"Chinese writers and artists should reflect reality in society and encourage people to seek the truth," Premier Wen Jiabao told delegates from Chinese art and literature organizations in Beijing yesterday.

"Developing Chinese literature and promoting the cultural qualities of the Chinese people to help boost economic and social development are a crucial task," said Wen.

He said academic freedom was guaranteed and that writers and artists should expand their minds by exploring diverse styles.

He also urged writers and artists to have a strong sense of social responsibility and that their works should reflect people's lives and China's progress.

The ongoing meetings -- the Eighth Congress of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (CFLAC) and the Seventh Congress of the Chinese Writers Association (CWS) -- have attracted over 2,500 artists and writers from all over China.

Culture Minister Sun Jiazheng was elected on Sunday as new president of the CFLAC and female writer Tie Ning as new president of the CWS.

(Xinhua News Agency November 14, 2006)