BEIJING — Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has stressed developing archaeology to better understand the long-standing and profound Chinese civilization.
Xi made the remarks on Sept 28 while presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on the latest archaeological discoveries in China and their significance.
China is undergoing an extensive and profound social transformation and seeing great practices and innovations in upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics, he said.
Xi called for attaching greater importance to archaeological research to deepen people's understanding of Chinese civilization that features a long history and profoundness, thus providing strong support for promoting fine traditional culture and strengthening people's confidence in Chinese culture.
Archeological work is not only an important cultural undertaking but also has great social and political significance, he said, adding that historical and cultural heritages tell vivid stories of the past and profoundly influence the present and future.
Through unremitting efforts of generations of archaeologists, China has made remarkable accomplishments in the field of archaeology, Xi said.
Archaeological findings reveal the origin and evolution of the Chinese civilization, its glorious achievements and great contributions to the world civilization, he noted.
Through exchanges with other civilizations, the Chinese civilization has contributed to the world a profound system of thoughts, a wide range of technological, cultural and artistic achievements, and unique institutional creations, thereby deeply influencing the development of the world's civilizations, Xi said.
Stressing that there is still a long way to go to unveil ancient Chinese history, he called on archaeologists to continue forging ahead, explore the unknown and reveal the origins. He stressed focusing on major archaeological research programs, and concentrate resources to achieve new breakthroughs.
Xi urged solid work in excavating, sorting out and interpreting archaeological findings. The archaeological circle should work with researchers in the fields of economy, law, politics, culture, society, ecology, science and technology, and medicine, to ensure sound research and interpretation of unearthed cultural relics and sites so as to present the origin and development of the Chinese civilization and its major contributions to humanity more clearly and comprehensively, he said.
Xi stressed the need to enhance the protection of historical and cultural heritage, and boost archaeological capacity building and disciplines development. Efforts are needed to cultivate a larger pool of archaeological personnel and inculcate love and devotion toward archaeological undertakings among young people, he noted.
Xi also called for strengthened dissemination of archaeological and historical research findings through an in-depth study of history. He urged further efforts to guide the people, especially young people, to better understand the origin and development history of Chinese civilization, and conduct international exchanges to let the rest of the world know more about Chinese civilization, history and national spirit.
Xi asked Party committees and governments at all levels to pay attention to archaeologists and actively provide personnel, material and financial support to create favorable conditions for archaeological undertakings, cultural relics protection and historical research.
