BEIJING — China's cultural authorities pledged to deepen reforms of State-owned theaters and art troupes at a symposium held on Oct 16.

A document on deepening reforms of State-owned theaters and art troupes, passed in late June by the country's central authorities, outlined the objectives and major tasks of reforms in the next stage.

Hu Heping, minister of culture and tourism, said a people-centered approach to artistic creation should be upheld, with top priority given to the quality of literary and artistic works.

He underscored efforts to improve the systems, mechanisms, and policies for the sustainable development of state-owned theaters and art troupes.

According to Ming Wenjun, an official from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, China now has over 2,100 State-owned theaters and art troupes, with more than 110,000 staff members.