President Xi Jinping called on the country's scholars and researchers to make more contributions to improving the global influence of China's philosophy and social sciences on Wednesday.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a congratulatory message on the 40th anniversary of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

In the message, Xi extended wishes to the people who work in philosophy and social sciences nationwide. In the past four decades, the CASS has played the role of a think tank to provide services for decision-making processes of the Party and the government, Xi said.

Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the CASS has been dedicated to the establishment of an outpost for Marxism theory, Xi said, adding that the CASS has kept up with the times.

The president spoke highly of the contribution that the CASS has made to push forward the Sinicization of Marxism and the development of the country's philosophy and social sciences.

Philosophy and social sciences workers should focus on the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics, uphold the guidance of Marxism and do research for the benefit of the people, Xi said.

Studies on the country's reform, development and stability should be set as the main direction for the researchers, Xi said, while encouraging them to develop China's theory on philosophy and social sciences.

Liu Qibao, head of the publicity department of the CPC Central Committee, required the country's scholars and researchers to follow the spirit of Xi's message to develop philosophy and social sciences.

Social sciences research should stick to the guidance of Marxism and focus on the studies of important theories and practical problems, Liu said at the celebration ceremony.