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)