BEIJING — Xi Jinping on Oct 18 called on members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to hold firmly the leading position in ideological work to develop a great socialist culture in China, stressing “a clear stand” in opposing and resisting various erroneous views.

“Ideology determines the direction a culture should take and the path it should follow as it develops,” Xi said while addressing the opening session of the 19th CPC National Congress in Beijing.

Xi described the socialist ideology as one “that has the ability to unite and the power to inspire the people to embrace shared ideals, convictions, values, and moral standards.”

“We will distinguish between matters of political principle, issues of understanding and thinking, and academic viewpoints, but we must oppose and resist various erroneous views with a clear stand,” Xi told over 2,300 delegates gathering in the gigantic Great Hall of the People.

Xi noted that the CPC should “provide more and better online content and put in place a system for integrated internet management to ensure a clean cyberspace.”

He also called on writers and artists to create fine works “that extol our Party, our country, our people, and our heroes.”

Reform in the cultural industries is also stressed. Xi proposed speeding up the establishment of systems and mechanisms “that put social benefits first while pursuing economic returns.”

He said the CPC will improve its capacity for engaging in international communication so as to tell China’s stories well, present a true, multidimensional, and panoramic view of China.

According to the CPC’s plan, by 2035, China’s cultural soft power will grow much stronger and Chinese culture will have greater appeal, and the country will be “a global leader in terms of composite national strength and international influence” by mid-21st century.

To realize the great dream of national rejuvenation, “Every one of us in the Party must do more to uphold Party leadership and the Chinese socialist system, and resolutely oppose all statements and actions that undermine, distort, or negate them,” Xi said.