BEIJING -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Monday emphasized focusing efforts to build the country into a powerhouse in culture by 2035.

Xi made the remarks while presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

He stressed continuously developing a socialist culture with Chinese characteristics for a new era.

Xi emphasized the importance of upholding Marxism as the fundamental guiding principle, taking root in the extensive and profound Chinese civilization, and adapting to the evolving trends in information technology.

Xi underscored developing the socialist culture with a strong power to guide theories, unite and inspire people, and influence the world.

"We have placed cultural advancement at a prominent position in governing the country since the 18th CPC National Congress," Xi said, adding that a series of major arrangements have been made, forming the thought on socialist culture with Chinese characteristics for a new era.

He also acknowledged solid achievements in building China into a powerhouse in culture.

Xi emphasized the necessity of adhering to the Party's leadership, elevating the governance capacity in the cultural sector under informationized conditions, and following the guidance of core socialist values.

Highlighting the importance of inspiring the whole nation's cultural creativity, Xi called for efforts to fully foster democracy in academic research and artistic pursuits, and to provide support for writers, artists and scholars to draw inspiration from everyday life and concentrate on creating.

He called for efforts to meet the public's diverse intellectual and cultural needs at different levels and in various fields, and to enhance the supply capacity for cultural services and products.

Xi also stressed the importance of carrying forward China's cultural heritage through creative transformation and development.

Underlining the need to improve China's cultural soft power and the appeal of Chinese culture, Xi called for efforts to carry out more international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, and to learn from the outstanding achievements of all civilizations.