Xi's thought will take us forward on global stage

Since the beginning of the new century, China has witnessed a significant historical shift in its cultural industry and global cultural influence. It all started at the Fifth Plenary Session of the 15th CPC Central Committee in 2000 when the idea of developing the cultural industry and taking Chinese culture to the global stage was introduced.

The real breakthrough, however, came in 2011 during the Sixth Plenary Session of the 17th CPC Central Committee when it was explicitly stated that the cultural industry should be nurtured as a pillar industry of the Chinese economy. By 2020, the cultural industry was contributing at least 5 percent to China's GDP, consolidating its status as a cornerstone industry of the Chinese economy.

And now Xi Jinping Thought on Culture represents the practical and theoretical crystallization of the cultural development of the preceding two decades. It is a critical combination of Marxism and traditional Chinese culture.

As we stand at a new historical starting point, Xi Jinping Thought on Culture will provide us with a road map for the construction of a modern Chinese civilization. More important, it will help us realize the second centenary goal of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation by the middle of this century.

In a world that is experiencing unprecedented changes and challenges, China finds itself at the forefront of the mobile internet era. Simultaneously, the digital economy has become a powerful growth engine for the national economy. As President Xi said, the Party must triumph in the internet field to ensure long-term good governance.

China must rely on itself and its unique experiences to move forward. And Xi Jinping Thought on Culture provides strategic guidance needed to overcome the challenges and move forward.

Besides, since the turn of the century till now, the goal of cultural development has evolved from "Chinese culture going global" to the country having a say commensurate with its standing in the global cultural landscape. This is where Xi Jinping Thought on Culture can play a particularly crucial role.

Sun Jiashan is an associate researcher at the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Administration.