoping Theory, and use the Party's theories, policies, and doctrines to educate the officials and the people, and advocate patriotism, collectivism, socialism, and hard work style, according to Hu.

He suggested that officials read more books and create an atmosphere conducive to study, and to use Marxism to change their thinking. Theorists must pay attention to major international and domestic issues and write powerful, profound, convincing, and influential articles that make a clear distinction between right and wrong.

Hu pointed out that the Chinese media must adhere to the Party's line and mobilize the people to safeguard stability and solidarity, and create good public opinion for reform, opening up and the modernization drive. The media should help the people gain a correct understanding of the situation, and present the future as one that will be bright for them.

Hu said the core of ideological work is to carry out education in a manner that will help the people cultivate lofty ideals and correct convictions, including spreading the Party's theories and lines and the teaching of materialism, atheism, and science.

He stressed that cultural and publicity work should be strengthened, and officials must work hard to achieve cultural prosperity while reinforcing management. Artists should carry forth the nation's fine traditions and learn from foreign achievements.

He urged Party officials to attach great importance to publicity and ideological work and said they should improve their leadership techniques.