To build a culturally strong China, it is necessary to enhance cultural confidence and establish cultural aspirations, officials and experts said at a forum on Thursday.

They made the remarks at the second Forum on Building up China's Cultural Strength, which was held in Shenzhen, Guangdong province.

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, delivered the keynote speech at the forum.

Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Party secretary of Guangdong, also attended and gave a speech.

Those attending the forum highlighted the importance of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, viewing it as a crucial theoretical framework derived from practical cultural development in the new era. The Thought emphasizes the cultural identity and confidence of the Chinese nation and serves as a guide for conducting ideological and cultural activities.

Efforts should aim for cultural achievements that combine ancient and modern elements, connect China with the West, and stand out historically, participants said.

Meanwhile, they said they advocate promoting cultural innovation and prosperity, protection of cultural heritage, digital empowerment of culture, and reforms in cultural systems and mechanisms, as well as the dynamics and vitality of cultural innovation and creativity.

Furthermore, the attendees emphasized the importance of international cultural exchanges and learning, promoting global civilization initiatives, and better consolidating consensus among civilizations.

Lin Shangli, president of Renmin University of China, said that to better shoulder the new cultural mission with the help provided by Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, Chinese scholars and people from various cultural circles should make more efforts to promote the 5,000-year-old Chinese civilization as a cultural strength that is shared and appreciated worldwide.

Moreover, socialism with Chinese characteristics can also serve as a new cultural force in advancing human development, he said.

"In responding to contemporary developments and significant transformations in human civilization, China should offer new values, theories and wisdom to contribute to human civilization," Lin added.

The two-day forum, which started on Thursday, is hosted by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee under the theme "Chinese Modernization and the New Cultural Mission". The forum debuted last year in Shenzhen.

On Friday, discussions will be held on topics including fostering literature and artistic expression, nurturing publishing talent in the digital age and exploring the cultural opportunities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.