The recent adoption of a guideline by the Communist Party of China (CPC) leaders aimed at boosting China's soft power has won wide applause and aroused heated discussions on the Internet.

    The Sixth Plenary Session of the 17th CPC Central Committee approved a decision on deepening the reform of China's cultural system and promoting the development of the cultural industry.

    "Since culture is playing an increasing important role for a country's comprehensive competitiveness in the world today, it is wise for China to take actions to enhance its soft power," a netizen nicknamed baijiang posted.

    Another netizen named yuanlu said, "It's ironic that with a history of 5,000 years, China is not regarded as a world cultural power and faces a huge deficit in cultural trade. So, cultural reform is urgent."

    Though the adoption has won praise on the Internet, netizens are more concerned about how to carry out the reform.

    Some agree that the Chinese culture should absorb good elements from other countries and make itself more diverse and inclusive, so as to become more competitive in the world.

    Meanwhile, others warn that the power of Chinese traditional culture might be weakened.

    "In recent years, the Western culture has gradually infiltrated into the Chinese people's life. We watch American movies and eat fast food. The traditional Chinese culture is being threatened under such circumstances," a netizen nicknamed linchenggong commented.

    They call for better preservation and promotion of the traditional culture as China is opening wider to the rest of the world.

    The development of China's cultural industry is also drawing close attention.

    According to the statement issued after the Plenary Session, as a major form of support for national unity and a source of creativity, China's cultural industry will play a more crucial part in the country's economic and social development.

    Although the industry is showing vitality, the huge deficit worries both the Chinese leadership and the common people.

    "The American cultural products account for 42.6% of the global cultural trade market, while China only takes up 1.5%. The small proportion doesn't match the reputation of China's 5,000 years of civilization," a netizen with the username Jiaohua posted.

    Netizen nicknamed Zhongshanshuihan wrote that building the cultural industry into a pillar of China's economy not only needs the companies to broaden their horizon and make innovations, but also requires the government to provide supportive policies and a healthy market.

    Netizen Xiaomuyu said that to reduce the trade deficit, China's cultural industry must have a global vision, orient itself to the needs of the market and let the Westerners learn to appreciate the oriental culture.

    Most netizens expressed their hope for and confidence in the ongoing and future cultural reform and development.

Source: Xinhua