Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has called on writers and artists to
advocate truth and beauty in life and to diversify their ideas and
styles to further promote social harmony and enrich the
culture.
Addressing Chinese writers and artists, Wen said developing
Chinese literature and promoting its cultural qualities was
essential to boost both economic and social development.
He cited his admiration for many significant writers and
artists, past and present, and how he drew inspiration from their
works.
He said writers and artists should reflect social reality and
people’s drive for truth against all odds.
Their works should encourage people to consider others, society
and the country, creating a free and sound environment for
individual development to prosper.
The works of writers and artists should cause pleasure by
creating and reflecting beautiful things in life.
Wen said the "academic freedom" of writers and artists was
guaranteed by law.
"Academic and artistic democracy should be fully pursued. The
value of literature and art should be judged by practice, history
and the people through academic research and discussion rather than
administrative orders," said Wen.
All writers and artists who worked hard for the people and the
country should be united, and innovation in ideas and styles was
encouraged. However, he added writers and artists should keep a
strong sense of social responsibility, meaning their works should
reflect the will of the people, criticizing negative social
phenomena and promote harmony.
Finally, Wen said he hopes more masterpieces would emerge, and
called on all Chinese writers and artists to work together in
promoting an advanced socialist culture.
(Xinhua News Agency November 29, 2006)