Sun Jiazheng, China's Minister of Culture, has issued guidelines for China's 11th Five-Year Plan for Cultural Development.
The Guidelines of China's 11th Five-Year (2006~2010) Plan for Cultural Development recently issued by the Department of General Administration of CPC Central Committee and the Department of General Administration of the State Council are the first special guidelines for cultural development published by the central government of China.
Sun says the Guidelines contain three notable features. First, it emphasizes that culture belongs to the people. Sun says, "By taking Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of 'Three Represents' as guidance and the scientific concept of development as leading principle, the Guidelines has reflected the needs of scientific development and harmonious society, and further clarified the mission, position, direction, philosophy and layout of cultural development. With its special priority given to the people, it has highlighted the tasks of protecting, fulfilling and developing the people's basic cultural rights and interests, and constantly striving to meet the growing ethical and cultural needs of the people."
Second, it emphasizes that cultural development is a long-term constructive process. Third, it emphasizes the importance of reform and innovation. The Guidelines clarify the role of the government in cultural development, and holds that the development of culture should rely on the cultural awareness across the society, and mobilize the enthusiasm and creativity of the cultural and artistic workers in China.
Sun says the implementation of the Guidelines is an imperative and immediate priority for the cultural departments of all levels of government. He says efforts should be made to enhance the integration of the national Guidelines with regional as well as departmental cultural development plans, incorporating the tasks put forward by the Guidelines with all departmental and local plans and accomplishing them step by step.
